The Layout of Norm Charbonneau

[@xfiles-thetruthisoutthere8038]

Simply put, 'over the top' !

[@Lakeside1943]

I'm not a third rail fan, but this layout is really gorgeous ! What a fine scenery, details, weathering and superb rolling stock ! A real work of art !

[@jamesscofield6308]

Magnificant Modeling and weathering. You tend to forget it's third rail and tend to watch it as if it were prototype in the 1940's because the layout is so well detailed.

[@normstrains]

So glad to have you guys over. Hopefully we can do it again someday soon!

[@jonnybeck6723]

IMHO you've taken '3-rail' so far beyond beyond I'm askin' meself: "Self, are we sure the real thing is 2-rail?" 😵‍💫

[@Davidipac]

I think this is the most realistic model railway I have ever seen. The lighting and texture gives a perspective of accuracy and dynamism that recreates the scale of an original historical period

[@davidhumphreys8390]

Quite simply the finest layout I have ever seen! I'm 81, I've built several layouts, both O & HO, and seen first hand some of the best by others. This is the top of the heap!

[@johnstup4479]

Norm sure is a master when it comes to scenery. Inspiration for us all. Thanks for the video Chris!

[@t-bonejones3576]

This is possibly the best layout scenery I've ever seen. The weathering and aging is immaculate and there are small details included!that could be unnoticed in the real world. Only thing is, that 3rd rail makes it seem like some kind of parallel universe! instead!

[@scottthomas5999]

Every tiny detail is realistic. Amazing job. Thanks for sharing.

[@BaltimoreAndOhioRR]

Well done! Love the turntable, and trestle! 🚂✔✔✔

[@tonyobbeek8910]

Sir your layout is simply a joy to behold, as already stated your scenic and aging work is sublime. Getting right down inside the layout says it all even at close range you'd think you were in the real world.......what else can be said other than I tip my hat to you. Many thanks. tones1957 (New Zealand)

[@StevesTrains]

For some reason, I didn't come across Norm's channel until a month or so ago, but Norm's is definitely one of the best layouts I have ever seen. I've been watching a ton of his videos lately, and it was great to see this overview Chris! Thanks for putting it together for us!

[@tonytcb4504]

This is absolutely amazing I've never seen a layout with so much detail very well don. I love it ❤

[@jordanwhitaker3667]

Absolutely beautiful layout that encourages me even more to start my own.

[@randycaulkins3644]

Although I have viewed several other vids of this layout, I have to say this one is the best to date. Great job, thanks.

[@PRRTrainFan06]

This is so cool. I could watch this stuff all day. I wish that I could see the track plan though.

[@SalMochrie]

One of the most realistic layouts I've ever seen. The detail is incredible.

[@shafiqshabazz2462]

Indeed

[@tonyvillella5457]

What a beautiful layout. The detail is absolutely fantastic.

[@norskviking9410]

The details in this layout are amazing! i had to stop frame the video to appreciate everything more. Looked like a movie set! iv seen many of these old grizzly coal towns in Penn. Every thing looks so real, even the giant with the red cap! It may not be the biggest layout, but its one of the best!

[@tomrogers5516]

Sensational video of sensational layout! Norm is truly an artist in every sense: his attention to detail, weathering, background scenery and structure placement are just superb. He has captured the late transition period from steam to diesel perfectly, my favourite era from my childhood. Thanks for sharing your visit, Chris!

[@JohnJohnson-wt8zc]

One of the most realistic train layouts that I’ve ever seen. Simply awesome

[@MrMontrose1967]

Absolutely beautiful and breathtaking well done

[@thetrainboard2772]

First rate composition by you.... a peak at norm and his layout,a one of the best living masters in our hobby. And you all get to share, compare, and grow your skills, together. Perhaps the best time ever to be in this hobby, sharing our stories, our little created universes. Your videos are fast becoming exceptional. Master RBP probably is quite jealous

[@williamland1]

Wow what a fantastic layout !! Amazingly realistic with the weathered cars so beautiful

[@northernutahlivesteam]

Incredible scenery. Great job.

[@daviddryden8088]

Thanks for sharing this. Certainly one of the finest 3 rail layouts in America. If it were Proto 48 I'd say the absolute best of O scale or top 3 to be sure. Been a sub of Norm for quite awhile. Love his modeling and how to stuff. Still can't get beyond the Lionel track but that's just me. Everything else is truly a masterpiece of artwork. Museum quality. His engines and rolling stock are flawless on every level. That Pennsy T-2 was worth the price of admission. The layout, despite my objections to trivial matters, deserves attention. Some of your shots showed how immersive the layout is. Well done. So thanks again!

[@davevan8864]

Norm's layout is what I use as a goal for mine. A GREAT layout.

[@mikkiquinn7677]

Same here! I know that I will never have it to that level, but he is indeed my inspiration!

[@jbatman5092]

Norm is a detail Jedi Master, wow! Thank you, Chris!

[@davestrains6816]

Just a beautiful model railroad. Sights and sounds are just amazing!

[@randallhawkinson4727]

Like many of the prior comments, this is an outstanding work of art! A definite keeper under Model Railroading in my files for future inspiration on my own home layout (HO) and the HO layout at the Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum in Salinas, CA. I've been the scenery guy there for the last two and a half years and trying to bring it up to this caliber of realism. The wonderful lady I took over from was a graphic artist making things for a model railroad. I'm a model railroader who is an artist and former architectural engineering wannabe. People really see the difference! Back to the film!

[@henryszubielski8601]

Incredible. That is some serious attention to detail! His work has always impressed me. What is cool to me is that all of your layouts are an expression of the individual. I hope to one day have a layout anywhere near the layouts you guys have built. Thanks for all of the inspiration! Enjoy!

[@mdpfishoh1516]

Your details, weathering, scenery on this O-scale layout are immaculate.... easily front page magazine stuff! You have given me some great ideas to incorporate into my small 3 ft display module im building for my O-scale trains. Thank you.

[@mitchcornacchia968]

BEST THERE IS DESERVES AN AWARD. THANKS FOR SHARING THIS GENIUS WORK!!!!!!!

[@larryhurd8111]

Man, I just love this layout, you've done a fantastic job Norm. There are so many cool scenes in this pike. From the shops, bars, homes, landscape work, etc. I could live in this town and hang with the locals at the pubs. Really like the ladies on the street corner as the locomotive appears passing thru the two structures. I’m using your likeness of the power poles with transformers to model my pike (HO scale - Erie) just because you nailed it. You are an inspiration indeed! Thank you Chris for bringing this video to us!

[@timothymclaughlin6860]

Wow! What an experience. Norms work is another level . Every scene is just incredible.

[@jerrylarson723]

Just a amazing view.

[@jimcarey9523]

You’re the best Norm. Layout is second to none.

[@NSResponder]

I am blown away by the detail of the brick and stonework I'm seeing here. I have no idea how to even attempt that level of realism.

[@paulwalkowiak1182]

Oh the sacrilege a Norfolk & Western and Baltimore Ohio running on Pennsy rails😂. Have fun guys I watch everyones sights. Norm always love your video of your layout. Pamela, a O gauge railroader from Michigan

[@jtbassgambler2594]

This is the most top layout I've ever......seen number one

[@luvindemtrains]

Great video Chris! You managed to get in several angles that we have not seen on Norm's layout. It just doesn't get any better than this. #bucketlist

[@RetroMikado]

This man is an inspiration, it was awesome seeing your trip to his layout!

[@bruceenlow8480]

First class layout. Streets look great

[@josephfriday2661]

Absolutely beautiful. I glad you used tubular track; it looks great. The weathering is great. I really enjoyed this cast.

[@rudolphward4375]

Everything is so realistic....excellent work, outstanding collection.

[@CJ.6.8.9]

Im from windsor across the bridge from Detroit good to know norms a local !

[@railking61]

Always glad to see anything of this layout. The best in scenery and weathering too.

[@tigerphid9677]

Wow... beautiful.

[@JohnnySoundSTL]

Wonderful video production of an extraordinarily detailed layout. I've seen other videos of Norm's layouts through the years, but none of them have captured and portrayed them as well as you. You have a keen eye and deft, imaginative skills as both cameraman and editor. Thank you so much, both Chris and Norm. State of the art!

[@thetrainboard2772]

Yes, I also feel Chris's video composition skills are exceptional here , quite befitting Norm's layout work

[@susannestoffel2534]

A wonderful,beautyful detailled modelrailway layout.

[@scottysmith9687]

That's a very beautiful and detailed layout

[@bjrnarthur9272]

In general do I find the 3 rail O gauge something for kids to play with, but this is mindblowing

[@jonnybeck6723]

Love that 4-6-4-4... also the N & W Y2a (or 'b'?) and please Norm, can you book me a room at the Palace?

[@RAK402]

That is magnificent!

[@mikeyanello3664]

Great camera angles Chris. Well done Buddy !!!!

[@musicman8942]

This is one beautiful layout of any scale. Looks so real my wife kept asking is it real or a model?

[@Willysmb44]

I'd love to see this in person someday. Any time I hear people talking smack about how 3-rail can't look authentic, I show them stuff from this layout

[@peteshoulders1]

truly magnificent thanks Chris and Norman

[@georgetrains6168]

Wow what a amazing layout

[@philip2010]

Highly detailed highly realistic

[@ChrisHiblerPinball]

Best attention to detail I've ever seen. Love it. I cringe at the amount of time invested in creating all of that. Dang. Norm goes for the weathered look on his trains. While undoubtedly realistic, I'm not sure that I like that much weathering.

[@davidballoid2118]

Hi Chris, What an Interesting looking layout, I'm sure with all intentions of creating a magnificent looking piece of work would be a backstory behind the inspiration of it's creation. It would be a shame that nobody wanted to hear about it over a narration edit into the video, I would be interested to listen if their was one.

[@erictrainman]

Absolutely incredible, thanks for sharing this!

[@joeystrains.9316]

Simply Amazing details!

[@gibrist2055]

Wow what an inspiration beautiful detailing especially the girls on the corner ❤ priceless. Do you ever offer open house ? I would gladly pony up for the entry fee if so ? Love love your layout Fellow Detroit native and O Gauge enthusiast G Man

[@michaelgmoore5708]

Amazing, showing the whole train and all the scenes around the layout. Too many tours follow the engine around and I get so bored I switch it off and never watch that stuff again. I never had a layout since no one liked trains except my brother and me. We never had àny income but minimum wage jobs so forget model railroading. At least we can watch yours now thanks to modern technology and the internet!

[@northpennvalleysteamrailroad]

Amazing video friend!!!

[@therosejewelrailroad489]

I’ve always put Norms layout at one of the most detailed layouts on you tube. Has his layout ever been featured in a magazine? Also does Norm own very many diesels? Fun trip for you guys. I’m glad your able to share it with us. Thank you.

[@ChrissTrainsandThings]

He has a few, some e units (I believe) gp’s and centipedes

[@jeanmarcopoulos7486]

Vraiment MAGNIFIQUE …

[@Machia52612]

The 3rd rail T-1 locomotive uses the same locomotive # (5511) as the Lionel T-1 model? Both are # 5511. I ask because in another video you indicated that your T-1 was built by 3rd rail. A beautiful layout by the way.

[@chrisbailey4254]

Wow !

[@juanguillermomardonesvalen3960]

How much cost this complete loyaout?

[@fastjazz]

Amazing and extraordinary super modeling talents Norm has (never miss a Norm video), but really its also a pity it’s such a n all encompassing mostly depressing collection of crumbling old timey (even if they still exist) scenes. Extraordinary attention to the smallest details of weeds, dust, grime and decay as the central focus…always want to just hop the nearest freight to get the heck out of there. I think all of his train sets should all have at least one car with a hobo taking the ride out of town…

[@bxjibaro73]

WOW!!! The scenery is FU'KIN AWESOME!!!! 👍🏼👍🏼 🎯 🎯 💯%

[@RitaMoore-g5z]

Are you related to Bernie C of Farmington mi.?

[@pearsooo6972]

Nice

[@fredrick_leicht]

Why do I always have to fight the idea that I need to scream his name every time he walks into the bar?

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

He used to write a lot of train articles for classic toy trains

[@jameskoryta7197]

I share these videos with model rail fans in the area. A questions that is asked is: Why doesn't this fellow (Norm) do 2 rail? Why the 3 rail? Fine with me as I AM 3 rail but is there an answer? Beautiful layout for sure.

[@fastjazz]

Because at the end of the day the 99.7 % that truly enjoy Norm’s work and have zero hang ups about 3 rail could care less, and that trumps the obnoxious .3% that mention it endlessly, not to mention the .007 % nerds of that .3% that absolutely must bring in that proto:48!

[@jameskoryta7197]

@@fastjazz understood

[@alanolson546]

I am amazed at the the remarkably detailed locomotives and rolling stock on Norm’s layout, and also on “Eric’s Trains” videos. With all these efforts towards realistic model railroading, why do you folks base your layouts on three-rail toy track? Particularly, on this layout, with its exceptional scenery and fine details, it seems a waste not to go to full O-scale! Still, a very good video.

[@handlzus7018]

Work of ArT. Museum quality

[@williamcap2236]

So my brother had a set like this with the 3rd rail his loco could make steam why don't I see those ?? Not a thing anymore ??? What scale is this ?? I haven't touched model trains since the late 70's !

[@andyevans2336]

I have to agree that a layout of this caliber deserves to be reshot without the continual chatter of guests. Maybe dedicate a video shoot day?

[@RTWest-kn5fr]

Those two women on the street corner were enough to knock any objection I may hold on a 3rd rail. But, what I feel is always lacking in these great detail layouts is a bona fide, to-scale, Bigfoot lurking in the woods. Why the denial? Gracias por tu video. RT sends, envía, Colonia Centro Histórico, Puebla, México...

[@charlesmorschauser5258]

This layout would be perfection if it was two rail

[@dwightbernheimer331]

Absolutely exquisite... But 3rail???... There must be a reason... At 80 years old I can't get passed THAT 3Rail... I guess it's Just ME lol... Great stuff thanks for posting...👍👍👍

[@jomon723]

Water hose coming from one of the houses down onto the sidewalk with fake water spill out from the hose on the sidewalk 😋😋

[@Fan-Of-Guns-FOG]

PRR S1 S2 RIP 😭😥🥺💔

[@rogerlollar4325]

Choo choo!

[@jimwest1956]

Norm's layout is fantastic! The sights, action, and sounds are great--except the off-camera talking ruins the detailed realism. (Nearly as distracting as 'crew talk' on a Lionel steam engine!)

[@Elios0000]

why does every one shoot layouts at such low angles it looks awful i want to see the whole thing.

[@mikkiquinn7677]

That is the street view as if you were there looking at it in real life. In this video there are are also shots whwere you can see the scope of the layout. I lOVE street view and track view!

[@Triliton]

Steam engines are just the best!

[@frankmassello9073]

A true work of art!!

[@princessofthecape2078]

Put in all that work... only to undo every moment of it with the third rail.

[@abeltrac]

Hermoso ! Pero la tercera vía lo mata. Le quita todo lo real. Por lo demás bello

[@jre617]

Beautiful layout, great detail. Even though the structures are different colors, there's a kind of monotone, weathered look to it; nothing is too bright. Feels like the 40s or what ever period it is. It's just too bad it's 3-rail when a far more realistic 2-rail is available.

[@mikkiquinn7677]

Even though I am a bit OCD and something like that should bother me, it does NOT. I am also building a 3-rail. IF I had to start all over, I would possibly choose 2-rail but too much money is already invested. When I look at Norms railroad, I seriously do not even notice that center rail because the realism is so captivating. I have to say that I get tired of you 2 railers making these comments ESPECIALLY in regard to Norm, and just want to tell you to go count some rivets or something.

[@charlesmorschauser5258]

A suggestion don't talk over the train sounds

[@TheSuperStarCarWash]

Cool layout... although I do not appreciate the idiots in the background talking and rambling on it totally ruined the entire video! So thumbs down!

[@rj.trains]

Yea! Those guys were the worst!

[@johnpandolfino8663]

The man's a master at his craft...... would love to know how he created his brick walls for the many "O" gauge brick structures on the layout........ thanks so much for putting this together......very inspirational stuff .......👏😎🇺🇸👍👌🤞🎸🌭🦫🥓🍕

[@mike6206]

Great video! Like I said to JD, Norm is a phenom when it comes to detailing! I run HO myself, but I love seeing his and you guys' trains. My channel is Mike6206. It's not big or detailedike Norm or you guys' but if you like big steam from B&O, Western Maryland, PRR M1's and I1sa's, I got 'em.