Designing the Modern DT&I and Future Plans! Your Feedback Requested!

This week, we’ll walk around the layout, discuss some design elements, as well as some plans for the future. Your feedback is very welcome on the options presented! Unlike much of the rest of the country, my “modeling season” is mid summer when outside temperatures are in the 110s, so I’m starting to plan some major projects. I’m looking forward to sharing the progress along the way!
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The Modern DT&I
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If you run a freelance or protolance railroad and would like some insight on how you can represent the DT&I in your world, shoot me a message! I love collaborating!
Thank you for visiting!

[@user-rs1pv9vh6t]

I enjoyed your efforts to keep the memories of the Detroit Toledo and Ironton Railroad alive. I am a former employee of that railroad and I appreciate what you are doing.

[@MainTrack]

Awesome update! Love seeing the progress.

[@bruceschwab]

Your street running scene is incredible! I hope you keep it! Hell.................its all incredible!

[@ModernDTI]

That’s not going anywhere ☺️

[@mervinenh]

Shaun-really enjoying watching your videos! Your layout is really impressive and I am excited to see what you do next.

[@cncpgreatlakesdiv4896]

very well done thx for the post .😊😊👍👍

[@dennisarmes3473]

good morning, shaun.... AGAIN, another great update and explanation on your future plans. i absolutely love how you brought in "other" railroad engines and left them mostly in their original paint with a very subtle patch-out of road numbers, which really helps in giving the viewer a somewhat regional view of your area of the country. i do the same with my bprr.... your former ohio central engine is pretty neat !!! your cn/dti engines are fantastic as well, whether denoting a "parent" company or it just so happens the dti purchased a bunch of engines from cn, it all wraps-up into a neat presentation ! will be doing engine lubes and finishing touches to some sidings today, then off to just south of buffalo, ny for some train watching, which is 35 minutes away... what a great way to retire !!! keep the videos rolling, shaun, they are REALLY nice!

[@luvindemtrains]

Just stumbled across your page and really like what you have done with your layout. There are some nice signature scenes. There were sections of the video where the music and camera work made me think of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. I also like how you modernized a railroad which allows for easily justified liberties. Keep up the great work.

[@joshwolf8272]

Awesome layout! Option 2. Turn Middland City into Springfield, ohio. Turn the yard into Flatrock yard in Michigan. Coal is coming from the south, and cars and parts are coming from the north. You will cover most of the history of the DT&I trackage that way. Hypothetical here.... The Indiana & Ohio could share trackage rights with the modern DT&I as both could have existed at the same time. Thank you! Look forward to what ever you come up with.

[@ldsnurse9268]

I love your videos. Great stuff. Keep them coming!-Shaun C.

[@joeortel7669]

Great layout! Have D.T,& I. trains also, and I like the sounds. I collect B&O and NKP also. I know the locations well.

[@geoffreyhampson3993]

I do appreciate your clear explanation of your plan and future ideas. Nice to have various ideas to mull over. Either option seems to leave a big reach to the track on the suspended area. In option 2 the branch line is a nice change of pace. Couldn't you just have double track on the main anyway. Call it an extra long passing track maybe. My concern is in the paper mill trackage. Using the street as the switching lead will annoy the town folks. Great railfanning though. Also, that ex CNW unit looks great. Like how you can use other roads & have them fit right into your theme.

[@TouchoftheBrushModelWeathering]

Another awesome video Bud. I will say option 2 for the same pros and cons that you have mentioned. But don't forget to leave space for option 3 and 4 because that may happen and you may find something that's more of interest. Lay the track down and see where it goes.

[@cncpgreatlakesdiv4896]

the best option is the one you like the best but wat erver one you pick will be great .😊😊👍👍

[@Marks_Station]

I like option 2. The branch line creates more industries to model.

[@hoscaleconstuction]

Option 1. Keep Midland City! Or do Option 2, and just have it go through Midland City. It is proto/freelance afterall. So modeling liberties apply!

[@henryparker1882]

1st...Love YOUR narratives... 2nd...does OPTION #1 also contain a round house, engine shop, and storage yard...if so THIS IS MY VOTE...Option #1 with Round House, Engine Shop and Yard...Reasoning...I like the idea of double trackage...train meets and a continuous loop... Finally...in Ironton you have an isolated track without STREET Switch...Presently a Caboose & Box Car...Are you thinking of adding switch to allow for service of this industry...even if depot it would provide another customer...reason for going through town and street...etc... Thank you for sharing this adventure...Hopefully it will keep you out of the heat...can't wait to see YOUR Progress

[@ModernDTI]

Yes, both options have the shops and roundhouse. That isolated track in Ironton is supposed to be the old abandoned house track for the depot, which looks a whole lot like the building I have there. Once I get some additional details in, it will look more like a museum as was my intention.

[@EagleCreekRailRoad]

Just found your channel, looks awesome. Liked & subbed. Ben.👍🏻

[@ModernDTI]

Welcome aboard!

[@bruceschwab]

I'm suggesting option 1........solely because I like a good double track scene!

[@trainfan4449]

I love the 1957 Corvette in Ironton where the street running is. Its my new favorite model on the layout. personally, i think option 1 would work better, and would require less changes to what you already have in place.

[@K-Rail]

I think option 2 gives you more operation possibilities.

[@PaulFotschky]

Option 1, just for a well planed meet or two.

[@roberttrains8696]

Good video thanks for sharing Enjoy it. Robert

[@mhbpodnk]

Option 2 with the branch line and you could keep middle city just make it look like the rails were take up making it the end of a branch line

[@DarkTerritory71]

I like the 2nd that creates the branch line. That would be cool. Would you leave in the existing swing gate, or would it be completely removed? My thoughts, leave all the track you can leave, just for mor options.

[@ModernDTI]

It would leave it. It wouldn’t connect back into the “main” until just after it crosses the lift gate

[@spudgarrett1014]

Hey Shaun. Where did you get the DT&I sign hanging on your entrance door? I like option 2 but honestly no matter what you do will be great. I do have a suggestion you ought to model the Jackson shops. That would be so awesome. Just don't know how much space you have set aside for those structures.

[@ModernDTI]

My grandfather made that. The shops are doing to be a blend of Jackson and chillicothe ☺️

[@jefferykeeper9034]

Make sure that by putting the layout over the stairs is not a building code violation check with your building codes and the fire marshal.

[@ModernDTI]

It won’t actually be over the stairs, but adjacent. It’s the equivalent of putting up several shelves.

[@RWSBaden]

Hi Shaun, First off I want to say you have a great looking layout that captures the look and the feel of the DT&I in Southern Ohio. As for your expansion plans, just my personal opinion, but I do not like making holes in wall in the family living space. First have you checked to insure there are no wires within the walls where the holes will be? Second, remember if and /or when you ever move to a new home, those walls will have to be repaired as the chances are slim you'll be selling your home to another model railroader. Also I'm not fond of the trackage suspended above your home entrance, how easy will it be to access the trackage in case of a derailment? When people enter your home, will they look up and see the bottom of your unfinished bench work? Have you ever thought about double decking your layout to add space? Again I'm just offering some constructive feedback from someone who's been in the hobby for 50+ years. Now I have a question, I really like your layout and how you've created a modern day DT&I but I have to ask, how did someone in Nevada become interested in the DT&I, a railroad that existed in Michigan and Ohio? Cheers, Rich S. from Baden, PA.

[@ModernDTI]

Last first: grew up near Jackson so Chessie and DTI are my loves. Now for the expansion: I already had those walls torn apart when we redid that room so I know there’s nothing running in them pipe or wire wise (lucky me!) The suspended trackage area will not be viewable from below as I don’t want anything to go crashing down in an accident. It will be build to blend in and most people won’t even know it’s there. For patching the holes, if I ever have to, I thought ahead and only cut out enough drywall where one of those metal patches could be added back in so if I ever do have to tear it down, it will be an easy patch. The layout is pretty permanent in there so there’s a lot more to be done than that if we ever move. Luckily I’m not planning on it. The suspended tracks are also in an area around 5.5x5.5 feet so not a ton of real estate to worry about. I wouldn’t be able to reach a derailment in the far corner without a ladder, but otherwise I shouldn’t have too many issues aside from regular maintenance. And for that I have a 20’ ladder lol. Hope that makes better sense!

[@RWSBaden]

Hi Shaun @@ModernDTI Thank you for the reply and information and I look forward to your future videos showing the progress on your layout expansion. Cheers, Rich S.

[@mattyt1250]

Option 2 .

[@randysrockandrollrailroad8207]

Option 2 😊

[@derekalexander4030]

You asked for an opinion so here goes. You have done a wonderful job on this layout and the scenery is far better than on any layout that I have had so, I think you would make a better choice than I would and it should reflect what you like the most so I’m going to be quiet and watch what you do. Great layout.

[@williamrunnels7643]

Option 2 anything but the c&o

[@jackmahle8680]

option 2

[@aidenwhite2838]

Hey. I have just stumbled across your channel recently and I am wondering what time period your model layout is set in.

[@ModernDTI]

The layout is built to be anywhere from 1996 to 2006 but the models themselves run all the way to present day. Most are era-appropriate though.

[@aidenwhite2838]

​@@ModernDTI there is another question that has been in my mind for some time: how did you get the dt&i starburst logo in a cn painted locomotive. Thanks for taking time out of your day to read my comment.

[@ModernDTI]

I removed the CN logos using Microsol soaked onto a paper towel cut to the same size as the decal. It takes a couple of applications but they come off fairly easily with a Qtip after 15 mins or so.

[@ldsnurse9268]

At 14:35, in the window of the trailer, is that a tv that’s on or am I not seeing things correctly?

[@ModernDTI]

It is! Woodland Scenics did a fantastic job with that.

[@ldsnurse9268]

@@ModernDTI that’s amazing detail. I thought I was imagining it for a second. -Shaun C.

[@Jason_DPMF]

I like your lay out so far. But I question over top of the entry way. in regards to access if anything goes wrong it will be difficult at the vary least. now let us talk about my biggest fear, gravity. It has a way with turning 1200$ of train into a pipe of garbage. but transparent plastic or back drops could be your save for around the railing area. I like it but care must be taken

[@ModernDTI]

Yeah, I won’t be building it to be viewable from below. Also in total it’s approximately 5.5 square so not too long. That area is exactly why I have a 20’ expanding ladder lol.

[@curusr43]

How can i get one of the DT&I loco's?

[@ModernDTI]

The CN colored ones are unique…created by me. If you want an orange one just look online.