3 BIG MISTAKES I see Model Railroaders make ALL THE TIME

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

As someone who loves his beer, every time I hear you say IPA I have to remind myself you're talking about isopropyl alcohol. :)

[@drewzero1]

Need to go to the store and buy a bottle... Or several 😂

[@rbingraham]

Same, IPA is a beer. Rubbing Alcohol is for wounds and layouts.

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

@ yup. I am having a nice imperial IPA as I compose this reply.

[@riogrande5761]

Same here. BTW, India Pale Ale is my least favorite beer - too bitter for me. I do like dark beers and especially micro brewery beers.

[@johnbanicki7232]

Lack of planning is a big issue. But over planning can cause a total lack of progress. Ask how I know. LOL Thanks for sharing.

[@chrisbarr1359]

Perfection has ruined many dreams!

[@drewzero1]

I laid down my HO shelf layout nine years ago and I still don't feel ready to scenic it. But... I have lots and lots of plans! 😂

[@ramblerdave1339]

Have that exact issue on my 13 year project car, and pretty much everything else that resembles work. Have had more than one employer who has said " You don't have to meet your standards, you just have to meet mine!"

[@rbingraham]

To me part of planning should be to create a construction plan and timeline that is realistic and achievable once you've designed the layout and created a track plan. Yeah, it's inevitable that something will happen and delay the plans. Life happens. I work in the construction industry, I don't think I've ever worked on a building that was done on time and never on one that was ahead of schedule. And it can be hard to estimate, especially if you're new to modeling and learning as you do it. But I would still say, make a schedule for when you're going to work on it, try to stick to it, and be realistic about what can be achieved during those working hours. And as you learn, both how to work faster and how long things take, revise that construction plan.

[@WHJeffB]

@@chrisbarr1359 Exactly... "Analysis Paralysis" is a real thing.

[@rwissbaum9849]

Jimmy, your comment about budgeting is spot on - and it applies to *all* *three* of the resources you listed: time, space, and money. You must budget your space as carefully as you'd budget your money; and this applies to layouts of any size, not just the 4x8 Plywood Central. When I was accumulating kits and track for my layout, I *really* wanted a HUGE roundhouse and turntable, so I bought three (!) roundhouse kits and a 120 foot turntable. Just having those on hand made it especially hard for me to accept the cold hard facts: I had *no* space for the turntable, let alone the roundhouse. (Believe it or not, I *had* a plan which would accommodate the roundhouse and turntable, but as the Yiddish proverb says, "Man plans, God laughs.")

[@markanthonyfrench5139]

Perhaps the roundhouse can be module of its own to display your locomotives. To add to the challenge, perhaps the roof is off part of it for repairs after a fire or storm. This allows one to see the interior detail and your locos. Can you mount it on a cart to use as a photo diorama, or a removable module for your pike?

[@3-Rail-Tales-Dad]

It took me a minute to realize IPA meant isopropyl alcohol, not India Pale Ale.

[@3-Rail-Tales-Dad]

“Running to the store to get a bottle of IPA”

[@jscott1320]

I was getting thirsty!

[@dandoerr8221]

I'm thinking both might be advisable.

[@stormbowman7148]

Hmm, I may have to refine my ballasting technique...

[@fernlenker]

=) having an Ale makes more patient?

[@Mike-tg7dj]

Thanks Jimmy, you are right. Having a plan is the best thing that I ever did.

[@ronnoman61]

Oh wow, I've made all these mistakes. I retired during the U K lock down, bought 8x 4 sheets of ply and a huge amount of 47x50mm and 25mmx150 timber. The first bad idea I had was to make 1200mm x1200mm base boards... how the heck was I ever going to reach to the back of that if it was up against a wall ! If I was starting again I would start with a 900x 1200mm, getting that off one sheet and go from there. I never realised that building a layout was going to take the rest of my life. Saying that I just love going down to my shed and working on my ever expanding layout. Best regards from the UK

[@muskokamike127]

I am just getting back into the hobby after 50+ yrs out of it. So I joined some FB groups etc. I saw that exact scenario of a guy building his layout. So I asked that very question thinking he had some method to get back there. "shut up" was his answer.

[@Cape_Cod_Steve]

😂 😂 😂​@@muskokamike127

[@davidf9630]

You just described my ENTIRE EXPERIENCE with my first two layouts

[@lonnyyoung4285]

I just (almost) completed my project, and will speak to the patience part. I started with a WWII era Daylight consist (all 20 cars of it) with an old Bachman GS-4. It took me awhile to collect the all of the cars (there were some purchases that got sold later that would have been a bad fit), but I finally got everything. The next issue was where on Earth was I going to put a 17' long train (it grew to about 19' when I discovered that I could legitimately put a cab forward on as a helper). Thankfully, my boss thought it would be neat for me to put it in my office (I had zero intent to actually run the train anyway). My original idea was to just put up a shelf that fit the geometry of the wall behind and to my left. I couldn't really let it go at that, so I decided that I needed to make it look like it was on the mainline. Fortunately, my OCD-tendancies were satisfied when I found a particular section of track that fit my billing (it needed a 135 degree curve, needed to be long enough for the train, and needed to be uphill in the correct direction). From there, planned out everything that I would need to make it look pretty close to the actual location. As much as I wanted to rush through, I knew that I would be really unhappy with the results. So, I took my time, working here and there, ordering tools and supplies a needed (and waiting until I got what I needed). I did tests with static grass because I had never used it before. I read up on how to ballast and watched plenty of videos. I took a while to get the edge of the display to my liking (it's a bevel that mimics the actual topography), and changed techniques multiple times. It took me several months of construction, including times where I was too busy to work on it, but I am very pleased with the end result. As it turns out, I don't have enough track length to get the entire train on with the helper, but I can't do anything about the size of my office, and it gives me a reason to change up the consist from time to time. I only need to get some paint for the underside of the shelf and brackets (I need to match the wall color to get it to blend in) and put up the edging to hide the edge of the plywood. It took awhile, and I had to change course a bunch of times to get it just right, but the patience that I had to use was well worth the results.

[@frankw7266]

The other end of “not having a plan”…. There is so much out there that it’s very easy to fall into Analysis Paralysis.

[@Tregrense]

Excellent advice that can be applied to many activities and hobbies! I love to watch watch model train videos but I don't have any. I have an "HO" slot car track, I need scenery. Obviously destined to be mostly botanical. Thanks for the video!

[@BrickTsar]

I multiply these problems by scales and types - besides Z, N, HO, S, O, G Scale, and narrow gauges - I’m into other trains - wooden rail, Tomy/Trackmaster, and LEGO. We experience the same problems in LEGO - I see a lot of people have the dreams of a large LEGO train layout and city but it’s basically like trying build a garden railroad on a table

[@Traumatree]

But LEGO is quite simpler when you have to correct a mistake though.

[@BillBob-e9f]

Excellent advice....I'm just starting out, but not a total newbie. I smiled a few times from your tips because I totally caught myself in all your tips.....best advice, take your time...do it once, do it right....or at least try 🙂

[@G60syncro]

About planning, now with many free web based CAD software, it's easy to make accurate plans. I use Solidworks for work, so that's what I used to plan my N scale shelf layout, but there's no reason to use the same ideas with other tools... I started with a rough plan of what I wanted and shopped for suitable kits to make the structures I wanted on the layout. When I had all the kits, I took a good look at them and reverse engineered the walls to see how to rearrange them. I inserted these CAD models in the layout CAD and could make tweaks to the layout and buildings simultaniously until everything fit good. It also gave me 3D perspective of how it would all look like in the end. I ended up with nice accurate plans of how to cut each walls for the kitbashed structures. As of now, all the buildings are mostly finished... All the walls are up and I put .060" styrene floors for bracing and semi-detailed interiors. What's left to do is some detailing and painting on each of them. When I look at the layout now, it's nicely balanced... looks busy but not crowded at the same time. There are a few key areas with neat little points of interest that will be perfect to set a small scene. Now I'm craving a brew, one of those pale ales is mighty tempting!!!

[@squidkid2]

Good lessons. I like the one about having a plan. I build small models of the complete layout using paper and modeling clay for the scenery and drawing the tracks in. Just use a scaled down version of the full-size layout. Make it about a half inch or 1 inch to the foot scale. Basically a scale model of a scale model. If you want to build a 4x8 foot layout in one inch scale then you need a piece of stiff paper with a 4x8 inch grid marked on it. Then build your layout on this paper. If you don't like the plan just toss it and make another one. You can make models of very large and elaborate layouts using large sheets of poster board that you can get at places like Hobby Lobby.

[@chriscummings4206]

I really like the 4x8 layout at 5:21! For me a backdrop would be nice, some small homes near the right hand curve with trees screening the track scene and a cutout area around the backside that has a road underpass to allow the townsfolk to escape from the blocked crossings.😂

[@STho205]

Best thing with a table layout..4x8 or so is to have a visual obstruction dead center down the middle (long or short middle) with a different view on the other side. Some do it with a tall industrial cluster (like a string of grain elevators or a paper mill flat). Some do it with a two sided backdrop or compressed ridge/hill with cut passes. This gives you the illusion of distance and keeps you from seeing it as a loop of track on the floor

[@frantesorero]

@@STho205or put it on the diagonal. And it doesn’t have to be perfectly centered either

[@KatoOnTheTrack1]

I definitely did too much my first 2-3 years but looking back, I wouldn’t change anything other than cutting back on some rolling stock.

[@genreynolds6685]

Excellent advice! Thanks. The other thing to consider is how much you can scratchbuild and how much you will have to purchase, in the trade-off between time and money. In a nascent MR which I stopped building when my son was born (40 years ago!) I got a lot of satisfaction from hand-spiking rail onto wooden profile ties. I built three bridges to scale from stripwood and card-stock from Paul Mallery’s book, and even hand soldered a couple of turnouts together, which worked. Simple hand tools were all I needed. I had a detailed plan with standards for curves and easements, even a “concept”, the works, determined not to make any mistakes from impatience or poor planning. But I was never able to build fast enough to actually make a running railroad. When my wife divorced me when my son was small, I broke up what track and benchwork I had laid and salvaged my bridges and rolling sock which have sat gathering dust in various apartments and later basements since then. Still, I got out of the hobby what I most wanted to: building the track and supporting structures and understanding how railroads are really built from an engineering point of view. I never took it up again because life is short and there are other things I want to spend time with, like grandchildren.

[@NYCS19339]

One tip from DJs Trains on KZbin is to not run your track right to the edge of the layout. It gives a great way to make the trains run through the scenery. It's great advice to follow. My advice is to pick your era before buying structures and equipment. Available items might change your plans.

[@nocturnalmayhem0]

well if youre modeling a more recent era like the 70s to 90s you could buy 40s and 50s buildings and make them look run down and weathered thats what i ended up having to do. my "downtown" looks abandoned with a few recent buildings.

[@muskokamike127]

Well, it IS "your world" after all, there's nothing wrong with having an 1800's era loco going through the jetson's city, if you so desire. I mean, I had a guy put a nice french beach scene in his layout. Me: where's the sasquatch? Sure enough, he put one in the bushes next to the hotel RIGHT ON! I love it! Then he posted a pic of a winnebago and a guy outside in his bathrobe emptying the holding tank.

[@NYCS19339]

@@muskokamike127 right you can run coal hoppers on your Amtrak train. I obviously made the wrong assumption about the point of tips for new layouts.

[@bathgrub8751]

I planned and built a dc layout that was 5" wide for a loop. I measured and calculated the ceiling where I would raise the setup out of the way. It was a multi-level setup with a cutout for a ceiling fan and an access porthole in the corner. Everything else I could reach. I planned and executed it really well. With wiring diagrams and landscape concepts. But I lacked time to spend on finishing it. Then I moved, so deconstructed it hahaha.

[@bathgrub8751]

Actually it was 2x3.6m with cutouts.

[@1LWiLNY]

I’ve been waiting to build a layout for effectively 10 years, got my first trains when I was ten and I’m 18 now. School and extracurriculars took so much away from that lmao, but I can’t wait to get out on my own and finally do this.

[@MRR_Shadowolf]

To add on to #3, planning an empire only to be overwhelmed/frustrated at seemingly lack of progress and giving up in frustration, whether temporarily or for good. A basement empire/around bonus room layout seems wonderful but reality is will take a very long time to accomplish even with time and $$$. I almost succumbed to that very issue when planning my first dream layout (haha right), friends in hobby who are much wiser/experienced than I warned me about this and what I had envisioned. The compromise/solution was to go ahead and plan for the 'big picture' (knowing full well things will change a bit for a myriad of reasons) but execute in bite size portions, ie build a small section, get it operational, some of the scenery and move to next section. This way you are seeing the fruits of your labor by running trains much sooner with plan on how to 'expand' as the time comes. In my case, have my around the room split into 4 distinct sections for completion. A side benefit is that I selected break points that are natural 'districts' for wiring etc. Best of luck to all on their MRR journeys!

[@brodrick3164]

Take your time start with a basic train set but build a T-Trak or a T-Trak Z module. You could build the entire set on modules so you can watch it run before you start on scenery. Then slowly acquire the products you need to add scenery to one module at a time. This will solve most beginner mistakes. If you do make a mistake on a module but trains will still operate on it just keep the module for running and as a reminder of what not to do. Also building modules allows for the dream of a huge complicated layout in the future without feeling like what you are building now is a waste of time. Just add modules until it fills your entire space/garage/basement/home.

[@AlexandarHullRichter]

I'll add, being fascinated by trains not available in your part of the world. Not really a mistake, but it adds difficulty (and requires extra patience). I'm American, but interested in British trains, and the shipping time between when I buy something and when it will arrive is like torture.

[@Bruno.Trains]

Félicitations pour ce splendide reportage.

[@aaronl_trains_and_planes]

When I started model railroading again, my wife said I don't have the patience to do it. That was my view as well, so I went into it knowing that and I was able to slow down, take breaks and know when to walk away from what I'm doing if I'm getting frustrated. I also like to stuff in as much as I can into my layout. If I've got some extra turn-outs, stick 'em in there and make another industry. I've really got to stop doing that. I'm drinking some Bettergoods Sumatra dark roast this morning.

[@katherinemorey6517]

I am a model railroader who uses wooden railway trains instead of electric trains. One big mistake that I made was that I was trying to get a bunch of switches for my layout on a tight budget.They were the type that didn't have any moving parts. That means that they give me no control over where the wheels go. So I'm replacing them with mechanical switches that do give me control. My life is easier now. Cory Mears

[@devoncantrell3311]

Are you talking about Brio trains haha

[@katherinemorey6517]

@devoncantrell3311 Yes and no, it's the same type of track, but different companies. I made custom wooden railway trains. My non-mechanical switches always derail my trains.

[@steveascolese3050]

bravo. Very succinct

[@rbingraham]

Amen! And I'm glad you said that a layout is more than a track plan. It's a design, or it should be unless you just want a couple of loops of track (which is fine too, but that is also sort of a design choice, to keep it simple and be happy with that). I can't recommend enough that everyone who is in the planning and design stage for a layout read Lance Mindheim's "How to Design A Model Railroad".

[@PrincePolaris]

This is a whole different world to what I'm planning to do, that being, clean out an entire room, put up a bunch of 8 foot folding tables that we have in the barn, then build one hell of a wild track spanning the entire room with whatever I want arranged around it. Old metal dollhouse? Sure! Old metal matchbox garage? Sure! Big ceramic lighthouse? You bet! I'm basically going to replicate the wild setups I used to build with thomas the tank engine battery powered trains as a kid, but bigger, and with electricity. A universe in which a steam engine towers over tonka trucks and yet is dwarfed by a house filled with plastic furniture, a world in which a lighthouse stands tall on dry land with water nowhere nearby, a world in which a bunch of stuffed ponies straddle the track because why not include those guys too? And if I do want to shoot for realism, or something approximating it, I can always employ the 9 billion Fontanini village buildings that my grandma has in storage, and have the train arranged around those. That'd probably look kinda cool, though the scale would mean the train is about the size of a large dog compared to all of the buildings...

[@chrisbarr1359]

Very good subject.

[@swimjimsvideos5244]

What I see most often is people cheaping out on the bench work. That's the back bone of your layout and it needs to be right. Another thing I see is tracks that are too far out to be taken care of without climbing on the layout. Then there are layouts that the owner needs to lay on the layout to service an upper level. You can get away with a lot of things when you under 50 years old. Things change though when you get older!

[@genreynolds6685]

For scenery, tunnels can be very short, and often are on the prototype- see the Quintette Tunnels in Hope, British Columbia. But they are never low, with only a few inches of mountain over top of the bore. Real railroads just blast cuts until the depth is great enough that the expense of tunnelling becomes less than dynamiting many cubic yards of rock (and disposing of it somewhere) to make a deep cut. Even then, sometimes troublesome tunnels get daylighted to reduce maintenance from ice and meltwater seepage that damages tunnels and train cars. This won’t affect operation of course, but the common low tunnels we see on many models look like a Lionel toy train.

[@BARRY77fullgas]

Hi, subscribed to your channel😉 How do you insert the Italian audio language into the video? 

[@HVACSoldier]

What type of glue do you use? I’m not as skilled. I’m thinking of using grass mat and/or gravel mat and/or asphalt mat, because laying down powder grass or gravel is messy.

[@TheConfluencePArailfan]

1:05 yep that’s me

[@BC-fx6ud]

Check clearance! Every tunnel, bridge and trackside accessory. Run longest tallest cars both directions through it.

[@kentbarnes1955]

Thank you sir. We are currently putting in a bid on a house (ugh...budget hit to the hobby things) that has a wonderful finished attic where I will have loads of room (yeah...no budget, but loads of room) to build a model railroad. I like to think of myself as a very patient person (in most respects), so hopefully I can (mostly) avoid #1. My day job is being a Project Manager, so planning is a big part of what I do, therefore hopefully I can (mostly) avoid #2. Ah...#3. Thank you for the warning!!! That will be the biggest pitfall for me...but if I do #2 "right" maybe I can mitigate (there's a PM word) #3. Oh...did I mention budget constraints...yeah...that helps #3 also. Have a Blessed day!

[@KeyserSoze23]

As a man who cherishes his beer with the same passion I bring to the ring, every time you say 'IPA,' I gotta pause and remind myself-you're talking about isopropyl alcohol, not that hoppy elixir of champions!

[@FTStratLP]

😂

[@ShukakuTheCrazy1]

I think my 2 industries on the 4x8 layout is a bit too much with my double track mainline loop. Especially with 2 sidings and a mountain tunnel that has an N scale loop on top of it. I have more engines than rolling stock. I usually collect what i think looks interesting. And the credit card debt. Anyway i think ill be more careful in the future, but trying out different things has given me a better idea of my preferences. Im a steam fan, but i have some neat diesels, and i like running goods/freight in HO scale, but i also love my N scale commuters. I think after i get rid of some stuff ill make 2 layouts in 1 where you see the HO stuff in the foreground running their goods to and fro, with an N scale commuter service far off into the distance getting people to large cities for work and tourism. First i need to work on scenery skills. My initial moutain was made from foam after all. Even after the new layout gets made i think ill keep the old one for good times. The track has been through many changes over the 18 months ive had it. Maybe after the second layout ill finally make my Wildspire Wastes desert layout in the basement. Granted that wojld probably have to be N scale to fit, but then the figures i have for it wouldnt fit. For now i guess ole Banbaro will have to keep working in the logging industry

[@Stussmeister]

Even though I'm still a novice when it comes to model railroading, I think I've more or less avoided these three pitfalls in terms of my current (first) layout. 1. Patience--I've spent 6+ years designing and building my current layout, and while it's still not complete, I'd rather it be done right than done right now. 2. Planning--The folks at my model railroad club have told me it's best to focus on a specific railroad and time period so as to narrow down one's choices of locomotives/rolling stock/scenery/etc. 3. Not doing too much--It's an unfortunate instance in model railroading where hobbyists continue purchasing items for a layout that never ends up being built, and other modelers bite off more than they can chew in building a massive layout that becomes overwhelming. My layout is only slightly bigger than your standard 4 x 8 oval, and I plan on running 2-3 locomotives/trains maximum simultaneously.

[@WalterKazban]

I had a chance to get a nice set...so I bought the train set...I was single used the living room on 1st floor had real sun light hitting the layout..12 X 6 ...double top tunnel 031 degrees track bottom tunnel use 036 degrees (2) train on bottom tracks one train on top starting towns and then work involved slowed me down ..met female now layout gone trains sold rest in containers in basement....ughhh

[@markhellman-pn3hn]

i have "THEE" most basic rookie layout - a simple 5x9 loop ... a few trees ... a few cars ... a few buildings ... but i get a TON of compliments !! ... why??? ... THE ROLLING STOCK !! .... i have the R12 NYC subway set!! ... you don't have to spend a sh*tload of money to have something nice

[@fernlenker]

Hello Jimmy (?) =) im just a märklin M-Gleis Kid =)) thank YOU for getting those thoughts back to my mind ! =) it works even vor M-Gleis AC so as in soooooo many other jobs... if here the car mecanics only colud herar you!! ...all the other "Meister" too!! thank you so much für that video! take it to my "good mornig" play list =)) have a happy Christmas! greetings from northern germany

[@genejordan9983]

I moved to the Philippines and shipped my new “ in progress layout”. My 5th one. 3 years later, it’s done. Now I’m thinking about a new layout. My new problem is availability. Almost everything will have to be ordered online. This becomes a huge cost factor. Even simple styrene sheets have to be ordered. 😂😂

[@TobyOliverHenryFan]

I mean, for №3 it really depends on the size. You're 100% talking about 00 scale or HO, but you can probably do more with that space if you use, say, TT:120 scale or even more with N or Z scale. But you'll need more space if you're dealing with O scale and G scale should just stay out on the garden.

[@andystrains4335]

I have been in the hobby most of my life however I have not really gone beyond the simple 4 by 8 loop layout because I don’t understand the electrical aspect of the larger layout

[@TheTrainFreak]

Hey Jimmy, I agree on patience, especially as a content creator because no viewer wants to see Plywood Plains nor understand how long it takes to make your dream layout look good. Agree to lack of plan which can cause over buying or having layout that looks like throw-up. Agree on trying to do too much. Bigger layouts cost a lot more time and a lot more money. Other big issues is poor benchwork construction by using cheaper warped wood or using the not correct glue for layouts not in a climate controlled area, which leads to poor trackwork and constant derails of the trains. - Jason

[@Youngboi-marklin]

Hi I was wondering if you could please make a video about you making a foldable table layout please

[@genreynolds6685]

These are very very difficult to do well. The tracks that cross the folding line have to match up exactly every time the layout is unfolded. If there has been any change in dimension of the wooden benchwork from humidity changes, the butting rail ends won’t mate. Even if they are off by a millimetre, the trains will derail. Not worth the trouble unless you are a skilled cabinetmaker building one for a wealthy client.

[@billclark81]

Jimmy. What address to send coffee

[@WHJeffB]

Good advice... I think a lot of guys make all of these mistakes... My additional advice for anyone starting out, get one really good locomotive (something that runs really well, so you don't get frustrated right out of the gate) and a handful of cars. Spend a lot of money up front on decent track. Don't make the mistake of buying questionable used track, or lower quality track and turnouts. Nothing kills enthusiasm for new model railroaders faster than stuff that doesn't run well... I don't proceed with detailing a locomotive or car until it runs/tracks well. Spend money up front to get quality stuff. Know your limitations... You won't be an expert out of the gate, and most importantly, be willing to redo things you don't like. Be willing to scrap projects that don't meet expectations, or drastically rework them until you're happy. Practice makes perfect too... Lastly... Read or watch anything you can on the subjects or projects you plan to tackle. In this day and age there's a ton of information out there. If you do your research, you'll be hard pressed to come up against something unexpected, that could potentially destroy your enthusiasm and/or forward momentum.

[@fabiopieretti]

In essence you need to have Project Management skills ! And these applies to all of those three "mistakes". You need to have a Project Management Plan and handle the constraints (Scope, TIme, Money + Resources (Space) ) properly...

[@bensibeijn4671]

Hi Jimmy, I recently bought 2 Kato locomotives. One KATO big boy and one Amtrack p42 starter set. The question is; must I lubricate them before use? Or are they lubricated at the factory?

[@DonaldVandal]

I have zero knowledge of what I'm doing. Everything seems to be just thrown together. I think I bought too many structures without any plans. Got too many good deals on E-Bay. Now I'm left trying to figure out with ones to box up again.

[@WalterKazban]

Step back ..get pencil paper put your idea on paper...you'll start seeing stuff this would fix better this or that vs cost on paper its cheaper.

[@kennethwilliams-dl9gi]

i drew up a plan (not to real scale) but did not know about certain cars/engines and their radii. there are cars/engines that turn on 18 inch radius and there are those that need larger radius. the cars i wanted were for 22 inch radius and therefore i couldnt buy them. but since i didnt want to spend $70+ on rolling stock, it was ok. i still regret not doing so though because now i have a bunch of cheaper less desirable rolling stock than what i wish i had. if i had to do it all over again...hmm.

[@colbymclellan131]

The biggest problem I run into is sticking to a plan. I will often make huge progress on my layout. Then go a month of not working on it at all because of other distractions. Then I come back to it with different skills aquired, more budget to spend on it, and new ideas. I then tear down all my progress and restart. This results in the same layout getting rebuilt over and over and wasting materials.

[@Wrzlprnft]

My first go at model railroading as a teen definitly failed due to a lack of priorization of what i thought was cool. I had a bunch of old tracks from my dad, and my uncle gifted me a diesel locomotive. Tried to cram as much together from what other people told me were cool model railroads, based on using the stuff i got gifted in tracks, rolling stock and buildings. The interest fizzled after putting the tracks and buildings on a wooden baseboard. Turns out, i don't care the least about industries and diesel. I'd rather do switching and managing a railroad in online multiplayer games with friends. Give me a passenger steam locomotive with big drivers and a couple of passenger cars, and i can just look at it going in a circle for hours. I recently recovered the old tracks and stuiff from my parents attic. And i am not going to use any of it. It's all H0, but i don't have the space for that. I am building a new n scale layout which is a single shelf-based mainlain along the wall. Because that's what i want, and i can build cool scenery-modules one by one. I ordered myself a BLI PRR T1 as the centerpiece for christmas. Because that is what i want.

[@wargamz9051]

My Issue is planning. I work for the railroad, but I can't design a simple prototypical yard or customer to save my life. You'd think having unlimited access to the real thing would help, but I have dozens of drawings and computer designs, and I know all of the aspects that a yard or customer needs, I just can't seem to out it all together. Any tips with this info?

[@humblewisdom8976]

I reccomend a book from Kalmbach titled "How to operate your model RR". I think it is now out of print for a few years but should still be around. The book does a good job of explaining why different tracks are where they are and you can use the info to help design yards, towns and industries. The premise is that you are going to operate the RR like a real one. Which as I have found is the most enjoyable part as opposed to just running trains any old place you feel like it. There is much to know about building a good layout. I spent ten years designing mine while I finished the entire basement before starting. Many years ago my daughter asked; "Daddy when are you going to get your layout done?" My response was: "The goal is not to get done but to get started!" I now have a very large layout that operates quite well and I am enjoying doing the scenery now as I wanted to make sure all the tracks were laid out right before finishing it.

[@brianhanley1903]

Trackwork must be perfect. Must be level no tight curves, no bumps, steamers wont run on junk track or some diesels. My layout OK now but had to track track all that down. So do it right first take your time.

[@jeffrogers4471]

Hi Jimmy I know this question is a little off topic to this video. I'm just starting model railroading and I want to do a ddc++ with the arduino. Will that system accept any decoders that are in use. I'm starting with a 4x8 layout with ho scale trains. I'm a electrician and probably will be putting my own decoders in my trains. Thanks for reading this.

[@KimKeyboardKimFokken]

I wished cars like auto racks and centerbeam cars could be shorter on ho scale to work on 18 radius curves sure there are box cars and tanks etc that are shorter. It seems that manufacturers of these longer cars only cater to those bigger layouts and bigger radius's but they don't consider making some of these cars and oh I forgot, also shorter coach cars. Is there a way to modify the length of longer to be shorter. Like a scale length of 85', actual approximately 11" to be like about 50-60' scale length works on 18 radius curves. Not everyone can have large layouts cause of space mostly so like I have a 4' X 10' Ho scale limits me to 18 radius curves. I woiuld like to have these other types of cars freight or coach and they be short enough to work on 18 radius curves.

[@fermiticus4034]

My #1 mistake is not having the space to do the layout I want to do. So...my stuff only sees the light of day when the x-mas tree is up. 😒

[@Nebenbahner]

The One with the epa water doesn’t really make that much sense because you can just make it yourself

[@Rocketthon3]

Would be interesting to have a conversation with you, a lot of comments and sharing could happen here.

[@lowerquadrant4647]

Everyone listen closely, for this is good advice! 😌

[@ElizabethWilson-u5o]

Thanks for sharing such valuable information! I have a quick question: I have a SafePal wallet with USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). Could you explain how to move them to Binance?

[@thelazyfishkeeper2730]

will all n gauge train run on kato, or bachmann track

[@lukestevens8735]

Depends on the manufacturer and how old they are. New stuff should all work together, but older/ cheaper/ bargain bin items may not. You can change the wheels on rolling stock but it is more difficult with locomotives.

[@gicnajm]

I can’t even count the mistakes I’ve made😂

[@mikeseba7817]

Thanks Jimmy!

[@jimmccorison]

One mistake is trying to create a layout beyond your skillset. Like many people, I'm just getting back into model railroading, having not done anything since childhood. The layout I'm envisioning is a lumber and sawmill scene from the early 1900s. It would feature a narrow gauge for local traffic, merging to mainline to the "big city". Yeah, it's too big of a plan for a starter. So, I'll start with a very simple layout, probably in narrow gauge to preserve rolling stock, then a more complex but still smaller layout before tackling my dream layout. Hopefully, I'll maximize the likelihood of success and minimize my frustrations.

[@fatimahkahar4253]

I love ur channel and u r a great help for beginners!

[@dennisgibble7166]

Hey my loco's won't run , track is atlas 100 , should I solder the rail joiners ? 😮

[@humblewisdom8976]

NO! At least not all of them. Make sure your track is clean your wheels are clean and there are no other issues with your locos. You can add feeder wires more around the layout as needed. If you solder all of them the rails cannot move proper with changes in humidity and temperture.

[@johnschutt9187]

Biggest mistake? Trying to save money on the base on which your model railroad will be built. Just go for it! It's going to cost more than you think. Do you think that you may add wiring underneath in the future? Turnout machines? Lighting? It's going to be a lot easier if you have a plywood base. I saved money by putting 1" foam on interior doors. But where is the wiring going to go? How do I attach switch machines if I go that route? Start with a good foundation!

[@solobassoon]

As a new model railroader you do not have a clou in the world what to consider to make a plan. It is very easy to ask questions, but to answer them is a whole different story. As I usually say: How am I supposed to know what I do not know?

[@tedblack7625]

Read. And then read more.

[@riogrande5761]

I can't relate to these. #1 No Patience: That has never been a problem for me. I have a lifelong passion for trains and model railroading. Maybe I'm odd or maybe the presenter talks to a lot of noobs. #2 Not having a plan: I've been dreaming and wanting to build a layout for decades. When I finally started having space to build, the first thing I did was draw up a scale track plan plan. Then start building. #3 Trying to do too much. I usually stick to my plan which is feasible. The things that have held me back in order are: moving too often and not having a space to build a layout - I lived in apartments and they were not good for cutting wood and doing that messy layout stuff. Over the years I have concluded two major things needed are: stable job and living circumstances and a stable marriage - those are key. Having the time is another. I'm building a sizable layout - I moved into my home late 2017 but we first had to remodel the kitchen, then DIY finish the basement while adding a 3rd full bathroom. In early 2020 I started building benchwork according to the scale drawing. All the mainline and yard became operational finally this year. I lost another year when my elderly mother started needing in-home care. At least I've been getting enough PTO to make progress on the layout which is 15x33 feet with 11 long staging tracks and a decent yard and two 21 foot sidings for longish trains. I have bought a lot of trains and now that I'm running them, I'm very aware that I have way more than I need. What do I do? I've been selling them, partly into fund trains I am buying and partly to reduce the inventory. I expect to be retiring and downsizing in a few years so I'm working on shedding excess rolling stock. I'd rather at this point have fewer/better trains. Not that the trains I have aren't good (ExactRail, Intermountain, ScaleTrains, Atlas, Athearn, Wheels of Time, Trainworx, etc.)

[@FelixvonMontfort]

I made the first 2 mistakes. But I was lucky. In the end it works for me.

[@eaglerider1]

some railroaders do not use DC or DCC, but AC or Motorola

[@UserDefaultEurope]

AC digital. Greets from Finland!

[@WalterKazban]

IF YOU want to work on your layout.. 'if you ever ever believe one thing ' DO NOT DO NOT GET INVOVED LET ME REPEAT "DO NOT GET MARRIED"...FOR YOUR LAYOUT WILL PAY FOR IT...I FAILED TO LISTEN TO MY OWN INFORMATION..I PAID FOR IT LOST AREA OF LAYOUT COST IN MONEY OF EQUIPMENT....MY PART LEFT IS IN CLEAR PKG CANTAINERS IN BASEMENT.. OH BEFORE ENGAGEMENT SHE LOVE THE TRAIN LAYOUT ..AFTER MARRIAGE SHE HAD TO HAVE THAT SPACE FOR HER ITEMS..." OK YOU BEEN TOLD SAVE YOUR LAYOUT DON'T DO IT..."..YOU BEEN WARNED

[@ppgwhereeverett4412]

I HAD no patience but this hobby has taught me Patience. I drew three plans Before I started then changed it again Twice during construction. Most of us learned the hard way even with these How To videos. But it is still a GAS !!

[@muffelmeierheinrich]

Luckily I have been a model builder since I was a kid, with lots of breaks in between and through the years have started to learn how to exercise patience (sometimes). Have a plan or rather a vision of what I want, knowing full well that some of the skills required to get there are not yet a part of my skill set and will need some practice(making mistakes). Biting off more than I can chew has always been a problem, and with the last project that has been very challenging to say the least, considering that it encompasses some "out of the box" thinking combined with theoretical vs. practical experience. One thing that has really helped, besides You tube tutorials, was just asking people for advice. They may just have a viable solution to a problem that seemed impossible with a suggestion based in real life experience, applied to a "model" enviroment. I am still in the middle of my "project", although it performed very well on it's first test run. Most model railroaders don't place their layout in an open body of water in the German north sea, well, kinda sorta. It is a model of the harbor on the island of Wangerooge with its narrow gauge railway, and it actually swims, in water, outside. I would be very grateful for pointers or tips on how to best finish some of the landscaping and finishing of my layout.

[@clearcreek69]

I'm guilty of making all 3 of these mistakes & eventually got out of the hobby

[@tharding2870]

Wow, this episode is a killjoy 😵‍💫

[@zig1497]

Good start with three but building on a flat surface should be #1 and not building at or near eye level should be #2 (children will grow up build a stool) Nothing kills a model RR like looking down at a flat earth like Godzilla.

[@seeburgm100a]

One of my pet peeves is painted backdrops with cotton ball clouds and no perspective. Like the backdrop in this video.. awful.

[@dennisgibble7166]

For sure 😂

[@JERRYR708]

I'm just getting into N-scale right when Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales arrived. I went overboard on pre-orders and doorbuster sales. I'm trying to play catch-up on inventory for all the years I missed out on this new scale.

[@Traumatree]

The first mistake is thinking you have enough money to realize what you want to do, and then having to fork another grand to do "some modifications"...

[@andrewlaverghetta715]

I’ve started to build an HO scale layout and luckily I don’t have a TON of rolling stock to go with it, but I’ve got my industries planned so far and have mostly kept myself only only cars that would be used by those industries. I know you don’t do a whole lot of scratch building on your channel, but one of the things I’m running into is trying to find out how tall certain structures should be. How large is a standard industry “man door?” How tall should a door be for a locomotive to enter with high cube boxcars in tow? Almost like a catalog of common measurements. I think I have a Lance mindheim building book coming, so I’m hoping some of that is in there.

[@stevejones1318]

The most common mistake is having ultra tight radius curves - that are just not realistic. Real world rail lines never have tight curves. Model rolling stock should also not accelerate and run at high speeds.

[@Sgt_Hest]

I always end with giving up because I can't get everything I want :D Lack of space is my biggest "mistake"

[@Whites-Creek-Railroad]

That makes me sad, I’m sure there’s another way

[@michaelhband]

👍👍👍❤❤❤🚂🚂🚂

[@jaimegarcia9944]

Be careful, you are “inflating” yourself

[@trainglen22]

Thank you. Made the mistake of having too much for a 4x8 layout. Starting over by having a few small industries with one large one on a shelf.

[@lutzrecke4970]

Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof 😢

[@El_Crab]

Hello

[@TheNorthwestWind]

truth

[@thoughtengine]

Constantly trying to mix HO with OO...

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

Procrastinating.

[@trainsontuesday]

For me you missed the number one mistake that I see all the time, including in your video. If you want your railroad to be successful, you must start on a good, solid foundation. Learn a bit about carpentry. We need to discourage modelers from building on expanded polystyrene sheets. That stuff breaks up so easily that I won't even use it for scenery formers. By the way, I am 74, been in the hobby since I was 8 and I have always been a crammer. There's never enough space for everything, especially track.

[@PacificEnterpriseNetwork]

I also find myself needing to slow down and "let things dry". Patience is really hard when you want to get a project done, and it LOOKS so easy, and "it'll be fine if I lay down the next coat of paint"... until it isn't...

[@nityking1]

Getting married, don't do it !

[@bauersimaobatista2110]

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