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

A Full Tour of My Amazing O Gauge Model Train Layout!
Support Eric’s Trains: / ericstrains
Try my other channel: / kitbashedsurvival
Chapter List:
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
Helpful Links:
Lionel Trains: www.lionel.com
MTH Trains: www.mthtrains.com
Atlas Trains: shop.atasrr.com
Menards Trains: www.menards.com
Millhouse River Studios (turntable): studiozphoto.com/millhouse.html
Backdrop Warehouse: www.backdropwarehouse.com

[@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!

[@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......

[@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!

[@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 🤔😂😁

[@matthewcrime3769]

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

[@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.

[@davidkasparian4089]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@rperras706]

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

[@franciscoppola1129]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@sodanotrains]

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

[@Donnie67654]

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

[@shawnlanders2034]

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

[@ericgreeson3674]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@TheBeardedDog]

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

[@emrilbennett8704]

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

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@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!

[@mitchbarber3468]

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

[@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.

[@islude1978]

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

[@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 🙏

[@davidstrainsandlego]

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

[@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!

[@catlover2534]

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

[@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

[@Puddin_Pi]

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

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you!

[@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!

[@deborahpellerito6117]

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

[@conradbelveal7709]

Great video Eric! Thanks for your candor. Best wishes to you and Lisa.

[@jjaagg5050]

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

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@justinp142]

Thank you for sharing Eric! You done a amazing job

[@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!

[@kevinbeverly4086]

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

[@timtoms4117]

What a great lay out. You should be very proud. Well done!

[@JMTrains1]

Eric, fantastic video! (I’ve appreciated and enjoyed your videos for years). Loved in this one the historic context pictures depicting the process of building out the rooms and the layout! Awesome!

[@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!

[@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.

[@deafeningmurmurs]

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

[@Ericstrains]

You're welcome!

[@GoldStandardTrains]

Great to see how things have developed over the years. I've been watching your videos since 2015 and you were the reason I decided on getting my first O-Scale set which was the Lionel Water Level Route Set with the L2A Mohawk Legacy. I still have and love that set and have been collecting since. Your videos have been a great source of information and inspiration. Ill be starting my layout build in my basement hopefully soon and I have you to thank you for that in some part. Cheers to the future and good luck especially if moving and starting over is in the cards for you.

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you!

[@leterguyschroeder4919]

What a great layout tour, thank you Eric. Great job.

[@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!

[@zachwheeler9846]

Glad to finally see another progress video Eric, love all the new progress and scenery you've added like that chain-link fence, which is probably my favorite new addition. I loved seeing all the old pictures from the very beginning of your layout and seeing the progression of it is today and hearing all the facts about the layout some I've never known about before. I just subscribed recently but I've been watching your channel since 2015 and I've enjoyed watching layout and channel grow over the last 8 years and can't to see them grow more in the years to come. Great video as always Eric!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks, Zach!

[@farantalebi8226]

Well done Eric! This is train wonderland masterpiece! God bless.

[@RaysTrains]

Yessss getting my popcorn tonight for this one

[@fredcarson193]

Oh wow, what an amazing tour. Thanks Eric😊

[@justicews]

So enjoyed the trains and the layout. Thanks so much.

[@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!

[@shafiqshabazz2462]

Congratulations Eric. I have been a long time subscriber. I am happy that your happy my man. So happy you found your soul mate. Great job my man ! !

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@ColorMeMozart]

Thank you for this vid, loved seeing everything! 🚂 And so happy for you!

[@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 🙏

[@richardalan8867]

Thank you for sharing. Ienjoyed the entire video but, the last part... the ride on your layout was awesome. Again thank's for sharing.

[@oglemansviews675]

Man, what a great video, remarkable accomplishment, impressive layout. Loved riding around the layout. Loved it all. Thanks for sharing your layout with us.

[@Ericstrains]

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!

[@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!

[@keithbliss6680]

Everything looks so real. Great layout Eric!

[@Ericstrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stevefalotico8205]

Amazing video. Thank you for sharing your work.

[@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!

[@3dartistguy]

You've always had a totally awesome layout!

[@chrish.8241]

Fantastic layout Eric, you have put an incredible amount of work into it. I almost loved the 'underworld' as much as the layout! Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@stevewells4927]

Cool story Eric, thanks for sharing and thank you Lisa!

[@links89a]

Amazing train layout

[@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).

[@PD-hv4js]

Really impressive - you should be very proud of this!

[@mikeyanello3664]

Great video Eric. I enjoyed this so much

[@ryanreel8902]

Awesome layout. that layout is pure art my friend!

[@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!!!!!!! 😊👍👍👍👍

[@StevesTrains]

Outstanding tour! Thanks for putting it together!

[@gfaverill]

Super nice job and great video tour ... Thank you Lisa!

[@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

[@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!

[@sydneymartin952]

What an amazing layout you did fantastic. It's a layout I could only dream of having.

[@davidbarr9343]

The best private layout I have seen! Brilliant!👏🎉😊

[@Ericstrains]

Wow, thanks!

[@ronhood7773]

What a heartfelt explanation. I'm very happy for the both of you. Best regards Ron

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks

[@ajosephbaumhauer4071]

Beautifully done Eric

[@The2000ss]

I've been watching your layout progress for years, I love your channel and your layout. Keep up the video's and the great work.

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks so much!

[@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!

[@3dartistguy]

I love POV's of TRain Layouts!

[@frasermderry]

Mind COMPLETELY blown! Thanks for the wonderful tour! 👏👍🤯

[@Ericstrains]

Wow, thanks a ton!

[@mauriciodonato9720]

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

[@Ericstrains]

Awesome, thanks!

[@sandymacdonald2838]

Amazing collection dude,your so lucky.

[@mosesholmes7046]

Most enjoyable video! Fantastic work, Eric! Thanks!

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you!

[@captainhelios8663]

Excellent job and attention to detail!

[@edhoran1709]

Fantastic job with the layout. Thanks for for posting the tour. It was really enjoyable and didn't seem like it was over an hour and a half long. Well worth watching. Well Done!!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@BatmanAD]

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

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@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!

[@Roadrunner4447]

That’s beautiful and awesome that you’ve been blessed to not only do you but also to share your love and joy of life with us who live vicariously through what you have accomplished/achieved…… absolutely love the videos and all that you do to allow us into your world 💜💜☺️🥲😇

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you!

[@charlesheinke8381]

Excellent, love your layout!

[@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 👍

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

Excellent… best one yet!💪🏽👍🏽

[@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

[@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!

[@zacharyspinks6207]

What an Amazing Tour of your Layout Eric, That was fun, Keep up the Good Work.👍

[@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!

[@frankmarrone2435]

This is an amazing layout and collection Eric, I’ve always enjoyed your videos and information. Thanks and God Bless!

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you very much!