Skip the intro 00:50. The new garage addition is complete and now the giant HO train layout construction begins. In this video construction begins with the layout benchwork. Follow me: / rcgrabbag
I had a friend who was an aero modeler, he would buy something he wanted like a large scale fuselage that cost 500, he would pay the guy in the shop 450 the day before, and then go in with his wife and buy the thing for "50" 😂
Skip the intro 00:50. Hey everyone! Thanks for watching! I see some repeating questions here so I'll try to answer them as best I can: 1. How big is the room? It's approximately 34ft x 42ft (on the short side) x 47ft (on the long side) 2. How big is the train platform? It's approx 28ft x 32ft (on the short side) x 40ft (on the long side) 3. How big are the aisles? The are about 34inches. Not super wide, but adequate for most situations. 4. The benchwork looks too deep so won't it be difficult to reach certain areas easily? Yes, the benchwork results in a reach that is 48" from any edge, which is beyond the generally acceptable 30" maximum, however, the vast majority of track is within the 30", with the remaining area left for scenics. Not the most ideal solution for some, but it helped me meet certain objectives and as we all know, most layouts involve some compromises. Those areas too far to reach (there are two) will have access hatches. I don't expect I'll need to use them much because there are no operations taking place in these areas, only run-throughs. 5. What area and railroad are you modeling? This will be a freelance pike, resembling mountain railroading in the western US. I am a fan and collector of differing road equipment, so doing a prototype model wasn't in the cards.
Suggestion: You may want to get some 1"x4" boards, cut them to fit between the bottom of the side boards to the floor, and screw them on to the legs to help support the weight of those side boards. You may even want to go with some one inch thick plywood and create panels that support the weight carried by the edge boards, tie the legs between a joint together, and create a level surface for both sections where two 4'x8' sections butt up against each other. The idea is to take the weight and sheer force off the nails or screws you're using to tie everything together. EDIT: You may want to go back and add some Simpsons hangers to secure the joints where the boards in the middle are nailed to the boards on the sides. Nailing and/or screwing into end grain isn't the best way to secure those boards.
@@bear1245 Evarard Junction used quite thin and cheap wood for his old layout, and it ended up warping and distorting. That could be a real problem if it happens on this one.
Reminds me of my younger days when my dad and I built our own train layout(HO) in half of our twin door garage. Those were some enjoyable times in putting it up and then running all the different lines on it. I still have all the old HO sets in storage but I don't have the energy or stamina to do my own platform anymore. But I have lots of great memories and watching videos like this brings much of it back to me again!
@@markrawls2798 Yeah Mark, my dad passed too. We didn't have much in common with the exception of a love for trains of any kind and size. So every time I see a train show or a nice layout like this one, my first thought is of him and the times we spent together building our layout.
I have come into a revival of interest in model railroading again since I'm nearing completion of my college degree, and this video has me extremely excited to see more, and I look forward to watching this project come to fruition. Some day I'll be able to start work on my layout, but until then videos and clubs are about all I have. Would be cool to come visit someday. All in all great video and you earned a sub for sure.
lmao , so true, its a fact us boys dont grow up, our toys just cost more. Cannot wait to see this project evolve. Subd ! My wifes toys out cost mine... she has a horse....mike drop....lol.
This is an AMAZING SPACE! What a great foundation for big plans! I would have loved to have seen a glimpse of the proposed model plans to get a sense of scale, maybe share them in your next video? THANKS!
This is awesome. Thank you for documenting this process. I have always been fascinated by detailed scale model railroad layouts. And wondered what all goes into their construction. I look forward to following you in this adventure. Congratulations on the addition and the project.
Rockets, tanks, rc, and railroads, love it. This is an awesome video. Glad I found your channel but surprised it took so long. A lot of work and progress for just one video. I’m subscribed and looking forward to going back to your old videos while I wait for your new ones.
I'm just one guy when I finally had a basement (some years ago) and began a layout about 10 X 13 feet. I am SLOW, after looking at your skills! I got as far as all benchwork, mainline track laid, as well as return loops and hidden staging track...unfortunately life circumstances forced me to abandon. Still? Learned skills for "next time", and your videos show me more ways to do things that will be easier, rather than harder, in future.
haha, to us in the Netherlands this is so bizar and amazing. The size of this hobby room is more than the living area of all 3 floors of my intire house including the garage. Will be a modellers paradise when finished. keep it up.
Roberto, I laughed out loud, that was a good one! I'm going to use that phrase in a conversation for sure. Thanks for watching. I love Italy! One of my favorite countries to visit. I've been there three times!
I don't think it's too late to make this change; I would add some diagonal bracing to some of the sections to mitigate lateral collapse of the whole thing. It will probably never come remotely close to carrying the weight required to cause a lateral collapse, but that extra peace of mind is invaluable.
I really like that you used 1x4 for the bench work. I used 1/2x3" and it has been difficult. Whenever I drive in a nail I worry it will either stick out of the side or split my board. Really nice layout.
@rcgrabbag Given the space you have, I would have SOOO much fun doing things in N-Scale. Not that I have anything against HO-Scale modelers! I just prefer N-Scale and am drooling over the space you have! With the space you have there, I could anything and everything I've ever dreamed of in N-Scale and have room left over for the LEGO collection as well!
Welp, with 8ft lengths of 1x4 wood stored on the floor, I'd have to bend down to pick it up anyway, so why not just stay down there and cut it? Diffr'nt strokes...
$150,000 train garage and doesn’t have a work bench to put the miter saw on!! Lol! Working off the floor is really hard on a person! Thank you for sharing your build with us. Cool project!
Sure it has a workbench...the floor! Lumber is there, chop saw is there, why not cut it there? Workbench came later an it's where I built the giant trestle and other workbenchy stuff. Thanks for watching and stay tuned!
Only problem will be REACHING things! Unless all track is edge oriented and you move worked on module away so it's only 2 foot reach. Great for curve radii!
@@Fearless-RG That's a bit beyond the scale of what most people will achieve, barring a few lucky breaks and a lifelong passion. That said, for hobbyists of more modest means there's always smaller scales to work in.
Don't have kids, once you do, there goes the hobby money! Trust me on that one, been there, still doing it! LOL Nope, not having kids, ooh look we can build a nice building. Honey, look it's Positive! Oh shit there goes the model railroad.
I wish i had the health perhaps after double transplant this would keep me busy one thing i truly detest is doing nothing unless its sleepy time. I use to be into model rockets ship building and trains but that was durring the south east asian police action.
Just subscribed after seeing this 1st video. I cannot wait to see this expand. I just purchased my first house and I am already trying to figure out how I'm going to start laying out my trains.
I hope you're planning on an "N scale" layout- if so, you'll have twice as much fun building it and, it will seem twice as enormous! Just be sure to consider if you must move or you choose to "show" a portion if we ever get to gather together again like we used to before the created covert...er, the covaids...um, covets ah...i mean covid. You might want to make that massive bunch of table, 2x4 sized modules, hinged together so they can fit thru the door. Unless, of course, you left one garage door on the back. Just a thought. In any event- good job on the addition and benchwork.
