Dismantling the Dystopia: The End on My First YouTube Layout

Join us as we bid farewell to the Dystopia Project, reflect on its lasting impact, and reveal how it shaped the future of my current layout.
Welcome to a very special video where we take you through the final tour of our first model railroad layout, The Dystopia Project. This layout has been a significant part of our model railroading journey, and it's time for us to say goodbye.
In this video, we'll share the inspirations behind the Dystopia Project, its unique features, and the reasons why we've decided it's time to dismantle it. From the urban cityscapes made affordable by Outland models to the multi-level design that captured our imagination, every piece has a story.
As we explore the layout, we'll also reflect on how the lessons learned and the techniques developed during the Dystopia Project have significantly influenced the ongoing development of our established project, The Union Project. You'll see how past experiences have shaped our current modelling techniques and design choices.
This isn't just about breaking down a layout; it's about the lessons learned, the creativity sparked, and the memories made. Join us as we bid farewell to Dystopia and look forward to new beginnings in model railroading.
More Channel Info:
Welcome to N Scale Dystopia - A channel dedicated to documenting the build of a post-apocalyptic N Scale Model Railroad and Dioramas based on Union station in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
#nscale #ModelRailroad #DystopianModeling
If you found this video intriguing, consider subscribing for more content as I lean into creating more dystopian scale models. I'm figuring a lot of this out along the way, so it's always nice to have you join me on the journey and offer support, but more importantly, feedback! / @nscaledystopia
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Music courtesy of Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio: whitebataudio....

[@missunderstood2647]

This layout is the whole reason i started watching this channel. To be honest i haven't watched many videos since you stopped working on this layout.

[@NScaleDystopia]

I appreciate that. I've moved between topics and not everything I do will appeal to all audiences. I'm slowly returning to my roots!

[@rickbie]

I second that, the music and the buildings were much more engaging and when I initially found the channel I ended up binge watching every episode and even downloaded them to DVD(it eliminates the commercials). I went out and bought some of the Outland buildings looking to do my own version of each one. My first one completed is the Uneeda Medical building(totally scratch built with interior in N scale). Next is the video store(in a 4 story building and the Yakitori restaurant( with a curio shop in the front). To be honest your site really got me back into modeling and for that I thank you. I understand the reasoning behind moving on to the new layout, but it just isn't as entertaining...sorry.

[@B2Pproduction]

@NScaleDystopia it's how I found you as well. I do hope you'll make more ruined looking sections at some point as I'd love to see how it would turn out with your new skills.

[@TheyMakeItLikeThat]

I might unsubscribe… But probably not 😝

[@FloodManagementGroup]

Enjoyed watching you build the layout. Learned a ton. Thank you

[@SouthDown]

I am absolutely speechless by the quality of your videos, the fantastic narration voice you sport, and the stunning out-of-the-box work of your original layout. Looking forward in following your adventures with your new layout and learn a thing or two along the way!

[@flakstruk-8481]

Top video. Some real earnest words abput why we hobby, how things change and to cherish where we've been and look foward to where we're head. Thanks

[@NScaleDystopia]

I appreciate the comment. I do try to be thoughtful when I'm making these videos. I appreciate that you thought I was being Earnest. I was

[@jojannehopmans3629]

As many others here have said, it is said to see the Dystopia Layout go. I must admit that I'm not really the new stuff, but I get that you need passion to make these videos and that the Union Layout is a passion project. But what I do want to say is that the your Dystopian builds were some of the most inspiring and original model building stuff that I've seen. From the wacky but atmospherically perfect vignettes to rock&roll use of your 3D printer, it was all magical stuff that scratched an itch that sorely needed scratching. I thank you for all those wonderful videos. I haven't watched any of your new videos and I don't I ever will, but I'll keep my subscription because it is well earned.

[@NScaleDystopia]

Thank you so much for your heartfelt message. It’s always bittersweet to move on from something like the Dystopia Layout, which clearly meant a lot to both of us. I deeply appreciate your kind words about the creativity and originality of those builds-they were a joy to create. While I’m sad to hear you’re not into the new projects, I understand everyone’s tastes are different, and I'm grateful for your honesty and continued support. Who knows, maybe something down the line will catch your eye again! Thank you for sticking around and for all your support.

[@RetroRoboland]

I’ve always appreciated your work and reading your comments a lot of people loved your Dystopian layout - not so much for the trains. The videos on the old layout barely showed them. It was just a really cool, kooky Dystopian horror village with a surprising new matchbox sized additional structure every month. Four during Halloween month. I think you did the right thing marking its demise in this way. Good luck with the new epic scale train set and the full embrace of the model railway community. Thanks for stopping by.

[@NScaleDystopia]

Thanks - it's true - the trains were always the runner-up to the dioramas and structures!

[@h.a.9880]

Having goofy things like the Ghostbusters Firehouse in the background of the new Union Station project is absolutely hilarious. If you ever show it to someone who doesn't know it's there, it's going to be a neat easter egg. Now, if that doesn't encourage people to take a closer look on all the fine detail, I don't know what is.

[@NScaleDystopia]

This is an excellent point! It is decided - Slimer will be back on the layout!

[@ace1gun]

This was an amazing journey 🎉 Thank you! I’m Excited and cant wait to see the next chapter in the Journey maybe a War torn Urban Desert theme or a Jurassic Park Layout

[@NScaleDystopia]

I feel like most of the foundational work is done... I can now pivot back to making zombie-infested ruins

[@luciddaze248]

Working out what parts are the ones you enjoy most is key. Do things your way for your enjoyment. That's what hobbies are all about!

[@eliglasner1543]

I think you'll enjoy the fact your video exploring the attraction to dystopia was interrupted by an ad for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

[@NScaleDystopia]

This means the algorithm is working!

[@ravensonxpress]

Oh dear. I had the hope to see more Distopian projects in the future. These build videos have been so atmospheric. It was so unique, there is nothing simillar to find on youtube. Maybe you will find the inspiration to do some small dystopian dioramas in the future.

[@sigurdbjohansson]

Thank you for a very enjoyable dystopian trip! Here's to the next one! And the next one after that, and the....you get it :) Cheers!

[@NScaleDystopia]

...and another one ...and another #djdystopia

[@sigurdbjohansson]

@@NScaleDystopia Obsessive Compulsive Dystopia :D

[@danmcmartin]

You gotta know when to move on. Whether emotional or sentimental attachment, a feeling of failure, whatever you need to let go at some point. You can't stay anchored in the past if you're going to grow. Sad to see the layout go. It was a really novel idea but there's always new challenges.

[@donwhead]

While it was the dystopian builds that originally drew me to your channel, I'm loving the Union Project, too! It's nice to see a few of your old projects preserved, both on your new layout, as well is in the dozens of videos you've produced over the last few years. I look forward to seeing what you do in the future. Keep up the awesome work!

[@reb3102]

Sad to see all that work go, but glad you were able to salvage a bit of it. I focus on small dioramas in book nooks and small portable displays. Living in a condo, I have no space for a big diorama/train. So I completely understand space issues.

[@NScaleDystopia]

I have some of the building throughout the house and at the office. I get to enjoy them more now than I ever have!

[@TheRobertSterling]

It's a sad day to see any layout go, but I get it. I'm on my 3rd, about to tear down and start 4. However, like you, I learned a lot and I have taken pieces from each and incorporate them into the next. I was glad you took us along for that journey, and I'm enjoying this new journey and learning new things. Keep up the great work 👍 Cheers from down the rails in Millbrook.

[@NScaleDystopia]

Millbrook! The project was fun, and I'm having a lot of fun with the new project. It's only fitting that a dystopic project has a dystopic ending...

[@SmithOfGear92]

It's sad to see the old Dystopia go, but the way I see it, the Dystopia isn't dying; *it's growing.* *The Union is the Dystopia Reborn.* Bigger. Darker. More dilapidated and beaten down by the after-effects of the cataclysm that birthed it and possibly, also by the iron-fisted rule of the New Order the might control its citizens. I've been grateful to witness this journey in its entirety, Denny. Onwards and upwards! 😁

[@NScaleDystopia]

MOAR DYSTOPIAS!

[@SmithOfGear92]

​@@NScaleDystopia Soon, the Dystopia will become a basement empire; you'll get a bigger home that'll have a big basement who's walls you can dedicate to rails and the End Times. From ruined cities, to radioactive wastelands, to dust-swept deserts to cyberpunk corporate mega-cities-- *all of which linked by rail.* Some day, Denny. Some day. 😌

[@Nosculptor]

I enjoyed so much watching you building this layout, and I'm glad some of the bulding make it to the new one!

[@NScaleDystopia]

Me too!

[@luzchihtianprotector9858]

I am in mourning I loved the dystopia project sooooo much. It got me through the pandemic and beyond. I watched those videos over and over. You are incredibly talented. I look forward to your future city! Good luck!

[@NScaleDystopia]

I'll do my best not to disappoint!

[@SilentGloves]

Still the best MRR channel on youtube. You and I are very much alike. I like to tell people that my hobby is trying out hobbies. Very few have stuck around past the initial learning/experimenting phase, and those that have stuck around are due to their incredible depth of learning opportunities. Hobbies that one can live in for years, perhaps decades of continuous learning. Amateur Radio and RF tinkering, Model Railroading, and... exterior illumination are the ones that have staying power for me. So many others have come and gone.

[@NScaleDystopia]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm really glad you enjoy the channel. It's great to hear that you appreciate hobbies with incredible depth and endless learning opportunities. Model Railroading truly is a hobby that can keep you engaged for years. Here's to many more years of continuous discovery and enjoyment in this amazing hobby!

[@brettelk8503]

I found your channel during the building of this layout and continue to be impressed with all you do through your current project. Keep up the amazing work.

[@railwayjade]

I'm happy that some of your old layout survives on the new one. I came here because Col. Failure mentioned it once and I'm here to stay, I enjoy your videos! greetings from South Africa.

[@NScaleDystopia]

Oh my! I remember when Col. Failure mentioned me - that seems like 100 years ago!

[@railwayjade]

@@NScaleDystopia hey hey hey! What are you saying about my age! 😜😜😜

[@Salted_Tequila]

I almost wept a little when I read the title, as it was the first thing that drew me to your channel. Whilst I understand your choice, I'm a little gutted but can't wait to see what the future brings 👍 pluuuus, if you ever need to shill the old layout somewhere; I'll happily take it 😁 haha

[@NScaleDystopia]

I really appreciate the sentiment. When you live with something it's much easier to let it go... I think...

[@cleftpoinus6197]

good point about enjoying the process more, rather than the end result, im much the same. i generally give my pieces away after ive finished them because the part i enjoy the most is over.

[@BriansModelTrains]

Wonderfull layout(s). I love your work.

[@marklindsey4112]

I'm not a railway guy, but I do like the modelling and have been a huge fan of your dystopia builds since the beginning. So glad to see that they'll be migrating over to the current track plan and I cannot wait to see what's coming in the future.

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear N Scale Dystopia, love the way you did this saying goodbye to the old layout video. It’s almost become the dystopian story of the Dystopian Layout. Think you made a great point on the case of enjoying the journey, including the documenting part. Intricate part of such a journey is indeed the learning curves. As our eyes, mind, hands and muscle memory expand we can improve our skills, understanding of perspectives, scenes, track plans and planning in particular and of course the execution of our ideas and visions into an actual model. Maybe it is for that very reason that ‘finished’ model railroads are such a rarity. Thoroughly enjoyed all the work and footage you’ve put out on the Dystopian Layout. Definitely looked forward to seeing any of your episodes. Not just for the layout aspect, think the subject had a great kind of ‘healing’ value during the particular ominous timeframe. In its own right it put things in perspective, especially for those eyes that cherish the looks of abandonment in general and the dystopian twist that’s lingering behind the scenes of decay. Cheerio

[@GoViaorgohome]

That was a neat look back. Sorry to see it go but we are always moving forward

[@NScaleDystopia]

It's a journey - yours in particular. When you start the new layout, you should have a benchwork party!

[@WulvenKraft]

You're right about process, I have learned that recently too!

[@ashcadelanne8524]

Loved the post-apocalyptic dystopian layout, it was a breath of fresh air (ironically). Almost all layouts are “realistic”, snapshot in time, unimaginative drivel. It’s a shame you’re not going back to the exciting stuff

[@NScaleDystopia]

I promise the fun stuff is coming back! Building the foundation for a new layout takes a lot of time...

[@B2Pproduction]

I'm surprised no one bought it off of you, considering it was still a good base.

[@NScaleDystopia]

It didn't last long at the end of my driveway... Someone claimed it in no time.

[@B2Pproduction]

@NScaleDystopia glad it'll live on in a mystery home. Hopefully, we'll see it again someday.

[@cpwhiskycreek]

I clearly missed this stage of your journey, but the lessons learned are really showing on your current project. They always say your current layout likely won’t be your last but it’s good to see your positive view of this shift. Though not sure how your neighbours feel about you standing outside on garbage day in the hazmat suit

[@NScaleDystopia]

The neighbours are nervous people... They steer clear...

[@sernajrlouis]

Cool.

[@The_Flying_kipper]

I subbed, always loved your dystopian ideas 🖤

[@rdgk1se3019]

Hopefully soon I'll have a new video on my current layout, I'm already registered for the N scale weekend in Altoona PA in September.

[@NScaleDystopia]

Amazing!

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

I totally understand, I took my layout apart two years ago but I built a new one, having building the layout, I did recycle parts of my old layout, and bench work from layout became beer totes, and yes Kris was forced to dismantle his layout but I ran GO locomotives on his layout last year but something new will rise, more ideas to share, to the future

[@NScaleDystopia]

I would be worried to stop evolving. I like the variety. I've seen how you're building your new pike and I always enjoy seeing how people approach a new challenge.

[@adriannash2705]

I think we’re in the same n scale group on Facebook and the first thing I saw of yours was painting the GO units but I never understood the Dystopia thing until now. It’s a nice small layout from the looks of this video but hey if you gotta tear it down to make something you can enjoy more then I don’t see a problem. It is sad to see something that nice just going to the curb but like you said it was taking up space and you weren’t really getting any enjoyment out of it. I kinda feel that way about mine cause it’s just a loop on a 32”x60” pallet my dad gave me a while ago but I’m working on trying to expand it so I can do more with it than run stuff in a circle. I hope this new one will be as good as you’re aiming for

[@NScaleDystopia]

The new layout is a big improvement for me. I call it my union project. The big challenge is that it's taken 18 months to finish the benchwork, track, and some very basic scenic details. I'm finally getting into the groove of modeling but it's been quite a gap since the dystopia project and this moment.

[@silversscratchbuiltproduct6277]

Qow that's a shame, I started watching you for the post apocalyptic theam of your layout. I'll personally miss seeing you work on it, with that said I'm enjoying the new layout too, but you cant beat a layout with zombies

[@NScaleDystopia]

Oh there will be zombies... I just need to get the #$%#$&##$% track done.

[@barrybradfordlocksport]

Sad to see it go but you saved the building's they were all a joy to watch, i see zombies in the future 😀

[@NScaleDystopia]

Zombies? Check ✅

[@petert9749]

There is much positive that comes across in your channel. The moving on from 'Dystopia' is good news. 'Dystopia' often has shades of depression in its wake. Someone described Beehoven's 2nd as 'Iife affirming'. Hear, Hear!!! And so with us.

[@rocco_siffredi.]

That would be awesome if you could build some Godzilla dioramas, perhaps post WW2 eras as in -1.0

[@SciFiCrafts]

Starting to watch and I hope the result will be: taking it apart to make a bigger better cooler one out of the parts :'

[@DjBobe89]

You should try and get into doing miniatures for movies and TV! A+ stuff

[@TheyMakeItLikeThat]

Well done. I like this format. I can’t wait to see this style on your new layout

[@NScaleDystopia]

You will get to see it in person!

[@1Nanerz]

Awesome, brother. I changed scales and ripped out my monster. Don’t regret the skills I learned. On to new things. Found your channel with the old dystopian layout. I love the new project even better. Grew up in the 6 so I’m biased.

[@NScaleDystopia]

KW shoutout to the 6.

[@ronhart4166]

really sad to see the layout go ! Defiantly in my top 5 favorite layouts. The attention to detail was incredible. I always thought the layout would have made a great shelf layout with a reverse loop at each end. I often go back to your older videos and pause the video. I always seem to find new details that I missed. The originality of your layout blew me away and is what brought me to your channel. So I know you will continue to impress !! Thanks for sharing. 🚆

[@NScaleDystopia]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you've enjoyed the layout and noticed the details. I appreciate your support and ideas, and I look forward to bringing more original content to the channel. Stay tuned!

[@MMRails]

There’s one question you didn’t answer. What’s going in that new found space??? Expansion?!?!?!?

[@officialredbelly]

So wait for the buildings you 3D printing these?

[@NScaleDystopia]

Laser + kitbash + 3D print.

[@normanrowe2831]

Sad. But all your reasons are totally understandable.

[@MegaBlackJoe]

which camera are you using to film? thank you

[@NScaleDystopia]

An old Nikon D3500 and my phone.

[@WeltenbauerClub]

At first i thought oh no. But in the end the new layout is still you. And the houses still got the dystopian look. How about zombie miniatures instead of people 😂

[@NScaleDystopia]

I think of the 30th person to ask for zombies... It will be done

[@WeltenbauerClub]

That would be awesome ❤

[@kimhawtin]

What are the manual switch levers called and where did you get them? At 5:06.

[@NScaleDystopia]

Caboose Hobbies Ground Throws - lots of online retailers have them.

[@kimhawtin]

@@NScaleDystopia thank you, I will check them out =)

[@Apollo_Vanron]

144 scale Gunpla model kits work well with N scale if you are interested in giant mechs.

[@NScaleDystopia]

I have a couple gundams sitting on a shelf waiting for an opportunity to hide in the layout!

[@Apollo_Vanron]

@@NScaleDystopia I will be viewing this channel further.

[@G_de_Coligny]

somebody tells him that he could certainly make bank just selling it...

[@NScaleDystopia]

You might be surprised how little people will pay...

[@G_de_Coligny]

@@NScaleDystopia i sux at kapitalism… Hey hey… want some cabbage patch dolls ?

[@G_de_Coligny]

@@NScaleDystopia for full/partial layouts unless its turnkey 2”x4” or something, sure. But for display case scenery I often see big transaction (yahoo auction Japan)

[@doubtsalmon]

Booooooo!!!