114B: Benchwork the Regular Guy Way!

[@genejablonski9909]

Hey Steve. It's great having you and your enthusiasm back.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hi Gene! Thanks!

[@JackOnTracks]

Glad to she your back. Wanky wood is why I switched to all plywood construction. Cabinet-grade plywood isn't cheap but one 4x8 makes a lot of bench wood and is relatively lightweight too. Looking forward to see how ot all comes together.

[@gregbowen617]

Sooo good to see you back Mr Steve Brown! Not all of us can use perfect materials but you show us what can be done… rail on regular guy!!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hi Greg! You nailed it my friend. Sometimes you gotta by something, but if you can invest sweat instead of money, why not?

[@biggsrr6708]

Blood. sweat, now we need to see the tears to complete the trilogy the saying, I am glad to see you are back building. Keep up the great work and try not to cut anything off you might need later to help your build process. Stay safe out there!

[@_steffinwolf_]

We certainly missed the antics of “The Regular Guy” doing regular guy railroad modeling. Good to see you getting back into it!

[@lyndonfoster1090]

Hi Steve , sorry I am late to the return party but glad you are back with a new adventure. Can't wait to see how it goes. But I was thinking, probably too late now for you and this project but you are such a talented craftsman with building little bits that I think a series of T trak type modules would have been right up your alley for this project . They are small and you can hook then together permanently or not and that way change them out, or not, as you go.. but you are always an inspiration, whatever you do, even the musical experiment so keep railin' and well and we will all enjoy this new 2024 adventure with Steve Brown!

[@MacTrom1]

Welcome back, Mr brown. Hard luck and troubles but you succeeded in progress another benchwork. 👍

[@cymrych79]

Great to see you back, Steve! My most "regular guy" moment... Cutting all the lumber for my first 3 layouts with a coping saw... in the bathtub. I was in an apartment at the time and paranoid about making too much noise, especially in the late evenings when i did most of my layout work. I did make some cuts with a battery-powered jig saw in the parking lot or in the parking lot at the hardware store when I bought wood, but 90% was cut by hand in the damn bathroom, lol. Clean-up was a breeze, and I could continue construction past midnight without iritating the neighbors. But NOTHING screwed together perfectly squared. But the layouts were open-grid with risers, so that didn't matter too much.

[@edg1754]

That is some solid benchwork! And, yeah, it wouldn't be a Steve Brown Project without at least SOME blood shed!

[@johnjohnston2962]

Yes the regular guy way. 5 years ago, I started watching you build the original Brown Smith RR and really enjoyed it. I was just getting back inti the hobby after 35 + years .

[@ItsMyRailroad]

It's been a long rail! Thanks for hanging out with me, John!

[@browningrr60]

😁

[@impccrzy]

Steve, SO glad you're back! I'm looking forward to watching your entire build. I'm starting back into Model Railroading after many decades. I appreciate your humor, regular guy techniques, insight, and inspiration. Keep 'em rolling. As you've said many times, I just need to push off and do it. -Brian

[@unamitrailroad8408]

you're the best, I love it. You inspire me to keep going, watching experts is fine but most of us are just regular guys and we tend to butcher things here and there to make it work!!!

[@chazzyb8660]

It's so good to have the regular guy back, and I'm digging the Jean-Luc Picard look! Yup, I'm a great fan of using the materials I have laying around too. Even now I have some wood laying round that's been used in several diffferent ways over the last 60 years, first by my dad and now by me. Cheers!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Ooooo, a layout with a legacy. Now that's awesome. Thanks!

[@dathanpoole73]

Welcome back!🤗 So awesome to see your video pop up. Can't wait to see what you share and come up with this time.

[@thomasdecker7631]

Hmm. Actually, Bob was my uncle. 😀 However, that still didn't mean I could find a straight piece of lumber at Lowe's, Home Despot, or anywhere. Best to correct what you've got, especially at today's prices. Looking forward to watching the new layout take shape.

[@brooklyngraham1151]

I’ve never built a layout without some form of bloodletting. You just got yours out of the way early. Hope you’re healing okay. Longtime subscriber, and it’s great to see you back at it, once again.

[@kennethjackson3146]

Nice to have you back! Really enjoy you videos.

[@cbirailroad]

Amen to others who are glad you are back. Me too!!! You are my hero my friend. And I built my garage benchwork almost exactly the same as you, with throw away lumber from a neighbor's house remodel. Keep up the GREAT videos for all of us cheap a** modelers out here... 🤪 Ron

[@derailroad]

love it… blood sweat and beers baby!!!!

[@cythree]

Hi Steve, glad to see you back at it again.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks, my friend!

[@trishameigs1554]

I like that you work with what you have on hand. Much of my railroad is being made from what I can find on our property, because I can’t afford to run and buy tons of new wood. I also like that you don’t edit stuff out when something screws up, and instead figure out how to make it right and show us what you did. BTW? Welcome back!

[@strobson1]

Aloha from the big island of Hawaii. Love the videos love the humor

[@modelbuilder6820]

Nothing wrong with 1x4 benchwork with 1/2” particle board tops…I get the wood at Menards in the cut-off rack… 4’ 1x4 might cost me less than 2 dollars each… strong enough to walk on…and I’m a regular size guy. Good to see your way of correcting the twist… I have used brute force of bar-clamps more than once! Keep the videos coming!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Nothing at all wrong with 1X4 bench, and the 1/2" particle is cheap and gets it done. Love the way you think. Thanks for being a part, my friend!

[@greggabbrants1502]

Great to see you back, as I am just starting a n scale layout: 3 4x8 2x4 tables of my old ho layout. Thanks for the Bob Vila bench work….Bobs your uncle LOL

[@FHGSlaydoG]

Like a rock. The obligatory "that ain't going nowhere" test shake.

[@prpman99]

As I always say tell folks, never found a piece of wood I didn't like. Make use of what you have on hand. Glad to have you back at it.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

The Regular Guy liked "never found a piece of wood I didn't like." Too sweet my friend!

[@CWESTERBECK]

Great having you back! Looking forward to watching as you build this latest version of the regular guy railroad. Literally powered by blood, sweat, and tears 😂

[@OTRWA]

Very entertaining Steve...my layout is all recycled timber...hence the branch name " Old Ply"...great episode.

[@seegurke93]

Good tips and good humor :) Thanks. Grüße from germany

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hey Grüße! Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for the encouragement!

[@stanleym2679]

So glad to see you back on ,I enjoyed your first layout which inspired me because of its size ,simplicity and because of lack of space.at 70 ish my layout is small but mighty and as you said after dealing with a big layout it is time consuming and do get tired of it small is better ,keep up the regular guy great work

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Yep, in some cases (like ours) smaller is better. I like to get my arms around things sometimes. Thanks Stanley!

[@michaelstough8135]

So glad you're back!!!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks Michael!

[@anthonyfesta4996]

I enjoy watching you figure out your design . Your witty sense of humor makes it entertaining. Also you gave me some good ideas for building my own. I’m liking the two feet off the wall design. Can still use underneath for storage . A great idea !

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Keeping it smaller this time. Thanks for being a part Anthony!

[@docwithnodegree3416]

Sorry I don't comment more often but you make amazing videos and I'll try to watch just about all of them, they're very informative and your sense of humor makes them very entertaining. My wife even sits and watches 😂😂...thanks man!

[@littlefarm34]

Glad to see you again hurry back

[@normanrowe2831]

Absolutely amazing. You’ve got enough old videos of multiple layout builds, you could throw in some old footage and no one would be the wiser. Lol.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hmmmm... Norman, you're a genius! Love you old-man!

[@michaelhollman9470]

I love your approach to the hobby! More importantly, my wife love$ your approach to the hobby (keep it $imple - keep it affordable - keep it practical). This is my favorite KZbin channel!!!!!!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Oh Michael that means so much to me. Yeah, us what you got. That's how regular folks need to do it. I'm just about to retirement, and while I love MR, I'm not willing to invest my life savings into it. LOL! Rail-on my friend!

[@dabinla]

Great to see you back!!!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Aww, shucks. Thanks :)

[@TheRobertSterling]

Hi Steve. Still loving the regular guy way of doing things, sure good to see again. Nothing beats the wrapped paper towel and electrical tape to stop the bleeding..lol. Rail on my friend. Cheers 🍾

[@ItsMyRailroad]

...something I learned in the field when I cut myself open near daily LOL! Somethings don't change, even with age. Thanks Robert!

[@ericbulich9812]

Them experts doing expert videos are boring and not the way us regular guys in the real life do things, trial and error error and lots of scrapped pieces of wood are the way real guys do it, keep on railing buddy 🙏🏻

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Them experts have great things to offer, but when the rubber meets the road, the rest of us Regular People need do the best we can - and there's no shame in that. Dig what you do! Thanks Eric!

[@TheyMakeItLikeThat]

I’m waiting for the states to discover Robertson screws 😜 Looking good brother

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks, my friend!

[@gaylordhanson1027]

For those modelers who are thinking about getting started or are just getting started, Steve Brown shows 0ne or more ways to solve problems that you will likely face! Spoiler Alert! Some of the things you learn building your model railroad WILL apply in every day household chores or even in your "9 to 5"!! Keeo up the good work Steve and K.I.S.!!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Awesome PSA! You're hired LOL! Thanks my friend!

[@gaylordhanson1027]

You're welcome.

[@terryrunyon2793]

It's great to see another video. Looking forward to watching your layout come together the regular guy way!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks Terry!

[@newfenrisrailroad621]

Good to see you back doing a layout. But still giving blood to the train gods I see

[@ItsMyRailroad]

The RR gods require sacrifice... Or, I'm just a freaking clutz! LOL! Still dig your hat bro.

[@derekalexander4030]

Love seeing you back here and starting a new layout. Quick and simple benchwork the Steve Brown Regular guy way. I was surprised that you didn’t just slice off the bottom of the outlet cover, lol.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Well, got a riser going in above it to serve the logging camp. Frankly, I am just making this up as I go LOL! Thanks, Derek!

[@justgonnatruckit1127]

I’m glad your back! With Djtrains not as active I need my model rr content!

[@fredeisen7401]

Great video Steve. Welcome back. I to can not seem to cut wood or work with steel or wire without some blood being shed! In fact I am famous for falling off a two step ladder. LOL

[@_steffinwolf_]

And yes, those are great fasteners. I used them in my floating deck build last year.

[@roncrook8656]

Glad to have you back Steve! looking forward to watching as your newest layout progresses.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks Ron!

[@stevemcgeachy6953]

You build like I do. No matter how careful I am "There will be blood!" I used 2x4's on my benchwork only because when I went to buy lumber the 2x4x8 boards were $1.50 less than a 1x4x8 board. Go figure. It turned out to be a good thing though, the benchwork is really solid and could withstand a nuclear strike. Looking forward to seeing what you do with this one.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Whatever with 2X4 being overkill. No pilot holes, you can get them from pallets if you need to. And in my case - solid as Sears used to be LOL! Thanks Steve!

[@charlesmcclure5994]

It wouldn't be a regular guy layout without it drawing the first blood, also glad to see that Uncle Bob is back 👍👍

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Oh, "boom" is back, "bob" is back, and "blood" blood is back. The three "B's" of model railroading LOL! Thanks Charles, good to "see" you my friend!

[@darylhitchcock7680]

Just making it happen with what you got.... Nice work...

[@michaelamoroso4561]

Steve, thanks for the benchwork tutorial the Regular Guy Way. You solved your height issue and squared and leveled the benchwork for the next stage of construction. Thanks again.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hi Michael! Thanks for that encouragement, my friend!

[@dexterdog62]

Nice to see you in action again. The “Boom!” is back !

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks Dexter! BOOM!

[@GreenRC24]

Blood & beer, that's model railroading!

[@markgundersen5259]

Steve, Great to see you back! Your enthusiasm for the hobby has been an inspiration.

[@robtman9199]

Keeping it simple and thrifty isn't a bad thing Steve, I was thinking to myself when you started with the saw, oh my, better be careful and Boom, Bobs your Uncle, you did it. well glad you still had all your digits at the end of the day. Going to be fun to watch this come together, enjoy your weekend.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks for the justified concern Rob!

[@johnpetru4133]

Hey! Bench work does not have to be cabinetry. Looks good, Steve!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks John! Level and sturdy, however you get it. (Reinforced concrete?) LOL!

[@TheNorthwestWind]

Steve is my daddy and we love him. Glad you are back

[@ItsMyRailroad]

I'm sorry, I do not know you. LOL! Glad to be hanging out with you again, old friend!

[@TheNorthwestWind]

Well, you are still my daddy.@@ItsMyRailroad

[@d.mishler1475]

It is nice to have Steve Brown back, RAIL ON.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Rail-on to you!

[@jeffherdz]

"Solid as Sears" F.Y.I. Sears was bought out by Kmart Corp. And went bankrupt. LOL But, I still love to watch you and the building (and demolition) of the B.S.R.R.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Lol! Yeah, you're not wrong. That's a phrase I picked up back in the day that I can't seem to get rid of. Good things coming. Thanks, Jeff!

[@timwright3592]

Always nice to see how (and how not to 😬) do stuff the regular guy way! Great to see you back! Once there, pulling out your locos and rolling stock will be like Christmas!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Well Tim, I've only got one loco left and no rolling stock. Sold it all a few months ago. BUT, working to build up the fleet again! Thanks!

[@jmsteigerwald]

Welcome back Steve. I had to tear two of my layouts down due to moving. Now I get to start fresh with a new layout. Initial planning is the key to a great layout. And don’t sweat the little stuff that doesn’t fit exactly right. Scenery does wonders to cover up the Oopsie’s. Keep the videos coming.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks for the input. I wish I was better at planning but I'm more of a visual guy. That's a blessing and a curse but seems to get the job done. Rail-on my friend!

[@frankcfwrr3920]

I've built my garage railroad the regular way. After removing some some walls and building new walls, I used the old 2x4s to build shelves in my garage and put my G scale on the middle shelf, around the whole garage. Another great video Frank

[@ItsMyRailroad]

G Scale?! You're a bigger man than I am LOL! Thanks Frank!

[@al1467]

thanks Steve. your "regular guy way" approach kept me in the hobby. The non rivet counter mantra made me realize it's my railroad, do what makes you enjoy the hobby. Rail-on my friend!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Boom! It IS your railroad! Love having you aboard Al!

[@bassnbud2000]

Good to see you back my friend, I really enjoy your videos. 👍🎸🎸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@AModelRailroadNewbie]

Welcome back to your channel. I appreciate you being back, missed you. You were a big part my interest in doing my own n scale and my channel, A Model Railroad Newbie. Over the last few years I watched you and always enjoyed your videos. It's great that you're back, and I will continue watching...

[@ItsMyRailroad]

The day we forget we are newbies is the day we stop being regular guys. Rail on my friend!

[@dcrrails3402]

I enjoy your videos, your enthusiasm makes you so fun to watch. Glad you're back, I look forward to taking this journey with you. You used to ask "If you want to build a model railroad or thinking about starting one, what are you waiting for?" My answer was, nothing. So I started. I'm much slower in my approach, but I have trains running! Thanks for your inspiration. Rail on my friend!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hey, I'm only giving this as much time as I can afford but I am digging every moment of it. Mostly I am blessed to have a YT community that keeps me pumped up. Rail-on as well, my friend!

[@markcole265]

HEEE'S BACK. When I thought it was safe to go back into the train room. Good onya mate good to see ya back.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hi Mark, and thanks!

[@fbrailroad4628]

Steve, a great way to show that you don't have to spend a lot of money on everything in this hobby. You just have to have things straight and level. Solder on my friend.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Sure appreciate the encouragement, my friend!

[@billpihl1]

Good to see you back Steve....

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks!

[@flagman515]

Welcome back Steve! I love the idea of the 45 degree legs. With my big feet, that will be a great solution!! Rail on Baby!!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Oh, man. I finished the tops and backdrop today and never saw or felt a leg. It's sweet! Thanks for checking in brother!

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Nice bench work Steve. I like how you used what was lying around the house for the bench work saves a bit of money. I also built my base board The Regular Guy Way as it's just so easy and simple but more importantly it is solid and works well. - Nicholas.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hi Nicholas! The Regular Guy way may not always be the best way, but it gets the job done, right?! Thanks buddy!

[@Fallenhalo88]

Glad to have you back in the hobby!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks Joshua!

[@reggiea.stroud8707]

So glad to see you back, Steve!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks again!

[@nickmonda738]

I'm just so happy your making videos again

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Nick, I'm just glad to be working on the RR again. Thanks for sticking with me my friend.

[@allenbarnes7202]

Welcome back steve. I have the same problem, if I don't draw blood on a project something wrong

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Gacked my head on the shelf about the layout yesterday. LOL! It never ends. Thanks Allen!

[@williamwhite4833]

Glad to see you back, I look forward to seeing you more.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

It's coming like 777 in Unstoppable! LOL! Thanks William!

[@ReidsTrainStuff]

I'm already loving this build, duct tape & paper towel bandage, can really relate to that, somethings bent, through a bit of violence, we'll straighten it, great having the old Steve back like in the early days. PS definitely need a few beers while model railroading 🍻😜👍

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Ut's the Regular Guy way, right Reid?! Thanks for be one of the originals brother!

[@maciekgs17]

Great video, as always.

[@dave3301]

Good to see you Steve, Tanks for sharing

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hey Dave, thanks for stopping by my friend!

[@ricksalmon4916]

I’m glad you’re back!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Good to see you too, Rick!

[@benmoreau8404]

Glad to see you back into it, your hilarious love the comedy!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Just a Regular dork! LOL! Thanks Ben!

[@benmoreau8404]

Hey if you make people laugh that's all it counts.

[@bigizzysworld4253]

You can get free lumber too by going around to job sites and digging in the roll off dumpsters. That's where most of my lumber comes from

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Heh heh! Most of the MDX I used on the last build and many of the other materials came from a job I was running. (Don't tell my boss) LOL! Thanks brother!

[@jimmygould]

Don't feel bad. My current layout was built using what I had laying around. Only problem now is finding the time to finish it. My work schedule is wonky with the new job.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Well, looks like I'm in good company, Jimmy. Rail-on!

[@peterguest]

You could have put the water feature by the plug. "Boom, Bob's your Uncle!" As always, great informative videos. Rail on, Regular Guy!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

You're not wrong. Just didn't fit into the two 8' section idea. Plus, what fun would it be if it all went well all the time? LOL! Thanks Peter!

[@IronHorseRailways]

Wait. You can get right angled clamps? - I've built like 10 layouts and struggled like hell to line things up that neatly!😂😂 First blood to the modelling gods!😎 👍👍👍👍 But anyway, great to see you back SB!

[@randydobson1863]

hello Steve & it's is Randy and i like yours video is cool Thanks Steve Friends Randy

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hi Randy! Thanks for hanging out and for the encouragement! Rail-on my friend!

[@peteshoulders1]

always great fun with regular guy, blood sweat and tears, the real deal cheers👍👍👍

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Wouldn't be the same without the blood, right? LOL! Thanks Pete!

[@leterguyschroeder4919]

Rail on, keep it coming, good job.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Thanks my friend!

[@gregoryjones2004]

Awesome work ! Rail on brother !

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Copy that, Greg, and thanks!

[@JoelsRailroadStuff]

Good stuff. I’m going to try using the shelf bracket method. But it’s good to see examples of just using what you have and making it work. At the end of the day, if it’s solid, supported, and level, it does the job, right? Love to see the “regular guy way”.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Shelf brackets can certainly work. Used them for about three builds. They can just be a little flimsy for anything deeper than 24". But, whatever works, Joel!

[@garyshanks6269]

Liked the video, sorry abt your thumb. I don't think I will buy a corner bracket like that now lol. Look forward to the next video.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

LOL! It wasn't the clamp, it was just me being me. Thanks Gary!

[@jimarmour3581]

Look at new building sites. Construction sites throw out a lot of 2x4 pieces. Make sure you talk to the crew before you start loading up. I found construction crews are very helpfull.

[@26upman]

I thought on your electrical plug. What if you could in a box below the bench work move the receptacle from where it’s at now to the bottom box splice it through where the old receptacle is, and blank, plate it

[@whew5]

All of my benchwork is basic 2x4 construction w/ 2" foam for the top. No warping or shrinkage.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

That's what I'm talking about! Rail-on!

[@charlierumsfeld6626]

I have a green long sleeved shirt very much like yours.

[@peterpocock9062]

That was good fun Steve, thanks for sharing. What I'm about to say might be premature but here goes! May I assume you are using DCC. If so, have you thought about drilling holes in your cross members to run you bus wires? Or better yet, a false trough/front on your facia and then run your feeder wires from that. It makes trouble shooting a breeze and horror of horrors you're not upside down under the layout! ( Boy I hate that). Another, perhaps premature idea, is how do you plan to operate your turnouts? I often twig on to a beam being in the wrong bloody place, too late😢 for whatever method I use. Anyway I'll look forward to seeing how you work that out. And, keep having fun, it's infectious 😂

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Hey Pete! Thanks for that! Rail-on!

[@captainchaos3174]

Howdy Steve! I built my new around the room benchwork exactly the same way. I've walked on mine to get to the ceiling lights. Very sturdy and strong. The bonus is no more kicking of the legs underneath. PS, awesome to have you back! If you disappear again, I'm gonna hop on a plane here from South Africa and fly to you to keep you on track! 😂😂 Did you hear that Roy from Panama is suffering from brain cancer?

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Bah! Keep me on "track!" Well played. Yeah, sucks about Roy. :( He's good people.

[@freddythomas2112]

When you first started up the saw l had a feeling their might be blood.Careful buddy.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

You know me too well Freddy LOL!

[@troyphoto7]

The Indiana regular guy way is Move the Outlet up or down. Go whichever direction the wire comes from.

[@ItsMyRailroad]

LOL! So, Troy, in the next video I actually reference this comment, Keep 'em coming brother!