BRR Layout Tour: Scott Woods' B&LE/Union RR Steel Themed Layout

Welcome to a very special tour of Mr. Scott Woods' Bessemer & Lake Erie, Union Railroad and Steel Industry themed HO scale layout. Scott's layout is very extensive and detailed, and this video is long to enable covering most of it. Join us as Scott takes us on a walking tour of the layout. Along the way he explains the scenes and the actual operations of the steel industry items he is modeling- you are going to learn a lot about the steel industry on this tour.
Scott's layout is a double deck arrangement, with the bottom level consisting mostly of the steel industry modeling. A helix connects the lower to upper level. The upper level consists mostly of B&LE scenes and various other areas Scott wanted to include on his layout.
I did my best to capture the scenes and all the detail Scott has included, but there is no way one video is going to do justice to all Scott's work. To say the least, this was a target rich environment!
As usual, the normal disclaimer about my breathing (was acting up a little that day) and I did try - TRY- to remember to use slow camera movements but please excuse any annoying camera work.
We wrap up the video with a photo collage showcasing Scott's outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail. I would like thank Scott for taking the time form his day to show his layout and for his very generous hospitality- he is a true gentlemen and an extremely talented modeler!
Thank you for watching. If you enjoyed, please Like, Share and if not a subscriber please Subscribe so you don't miss any future updates, Product Information Videos, and other Model Railroading related videos!

[@pennsylvaniamodelrailroad]

I think I learned more about steel mills in the first 5 minutes of this video, than I ever knew before.

[@246spyder]

I don't think, I know I did.

[@sparky107107]

lol, at Larry's engine facility. nice work he did with a mirror. watching this I feel like i have learned so much about the steel making process. one of the best videos I have ever seen on you tube. what a great second level too. nothing to wild,lol, watch that step next time. the rest is just wow. that would be a full day just LOOKING around his layout. best part,, him and his son built it,, together,, very nice.

[@TheGryxter]

To Mr. Woods: I have watched a bunch of model railroad videos and hats-off to those who can build them. But I have to say that this was the most awe inspiring of them all. The dedication to his model , and to him incorporating his life's work into it is amazing. I certainly hope that you have passed down the incredible amount of information you posses to your children. I never knew how much went into making something we all take little notice of, the process of iron, and steel manufacture. Sir, you are a legend!!!

[@tommurphy4307]

the last thing steelworkers want to talk about at home is steel making. there are informative books available on the bessemerization process and steel making from the various forms of steel products.

[@JeanPaillard-to1hx]

This layout tops any other I've ever seen. IT IS STUPENDOUS! The craftsmanship is out of this world. Mr. Wood is a true artist and also a true historian. Building all of this had and has to be more than a passion. It's an obsession. A GOOD obsession. This must absolutely be preserved in a museum for posterity. It represents an extremely important era of our history when steel was used to build this nation to what it has become.

[@froggleggers1805]

Yes! It's a wonderful masterpiece!

[@mikeenssle7259]

Hi Scott I was at the Greenville museum today with my son today from Conneaut Ohio. I apologize for not introducing myself my name is Mike. I really love all that amazing info you can sit and look through all that Bessemer stuff. I will definitely be back soon. Your layout is amazing. Thank you for talking with me!

[@lrodpeterson3046]

I am proud to say I've known Scott for some 30 years. This was an outstanding performance on his part, both as instruction as well as tour guiding. We were once neighbors across the street back in Aurora, IL. I've seen versions of this layout in four locations, although he told me on the phone that there is nothing left of that Aurora layout, although he had transported parts of it several times before settling back in Greenville. He also told me he's involved with a "steel manufacturing interest group" (don't know what else to call it) which has accounted for a good deal of education for his benefit, beyond what he knew of the fabrication side of things from his years with CB&I. He's a diploma-ed engineer from a prestigious school, and it and his experience shows all over the layout and the video. Really impressive work. Not bad on the videography, either, Stephen.

[@davidbondy4359]

scott that was my job for 43 years i was a bricklayer at great lakes steel, i relined so many hot metal bottles i can't give you a number.loved my job, RETIRED NOW.

[@yorkiepudd7404]

It`s mind blowing just to build an epic layout as this is, but then to add real history into the mix truly puts the icing on the cake is priceless.

[@JPoulAndersson]

Thank you Rob for making this video! Mr. Woods' knowledge on the topic of steel mills and associated railroads is clearly exceptional. It's been a real pleasure to see his wonderful layout as well as to listen to his accompanying expert tour. Cheers from Holland, Joachim

[@douglaskirk2543]

Exceptional Detains, and Craftmanship thruout . . . GREAT History lessons also

[@enochrussell6042]

The

[@409novaman]

One of the most interesting layouts, that I've ever seen.

[@RobbieSongwriter]

Truly, a masterful work of art! Thank you for the tour of this amazing layout. I love the whimsical parts as much as the historically accurate stuff. It's hard to imagine how he has completed so many incredible scratch built models. I really appreciate your sharing all these wonderful layouts. Thank you Rob and Scott.

[@dsimmons6522]

Incredible, love the real coal, iron ore, and details. Simply wonderful.

[@tommurphy4307]

they had coke, too, but- oh, never mind....

[@jasonsippola183]

Really enjoyed Mr. Woods layout and tour. Appreciate his passion for railroading and how he personalized his model railroad incorporating the actual minerals from real world location, parks and museums to utilize locomotives and rolling stock that "doesn't fit", and corner scenes (fun on Shenago River, canal lock, and Drake's well). The flexible staging lead is a great idea and space saver along with locomotive scrap yard/refurbisher in Mineral Ridge for motive power storage. My wife's grandfather, Grover Lewis, worked at CBI in Greenville until he was injured on job. Enjoyed CBI project history while on layout tour. Used to be a lot of industry in Greenville, PA. As a life long Mercer County resident I too am in planning stages of my own model railroad based on the NYC Franklin Division. Endpoints of my line are Jamestown and Stoneboro, PA and will incorporate the PRR operations in both boroughs as well. I would like to incorporate the three railroads on three levels in Osgood, PA also. The Erie railroad being the only mainline trunk railroad in Mercer County and the B&LE with its heart being in Greenvile, PA. Shenago yard, Erie XN tower, and PRR Bruin tower represented on this section. Anyhow, really enjoyed the layout, tour, narration, and passion. Keep the videos coming! Keep up the great work and God bless.

[@ModelingSteelinHO]

Stunning steel mill modeling. This is exactly the type of modeling I'm trying to capture with my tiny steel mill. Thank you both for sharing this wonderful layout.

[@jamesforti5197]

Holy crap, Scott...this is beyond awesome....the ore freighter and hulett shovels really make this...I grew up in WNY and my dad worked at Bethlehem Lackawanna. .so much of your layout hits home. I have a small 4x8 HO layout featuring steel industry (Walthers Coke/blast furnace) but your monument to steel is the gold standard!

[@applicareinc]

What a wonderful education about steel production. Thanks for your excellent sharp video work of this masterpiece.

[@246spyder]

Whatever happens, this "model" layout must be preserved,What a perfect thing to be at the Bessemer of perhaps Bethlehem history museums. A ready-made museum display if ever there was one.

[@robertzepeda789]

Sir I've been watching your utube videos I live alone I'm at home a lot you are so helpful with my depression my name is Robert also thank you very much

[@paulw.woodring7304]

I was only going to watch a couple of minutes of this, being from NE Ohio and having some interest in the steel roads of the region, but I watched the whole thing and found it to be one of the best layout tour videos I've seen. I really appreciate the attention to detail put into it. Thanks for posting.

[@Dr_Won_Hung_Lo]

I'm not really into model railroads but this was really cool to listen to this man talk about all this stuff. He's very knowledgeable and did a really great job explaining. I kinda felt like I was watching some kind of Nat Geo special on coal burning plants

[@tommurphy4307]

national geographic doesn't know SHIT about steel-making. steel-making involves processes that simply aren't possible without using coal or coke (a form of coal). those processes cannot utilize organic or petrochemical fuels. and 'coal burning' in the context you are using should be 'coal-burning'....doctor.

[@userequaltoNull]

Oh. My. God. 5 minutes in, and nearly speachless. So much detail, finely scratch built machinery, all weathered to look real. This is amazing, thank you for sharing.

[@KrC-1207]

You definitely have an impressive steel mill layout. Incredible eye for detail.

[@choro1981]

Awesome layout and great video,very interesting. Love everything he has,lots to see and holy crap 700 engines.

[@Kevin-ev7hw]

Rob thank you for filming Scotts B&LE steel mill layout. A++++++++++

[@stevencollins1643]

Most, most awesome... thanks so much Rob! 😀

[@TrainsandDioramas]

One of the best industrial layouts that I've ever seen! The scales of it is mind blowing, just like the real steel plants. Great tour for sure. Cheers! Kaustav

[@ironknobsteelworks4063]

Absolutely stunning. Blows my attempt at recreating a steelworks clean out of the water!!

[@ALL-bj7mj]

dang, dang, dang!!!!!!!!!! I had to watch this in 3 sections....UNREAL!!!!! one of the best railways I have seen to date!!!!!!!!!!

[@peter6992]

This production is outstanding! This is a layout tour & documentary in one. VERY well done. I couldn't stop watching.

[@nicolag1883]

Ce reportage c'est une heure trente de bonheur et d'apprentissage. Merci au modéliste et à vous de nous l'avoir fait connaître. This report is an hour and a half of happiness and learning. Thank you to the modeller and to you for making us known. Ĉi tiu raporto estas horo kaj duono de feliĉo kaj lernado. Dankon al la modelo kaj vi por sciigi nin.

[@jorgan1950]

Love his layout, great history lesson too.

[@TheSupradude26]

Awesome layout and awesome scratch building skills on display here! Well done Scott!

[@davidhodgson4685]

Really enjoyable and interesting tour - thanks Scott.

[@melfackler1341]

A Great tour Rob. Thanks for your time and work!

[@TouchoftheBrushModelWeathering]

Beautiful layout. Super detailed and complex...a operators dream!

[@cprtrain]

Outstanding! I love your layout tours. Thanks for posting!

[@jontaylor1652]

Not only an awesome layout, this Scott Woods guy is a very interesting man and very knowledgeable, so we get an education at the same time.

[@Madonsteamrailways]

This was the sort of size of room that I saw when I visited Shelbyville, Indiana some years ago!! One of my cousins had just purchased a house that had rooms the size of a small barn!!

[@tommurphy4307]

you can get him a greenworks electric riding vacuum cleaner for his birthday.

[@paulkirkmanMYTRAINS]

Wow what a great layout and your host has a great sense of humor too !! Well done to all. Thanks for sharing.

[@jimjohnston3188]

Very enjoyable layout, plus a lesson on how steel is made.

[@The333]

Wow, in addition to being an amazing model RR, I got an education on the steel industry. Incredible.

[@joep4235]

just fantastic !!!!!!!!!! thanks so much for the tour !!!!!!

[@thierrychampion1972]

Wow! Fantastic tour and layout.

[@garyreynolds7291]

Great layout and even better tour of the steel industry.

[@cascadianpuget]

Another great video. Fascinating to see the complexities of the steel industry.

[@mikeenssle7259]

I met this gentleman in Greenville at the train park. I remember him telling me about his layout I had no idea it was this big WOW! I grew up in Albion and the Bessemer and is where my love of trains started. I also donated a black 100 ton Bessemer hopper that is in a display case in Greenville. Amazing layout!

[@tamamman]

What an amazing layout! I have always liked steel mills, this is great!

[@TheOriginalBadger]

If theres a superlative the sums up this layout better than "WOW!", I don't know what it is. Very well explained by Scott, and I have to say, I learned something today! Thanks for bringing us this, Rob.

[@Rcwarshipguy]

Top notch! It’s great to see an amazing steel industry/themed layout

[@bobbywright2100]

Beautifully detailed one of the best videos I have ever watched absolutely love the steel mill amazing is all I can say

[@Boy69Fly]

extremely interesting tour, and WOW what a layout. Well done.

[@OwenFromOhio]

I learned a lot from this gentleman and his layout... amazing!!

[@trainsri7913]

Amazing ! Thanks for the tour!

[@thavvolf9157]

Thank you for sharing this, it has given me many ideas.

[@sierravalleyandharborjunction]

amazing amount of high quality work. thanks for posting

[@TimberSurf]

What a superb layout and an education of whats involved in industry, I luv the application of 'rule 1' and the condensed geography. Terrific, thanks to you and Scott for sharing!👍

[@ModelRailroading]

An amazing layout! Thank you for getting this on video Rob. I really enjoyed the explanation of the coke furnace. Thank you Mr. Scott.

[@yrunaked4]

This man is a scratch building beast, Great work. Thanks for sharing.

[@DavidWright-yn9bi]

Being born and raised in Youngstown, I can truly appreciate the steel industry part of the layout. Amazing! Thanks for sharing!!

[@tommurphy4307]

then you remember black monday....i was a junior tire-builder at goodyear plant #1 on that dark day.

[@shed66215]

What a phenomenal layout, an absolute treasure of detail - from the steel mill buildings through to the loads within the various wagons. Beautifully filmed Rob

[@QRoutback]

WOW what a fantastic layout, it's mind blowing the detail Cheers Glynn

[@trainmansorrell]

Impressive detail. Thank you very much for the tour. I been working hard at adding high detail to my layout lately also.

[@joe51261]

Lived here from birth till I turned 26. Loved to see this! Always saw these areas all my young life. Now I know the exact processes involved with all these buildings.. don't know today, the housing market being what it is, how much of the old building still stand. But this industry built one of the absolute best city in the world, my hometown Pittsburgh Pa. How I miss the city of my memories, my old friends and the life I lived there!

[@joe51261]

Just wanted to add...I waxed nostalgic there and never mentioned what an absolute impressive body of work on these models. My hats off to yenz for such an awsome diorama. I can't remember the last time I was this awestruck by so much talent!! I hope this finds its way into a museum someday!

[@2001DestructionofLies]

WOW, AMAZING WORK !!!!!!!!!!!

[@Madonsteamrailways]

The sounds you’ve got with an analogue control system is better than any available over this side of ‘The Pond’!!

[@MrOmega52]

This was a long video but deservedly so. The tour he gave of his layout was so formative avd the layout very detailed. Can not wait to see the update video. Hey keep those great videos coming.

[@warrenholmar1129]

Stunning

[@Steven_Williams]

Very interesting layout! Love the explanation of how steel mills and steel railroading operates. I used to go to high school near USS South Works in Chicago. The Bessemer and the steel mill railroad in the Chicago/NW Indiana area was it's sister railroad the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern or the "J" as it was known. The "J" , Bessemer, DM&IR, and Union were all once owned by USS and would swap equipment regularly.

[@tommurphy4307]

okay, mr. knowitall....did joliet manufacturing ever have a facility in youngstown area? thats either a 'yes' or 'no' answer.

[@tommurphy4307]

very cool, scott- modeling the dead line at larry's in mcdonald, ohio. my cousin david lange (warner ladder) from jamestown turned me on to your vids.

[@AllSortsOfStuff58]

Well, I certainly learned a thing or two watching this. Scott is one heck of a dedicated railroad modeller isn't he?.......Thanks for posting......David(UK)

[@jeeperscreatures]

Wonderfully Insane....Love it

[@scottwoods9141]

Thanks to all of you for the kind words.

[@IHVA-ir9gp]

Just an offer of assistance to Mr Woods. I was a Boilermaker foreman in Central Mtce at ET in the early 80's. Spent a good portion of my time in the ET BOP and some time on #1 and #2 Blast Furnace. #3 Fce was still undergoing reline at the time. Worked at Clairton in both the coke and steel works, short period of time in 2 side structural at Homestead and couple of weeks at Irvin during routing/orientation. If there are questions I can answer about the operations and layout during this period of time, I would be happy to assist. Great job on the video and best of luck with "mill" reconstruction. I myself have aspirations of building ET from the information I gathered during my tenure at USS.

[@williamfowler197]

Very nice!

[@frankneher9192]

I enjoyed this video very much.

[@TJRohyans]

What a wealth of information about the steel industry Mr. Woods is! Fantastic modeling! FYI, the Erie Canal used to run through my original hometown of New Haven, IN through Ft. Wayne. In 1989 when the state decided to build the I-469 Bypass through New Haven they uncovered one of the old Canal Locks and it is currently on display at the State Historical Museum in Indianapolis. Great job covering it all.

[@randallhermanson7610]

I live within a mile of a famous canal that is now history called the Hennepin Canal. It didn't really see its heyday like the Erie and the I&M Canals but it was quite a feat of engineering. It created great competition for the railroad tycoons by giving farmers a better rate on their grain exports but it was the railroad that eventually made canals obsolete. about ten miles from where i live is the town called Bureau Junction. At one time it was where at least two major railroads intersected and continued on to Chicago and cross country. the Hennepin Canal and Illinois River also had major ports nearby. it would be interesting to build a rail layout incorporating canals but i think that may be inaccurate history. railroads hated canals and canals hated railroads. railroads made canals obsolete and interstate trucking and air freight made railroads obsolete. i would still like to build a canal system with running water as alternative history.

[@246spyder]

Not an alternative history but just as much of our history, since it opened up the Western trails.It's a history forgotten, another part of how this country got its start.

[@froggleggers1805]

What a masterpiece!

[@johnmurphy7395]

Superb

[@trickywoo5165]

Amazing 🤩

[@reiffy76]

Unbelievable layout! I grew up only a few miles from the Bessemer line just north east of Pittsburgh. So this is very interesting to see, great video.

[@tommurphy4307]

isn't that all ghetto now? i'm thinking penn hills and wilkensburg.

[@TrainLordJC]

An absolute masterpiece, highly educational regarding how steel mills worked. Great interaction between the two gentlemen, wonderfully filmed and edited. Certainly inspirational for building our Steel Mill complex on our train club layout. Well done. Greetings from the Train Lord in South Australia a long way away from this epic action.

[@tommurphy4307]

self-proclaimed train lord- are we worthy??

[@tmesa]

So educational!

[@alexanderwoloszynjr5393]

What a layout!

[@garyreger6306]

Very informative. My next layout is going to be a steel mill.

[@bnsfnscale]

Wow this is a realy great layout. thanks for sharing...Remco

[@rjl110919581]

THANK STEPHEN FOR BEAUTY DETAIL VIDEO AS WAS GREAT TO WATCHING THIS VIDEO AS SEE SEND MANY YEARS PUT TOGETHER THIS LAYOUT AS SEE LOT OF OPERATION THROUGH LAYOUT AND THANKS FOR SHARE OTHER RAILWAY FAN THANK YOU FROM AUSTRALIA

[@TheOriginalBadger]

Its Rob. Stephen is his son.

[@donaldkarcheriii7249]

This is a rather lengthy video and it's the third time I sat through and watch the whole thing. What I like about it is the interaction with the guy who built it with pertinent questions from the film maker. Anybody can stick a camera on the front of a train and running around the platform that's easy. It was more fun listening to why he did what he did with the sections on his layout. I'd rather sit through an hour and a half has something like this any day of the week then to' watch an annoying 10 minute cab ride around the platform. I love your work I love his work I especially love your sense of humor. The one comment critical about the barge I just have no comment at all really if you don't have something nice to say don't say anything at all. I was taught that a long time ago. Out of everything that was modeled, he's got a question with portholes? Tells me more about the commentor then the video. If in your search or new railroads, I'd love to see the shipyards in Philly. Somebody has had to have modeled that particular part of Pennsylvania.

[@tommurphy4307]

the word is 'commenter', but i agree with you 100%

[@roberttrainor7659]

beautiful work, a long ore train in todays hobby represents a major investment as im beginning to find out

[@bhproductions1061]

Amazing job I catch the BLE iron ore trains in Butler Pennsylvania

[@topite]

Very educational on steal industry .

[@paulknappcollections]

Awesome brother. I'm currently working on Bethlehem Steel Johnstown PA in N scale but no where near this level. Just awesome.

[@tommurphy4307]

if what you say is true, youre going to be scratch-building for many, many years if it is to be an acceptable adaptation. better get to it and quit watching YT. there's about zip, zero, nada for any steel mill structure kits in N.

[@paulcoster8374]

wow awesome

[@CT--fd6gc]

I work at a steel mill here in Iowa. Gotta say it's pretty bad ass to see you replicate one.

[@jeffhudson7569]

Ya got Alto in there! Grew up three miles from the Curve.

[@mikeggg5671]

Un-be-frigging-lievable!!!!! Im in awe

[@mikemalliski8380]

Amazing........Stephen where are you going to find another layout to top this great historic train layout.......simply amazing.....thank you and Scott ...

[@frankneher9192]

There are a few out there in PA that I have seen. Hope rob films them one day.

[@fastslick3039]

That's not a layout, That's an education. AA++

[@joesask857]

NICE

[@cdp200442]

Enjoy your videos of various layouts . One small thing that we noticed was the sound of the breathing could be eliminated by using a mic to interview your featured guests. It’s quite noticeable and I had the same issue . Easily resolved by getting the mic a short distance away using a mic the can be plugged into the vid camera.