Build a layout module | January 2020 WHATS NEAT MRH Mag

MRH roving reporter Ken Patterson's January What's Neat show includes:
- New layout module construction
- Layout built for ops
- And great train runbys!
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► See the full article and follow the discussion: mrhmag.com
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► THERE’S LOTS MORE:
Get even more how-tos for model railroading on the Model Railroad Hobbyist website. This video is just part of the FREE January 2020 issue of Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine.
mrhmag.com
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[@craigcurran3962]

Ken, It's so nice to see you return to the old style of "What's Neat," rather than talking heads sitting around your work table. This particular segment was so helpful as I was planning to add a similar area to my layout, and the methods you used are exactly what I needed to solve a couple of problems I was having deciding what to do. Keep up the good work, snd I believe this format is most helpful to those of us that rely on your expertise to assist us in our modeling efforts.

[@cprtrain]

Super show!

[@boylesterminalshops6841]

Now this was the what’s neat I stumbled upon and enjoyed watching. A show with many building tips and tricks. Thanks for bringing this back, and keep it up

[@captainbill12]

One of the best "What's Neat" shows I have seen in a long time. Not that any of them are bad, but I have always loved watching you build and create. I'm looking forwards the next installment to see how this new 13' section looks.

[@Suicidal122]

At 28:49 I actually work at the Polyethylene manufacturing facility where those orange Sclair cars originated from (Ontario, Canada). Very few left in service, because of their smaller size can fit in some tight places the newer larger hopper cars cannot. Cool layout (s).

[@stephenwilliamson4556]

Very much enjoyed the layout build segment. It’s always very soothing to see a craftsman at work. I was actually on the train to work watching this. The layout tour was very impressive as well. Hats off to the guy who built it. A lot of time and effort well spent.

[@EricPetersen2922]

Ken, people like watch you work, you are a amazing talent an experience. I realize that shooting videos interviewing your friends in the hobby might be more fun to shoot. But you are so good at building/modeling people appreciate watching you work, invent, create, explaining what you are thinking and solving solutions for any layout. Watching interviews are good too, just not as fun to watch. Because some times we don’t know them. I also realize you interview important/respected people in the hobby. Maybe for biz reasons. It’s your show. This episode is wonderful!! Tx always for what you do! I watch every episode. No matter what the content. 😀

[@michaeltate7218]

Thanks, Ken. I have my own basement layout and am always watching your episodes because you make things so clear with absolutely professional results.

[@kd5gsp]

I'm working towards a new layout, and I really appreciate the tried and proven building techniques presented in this format. EXCELLENT!

[@nathanrider5369]

Ken it is GREAT to see you back at building! This is what I always tuned in for!

[@Perfusionist01]

Great edition! I really appreciated the "how to" part. I have watched your techniques before but this was a nice overall view of the process that includes both mainline superelevation and branchline treatments.

[@vicestes1393]

Ken, that was an awesome episode. I learned so much that I can directly apply to my ongoing layout construction. Thanks for the effort that you put into this video as well as all of the contributions that you make to the 'World's Greatest Hobby'.

[@johnbrown7858]

The new layout extension is great. I was surprised at the amount of detail you input into this extension. The results are impressive. It shows that every additional step, while time consuming, shows up in the final presentation. Thanks Ken!

[@ruatrainman2]

Perfect "What's Neat" episode. You answered so many questions in just one video, I can't wait to see what you do next with this diorama. Thank you very much for sharing this with us. Dave B.

[@EricPetersen2922]

Nailed it Ken. This is THE format for this show. Thx again Ken

[@jackoesterlejr.3454]

This What's Neat show i loved the layout tour! It gives you ideas what to do with your existing layout! Just to sum it up, Mr. Patterson is the best teacher in the model railroading industry...hands down! I loved how he showed us step by step on his new section..how to! Outstanding job...Mr. Patterson on giving us your skills on this great hobby! This is the "Worlds Greatest Hobby" Till Next Time! MoPac Jack

[@rgetty]

Great show, Ken. The layout construction segment was so much fun to watch. I know it took many hours of shooting and editing - much appreciated!

[@johnedson2580]

Thank You Ken for providing on of the most informative how to videos l have seen on layout construction in a long time. I watched it twice today

[@charlesdempsey176]

That answered a few questions I had about building with foam. Thank you.

[@joelvaldez5577]

For anyone considering this hobby: 1. Have to have the space. 2. Do not think of moving any time soon. 3. Have the money. 4. Have the patience and determination / time. 5. If it's in the basement, no plumbing leak above. 6. You got insurance.

[@Kevin-ev7hw]

Thank you KP for another great Video.

[@The282mike]

Ken this was a refreshing change to the talk show sections of your show ! Hope to see more of these as well as the table talk episodes!I really enjoy the Whats Neat this week program, so keep up the good work my friend!

[@scottsilvey7522]

Very nice how to Ken!! Watching you these last 4 years has made my decision to use foam for my layout base a no brainer!! Happy New Year to you and your family and I'm looking forward to another great year of your video's!!!!

[@joem3968]

Thank for bringing the whats neat back i also love to watch all the tips and tricks.I think you may have lost a some audience but now you got me back. Thats what we need is a little for hands on. Great show and hope all of had a merry christmas and new year. Joe from Australia

[@yrunaked4]

Wonderful show, I will have to put some of your techniques into my own efforts. Thanks for sharing Ken. Happy 2020

[@craigsummers131]

the title of the show says it all , great work ....

[@deandanielson8074]

Thanks, Ken, for detailed, step-by-step instruction on building this removal 13-foot long section. I love the way you both show what you are doing but also explain "why" you are doing it. I also greatly appreciate your mentioning brands and specific products you use so that we can know what to buy for our own modeling activities. Thanks so much!! - Dean from Minnesota

[@HenrikSweden1]

Yes foam is great. Used for my n scale Erie lackawanna. Very nice video !

[@johngormley2192]

I like the metal stud usage. I am always looking for new materials to use for layout building.

[@sparky107107]

lots of tips and tricks in this video. the metal studs will keep it from warping and are super light weight.

[@step2191]

Great article Ken!

[@alcosteam]

We made it by John's layout during the 2018 RPM meet, its a super nice layout and the isle ways are nice and wide unlike some of the others we visited.

[@garylester55]

Hi Ken, I totally enjoyed this episode of What’s Neat, very well explained as always, thank you. I’d like to wish you a Happy New Year for 2020. Kind regards Gary, Western Australia.

[@robertwintle9468]

Very much enjoyed this Months show. Learned some new techniques. You are inspiring me to do some photography. I am planning on attending the NMRA Convention and am Hoping to meet you, Mike, Jason and Daniel. Thanks for sharing your passion of this the Greatests hobby in the World with us. As you always say "Rock and Roll" Bob Wintle MMR 419 Parsons, Ks.

[@williamgreen9307]

Awesome video ken you make great videos thanks

[@oldtown6240]

Now that is Neat.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Another fantastic video Ken! Really enjoyed the "How to" I can't wait to use these techniques in my own layout construction! Keep up the awesome work, already very excited to see how this ends up!

[@jolliemark6294]

Ken it all looks great makes me think more ahead at doing th things. Just a hint after sanding you rail run a nickel over the rail to fill in the scratches, this will prevent dirt from filling them....thanks for your journey on the module....Jack

[@2011scuba]

Is that an official Bob Ross painting knife? Haha

[@CM-ARM]

Ken your diorama is looking great. Thank you for the lesson. I also wanted to tell you to try and take a paper bag, (sandwich or grocery) and buff your Oak with it. It will really make it shine like glass. Try it out on a scrap. Do everything like you did before and finish it off with the bag. You will be surprised. Anyway happy new year and keep on railroading

[@kjellmortenklevsand2088]

Yes, this one was nice and interesting. Thanks !! ( and no complaints about the background sound from me this time, Ken :-)

[@wamozart9573]

High Five, Ken!!!!!

[@yrunaked4]

Rock n Roll

[@elwood.downey]

Yes yes yes. Now I know how I have SHOULD have made my last layout.

[@modelrailroadadventureswit6347]

Nice 👍🏼 just found your channel and will be enjoying your content for some time :D

[@EvanstonSub]

Nice.

[@williemcbdirty1205]

Ken , I started my Nscale layout on Christmas day . doing all the same as you have here , but used 3/4" ply for the bench frame, where you used metal studs. My question was how do you figure out the supper elevation for other scales? This is one of the best videos I have seen of your how to segments.

[@applicareinc]

at 1:58 I thought that was a real full-size train!

[@katieleereid3181]

great video, always learn so much. where do you get the foam board tho? looked everywhere

[@hansfriess]

Hi Ken Are you going to finish this layout build on a future episode

[@spacecalander]

How did you get n-scale rail joiners to work on HO scale? Sounds like a great idea.

[@elleryparsons5766]

My n Scale is under constuction thinking of putting a 5x9 on next to a 4x8 the other Board didn't make the cut.

[@BNRailNut]

Using Styrene strips for the elevated curves is a great idea but would be expensive , i will 3D print these for my curves Costing just a few cents

[@kmagnussen1052]

where is part 2?

[@timothygreene662]

Did you finish the bts sawmill project you were working on?

[@4gauge10]

Most railroaders run on a shoestring budget.A few dollars here,a few dollars there,kitbashing etc.

[@jacobdurbin5480]

How do you handle the track where two modules connect?

[@hansfriess]

What was the benefit of hanging the track above the scene? How did that help you in your planning and construction?

[@helenevans1109]

Being as the track work has been constructed and soldered together before finishing the surface, seems like a great idea to keep stuff intact while painting.

[@williamfeather1753]

grean video ken from william

[@jermainem3399]

Excellent patriot God Bless you come please and make me one lol

[@drifterman469]

Really enjoyed this episode, but I have a couple of questions. Since this is a module that you will remove it from the layout for outdoor photography, how do you handle getting the tracks to line back up when you place it back in the layout? How do you wire a module like this, and what do you use to connect each end of the module? I don't think you had any switches, but how would you mount switch motors?

[@JamesRegiersModels]

The module is designed to be in a certain place in the layout, and to rest on shelf supports that are constant height. As long as the module is oriented correctly, things will align when it is pushed into place. Simply slide the rail joiners in and it's good to go. Ken uses headphone jack connectors to easily plug the layout sections in to power. The wiring (bus, feeders, etc.) is internal to the module. Ken's turnouts are all ground lever thrown, so there are no motors to worry about.

[@elleryparsons5766]

You running flextrack? On that line?

[@sergioarroyoguerrero5434]

Uso clavos para fijar las vias . Para cortar el tramo sobrante uso una segueta para via Atlas y corcho para amortiguar el ruido del tren . Necesito vias flexibles , cambios electricos y manuales , cruces de 15 , 30 , 45 y 90 grados . Tambien rectas y curvas , cruces dobles y cambios triple . Encarriladoras rectas y curvas en N , HO y Z .

[@MRhobbyist]

Translation for English viewers: I use nails to fix the vines. To cut the excess section I use an Atlas track saw and a cork to muffle the noise of the train. I need flexible tracks, electrical and manual changes, 15, 30, 45 and 90 degree crossings. Also straights and curves, double crosses and triple changes. Straight and curved reeling machines in N, HO and Z.

[@DutchDeLorean]

Hey, where do you get that "bent horse rasp" looks like an absolutely perfect tool for carving the foam. I've tried every name I can think of for this tool and can't find it anywhere. Not even Amazon or Ebay. It's kind of astounding haha.

[@MRhobbyist]

These are "staircase" rasps or ring rasps and are specialty items going for about $25 US or more (plus shipping). Here's one source: www.fine-tools.com/feile8.html

[@Kensart55]

I got the one on the video from the woodcraft store. $18.00 ten years ago. hope this helps.

[@alconk7129]

You didn’t have to add feeders?

[@Kensart55]

Not yet . I will ad Blocks to kill power.

[@4gauge10]

Unless your building a basement sized monstrosity,most insurance companies won't even consider insuring it.