Realistic Operations - Rail Yards & "Kicking Cars" in HO Scale 

The video quality and realism of this one was so amazing, I half expected to see little guys hopping on or off equipment while trying not to get too wet from the rain.

I love to call this guy, the Bob Ross of Model Railroading.

I never comment on RU-vid videos, but this is the best and most professional model railroad video I have ever seen. Cameras were at ground level, framed nicely with thought to depth of field in some scenes, realistic train speeds, spectacular lighting effects, appropriate realistic sound track, journalist style narration, the rain was a really nice touch and appropriate use of music track only at the end. I look forward to other like productions.

The additional sound and effects editing take this to a whole different level.

I like the camera angles that you have used here and at night with a thunderstorm no less.

Damn! You take this hobby to a whole 'nutha level! Your passion comes through in the editing and story line. You've got skills! And you inspire me with what you and your Dad have created. And what you give back to the hobby. Thank you. Your video reminds me of when I was a kid and could hear the night ops in the yard a few blocks from my home. I use to keep my window open , if the air was just right, I could hear the chuffing of the Alcos and Geeps. The clang'n and bang'n! I'd try to count how many cars were in the cuts with the slack action. I called it "slack echo".

Your easy-going narration really adds to the outstanding work you’ve done here. More, please.

Wow... I have never liked night scenes on TV or in the movies; but I was riveted by the cinematography, realism, and narration of this vlog. The comment below has it perfect "the Bob Ross" of model railroading . 🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂

Model railroading realism doesn't get any better than this

Outstanding...the lighting, camera angles, sound and environmental effects are great. Love the light features on the GP.

Best, most realistic yard operation I ever saw on a model railroad.

Also a good conductor would position the rear of the cut to where they could kick the cars they need to kick and not have to pull forward, just be able to line the switch on the lead right after the kicked cars clear the lead.

Nice job on the "kicking car" part!

That yard crew has got it made working at night and getting a break from the heat of the day in the south!!! Josh I have to tell you you and your Dad nailed the locations you model, I got the new TRAINS MAGAZINE at the start of the month with the closing of the Loops and as I read the article I saw the station with the Southern caboose and the Loops and bridge surrounded by the Hills and all I could think of was how close you got to nailing the scenery of the real thing!!! Outstanding work!!!

I cannot even quantify how excellent this Video is edited 😊

Very cool "night op" yard action and really enjoy the narration, helps me understand what task are being performed.

An extremely high bar is set with this video! Freakin awesome!!😎

The finest variation of ASMR. I use this as a podcast at night and imagine the big trains rolling by. And they continue in my dreams

Hearing all these IDs takes me back to when there were still 2 pairs of manifest, 2 locals, helper sets/yard jobs and runthrough traffic on the S Line... Those were the days

15+ minutes of night running!! WooHoo!! Love it.

I can't believe the level of detail. Just amazing stuff.

One of the best videos I have seen, great lighting, perspective and detailing

The lights on the side of this engine are EVERYTHING…..I didn’t know they existed…..also the step light in the engine - seriously? Wow…

You make me very jealous. What I saw of your layout is beautiful. Keep up the great work. Thanks for sharing.

What weirdo gives any of these vids a thumbs down?! Thats madness, your vids are alwaya unique and so detailed man keep them coming forever!

I watched that video every night with the rain and the thunderstorms actually it's been helping me out because I have anxiety and when I see the lightning and I seen the rain and especially you know what night time with the engines up and down it's really helping out

Used to be a shortline railroad conductor. Was an amazing experience!

You must be kidding. I guess that´s the most realistic model railroad video I´ve senn. Unbelievable.

These videos are really, really well done. Great modelling and production!

I like the way you imitated kicking cars! Looked very real!

I've never seen a layout being showcased like this. I love it, everything is on point , and the explanations just brings it to life but to a whole new level.

Another outstanding Rail Ops video. The environmental conditions, night, and the rain are so realistic. Just a great presentation!!!! Thanks for sharing.

You should show how to “drop” cars in your next video. One of the most fun, and nerve-racking things we used to do!

Great video! Love the lighting on the night time operations and the thunderstorm effects are a nice touch. What I found particularly cool was seeing kicking operations modeled. Definitely not something you see everyday.

Beautiful video! Love these super realistic looking videos with the commentary.

Awesome video Josh! Love the thunderstorm effect and the rain. I can just see the mud between the tracks and I can only imagine the conductor kicking cars in that rain. Love your operations videos!!

Nice video Josh! I love those Southern Railway style walkway lights on that high hood geep!

Love the “it was a dark and stormy night” setting. Years ago I lived in Alexandria, VA, when Potomac Yard still existed and was in use, along with RF&P. Being the CR-NS bridge route, we saw a lot of all three roads’ power.

I know this is a 2 year old video but I’ve learned a bunch about railroading hiring out at CN. One of the most interesting parts was kicking. Rather than actually entering the track before kicking, you leave yourself a couple cars of room so when you kick, you don’t go into the track so you can cut em off and line back up and kick again. I’ve learned that giving yourself some room, then kicking versus going into the track and kicking definitely saves time. 6:47: were you leaving those cars in the foul to directly couple back to them? We have clearance markers to identify the furthest point we can cut a car and not foul. One thing we learned as a rule: a lead can foul a yard track but a yard track cannot foul a lead. Meaning, shoving on a lead, you can foul a yard track, but a car that’s fouling the lead from a yard track is a no go. And here, in regards to signals- usually we have a switching lead or yard limits to switch in. Sometimes percussion to get a one time signal or “fleet” mode, which allows you to make multiple moves past a signal that makes it automatic, prevents you from having to call the RTC for permission by the signal and what not. Neat video, btw. Enjoyed it.

Outstanding lighting and photography.

I know this is an old video, but I just found the channel. I’ve been thinking about getting into the hobby and have been watching a lot of videos. This is by far the best video I’ve found so far. Of course I had to subscribe, now I have to watch more. Lol

If i had disposable funds…i would do model railroad. Thank god for trainz on pc. I have everything i need to satisfy my modelling and operations scenarios. I love your videos.

I used to drive/fire similar gear to this in Australia, steam prior to these in 1968. You make it extremely realistic and enjoyable to watch. I forgot it was just models I was watching. Very informative and entertaining. 👍👍👍👍👍

Again a very nice job. Great atmosphere creation, camera angle, and some cool music! Love this channel!

👍👍 Beyond realistic (right down to the rain).

You guys are having too much fun!

Instructive, beautifully filmed, edited and post-produced. The rain and thunder add a really nice atmospheric touch to this night scene. Awesome 👍!

The lighting is godly.

This is an AWESOME video!! The camerawork is second to none!

Wow Josh you read my mind. I absolutely love yard operations, even cooler to see a pro make a video of it! Fantastic job my friend!

Another superb production... I worked in radio for many years until I began driving trucks (I transport wind generator blades these days) and can appreciate the editing and planning for these shots (photography is my passion on the side). Excellent camera angles coupled with the lighting all about really make this a pleasure to watch. Years ago, I recall the discussions in MR and RMC about layout photography and the low angles and depth of field are what really make this stand out. Kicking cars (as well as being mindful of having other cars already in the track with handbrakes set) is simply an added bonus. The funny thing is, my steerman (the pilot car that is always at the rear near the blade tip) is also a former UP conductor and we often call out distances in similar fashion or even use his old lantern when stretching or shrinking the trailer in the dark. lol Keep up the good work!

This may be the best model railroading video I've ever seen!! A year later.

Amazing detail to the layout, as well as operations! Quite the inspiration with the editing effects of the vid as well. Thanks for creating, and I look forward to the next!

I was just in okc yesterday and after shopping at a whistle stop trains shop near a BNSF railyard, and station we where lucky enough to be stopped by our very own front row seat train drive by with four locos pulling a good tank and box car haul I finally got to see my first Norfolk Southern engine helping the BNSF what a great site and almost not to mention I just bought my first Norfolk Southern engine by Atlas, what a coincidence

It's been awhile since I've done model railroading,...this was awesome. I really enjoyed your operation. Thanks.

Josh, Another fine job. Plse keep 'em coming. God Bless.....

Bring back Memories As Switchman Foreman 11;pm- 7am

The Realism alone is awesome! Now, some CGI figures, and realistic rain pelting on the office roof, vehicles, ect, the lightning, and thunder was epic! I'm in Texas, but love to see Operations on the FWWR (Fort Worth Western Railroad) There's a little village named "Rochelle" that 'used' to have an old ATSF bridge-overpass, in the 50's. It was the 'old' Brownwood to Brady to Menardville (Menard) rail line, that was washed out, and later abandoned. I drove to Rochelle a few times, to get a perspective of what the concrete supports and overpass looked like, and the rail line to-from Brownwood to Brady TX.. The Rochelle line was rerouted to San Saba, TX and to Lometa, TX. As of this comment, most of, if not almost all of the line, is so badly damaged from neglect, and limited speed use, it's any wonder the F.W.W.R. is still operating, or that section of track is 'gone'. If possible, get to Lampasas, TX, then take U.S. 281 / U.S. 183 north... Take the U.S. 183 / U.S. 190 West / North, to Lometa, and to San Saba.. Lometa is the 'turn-out' of the line, and goes due to West to Brady, TX. If you want to visit.. Menardville (Menard) still has the railroad depot, acting as a museum. As of 2015-2016, the cross ties of the track exist. Everything 'west' of Brady, TX is all abandoned, and overgrown. In order to restore the railroads or keep them operating, time travel and purchasing the defunct lines, as a private railroad with local, and regional track support / maintenance over the decades will keep the tracks functional. It was an idea to use the 'old' lines as a Farm-to-Market-to-Points outside, rail lines, shipping farm equipment, supplies, seed, ect where most roads weren't paved yet. More like a C.O.O.P. Co-OP system. shipping wheat, milk, butter, goats, livestock, ect via private-COOP lines.. Just a wild idea..

I am so in love with your layout, a true work of art. Keep up the good work Josh!

It is not possible to get anymore realistic that this! Super job, WoW!!!!!!!!

Nice video, it seems you have some good ideas here for marshaling trains. I like the thunder and rain effects.

Proper track speed gets a nod from my hat.....well done sir

I loved cat fishing the river down near the woodfin end of the Asheville yard.we would some times sneak up and hide in the weeds next to the old round house to watch them switch the yard.

Your videos and operating sessions never disappoint.. outstanding work

Wow, this is just... Wow, I'm stumped. Within the first 20 seconds I was sold on this video. The videography is cinematic with the camera angles, lighting, weather and sound effects. The narration is like watching a big-budget documentary. I would really love to find out what camera/lens combinations as well as editing tools you use. I hope you are willing to share this trade secret with me/your audience. Absolutely amazing! Warmest of regards from The Netherlands Richard

Exceptional content! Love your videos.

Thanks Josh for the interesting video. Loved the Thunderstorm effects and kicking the cars was outstanding.

That was just awesome to watch.

Great video shooting angles! Love the added storm effects with rain and flashes of lightning!

I'm enjoying various videos from your channel: they are very realistic and edited with care. What is more stunning about these operation is the "kicking": I've tried it many times, but you managed it in a very realistic way. Greetings!!

Outstanding modeling and very informative! Thanks!

Mighty well done! Been a while since I did any model train work and I feel the itch starting. I kinda gave up seeing how incredibly detailed and computerized the hobby had become. It really demoralized me. I don't know details and I don't know computers. But obviously you do understand these things and do excellent work! Bravo!

Outstanding work as usual Josh! Hollywood directors could take notes on how to use a GP38-2 to light a set!

Beautiful video! Outstanding detail in the layout. Nice and grungy.

had to hit the bell icon - these are the best model train videos - love watching them - ive learned several new things im happy to know

May God blessed your New year n family and friends u have a great layout

Good video! I do want to point out a few points, which over 20 years in the industry have taught me. First, most yards are bowl shaped, unless the topography prohibits it. This helps kicked cars roll into the track, and prevents them from rolling out. This finer point is often missed. Someone else already pointed out how the pin is pulled on the cut being kicked while still on the lead. The less often that the engine needs to pull ahead, the more efficient the switching. The engineer in the video often had the ditch lights on. This might be required whilst taking headroom toward the main. It might briefly be done to see that the reflectorized switch targets are all lined up. Bright lights are refrained from because it might blind one of the switchmen. It could be catastrophic for him to become temporarily disoriented.

If only Asheville was still in appreciation I would still be able to see my favorite high hoods

That was very cool, Josh. Very cool.

The railroad never sleeps, except when MOW is busy clearing landslides on the single-main Stevens Pass lol

Fascinating, really enjoy these types of operations, thoroughly well done, filmed, edited and narrated.

Awesome! Love these night operations.

This is great. Thanks for making it and sharing with us, really good stuff. You are giving me a lot of ideas for how to shoot my own layout and showing what can be done.

As always a great video. You and you father continue to do outstanding work. I model a small OO UK layout down here in Raleigh and always use yours as inspiration. The layout, and way you film projects much larger than actual size. Very well done

Well done. Loved the rainy night ops session

Well done, I'm impressed with what you and your dad have done!! Very cool

The lighting on your models is superb.

Awesome operations and effects!! Thanks for sharing.

Interesting and well presented thanks from Orlando Florida

This is such an impressive, well done video.

THIS GUYS CHANNEL IS AMAZING ITS LIKE REAL LIFE BUT BEHIND THE SCENES

Top notch! Amazing video and model railroading work! Kudos!

This is great video as always. So realistic.

..waaouw...-STILL LOVE WATCHING THIS:-)

Definitely deserves more likes, amazing work!

Cars coasting in a Yard at night are nicknamed "Ghosts" as they make know sounds and can take your life from you. Love the whole idea of playing it real only you made one mistake as when switching the long load cars out onto the mainline as that wouldn't fly in today's railroading FRA rule's you would most likely be written up for making that mistake.

Love this video! It is the first one of yours that I have watched. Very realistic movements, operations, sound effects and weather!! I only have one comment that might be on the negative side. At two different times you have 'the crew' blowing the horn with two short blasts prior to moving the engine, once forward and once backward and, although that is the correct thing to do when moving forward, it is the incorrect signal for an engine moving backward. The correct signal for a reverse move would be three short blasts on the horn. However, I'm not so sure they would blow the horn for every move within the yard while performing switching duties. But from what I saw on your video and listening to what you explained of the entire operation, I am pretty sure you knew all this but just got caught up in the video process and movement of the train. Great job filming and narrating the video. Can't wait to watch more of them.

I love the lighting on GP38-2 5071

finally someone who likes the lights on trains )

5:59 I thought for a second That was In real life