Bill Kachel's Cosmopolitian Division of the PRR

Bill Kachel’s Cosmopolitan Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad from Pittsburgh to NYC and New Haven is an HO scale DCC controlled railroad. Incorporating the PRR, New Haven and Reading RR's. Includes the Hell Gate Bridge, Horseshoe Curve and the Zoo interchange in Philadelphia. Over half has catenary. His railroad has been featured in the season 9 of the TV show “Tracks Ahead”. This layout is truly an amazing feat of model railroading engineering and is open to visitors during the November Model Railroad Open House schedule for PA, DE, MD and NJ.

[@ArcadiaJunctionHobbies]

This would be my 'perfect' model train layout. Not because it is huge and impressive - but because it screams charm and atmosphere. Something most modern layouts - big and small - tend to lack. A true work of art.

[@samh3029]

The track work is unbelievable! Spiral curves, double slips, curved turnouts...just amazing!

[@TomYarbrough]

Far and away the best layout I have seen. When a "human's" head pops into view, it is almost disconcerting. The detail is fantastic.

[@dougthegreat1808]

Again, I watch a ton of these videos and this is the best without a doubt!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rickdonohue6370]

Fantastic Layout it was not hard to keep forgetting it was a layout and not the real deal. Fantastic job

[@ROCKSTARCRANE]

Probably the most impressive layout I've ever seen....

[@4stringrr78]

ROCKSTARCRANE bar none

[@madyogi6164]

Will always admire ammount of work you people put into this...

[@jmerly11]

My God the time this must have taken. Fantastic.

[@williamlavelle7786]

If there were a Oscar, Nobel Prize or any other prize for genius model trains this layout would win hands down. A different section could be submitted every year and it would win every time.

[@CoasterQ]

Impressive. You almost forget it's a model railroad until you see the giants.

[@timbober1]

I have taken this “cab” ride a few times, it’s very relaxing. Such a great layout, thanks to you for capturing it and thanks to Bill for creating it.

[@dutch2120]

What a Fantastic layout!!! So much detail!!

[@jetstrat]

Unbelievable! I feel like I am back in the northeast!!! Absolutely stunning layout!

[@everettthepetractionguy4222]

The entire layout with it's realistic scenery is absolutely impressive. But, it's the catenary system above the tracks that blows me away. Everything about this layout is magnificent. 👍😎

[@gpholtz]

Wonderful historical layout, and the vehicles too!!!! These are the happiest giants on Earth!!! hahaha

[@timfremstad3434]

I can't imagine the amount of planning, patience and money that it took to make this thing so realistic looking

[@gaylespencer6188]

The grittiness is everywhere. So realistic.

[@georgeacton7918]

OMG, this took an incredible amount of skilled work to build. True realism in model railroading. Thx for sharing this great video.

[@spartakkorolev9860]

OMG!! A lot of electric line! It's amazing!!!

[@mynorthshore]

At first I wasn't sure I wanted to watch a model video. But one minute in and I was hooked. The modeling is superb, the creativity excellent, and the video itself well done. This is nothing short of inspirational.

[@wobblinwheel]

I just can't believe this layout.... amazing!

[@52kevoc]

Astonishing. There must be a seven figure sum involved in this. The most realistic detail I have ever seen, and obviously many years worth of TLC has gone into it. Well done sir.

[@BillsMorphboas]

Wow, that was the most impressive train platform I have ever seen. You are now my hero in the train world I have never been so blown away my absolute favorite railroad Pennsylvania railroad my God. I don’t think words can really express the excitement. I felt watching that video it took me back to when I was a kid living in the Frankford section of Philadelphia and all those High power wires. I am just oh my God I’m blown away. Bill Plies.

[@bfagan777]

What area do you live. Maybe I can set up a visit .

[@BillsMorphboas]

@@bfagan777 I live in Warminster Pennsylvania right now I grew up in the Frankford section of Philadelphia PA. I would be so excited to bring some of my grandchildren to see that platform they would be a static.

[@bfagan777]

What street in Warminster

[@bfagan777]

Do you have a railroad?

[@BillsMorphboas]

@@bfagan777 655 Ivy Lynn Rd.

[@tommythomason6187]

Gritty urban scenery with amazing trackwork and detail. One of the very best I've seen.

[@YYCRCFabricationz]

Easily the very best urban layout I've ever seen! Very impressive & a great ride thru the most highly detailed layout ever. Thanks for giving us a ride thru this incredible work of art, barely know you're not on a real train thru a real city.

[@sonnypruitt6639]

Absolutely the best I've seen on KZbin. I would live to see this layout from eye-level.

[@WilliamHBaird-eq2hp]

The catenery and slip switch city section is fabulous!

[@markhayes6407]

The overhead electification work looks awesome and the layout is well detailed. NICE!

[@MarkInLA]

I grew up on Long Island and in Manhattan and all this is so greatly the feel of New York and Pennsylvania railroadiana. So much trackage and it isn't even a double-decker layout (which I was never too keen on)..What mountain and rock there is, too, is so very very well 'carved out'...Would like to see how it's all controlled.. Congrats Bill on achieving one of the all time greatest MRRs ! M, Los Angeles

[@leeadams6809]

What a masterpiece! Totally amazing!

[@60s70sTheBest]

As others have commented, a great layout. The catenary system looks realistic.

[@rajah155]

So much of this layout reminds me of departing Newark Penn station towards New York City on the NEC, as the trains used to pass the foundry buildings of Harrison & Kearny. What a great layout!

[@jmnpc]

Just wow! Incredibly realistic! It’s all in the juicy details, which is what makes this stand out from the rest. Bravo!

[@josephmueller335]

Awesome layout you are so blessed to have such a nice layout happy model railroading

[@simflier8298]

One of my all-time favorites. Wow! Those scenes have a Hollywood movie studio quality. I bet those wheels needed truing after that long, complex journey

[@briannorman952]

The track work alone is superb. Wow

[@davidreadinger1579]

WOW!!! Stunning! Wonderful work on this piece of 3D art.

[@martinmakarick1957]

This is so realistic , I am amazed at the endles details, and the giants look so real. Love all of this

[@joestrainworldvideos3977]

Great views. Thank you for sharing.

[@stefano58able]

Is't an eccellent layout very realistic and beautiful .My compliment

[@NgaiOlaudah]

Mr. Kachel is an American Master Artist.. This is Zenith modeling... Thank you.

[@glendenig9962]

Wow! This is phat dude! Great job! Love the track and catenary detail!

[@joeleikomstead7549]

Bill, you will never know how much I enjoyed this cab ride through your Pennsylvania RR layout. Honestly, the work you and your wife have done is astonishing. The layout looks so real. I grew up in Palmyra, New Jersey, and as a teenager I use to walk across the Taconey Palmyra Bridge and walk to where I could climb up to the four track PRR main line. I would sit for hours watching the trains go by. You bring back so many fond memories of my youth with your creative work. I now reside in West Fargo, North Dakota and have a small N Scale PRR layout to keep my memories alive. Thank you so very much for this fine video and all the work you both have done. I wish I lived closer to you as I would love to visit this layout. Best Regards....Joel Eikomstead, West Fargo, North Dakota.

[@DiggerEvans]

what a truly inspiring layout

[@bobmcweeney7459]

Wow! Whatta spectacular layout.

[@PRR5406]

Feels like the Pennsy to me. Beautiful work.

[@kimjusjong8657]

Wauw,Im blown away by this track and the layout ! Im in Wonderland on this tour :-) Thanks for the great ride :-)

[@firedyna97]

Such a cool layout.

[@donfulton4875]

The most impressive layout ever.

[@MrCarlRosen]

Unbelievable! I never knew that a layout that size even existed. In 22 minutes the camera train didn't pass any spot twice! What kind of structure houses this massive model city, a hangar? I think I counted 16 GG-1's on that video. It's been my favorite over all locomotive since I was a kid. I'd see them in Penn Station and Sunnyside Yard on the LIRR to and from my childhood home in Nassau County. I can't even refer to this project as a "layout", it appears as 8 or 10 layouts conjoined. I have to admit, Mr. Kachel's creation has to be one of the most massive models in all of model railroading. I bet you can still find room for an airport or at least the end of a runway. I enjoyed seeing this impressive, incredible project.

[@bfagan777]

Bill's railroad is in his basement which has been enlarged once. Railroad ran from Pittsburgh to New York then enlarged to add to New Haven. Bill is adding more space to go to Boston. Stay tuned. It is the best private layout I've ever seen. Bill

[@JohnDimer-er4jn]

What a stunning ride

[@kurzewinke1694]

Great layout. Looks so real

[@gilbertoviviani9273]

this video just came to my attention and can only say one word.... AMAZING!!

[@slackthompson6984]

fabulous , even the wall art .........

[@spinster4000]

Its so soothing, the clicking is amazing, i love this layout!

[@Inquisitor6321]

Great job on the catenary!

[@MattAttack54]

Beautiful layout

[@Starfield1959]

Tremendous work !! Love the Catenary detail. And all the GG-1 power in use reminds me of the Congressional Limited. Well Done Sir, Well Done !!

[@marknauman53]

Breathtaking!!!

[@mikeyd.234]

Just came across this video - excellent job all the way around. I became an unintentional Pennsy fan riding the rails of the PRR from Pennsylvania Station in NYC (the original) to Lancaster, PA courtesy of the Fresh Air Fund during the summers of my youth; this was a very nostalgic and realistic look back in time for me. Thanks!

[@normandedgerly8445]

With the one exception of a dire need for balast, this layout is mind boggling! Just AMAZING! Feels like an "animated" collection of historical PRR photos. My hat is off to you!

[@MrTrashcan1]

First visited Bill's layout in the early '90s and observed its evolution through the years. One of the most amazing model railroads in existence, especially if you are a fan of urban modeling. To top it off, Bill is the nicest guy. And Bill Fagan ain't so bad either. :-)

[@Valizan]

Wow! This big, beautiful layout is a visual treat! Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@donsgotmoney]

My gosh, did you forget any details?? What a outstanding example of a heart felt passion! I hope you have grandkids/kids that appreciate so much passion, im sure your viewers do.

[@sierravalleyandharborjunction]

fabulous looking railroad!!!

[@TheAardvarkguy]

Absolutely exquisite. Thank you. Fabulous layout.

[@GregPalmer1000]

Wow what can one say about a layout of this magnitude, excellent, marvellous, fantastic etc.bloody good.

[@ac0catenary]

Awesome Video. The use of double slips, threeways and curved Turnouts is amazing. Typical PRR flying junctions are also used with genius. very inspiring catenary system ..A great example of PRR power

[@curtwbb]

Beautiful layout with stunning details.

[@imsofaman]

One of THE best layouts I have ever seen. I love PRR and I had an O gage layout done in PRR years ago. I really miss it. This video made me smile over and over. Congrats on your club's beautiful layout. Well done gents!

[@warrenwilson4818]

Totally ahead of any other layout I've seen.

[@RAK402]

Magnificent! That does not begin to cover it. Amazingly realistic!

[@jonnybeck6723]

Still my favorite layout... maybe not perfect but somehow magically alive cheers

[@hamiltonfixedrider]

What a view !!!!

[@twisthiltz4779]

Astonishing detail, just blows me away the level of detail & hard work.

[@suelinerr]

Beautiful railroad and nice video. Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelroark3263]

Very nicely done!

[@TheCondoInRedondo]

Love the EP5s and the nod to the New Haven. Great catenary work.

[@NgaiOlaudah]

Thank you for shooting Bill's great PRR railroad, Mr. Fagan! It looks just great and tremendous from any vantage you shoot it from! Just Great! Thanks again...

[@TrainLordJC]

Sensational layout! What a pleasure it must be to run trains on this layout. Thanks for sharing.

[@rvooyen]

As a catenary buff this layout is fantastic. Lifetime to build I guess. My store bought stuff pales. Great work. Robert

[@joevidal7616]

What an absolutely MARVELOUS layout! I would love to hear the "Scale trains museum quality turbine" cross these switches and curves with it's added sound package. I love this video.

[@matthewgaines10]

That is an awesome layout!

[@ThePaulv12]

This is just one the most amazing layouts I've ever seen. The grime is palpable, the superelevation and compact yards. Then there's the catenary! You've nailed it. Only thing now is how to model rubbish. Rubbish and right of way are inseparable LOL. What really makes this so spectacular, is the change of mood the camera imparts as the train traverses areas of the layout. It is very very prototypical and reminds me of any trip I might have on a train.

[@DarkTerritory71]

As always! Very cool,and interesting! Thanks for sharing!

Wow. Just wow.

[@mishellerauth1966]

Absolutely amazing! One of the best I've every seen 😎

[@weebleslove469]

Most awesome layout I've ever seen! I bet it took decades to build..

[@jonnybeck6723]

I keep watching over and over, finding new eye candy each and every time... No other layout captures the feeling and ignites the memories of Eastern cities and, for me, the New York, New Haven and Hartford between Westport and NYC. BTW Bill, do I recall a mention of a follow up? That would be grand. Thanx again and... cheers

[@LtRob1967]

The intricacy of the pantograph wires is incredible. I only wish this were a signaled layout.

[@jtveg]

Unreal. 😉👍 Thanks for sharing.

[@TheCondoInRedondo]

Amazing how much catenary is present. So difficult to hang those lines, especially when crossing tracks. But it definitely captures the feel of PRR and even reminds me of the New Haven, between Stamford and Woodlawn. Speak of the devil. As soon as I write the previous paragraph there is an EP-5 !!! Go New Haven!

[@jimwhitman3678]

Stunning

[@jasonsmith6408]

Inspiring. That's it, I am retiring early!

[@rhbeadlejr]

The CO Rail "Pac-Man" boxcar stood out like a sore thumb! Great layout.

[@reefranger38]

Beautiful layout! Im fascinated by the caternary wire system. I nee that on my layout for my GG1's

[@harrychest4303]

Beautiful

[@charlieseymour3438]

If it weren't for the giant people occasionally showing up in the video..and overhead lights...you'd never know it wasn't real. Spectacular...

[@joeleikomstead7549]

I guess I didn't realize that this video was done by you Bill Fagan. You did a fantastic job. Please pass on the comments regarding this model railroad to Bill Kachel. Thank you so very much. Joel Eikomstead, West Fargo, North Dakota.

[@edwardmiessner6502]

Very impressive.

[@iceeking2006]

Great layout and wonderful cab ride. Thanks for the post. I've been wanting to see a cab ride clip of this layout . Catenary layouts look so realistic if done right. Have you heard of Andy Rubbo's HO scale Pennsylvania RR New York Division? What a masterpiece of a layout. The scenery and catenary are marvelous. The layout is in Metuchen, NJ. It was featured back in the 2013 Great Model Railroads annual. Maybe you could do a cab ride clip of this layout in the near future. It would be much appreciated. Keep up the good work. Thumbs up. Already a subscriber.