The main purpose of your train layout is to make you happy, not to appear in magazines. Who cares if the ceiling isn't finished. In addition, I think you do a really nice job of constructing scenery. You are too modest. Lastly, you are a handsome guy whose looks shouldn't offend anyone. If you want to appear on camera, do it. I think most people would like to see the face of the person hosting the video. It helps people make a more personal connection to the content. Thanks for your service.
Running trains in circles is fun. Enjoy your layout and don't worry whether it'll be a magazine piece. Take your time, don't get burned out on it and have fun. It's all about what makes you happy, not what other people think.
Dude. Whoever said not to appear on camera.. don't listen. I for one thoroughly enjoy your reviews and quips you throw in. It's nice to see the layout. And see you appear on camera. I just bought my first house so I feel your pain. Interest at 6.9%. It's insane. Anyone I for one enjoy your updates. Would be nice if maybe once per week or few weeks at least you just come on cam and give an update. My ol lady is a nurse manager and she teaches it. You're definitely being modest about the layout. I can't wait until I even get to where you're at! I just moved one month ago so all my stuff is still packed away. Just got my tables down in the basement to setup. Can't wait to get going again! Always look forward to your vids buddy! Keep it up ✌️
Definitely agree on airbrushing the ballast. Use Tamiya flat, thinned with isopropanol, I use 99%. Can colour the ballast to what you want and not dictated by manufacturers.
I'm the same way with a big loop layout. It'll allow me to turn on the trains, go get a snack, turn on the tv, just be able to enjoy the trains. I'm glad you do, too! If you enjoy it, do it! Nobody is stopping you. Just have fun playing with trains
hey fellow vet. No need to apologize for life my brother. Also, YES your layout is magazine worthy imho. Why? Your layout is so intricate and detailed and a magazine worthy layout is just what that means. A LAYOUT, not the ceiling. Remember that my brother and good to see you again. Keep the vids coming when you can. Glad you and the fam are well. Praying for you all as always my friend.
Love your channel! Never have I seen a model railroad completed, and that's OK. Something always interrupts, whether it be time, space, money or life. It's a hobby, not a job. Just have fun with it.
Did 20 years in the Army, went into the auto industry and started to do endurance racing. Got a new knee and gained way too much weight. Still trying to bike it off and run a model railroad.
I had no idea that you had a completed loop on your layout let alone what I seen in this video. I don’t know whether you watch other RU-vid model train contributors, but they are in various layout completion conditions, RU-vidrs like Scott Rails, SMT Mainline, Sam’s Trains, and OOBill. I personally would love to watch a train go round the layout that you showed us in this video. It would be the largest of all these mainstream RU-vidrs. Also, the loop platform has been the foundation of model train enthusiasts throughout the many years of its existence. Don’t give any credence to the loop haters and don’t give any weight to any criticism that does not line up with what makes you happy or comfortable. I also congratulate you on your weight loss and anguish with your attempt to cross the finish line in that endeavor. I will end this by saying that, leave it up to the viewer to find the updates you may have added to your layout, be it a small figure, a bit of ballast, or an outhouse. Make it a game that you enjoy with the viewers do a running session at the end of each review and love the Eifel Tower you built with the kids. Great video, Jersey Bill
James what matters is at the end of the day are you enjoying what you have built and running it the way you want! What you are doing looks great to me. I enjoyed watching your reviews for a long time and please keep them coming. 🙂
Rome wasn't built in a day James! Take your time and enjoy life! Your layout looks fine and is coming along and, you have a layout! Don't fall into the trap of what other people think, what matters is what you think! BTW, I love the reviews and it's nice to see you and the layout!🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🌞🌴😎
I'm with you. I see lots of videos and articles on line or that were in a magazine about you want your layout to feel realistic and have the ability to do switching or have an "operating session". And I'm fine if that is what some people want. But I often find these videos to be sort of preachy, even though I'm sure they are just trying to give people just getting started some ideas. But when I was in high school I used to go to open houses on layouts with my dad and the vast majority of them were just guys running some trains in loops and chatting. In fact I was probably one of the few that was doing anything with the layout some days. Cleaning off wheels, fixing some electrical issue, fixing something tiny that my young eyes could see a lot better than the guys that were the age I am now or older. (I'm in my early 50s) Anyway, my point is, I just enjoy running trains also. I'd rather have a layout that allows big long trains that run around a large loop than have some point to point thing where you have to really be paying attention all the time. Or to me the worst sounds like these clubs where you have tasks and jobs to complete. If I wanted to do that I'd just go apply for a job with the railroad. :-) Realistic operation just sounds like work to me. But that's just me and others enjoy the operating session type layout and hey, nothing wrong with that either. Build what you want it to be. I'm just starting to clear out my basement to make space for a new layout after not having one since my dad passed and I had to sell the family home. And it will probably have one small part eventually that you have to operate but for the most part it will be a run big trains in long loops and have fun. It also won't be based any particular rail road or trying to stick to an era. Although it probably won't have much modern rolling stock, I'll have a stack train running next to a steam powered passenger train of heavyweight 1930s cars if I want to darn it. LOL
No worries James. Mine will never be magazine worthy either. But you have video which in many cases have been replacing magazines which have kind of been circling the drain. Looking at the background I see you have some nicely scenic'd layout area with backdrop! Looks nice from what I've seen. Work certainly has been keeping my layout progress from going faster. Drop in at AtlasRescueForums and say hi. I'm posting my layout progress in the Project Archive section. No a huge space but making the best of it but still should be able to run 20 foot long trains. Nice to see you back and always enjoy your videos and updates. Gratz with the weight lost. Thats real good. I need to do the same thing, maybe 30 or so pounds needs to come off. As far as layout environment, I finished my own basement and instead of drywalling the ceiling, I installed a drop ceiling (suspended ceiling) but I did drywall the boxed-in beams going across the ceiling. That all is in my layout progress blog if you are curious.
The hobby is a passion. Scenic but simple or all out super detailed. Its up to Trainmaster. By the way sometimes you even have to kitbash your on freight cars.
Keep doing you man. We really appreciate your reviews and input. Your content has influenced my model RR purchases for sure. That is an awesome layout, wish I could run long trains..
I belong to a club, and they run with fast clock, dispatcher, authentic schedule for the railway being modelled in 1958, etc. It is a good way to be part of a layout that has been in a magazine. My layout is all over the place as far as modelling a particular time period, but I do stick with CNR.... and I am on a budget.
Re: Magazine worthy - while the layouts featured in the mags are, for the most part, very nice, I think they actually can discourage people since they think there’s a standard that they could never achieve. My motto: “My World, My Railroad, My Rules.
Thank you for the life update. We have a few things we in common. Switching can be fun but I really like to watch the trains rolling by. I look forward to the next video
It's all about having fun! I enjoy seeing your layout progress!! Your excellent locomotive reviews have cost me lots of money...... I suspect you have a following that would make most magazines jealous!!!
Thank you for your service and always a pleasure to see your layout and models. Been a fan since I was little back with your operation lifesaver video back in the day. Cheers 🥂
You offer an interesting perspective and I certainly appreciate your candid disclosure of your hobby life and personal life. Behind every good model railroader isn't fascinating individual.! Not everything in life is totally linear, things circle back on themselves in strange ways. Trains and circles, folded dog bones, over and under, figure abate,whatever your interest is, it's how you enjoy the hobby and share that with others.
The ceiling can be overcome by camera angles, and curtains aroun the layout to hide stored stuff. 👍 I wish i had as much room. It looks to me like things are coming along nicely.
Don’t underestimate what you’ve built so far and what’s still in the pressure cooker. Very much like the way you constructed the main yard on your layout and the stub end storage inside the reversing loop. Think it’s an excellent example of how a fairly large layout can be fit in a restricted area, because of all the different corners and cabinets. On the ballast you were talking about, please take a look at Andy Dorsch’s recent video, and the way he described how the airbrush can make a difference to create different shades of ballast. Maybe that’s a big leap, but still, the ballast in the area you spoke about looks good at first glance. If it’s just the color which doesn’t your bill, you don’t necessarily need to take out the ballast. There are indeed other ways to approach such an edit to your layout. Who cares if the layout is model magazine material or not? It’s your layout, what matters is that you find enjoyment and a way to improve your skills from building it. Humbly think you just got the right material laid out in front of you. Cheerio
I dig it. Through the years I have watched and you do awesome work. I feel you with the stress. I do the same. My layout is 2 independent levels and I will have them both running.
Man, I would love to have that kinda of a basement. It's a little difficult having that big of a layout living in a duplex lol. I say as long as you are comfortable with the space that its set in its good. I personally lean towards more operation side for me with a strong pull for a prototype setting. It has its own challenges that I love especially with the historical research side.
You should definitely most more showing your face, we love seeing you in the place that you can most enjoy yourself. Also, you should post more running trains around the layout. Would love to see it!
I love the sound off, noise of the metal wheels, continuous running. My layout is designed the same way. I saw a couple of liftouts. I have one as well as 3 duckunders that were needed to maintain what I hoped would be high radii. I was sure the constant temp and humidity control would keep the expansion under control. What I didn’t account for is the expansion and contraction of the whole house itself. My layout room varies up to 1/4 of an inch over its length. With the layout having the one particular segment of benchwork with the lift out section reaching from one outside wall to the other, the layout is in a literal vise and that liftout has become a keystone!
Enjoying running trains is a reason to be in this hobby. My shunting layout is a place to play trains and also doubles as a DCC programming track, not done any scenery
James, nice to see you in front of the camera! Its been 5-6 years since I saw you last in the OSS. Keep up the great work - from the only guy in the OSS who didn't even bat an eye at your hobby!
Thnx for the personal touch you show. Still an impressive layout. Love the reviews. If I ever start a layout it will be in N gauge. But it will feature US equipment, love the classic diesels.
A bit of advice from my days of having a hobby in the salt water aquarium industry, don't let all the fancy stuff you see online be a goal to achieve or surpass, work on what makes you happy, and what you enjoy, if you want a hyper detailed layout because that is something you enjoy then do that, if you have fun running trains on "EZ" type track on a carpeted floor that works too!
LOVE this video. I appreciate getting the personal update. You’re doing great with your weight loss!! I fought 100 lbs for nearly 40 years, and then was prescribed Mounjaro. I’m down 90 lbs so far. I really appreciate your video because I don’t see myself fiddling with all of the scenery. I, too, love watching long trains run around in long loops. It’s pretty easy to get down on one’s self seeing the many gorgeous, realistic looking scenery and such unless one can interact with someone like you who is just straight forward. “I like running trains and the scenery isn’t a priority”. Long trains run!
If the ceiling bothers you maybe just have it sprayed. Recess the lighting into it and the glare will prevent you from Seeing past the lights into the painted areas…….
It was good to see you and hear how things are going. The layout looks great and I envy the amount of space you have. Be happy and keep on model railroadin.
There is no reason your layout can't be in a magazine. Three of mine have been in magazines, one has international distribution. All three were portable or modular layouts, no ceiling or walls. I have had requests to do articles on my current semi-permanent layout, it just has a plain blue backscene against a wall. The magazines can cut walls etc. out of photos, or you can do it yourself. I did that for the cover on a NMRA region magazine.
You have a great channel 👍don’t sweet it. I do my films for fun and it add another layer to the hobby, I do not care about the monetary aspect or what other you tubers are doing. Again great layout!
I lo❤ve your videos.😊Could you do a video of some long trains runnind.I'm in the progress of building a new layout.It's been hard with my kidney dyalasis.But I'm going strong.Never give up😊.Watching this video gave me some ideas on how to build my yards.Thanks for this great video.😊
My layout will never be magazine worthy because I don't have room to build a layout lol. But, I'm having a lot of fun running circles at the club layout.
James, you could be creative on the finish. You don't need to use permanent finishes like drywall in all places. You could have a drop ceiling, build framework atound your ducts and pipes and have removable finished panels. It will help with dust and may help with sound deadening. Also brighten or darken the room depending on what you want. Just a thought if you decide to finish the space. Good to see you on the video. Btw, what was your routeen on your great weigjt loss?
James I'm 59 years old . Just divorced from a 30 year marriage because my wife doesn't have a pool in the back yard. Be proud of what you have. So what if your layout isn't magazine worthy. I find enjoyment just working on trains. It is therapy for me and gets me away from the real world. Enjoy the hobby and I like the videos that you make. Life is short. Do what makes you happy because tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. Keep your head up.
It’s Not the End Of The World If you don’t Make It In The Magazine my wife And Don’t Care Either But we ❤️our Layouts.the Videos Make It More Justice than The Magazine would Of it’s The Truth.👍👍👍👍.
Reviews of any kind are better without face time and "day in the life reviews" are boring to say the least. Maybe you can get your cousin to help you with your layout like he did in the early days of your channel. Good luck.
Regarding your claim that your layout will never be in a magazine: Bullsh!t. Don't sell yourself short James on what you are currently doing and what you can do. 1) You can erect a lighting valence over the areas of the layout benchwork and leave the ceiling unfinished. I've used that technique over the parts of my layout that are in the unfinished half of my basement. I too had to deal with issues such as a low ceiling, utilities, ductwork, etc. 2) A 'circle' doesn't mean that your layout isn't prototypical and can't operate as such. So my layout is partly in an unfinished basement, is effectively a circle, and guess what? It was featured in a 10 page spread in Model Railroad Planning. Oh, and as others have said, thanks for all you do for our hobby.
Neither. I don't drink and I don't do drugs. If you're looking at my eyes I had just pulled out my contacts that irritate my eyes. If you're referring to my comment where I said I partied way to hard after retiring from the military, that was all food not drugs/alcohol. I'm not slurring my speech or tripping over my words, although the video does cut a few words out every time I flip the camera so I'm not sure what gives you that out of left field impression but it's wrong.
@@persistentwind my response checks for me, his observation does not. I'm in a demanding healthcare job, probably not the best idea to be on drugs or alcohol and it's against company policy. I don't drink, I don't do drugs and I've had about 7 regular celebratory cigars composed of tobacco in my entire life. I'm not even prescribed any controlled medications such as opoids, stimulants, steroids or depressants. I don't know where the original commenter is getting the idea I'm high or drunk or if he's just being a troll.
@jlwii2000 I guess I wasn't clear - my fault. It checks for you I meant to tag to your response! I know you don't drink and like to eat! I know you took a good / busy job! Hope all is going well at work!
Man, I’d love to have a layout like that James. I’m 61 and still do not have one. Never have. About to move into a house much larger than what I’m in now and still will not really have the room. I’ve collected stuff over the years, simply because I think it is so cool. Can’t help myself. As “@twiggs24” stated below, I just don’t have the room. Great video! PS That is the most unusual garage I have ever seen. One garage door that leads into a “room” with all sorts of other areas in it. Never have seen that.
It's a 4th garage area on the lower level of my home and yes kind of strange. I think it was designed for motorcycles and lawn equipment even though it can fit vehicles.
