Building A TT:120 Model Railway - Episode 3: Building The Upper Level Station!

In Episode 3 of Building A TT:120 Model Railway, I start working on the upper level by laying the track for the station!
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With the build of my TT:120 layout coming along nicely it's time to start one of the most complex parts of the layout - the upper level. This raised section will play host to a large terminus station so I've opted to build this part of the layout separately and join it up to the rest of the model railway later on.
As in previous episodes there's lots of track laying to do and with space at a premium I've got to make sure the platforms are long enough to hold decent length trains. In addition to that, all the points need motorising and there's an uncoupling device to install. It's another busy one so let's dive in!
Products Used:
Peco TT Flexible Track: www.themodelcentre.com/sl-1200
Peco TT Left Hand Point: www.themodelcentre.com/sl-u1296
Peco TT Right Hand Point: www.themodelcentre.com/sl-u1295
SEEP PM1 Point Motors: www.themodelcentre.com/gmc-pm...
Fine Ballast: www.themodelcentre.com/b75-wo...
Servo Motors: amzn.to/3wkU4uR
Micro Servo Controller: thepihut.com/products/movemen...
2mm Cork Underlay: amzn.to/3xzxMWk
PVA Glue: amzn.to/43TyZE5
Track Tacks: amzn.to/3UiGhOE
Drill: amzn.to/43UIlPI
Double Sided Tape: amzn.to/3vFw4Cp
Craft Knife: amzn.to/4auk3Pd
Nail Punch: amzn.to/3xtkL0m
Feeder Wire: amzn.to/4cRsSnR
Bus Wire: amzn.to/43YAFfw
Soldering Iron: amzn.to/3TYNNg8
Wire Clips: amzn.to/3xwZTWj
Splice Connectors: amzn.to/3vO2Voy
DCC-EX Controller: ebay.us/oToeYt
Hornby TT A3 Night Hawk: prf.hn/l/1eLJ454
Hornby TT HST: prf.hn/l/gx1oQly
Hornby TT Mk1 Coaches: prf.hn/l/lQqp1pQ
Hornby TT Mk3 Coaches: prf.hn/l/jXnZ9qJ
Some links may be affiliates meaning I may earn commission on some links at no extra cost to you.
Thanks for watching 😃

[@loispadgett6306]

This was such a good one. I like the color coding for the wiring. Can't wait for next show. Your dad has got to be getting excited about his layout. Thanks for showing us some new things to try. GOD BLESS from America 🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

The colour coding is definitely handy with so many wires going to each motor - if there's ever any problems in the future it should make repairing things really easy. I think he's looking forward to all the track laying and wiring being done so he can help with the scenery, that's really the bit he enjoys. Thanks for watching 😃

[@stormbowman7148]

Amazing. You can't really see the difference between 00 and TT. TT is so detailed and looks amazing on the PECO track.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yeah when I reviewed the A4 last month I compared it to one of Hornby's brand new 00 A4s and (apart from the size) I was hard to see the difference in terms of detail. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Unmasking_Viandalisme]

Loved the bespoke uncouplers. Such "solutions" always generate much, hobbyist satisfaction.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They were actually something I've been working on for my 00 gauge layout and I was very pleased when I realised the same principle would work for TT as well. Thanks for watching 😃

[@bentullett6068]

The upper level really does give the layout a decent focal point and depth. I love those uncouplers.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It's really nice to have some height on the layout - just wait until next episode when we actually connect the two different sections up! Thanks for watching 😃

[@AnotherModelRailway]

That wiring organisation was really satisfying to see. Excited to see how it progresses 😊 Really enjoying the new series!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

There is something oddly pleasing about it isn't there! My wiring on previous layouts has always been a bit messy so I'm trying to be better about keeping things neat this time, especially as this one doesn't belong to me. Thanks for watching and becoming a Member too! 🤩

[@tagsdm]

Well done, That Model Railway Guy. The upper level is is a great addition as it allows the trains to "leave" and "return" to the layout. The A4 looks really nice doing so. TMC is also very nice.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I do feel the station gives the trains a sense of purpose rather than just running in circles all the time. With the reverse loop it's essentially both a continuous loop and an "out and back" style layout. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Mr.Funk92]

This looks awesome. I’ve looked at TT for a coffee table project. This will be very helpful in taking the next steps

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Awesome! TT should be great for a coffee table layout, especially with some of the smaller locos that are on the way. Thanks for watching 😃

[@howardavins9234]

Hi again Charlie Many thanks. As usual, very entertaining and varied. Brightens up my Thursday. Hope the rain clears up! Howard.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I think you might have left this comment on the wrong video 😉

[@nigelcole1936]

A development on a whole new level; great to see a major and complicated element being built. Thanks for this fascinating instalment.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It's definitely been a challenge and still a long way to go with this particular section too... things get interesting in the next one! Thanks for watching 🤩

[@MrLotus8]

Wow, that HST looks great on the upper level❤, can’t wait to see it all coming together. Ok, now I have to install uncoupling ramps on my TT:120 layout after seeing how neat yours are! Thanks for inspiring us🙏❤

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I know, can't wait to have it all joined up so we can see it running in and out of the station. Yeah the ramps are definitely going to help too. They may need a little refinement but the basic idea works really well. Thanks for watching 🤩

[@kclassproductions]

I’m very exited to see how you go about with the upper level, I have been eagerly waiting for the next episode!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It's an important part of the layout so I definitely wanted to take my time with this section to get it right! Hope you enjoyed the episode and thanks for watching 😃

[@adam_Fordham1988]

Excellent progress on the layout, always good to have an upper level on a layout especially it being a station, gives the layout some height 😀

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yeah it'll be great to have trains on two different levels when this section is complete! Thanks for watching 😃

[@ianhughes-zf1ll]

Coming on really well just I had your skill level especially with all the wiring thanks for sharing your knowledge cheers

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It's actually not all that complicated when you break everything down into simple steps. Regarding the wiring, I'll actually be doing a video on how to wire up these points really soon. Thanks for watching 😃

[@RGJTrains]

Looking amazing mate, such talent, hope you are keeping well

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks! I'm not sure how much talent there is but luck I seem to have in plentiful supply 😅 Thanks for watching 👍

[@davidrigby7984]

Its coming on great, looking forward to the next update 👍

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks! There’s a lot still to do so it’s keeping me busy. Thanks for watching 🤩

[@DB-08-jy8pg]

Another great video, great stuff. Loving this series. 👍. Keep up the good work! I’ve two last points to fit to finish my track work, so going to try your carpet tape method. Just need to pick up some fine ballast… and some carpet tape!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it! The tape method has definitely been a gamechanger for me when it comes to ballasting points. Thanks for watching 😃

[@ronnyskaar3737]

So fun to watc this coming together. TT or N is my only chance to get a layout.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Both are good options for those limited on space and both have Pros and Cons... I actually did a video a couple of weeks ago that touched on this. Thanks for watching 😃

[@johnriley8080]

Wow, the wiring! So much going on with the point motors and uncoupling ramps. Clearly explained though. Really enjoyed it.😃

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yeah it definitely took me a while to get my head round it all! But given the client it needs to work properly 😅 Thanks for watching 🤩

[@damianinCanadaTT-OO]

I wish I would have seen the double sided tape for points before I laid mine. So much easier for ballasting points. The upper level is fun. Very much a rule 1 thing! 😊

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It's definitely made it a much easier process and I can see myself using the technique on future builds too. To be honest the whole layout is an exercise in Rule 1 but we do have some plans to blend in the upper level to make it blend into the scenery. Thanks for watching 🤩

[@kenr86]

One thing you might want to consider to insulate your soldered wire connections is something called "Liquid electrical tape" - it comes in both black and red, and you get a small bottle, with a built-in applicator brush that you paint over the joint. You don't run the risk of when the normal electrician's tape gets old and dries out it comes off. Not sure what the availability of the liquid is in the UK, but worth checking out.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I'll keep it in mind if I ever run into problems in the future - but currently I'm on my fifth layout and haven't had any problems with standard insulation tape so far. Thanks for watching 😃

[@MrAsBBB]

Actually your comment about a scenic fiddle yard. I think that’s what I want to do. A very bug totem yard. An enormous scenic fiddle with signalling etc such fun. Love your honest videos

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It's definitely an interesting argument and one I can see both sides of. On the one hand, some people feel a fiddle yard is wasted space and, if storage is required, there are ways to scenically integrate them into the layout as stations or marshalling yards. Alternatively, there are others who like their trains to go somewhere, as if the rest of the railway/world lies beyond the scenic break. Additionally, in some cases it doesn't make sense to have a large marshalling yard or huge station if you're modelling a branchline for example. My previous layout featured a fiddle yard for that reason but it's definitely been fun to try out something different with this layout to meet a different set of requirements. Thanks for watching 😃

[@wheelsinmotion196]

Looking impressive even for TT 👍

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Haha, who'd have thought Titchy Trains could be so much fun too! 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@grahamthompson6406]

Ohh that’s handy, really enjoying this build I’m building an n gauge layout myself and I’m about to start a incline so I will hold off till l see your next episode, also thank you I didn’t know that there is a TMC store just outside Whitby, I’m up there in a few weeks… think that it might be an expensive and interesting visit Thank you for your now how…Graham

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Awesome, yeah there's a lot to consider when doing an incline so it might be worth waiting to see some of the issues I came up against... of course you could watch that episode right now by becoming a Channel Member if you don't want to wait 😉 Thanks for watching 👍

[@leewall8230]

Love the T-Shirt 😁

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks! It's available here if you fancy one yourself: shop.thatmodelrailwayguy.com/product/rivet-counter-t-shirt/ Thanks for watching 😃

[@PlatformONE]

For most terminus stations, we have passing loops, and or a middle road, where locomotives can run around the train at the terminus station.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

That's not always the case, it's more common for a branchline terminus to have a runaround loop where there's only one loco in use but for mainline stations another service loco or station pilot can can remove the train. While it would have been nice to have included a central line, there isn't room for it or the necessary point work if we still wanted to have 3 coach trains. Considering both the A4 and A3 don't have front couplings anyway there isn't much practical use for it either. This is why we decided on the shunt/release method, which is not only simpler but adds it more operational value to this area of the layout. There is method to the madness here. Thanks for watching 👍

[@turkeytrac1]

Great series so far. Who makes that awesome cut off wheel for your dremel?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

The actual slitting disk or the gooseneck? The disc is just a standard diamond cutting disc you can get from anywhere. I think the gooseneck is something I got online too. It wasn't hard to find and it's not completely necessary but it does make getting straight cuts a lot easier. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Mafaldamou]

I think the reason why I don't want TT is because OO has a lot of Thomas and friends locomotives. But the series is very nice to watch. Is very satisfying watching the layout come together.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I'm not really trying to convert anyone to come over to TT but almost all the skills and techniques I'm using could easily be used on a layout of any other gauge/scale too. But yes, if you want to model specifically a Thomas & Friends style layout then one of the more popular scales and gauges would be a better option. Thanks for watching 😃

[@allanbeattie4824]

Why not use heat shrink on soldered joints rather than insulating tape much better results with heat shrink and it isn't expensive can be used alongside your solder iron

[@lindsaybancroft4629]

The uncouples are a great idea. What height are you looking at for the upper level from the baseboard?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

We're going up around 5cm, it's about the minimum height we can go while still allowing clearance for trains underneath (when accounting for thickness of the board). Even so I had to be pretty specific about where the point motors could go so that they weren't hanging over the lower lines. Thanks for watching 😃

[@criminal__8615]

im interested in seeing the gradiant he ends up with and how the trains go up it

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

That's all covered in the next episode which will be coming in the near future (or available right now for Channel Members: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXnGk5SNjtCBa9k ) Thanks for watching 😃

[@LetsGo_41]

Hi, I enjoyed that video. Particularly around the uncoupler section. Do you think your solution would work with tension lock couplings on a OO gauge TMD layout? Tim.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I actually started working on this uncoupler system for my 00 gauge layout originally - it was just a happy accident that the same principle could be shrunk down for TT... so in short: YES! Thanks for watching 😃

[@LetsGo_41]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Thanks. That's great news. Your servo motors. Did they come with the wooden housing was that something you bought separately?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

@@LetsGo_41 I laser cut the brackets myself. But I show an alternate way to fit them in this video from a while back: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2e5h6Jqg9F5mNk

[@davidsheriff8989]

Stay on track.....

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Don't worry I am, this was the next section that needed to be completed. Thanks for watching 😃

[@h_draw]

Lots of complex wiring on this, I think I’ll stick to single level layouts for now, but it’s looking great so far.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

In theory the wiring would be the same if it was all on one level too, it's just the amount of points and extra bits that makes it look so complicated 😅 Thanks for watching 🤩

[@Beaglington]

Why do the videos keep saying members get to see the next episode but I can't ever seem to find the next episode? (Just curious, It's not too much a bother) It's great that the stuff seems to fit in the station area, perhaps if Peco do a TT:120 starter set and plan book like in other scales this layout/track plan could feature?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

This is the next episode - currently the public only have the first 2 episodes. This video is only available for Members right now but obviously it’s the same one that gets released to the public later which is when episode 4 will be available for Members. Hope that makes sense and thanks for watching 🤩

[@Beaglington]

@ThatModelRailwayGuy ahhh, yes, that makes far more sense xD it completely skipped my common sense that those messages go out on the video on general release, apologies for being a numpty xD

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

@@Beaglington No worries, I appreciate it’s confusing. I could do separate videos without that message but then all the Members comments wouldn’t transfer when the new episode gets released for the public so this seems to be the best compromise 😅

[@_Brightenworks_]

Hey model railway guy I have a question, me and my friend plan on doing a DCC layout soon and I would like to know what kind of controller you would recommend. Thanks a lot-North

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Personally I use the Roco Z21 - has lots of options for expansion and uses your phone as a controller so it’s really easy to use but it is expensive. The DCC-Ex system is a lower cost option but that does have some annoying quirks in my experience. I’ve also heard good things about the Gaugemaster Prodigy controllers and NCE Powercab, though I don’t have any personal experience with those. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 👍

[@erickadelano5565]

Do they have USA prices

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

For what specifically?