A Full Tour of My Amazing O Gauge Model Train Layout!

[@jetsons101]

When you said "The layout will never be done," is what Walt Disney said about Disneyland, "Disneyland will never be finished." Great layout, thanks for posting......

[@sirbarongaming2138]

Eric has the man cave of my dreams.

[@adiamond563]

same

[@Porschedude8]

You and me and everyone else. 😂

[@dupdrewww]

Yep

[@Mikle_]

fr

[@christopherjohnson5236]

The place to go to get away for hours or the whole day

[@csxswarm4926]

Been watching Eric since my earliest memories on the internet. I'm going to college in a couple month's and seeing him still making videos makes me so happy. Keep on chugging Eric!

[@keithm5224]

I’ve been watching Eric for over a decade, I remember when he started doing reviews. I’m in college myself

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@Ericstrains]

@@keithm5224 thanks!

[@jlwii2000]

It's good to have a mate that supports you and works with you and not against you. Like the Seinfeld reference too! Happy Model Railroading Eric!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks, you too!

[@evileyeball]

Totally. I don't have a layout or any trains but the hobbies I do I have my wife enjoys sharing with me and it makes me more likely to want to partake in them having a supporting partner than If I had a partner who didn't like my hobbies.

[@warrenholmar1129]

Funny I seem to remember some guy called jlwii2000 hijacking thus layout a couple of years ago 🤔😂😁

[@MaleusMaleficarum]

Its cool when you find someone who you can actually share your hobbies with you.

[@Ericstrains]

It is!

[@matthewcrime3769]

The amount of work and effort put into the layout shows how much you love the hobby. Keep up the great work Eric.

[@herk8762]

I appreciate that your layout doesn’t absolutely represent any historical/modern railway. It embodies the oldest and truest form of Lionel’s idea of model railroading in my opinion, the idea of making it your own. Very nice tour and layout Eric. Also, great to have someone to enjoy the hobby with.

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you!

[@RolandForest]

I can associate with what you said. I went through a divorce many years ago …it did leave me lacking interest in many things for several years. I didn’t care about the things I used to care about. It’s wonderful that you found someone to share interest and inspire you again to ensure your hobby. Great video today.

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you!

[@HouseofWrench]

Congratulations Eric. going through that rough patch shows your persistence to push through. Thank you for the inspiration for collecting and sharing the joy of this hobby.

[@Tobes_is_a_legend]

Aint enough ppl saying this thank you lisa for bringing back the joy of the hobby to eric

[@chefdannydesteli]

crazy to believe i was here about 9 years ago as a 13 y/o when the turntable was being installed. Happy to hear you’re doing better Eric and happy for you

[@GarageGeek]

I really enjoy how your set up is uncluttered with a focus on quality and detail. Less is more, you are focused on the right things. Really well done.

[@bugsplus3878]

I'm not even half way through and this is by far top 3 coolest layouts I have ever seen. I'm in the process of building a n scale layout and I hope it can be as cool as this one. I hope your layout and girlfriend continue to bring you joy.

[@Puddin_Pi]

Awesome! You found a train girl! Nice to see you happy. As a train girl, I approve

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you!

[@seanhobbs3624]

Eric, thank you for taking the time to make this all inclusive video. What a great showcase for your creativity and your dedication to the hobby. I’ve been working my 6 x 11 layout for two years and I feel better about the progress I’ve made. It always evolving and never finished. LOL. Great way to end it!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@robertpurdy3208]

Beautiful layout eric, great inspiration! I'm an O scale guy, but it always seems the HO and N guys have more realistic/ pretty layouts... your layout being the acception. Love the realism! I would say best looking layout on KZbin regardless of scale.

[@catlover2534]

My dad use to watch your videos all the time and loved them.

[@TheTrainboard]

Eric, just finished laying my track and doing my walkthru on my new trainboard, a 18 ft by 24 ft area. Just hope I can now do scenery and landscaping to create my worlds and tell my stories, inspired by your fantastic work. My compliments to you. So very nice that you and Lisa share the fun. Gary

[@The_Duggler25]

You know it's crazy to see how this layout has come along over the years I cant even remember when I started watching. Part of me wants to say 2013

[@Ericstrains]

Wow!

[@The_Duggler25]

@Eric's Trains its been a long journey but a incredible one at that.

[@lars-andersmalmberg4042]

I just see this video fot the second time, and i don't no how people calling you a show off guy, you're doing all the work from scratch to finish, you're a single railroader, I think they dumb people should salute you for being on your own, I salute you Eric 👍

[@deborahpellerito6117]

This is out of this world I love his tiny grey cat Frisco

[@stephendeak4910]

I just kicked another bucket off my list. I have waited since 1965 to see what could be done . I always wished to build a train scape. Thanks Erick you just made a dream come true. Thanks and love. Stef.

[@Ericstrains]

Here's the full chapter list for this video: 0:00 - Intro 2:12 - FAQ 6:33 - Starting The Tour 9:52 - Main Room - Lower Level 23:50 - Main Room Retrospective 27:47 - The Hallway Room 30:31 - Hallway Room Retrospective 32:11 - The Carolina Room 36:44 - Carolina Room Retrospective 37:04 - The Colorado Room 42:57 - Colorado Room Retrospective 44:48 - Back Into The Main Room 45:40 - Ramp To The Upper Level 46:49 - The Main Room - Upper Level 1:00:41 - Layout Lighting 1:02:30 - Layout Storage & Displays 1:12:16 - Underneath The Layout 1:22:29 - Conclusion 1:23:19 - A Ride Around The Layout 1:35:05 - End Credits 1:36:28 - Blooper

[@bxjibaro73]

Perhaps in another lifetime, I'll have a FUN "Underground MODEL🛤 Railroad" like you ERIC. BIG CONGRATS 👏 👏 👏 👏 on finding a Girl-friend/Spouse who supports what you do and helps bring you to a better, peaceful place. ✌️ 👍 Thanks for your videos!!!

[@georgen9755]

FAQ , frequently asked questions

[@jjaagg5050]

I have loved model railroading ever since my dad got my first American Flyer set. Kudos to you Eric!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@solutions2exist556]

Thank you Eric for sharing a piece of your life and a fantastic layout. For folks who have trains in boxes or riding the high rails of display cases, it’s always a joy to watch trains on a layout. I go back to your very early YT days and you have brightened a many day along those years. You have shared your knowledge freely and for that alone I say thank you even if a lot of us did not utilize it for whatever reason …, usually space limitations. God Bless you and your family. Although at my age I need it like a hole in my head, I did order from Legacy Station a Big Boy. I have made sure all of my Challengers and Big Boys have different road numbers. Toying with the idea of buying the largest Millhouse Roundtable and making an engine house diorama since I do not have the room for a suitable layout. Besides … I can always enjoy your excellent railroad. Thanks Eric!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks great! Thanks!

[@timothyrose4052]

One of the most comprehensive layout tours I have ever seen. Most wouldn't dream of showing the soft underbelly of the beast. Thanks for the work!

[@Dom-bw6vj]

Eric.... You have taken model railroading to levels which most modelers like myself dream of. You have mastered the hobby and I,m sure you will enjoy your accomplishments in years to come. Best to you.

[@emrilbennett8704]

Your lay out is awesome, and your photo voice overs are top notch. Love this video! Gets my stamp of approval.🌟

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@GGSRailways]

How freaking awesome , love , love , love !

[@Ericstrains]

Glad you liked it!

[@michaelsisto9898]

I’ve been following your channel sporadically since 2013/2014…I was 15! Can’t believe how time has flown since your first few layout videos. It’s been so cool to see this layout grow into something truly awesome! Best of luck!

[@shawnlanders2034]

I could stay in that room forever!! I love it

[@JrSamplez]

Your layout and collection are an amazing accomplishment. I've been watching for years and I appreciate your enthusiasm for the hobby and willingness to share reviews. Everyone who visits becomes a better model railroader for spending time watching your videos. Well done brother and thank you!

[@Ericstrains]

No, thank you 🙏

[@sodanotrains]

Thank you Lisa! A happy Eric buys more trains!!!!!

[@maidenvii]

Seeing this guy so happy makes me happy!!!

[@dennis2494]

Best layout that i have seen that wasn't in a dedicated train layout building or a special addition that was added on to an existing home. You really paid attention to the details.

[@Ericstrains]

Wow thank you 🙏

[@jacystrains3306]

i have been watching erics videos since i was 5 and he inspired me to start a layout at 6 and i started a train youtube channel at 8 and now i am 13 and he still inspires me/

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you!

[@timothymclaughlin6860]

Wow well thanks for the tour. Giving attribution to your woman at the outset was great. My wife Julie has always been so encouraging with everything I have ever tried to do with our layout and she is a critical part of everything. So glad you have that special person in your life. Well your work is amazing. All of my work on my layout… building techniques I learned from your videos. So it’s so great to see all of what you have done. Your the lead ambassador for our hobby and I appreciate so much all you do so thank you. I think my favorite section is The Hallway Room. Love the isolation of it with the mountains trees and beautifully finished tunnels. Love how the trains appear then disappear. Your rock work is the greatest . Just looks so good . Love your long grade up to the upper level too. Again thanks for everything!

[@Ericstrains]

Thank so much, glad you enjoyed it!

[@richardkessler]

This tour was phenomenal...I am an amateur woodworker and guitarist..your talent for building the cases and the layout was very impressive....I'm sure you could build display cases to sell...but I personally would rather see you doing the layout stuff... I can't imagine what it looks would take if ever you were to move to a different house.. You are a great comunicater...watching the train run the layout after seeing the early pictures really showed the details..the fact you admitted never doing or building anything...your scenery is top of the line as well as your vision!

[@mitchbarber3468]

A major investment of time,energy ,and enjoyable fun, love the variation of ballast just like rock from different quaries

[@tonyarsenault4256]

Might be the best residential home Layout in the entire country ! Thank you for sharing some personal and perspectives on your life and allowing us into your home.

[@Ericstrains]

I don't know about that, but thank you anyway!

[@tonyarsenault4256]

Ok well maybe on the East Coast 😉😁😉😁

[@Ericstrains]

@@tonyarsenault4256 thanks!

[@Ed-ICE-Berg]

I never realized you had all those rooms. I’d be watching your videos and thinking to myself “where’s he filming that?” Lol great to see the whole layout in one video.

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@railroadmillion681]

I remember first watching your videos when I was around 8 or 9 years old. Now I just turned 22 years old and your layout has changed so much since then.

[@Ericstrains]

Wow!

[@flossietube2065]

You know when you ask someone, "how's it going?" And they respond sarcastically, "living the dream!" Well, Eric is certainly living the dream!!! Surely the dream I wish I could be living!!!! Great video Eric!!!!! Beautiful layout!!!!!!! 😊👍👍👍👍

[@RaysTrains]

Yessss getting my popcorn tonight for this one

[@SD45-ET44AC]

Thanks Lisa! Eric,sorry about having to go down the path after a divorce. Finding a partner after a divorce-me too (for me, a wife x 28+ yrs) who encourages me to have fun, but she has her hobbies & I have mine and she let me know that early on. She’ll go to a spot for me to watch trains all day and she’ll bring a couple of books for her. But, She Is Beside Me Always! Praise God!! I’ve been watching since you built the hill to the 2nd level. You’ve done an amazing job and I miss my 22’x 13’ MTH O gauge layout but we downsized so I’m N gauge now. Rock on 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🚂

[@shaggyrogers5419]

this man made my childhood a little more wholesome, I remember back then I would wait for new videos and would be estatic when a new model review is uploaded. Eric keep it up! with love from the Philippines!

[@StevenWeisner-r3z]

Hi Eric, awesome layout. The last Lionel trains I had were the 1960s trains. Now that I'm retired and looking for ideas on what to build. You've given me knowledge the answer some questions and you gave me a perspective that I had never seen before.

[@johnnycee5179]

Divorce is a terrible thing my man, I went through it myself with 3 small children, I got the children but divorce is a tearing apart of what was once a unity. Your set-up is really sweet, great job.

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

Congratulations on getting to be with and actually raise your children! My ex caused the divorce and then did everything she could to keep them from visitations! The courts would never do anything about it ? To this day I never see them,,,

[@johnnycee5179]

@ekbanjosworld4926 I was blessed of the Lord that while still married to her I got the kids and took off to Arizona from Tennessee. They kids turned out far better with me then they would have with her. She had two more with someone else afterwards and they are a mess,one on drugs while the other sleeps around like her mom did She was competing with a friend on body counts.

[@garybyrne2605]

Eric, I'm so sorry, to hear about your divorce. Best of luck to everyone. I'm so glad you got this video out.

[@Ericstrains]

thank you!

[@ironhorsehistorian9871]

13 years and counting. Started with your review of the Lionel GE Evolution Hybrid in 2010, as a second grader. Now here I am, soon to be 21, a fellow model railroader, and a fan 13 years and counting. Well done! cheers! And keep up the good work!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@davidstrainsandlego]

The most anticipated video of the decade! So happy to see this

[@jeffpellitteri6730]

Fantastic! I’ve missed watching you for a little over two years… i lost my collection of trains in the California Grizzly Flats fire of august 2021. Moved to Milwaukee Wisconsin and just started buying a few trains… Post war Santa Fe’s and a newer Lionel Santa Fe passenger set for Christmas time. Your channel is a inspiration and always fun to watch. Have a great Christmas and New year. Peace, pj

[@DennyDreadBassMan]

I'm glad you met someone new. I can see the joy in your eyes talking about her. I understand about the blue funk. You're too important to the hobby to not be here.

[@chrisgwynn773]

Eric. It was so wonderful to meet you and your girl friend back last October at York. Thank you sooo much for sharing your layout and so much of your time with us. Please continue…. I look forward to seeing your layout and all the videos.

[@Ericstrains]

Nice meeting you too!

[@alleghenycityproductions]

Eric you are the GOAT of o gauge you and Phil klopp are the inspiration of my future layout the Mid-National Rail Lines

[@rperras706]

Eric, thank you for posting this incredible video of your layout. Everything is totally amazing.

[@JC-xf5jc]

Good for you ERIC. You can see that the excitement is back… I have been watching you from way way back.. I could tell that something was wrong. The excitement was gone from your reviews. Then something changed. You were BACK. THANK YOU LISA. Great to know that you have someone to enjoy your hobby with.👍

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks so much!

[@hovermotion]

Superb system ..one of the best O scale on KZbin I think..

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks 🙏

[@islude1978]

Great video! Have been watching it grow for over a decade.

[@railfanmaximstill7279]

12:33 "Everythings coming up Millhouse"

[@fredogden936]

Wow! Simply amazing. Such an inspiring video. It is time to get going on the layout of my dreams. I have spent many, many pleasurable hours with my elderly father watching your videos. He was a big fan of yours, model railroading, and trains in general. (He passed at 92 this last March.) I'm sure the hours he spent watching your videos during the last few years were counted as some of his best. I hope you can keep up the good work. The videos are an inspiration to children of all ages. You rightly remind us that this hobby is all about having FUN!

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you so much!

[@pinchy08]

Fun GoPro train ride on the layout. I guess this layout will never be finished. Work in Motion. Enhancements. Keep enhancing all you want. Any result that satisfies you. Keep up the good work Eric.

[@davidkasparian4089]

This is the man cave of every model train enthusiasts dreams💙

[@brettmariotte3343]

I inspected bridges and culverts throughout the state of NC for many years. Every one of these bridges and culverts located in or around a large city had at least one shopping cart in it not to mention the tires. I personally saw people walk down the road or sidewalk with their groceries etc. in a cart and when they got close to their home they took their treasures out of the cart and discarded the cart in the creek. Working in the mountains of NC I saw outhouses still in use suspended over creeks and rivers. Working in WV I once saw an old Automotive garage/shop, no longer in service thankfully, and the oil change ramp was suspended over a large creek where the oil would just fall into the creek. Times have changed for the better in some cases but not all.

[@deandanielson8074]

Hi Eric: I have always appreciated your videos and ability to relate to every person with a helpful, friendly presentation of very interesting information. I'm a N-Scale modeler but greatly appreciate the O Scale "big stuff." I rode the trains as a youth and my Dad purchased a Lionel 4-6-2 Pacific with about 6 cars. Please continue your great work. - Dean (Roscoe Rails).

[@mauriciodonato9720]

Ran into this video searching for something else, and couldn’t stop watching. This layout is amazing!

[@Ericstrains]

Awesome, thanks!

[@BatmanAD]

The goat of o scale trains . Been watching eric since i was 12-13

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@pinchy08]

I’m amazed by the history of how long your layout came to be. You have an amazing 3 rail O scale collection. I’m more into N scale though. But your 3 rail O scale content is very entertaining. I truly applaud Lionel, MTH, Atlas, and Manards for your layout construction. Happy Model Railroading.

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you very much!

[@charlesmcclure5994]

Well Erica you say you put in a lot of hard work over the years on your layout and yes a layout is never really finished cuz you can always add detail or find a way to improve operation, and you're very lucky that your enjoys working with your layout to she's a keeper thanks for sharing 👍👍

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you, Charles!

[@genemanno1533]

Wow, multi rooms, you must put in some serious time and money. I can’t imagine there is any time left in the day for anything else. Very serious, thank you for sharing the presentation of what looks to be a life time devotion.

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@SeekingTheVerdants]

I agree with curving the bridge for sure! Straight just wouldn't look the same, plus it opens up the whole front of the section to see and work on. Please pardon me adding more replies instead of just one. I'm watching the video now and adding replies as I go. Hahaha

[@fluffnose3386]

Your layout is spectacular! I could only dream of having something like that. The little crawl spaces and storage were very unique. If i had a layout, id have to have a slot car / train crossing. Imagine how fun it would be racing slot cars and trying to beat the train through a crossing! Yeah… maybe one day!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks 🙏

[@johnrusselljr89]

Man you're the KING of model railroad!

[@Ericstrains]

Aww, thanks.

[@JCBShortFilms]

I remember watching the live cameras years ago with my dad and brothers! Layout looks good! Watched a lot of your videos in the past, glad to see you’re still doing it!

[@TouchoftheBrushModelWeathering]

Your layout has come a long way from watching your UP sd90macs pulling a military train on the main room bare table back in 2016/2017! I have been watching your progress since then and your content never gets old and even though I always comment or collect o gauge anymore, I still make sure to watch your product reviews and live shows too. - Joey

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks for watching for so many years, Joey! I really appreciate it!

[@105C09]

My condolensces o b your divorce. I will pray for your recovery and peace during this fmaily oriented holiday. I was hated as a child and resented for beng born and found comfort in watching the B&O and PRR trains as well as playing with my AF and Marx trains. God bless you and thank you for your wonderful videos. You are considered a You Tube friend! Blessings, Bill.

[@franciscoppola1129]

Fantastic layout! The detail and workmanship is tops. You have inspired me over the years to make my layout better

[@GDLarcade]

Fantastic video! It was worth the wait. It's like a Behind the Scenes at Disneyland. I had no idea this was a walk-out basement and how extensive the under-layout area was. A lot of great ideas for others to organize their space around their layouts. Also really enjoyed the cab ride. Thank you!

[@Ericstrains]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks 🙏

[@caydenwalker2369]

Wow really has come along over the years. I remember when the Carolina room table was just the wood and you started the water and lake. Sure has taken shape over the years Eric!

[@ArcadiaJunctionHobbies]

Beautiful and inspirational layout. A good woman to champion you. Love it. Best wished from Ireland.

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you!

[@jamesdennis2004]

This video gave me some ideas for my HO scale train layout both under and up Sid of the layout. So thanks Eric for making this video I'm sure that you help all of us in all ways.

[@GlennFresch]

I met my wife in early 2021 and got married the week before the first post pandemic York show, which became part of our Honeymoon. Since then we’ve done the train hobby together, including working on our new O gauge and Standard gauge layout. You are right, Trains are more fun when you share them with your partner.

[@Ericstrains]

They sure there!

[@Shipwright1918]

Appreciate getting to see the layout in its entirety, actually a lot simpler than I thought it was from what I've seen watching the review videos. All I gotta say is...WOW....Could probably fit my entire train room in one corner down there.

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you!

[@links89a]

Amazing train layout

[@steveandereggen3182]

Eric, best layout tour video I have ever seen. Well worth the wait and you did an excellent job in putting it together. Good luck to you and your new girl friend in the hobby of trains.

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you so much, Steve!

[@mrlionel1965]

I have been watching your channel for a long time. To see this layout like this is just beyond epic! Thanks so much for the tour. BEAUTIFUL Eric.

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you!

[@Orion12113]

I saw that GSMR poster, I love going there as it's not too far from where I live, really was my first experience with riding a steamer other than tweetsie. Keep up the good work Eric

[@ericgreeson3674]

That was Fantastic !! What a nice place to hang out and have Fun ! Eric

[@kevinbeverly4086]

That is super awesome. I really like the spirit of 76 locomotive.

[@Calebro4]

Really cool to see a culmination of different videos you have made into one long video. Such as the power supply, room tour, and locomotive count. Which by the way I’m looking forward to seeing an updated count this year perhaps!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@Donnie67654]

Congrats my man. I have been subbed to you since 2009. Glad everything is going great for you! Hear hear to better things!

[@TimMacPA]

Thank You, Lisa! Love the shopping cart story. I had the same experience growing up. The end traincam is like a carnival funhouse ride, love it. I hope to make it to an open house in the future. Amazing work. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@Ericstrains]

Nice, thanks!

[@JimBobZee]

I'm impressed, those trains and accessories are expensive. You must have hit the lottery...thumbs up

[@OG-Productions]

I hope I can build a bigger and better layout in the near future your layout has given me some inspiration for my own layout

[@deafeningmurmurs]

I Really NEEDED this tonight. Unbridled enthusiasm and CARE. Thank You.

[@Ericstrains]

You're welcome!

[@markmonroe7330]

Excellent video. I really enjoyed it. Would really like to see how you control all of the switches, train directions, general running operation, etc - when you are running things. Thank you.

[@hankmarshall3829]

Renarable, Eric. Your RR is larger than my house! Beautiful, sir!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@TheBeardedDog]

I really enjoyed watching your passion for trains. This is an amazing layout. Thanks for taking the time to make the video.

[@ceasersaahir7949]

Eric, you look young to have the collection of trains,(Locomotives) that you have aquired!!! O scale is not cheap!! Amazing collection!!! Tip of The Cap" to you sir!! I bet your hobby also doubled as therapy!! Been where you were!! Take Care!!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks

[@jamesdenny4734]

45 car train is a Hella long train in O gauge. In any scale, really. Good looking O scale layout!