G-Scale Epic Garden Railroad PLUS Lionel O Scale Chicago Layout

Best model train G-scale garden layout on private property, that I have ever seen! Elaine Silets' train layouts are world famous. Known as the "Train Lady", Elaine has been in the model train business almost all here life. She got her start selling her outdoor layouts in the famous Neman-Marcus Christmas Wish Book, then went on to build custom layouts in all scales. Her son H. L. takes us through one of the largest and best G-scale layouts in the world as well as her incredible Chicago-themed Lionel O-scale model train museum.
For more on Wandering Tree Estate:
wanderingtree.com/
Follow us on Instagram @coolestthing for behind the scenes and other fun stuff.
Producer/Director: Guy Georgeson
Director of Photography: Andrew Sheppard
Editor: Guy Georgeson
Associate Producer: Laura Morris
Music licensed from: Pond5, Epidemic Sound
Big thank you to the Bell Fund for additional funding of this season!

[@CoolestThing]

Thank you all for watching! We filmed this last summer and are super thankful to Elaine, H.L. and the whole Wandering Tree gang. We travel around the world and feature coolest things of all kinds. More episodes coming out soon! Cheers!-Guy (Producer, Coolest Thing I've Ever Made)

[@scs9839]

There is a place that is closed in portage mi on austin lake called "the train barn" the curioder died. I think his wife is still w us... anyway it's all upstairs in barn an amazing train display that when I was a kid he'd run on sat morning for a buck fee

[@dereksevers9187]

Are they open to the public do they allow you know people to come and check it out Is it wheelchair accessible?

[@DJone4one]

How long is the railway line in total?

[@Jtree96]

This is such an underrated channel. These are top tier documentary style films!

[@CoolestThing]

@@Jtree96 Thanks Jake! Appreciate the support. We put lot of time and energy into these, so glad people are noticing. More episodes coming out soon! Cheers- Guy

[@keithkarbel2000]

She needs to be in the model train hall of fame if there is such a thing.

[@CoolestThing]

Agreed! There’s even more train stories we couldn’t fit in. Her resume is unreal.

[@bicyclist2]

Agreed!

[@eddyjohan8650]

A section of the hall of fame should bear her name. Or maybe the road leading to the HOF.

[@GigiDuruDuru]

I smiled for 11 minutes and 44 seconds. Coolest lady ever and the whole family and family story was just amazing.

[@CoolestThing]

Nice! Glad you enjoyed it! More episodes coming soon!

[@kd1841]

I love her and how she said the coolest thing she ever made is her kids, then next her railroad. ☺️

[@CoolestThing]

Us too! lol!

[@scubasleeve3497]

This lady is awesome. An incredible example to us all, in several ways.

[@kerlyn3582]

This lady is off the chart amazing ... every little boys dream mom.

[@MojaveModelRailroad]

This lady was a true inspiration to many women, such as myself, who grew up playing with trains as a kid. And to hear the story of her husband....I cried! Such an inspiration of love. Thank you for such a great video. Going to save this video for whenever I need a pick-me-up for the day.

[@CoolestThing]

Thank you for your kind words! She is incredible for sure! Glad you enjoyed the vid!

[@Dan-jf3pc]

Elaine is living her best life and using her artistic eye to build working pieces of art. The fact that she enjoyed it with her husband and does it professionally is a testament to her craft and art. She would make a killing writing about the way she approaches a project. I hope when I get to my O gauge garden railway, that it is a quarter of the quality of hers.

[@MadLudwig]

Our daughter grew up with HO and G scale trains. She and her husband love the hobby.

[@davidzyla7403]

What a heartwarming story. So nice to learn about her second coolest thing ever made.

[@CoolestThing]

Lol! Yes, glad you enjoyed it!

[@ShellingtonLabs]

Very wholesome and funny.

[@koben1]

Whats the 1st?

[@ShellingtonLabs]

@@koben1 Her kids

[@coin9818]

This is absolutely incredible and I love how positive she is about all of that and how incredible of work she did

[@mistermadmachine6311]

It’s soooooooooo cool

[@CoolestThing]

Well said! She was such a joy to film with and being there for a day was fantastic. We film in a lot of basements, so nice change of pace for sure!

[@StephanieElizabethMann]

Wow. I am not quite speachless because I'm going to shower praise on this absolutely amazing, fantastic railway. If I lived in America I'd be there soon. What a wonderful place to live.

[@lieffian]

His father was a lucky man. He’s also a lucky son

[@heleti0000]

Amazing - my face hurts from a constant smile. I don’t know what was more entertaining - the incredible trains and tracks or that fabulous LADY ❤️🇦🇺

[@CoolestThing]

Glad you enjoyed!! Thanks for watching!!

[@seanfitzgerald9320]

This really shows the great love and respect people have for railroading, and how big of an impact it's had on people's lives. This woman and her husband built a life not just around trains but also MODEL trains. We owe our entire world to the invention of rail and these people celebrate it in the coolest way possible.

[@nicolasmango290]

What a LOVELY lady !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It makes me happy watching her son talking about her with so much pride. Beautiful people!! Great video guys !! well done!!!!

[@richardhead1114]

Omg What more can I say. This makes Disney look like a kids toy.

[@aaronmiller7954]

It is a kids toy, tf? God what are you peoples problems? How do you not want to act out in extreme violence after 30 seconds of this video.

[@chriswilson9230]

Absolutely incredible. Thank you to your mom for building Wrigley Field and not that other team.

[@CoolestThing]

Lol, shots fired

[@herberthallum2078]

I smiled through the whole video. You're mom is an amazing person. God bless her. May your dad RIP. Thanks for sharing this.

[@ovrreaction]

Came to see something cool 😮 left with a story and tears 😢 from hearing someone with so much passion and joy for what they do.

[@CoolestThing]

Thanks for your kind words! More episodes coming up soon! Cheers- Guy

[@EthanMaxwellGraves]

It's been the better half of a decade man, when is this channel gonna start getting the subscribers it deserves? I can't exactly place why but your videos bring me back to being a kid watching treehouse masters. It's a feeling of divine curiosity and joy

[@CoolestThing]

Thank you! Yeah, it's been tough making these on the side as a small team. Hoping to figure out funding to make more though. Also, couple more that we filmed already coming out soon! Thanks for your support! Cheers - Guy (show creator)

[@michalviktorin6758]

I simply love the idea of train coffe table. Im glad I saw this video, since I used to play with my grandpa model railroad as kid.

[@CoolestThing]

Us too! Would be so cool to own a train table!

[@michalviktorin6758]

@@CoolestThing I find building one cool as well, since I made plastic models as kid and played with grandpas model railroad I mentioned, so it would be back to my roots experience.

[@MontgomeryMiller]

Very impressive. As a model railroader, artist and Jack of all trades like yourself I must say you are amazingly inspiring to me. I'll never forget the beauty of your work or the creative passion that drives you. You should be bursting with pride about the great happiness you have brought to others. Godspeed and peace.

[@AngelaPaulina1989]

This woman is truly iconic ! Her son is so privileged to have such a lovely mother! She really is a gem! God bless them and their relationship ❤

[@jennylawson1980]

Such a lovely woman and beautiful story and an incredible build

[@eldersilva9030]

Best part of this video is the mom, I would love to have a conversation with her!

[@lentayotaysh]

Shes AWESOME! and has a nice Son, very wholesome.

[@simondalzell5635]

Truly amazing. What an incredible woman your mother is Sir. Thanks and best wishes from North West England.

[@Eventwow]

I have a hidden passion and love for trains. My grandpa loved trains. I inherited his train set and my dad had it in storage somewhere. Unfortunately my life doesn’t allow me to make or set up a train thing like this

[@ChuckHackney]

There is something about trains and model trains that bring out the child in all of us

[@badapple65]

I absolutely love the marching to the beat of a different drum mentality.

[@christophertmunro4503]

This lady is an artist in the truest sense of the word!! All of those layouts she built are by far the most beautiful works of art I have ever seen in my life!!!!

[@joshpit2003]

These videos are so awesome. Well shot, and keep my attention the entire time. The "Train Lady's Son" is hilarious, and quite entertaining. This place looks incredible. Awesome job all around.

[@CoolestThing]

Thanks so much!! We have a good time doing them! Definitely a passion project for us. More coming out soon! Cheers- Guy

[@alexanderdeburdegala4609]

She is one amazing woman, I wish I had her as a grandmother growing up.

[@leololauzone]

She deserves a statue this amazing lady.

[@CoolestThing]

Agree! She was incredible to interview. Thanks for watching! Cheers- Guy

[@elmalloc]

I remember the Train Shop manager over here telling me I was crazy for thinking about building an outdoor garden train, and that it would be "stolen". You know you're doing something right when people call your ideas crazy!

[@CoolestThing]

lol, true! I think they lock up the trains at night here though.

[@harbin1956]

You got 1 helluva Mother, totally awesome. 👏👏👏👍

[@keithcarchide806]

Soo cool! This little old lady is amazing too funny.😂😂

[@rvmotionpictures]

I personally know them and they are the read deal and excellent humans and love there passion for model trains!

[@sgttombailes3380]

LOVE Your Mom !! I grew up on a railroad. !!! I have been collecting trains since I was 8 years old. I'm 72 now and have miles of model trains. All gauges except Z scale and I'm searching for one. Outstanding Video !!

[@bruschi8148]

Absolutely amazing and talented woman

[@CoolestThing]

Indeed! Thanks for watching!

[@texasfossilguy]

They are such kind people. ❤

[@JasonR007]

Absolutely amazing, I'm speechless.

[@InstructorDriving]

I was laughing and in tears at the same time. unbelievable story.

[@markvader8083]

Wow! What an amazing museum, an amazing story, an amazing woman!

[@thesuppeskids]

WOW!!! So amazing > Love this Garden train and the "train lady" too. Beautiful!

[@mewrongway]

Elaine is welcome to build my garden railroad! 👍👍👍👍

[@markdavies418]

what an incredible lady

[@CoolestThing]

Indeed!!

[@harryclark5025]

What an incredibly talented woman❤

[@jadedrealist]

This woman is amazing!!

[@peterg321]

Elaine and the layouts are simply amazing!

[@PaulG_1985]

What an awesome mom!

[@fernandomurillo9272]

This lady is awesome who ever said she is crazy is a fool. She does wonderful work. Awesome layouts👍. I could sit there all day

[@enlightenedjohnson]

This is the best family run train video I’ve ever seen! Incredible work and design!

[@CoolestThing]

Thank you!! Glad you liked it, such incredible layout and talent as well!

[@jgsg2620]

Omg I smiled the whole video and I absolutely loved the mom and her son!! Best video!!!

[@donmackay9315]

All I can say is WOW!

[@johndoyle9695]

A big think you for building the railway loved it from John.

[@Olyphoto7]

Simply amazing, beyond the imagination of most, the vision of a truly extraordinary woman with a passion and the courage to create.

[@bicyclist2]

This is so super cool. I've been to Barrington Illinois. I used to live in Elgin and I had a girlfriend who lived in Barrington. This made me smile. She's one very cool grandma. I hope to see this in person some day. Thank you.

[@GiovanniMorenoMusic]

I dont even like miniature trains but seeing this i might change my mind on that😅 this is amazing

[@CoolestThing]

Thanks Giovanni! It was super fun to film. Just happy it was not raining. lol

[@ArghyadeepPal]

Just curious, why don't you like them?

[@GiovanniMorenoMusic]

@@ArghyadeepPal i used to think they were for geeks

[@WiilyDerbbinphlatte]

What's wrong with miniature trains?

[@WiilyDerbbinphlatte]

@@GiovanniMorenoMusic That's sad. You're missing out on something that is consider an art form and full of creativity. Not to mention all the skills you need to do something like this, mechanical, electrical, architectural....etc. You can learn a lot from "Geeks."

[@danielavalos3585]

The magic in creating something with your hands and having that much passion is beautiful

[@guruprasadr6743]

What an amazingly rail road model display. Undoubtedly she is one of the greatest rail road modelers of all time. This is even better than miniatur wonderland videos.

[@chuckcorris2392]

I love it! Mom is so talented and a genius and it’s great to see a son so involved with his parents passion. That is the best layout/layouts I have ever seen. Thank you for sharing it with me.

[@benjamincolonjr6600]

That is a beautiful wonderful love letter brought me to watering eyes 😢

[@doug2078]

Absolutely Awesome !!! This lady is so Cool !!!

[@ElizabethLucey-zs1ew]

Your mother is a great lady she is smart she bright she is intlgent and caring and loving and understanding and a great listner she is down to earth she is friendly she is generouse she is out going she is out spoken and opinated and she would do anything for anyone she has aspirations and goals and dreams and stars in her eyes and she is charming and witty and senstive and she is a great role model and mentor and tutor and teacher and she is fashionable and stylish and she has a great sense of humor and she has a great personality and she is a great person thankyou for beening you you can do anything you put your mind to she is creative and talented she is a great person

[@LRRPEXILE]

We sure don't have many people like Elaine Silets on earth.

[@briandana7227]

Fantastic video! Mom is awesome and neat that she build a railroad for her husband and that he had a chance to operate it.

[@mattcook6868]

After all that the coolest thing she ever made is still her kids

[@CoolestThing]

Yes! That caught us off guard, but thought it was fun so left it in there!

[@Kart0nas]

Lovely story!

[@RuggedIndividual1990]

That is a sweet outdoor garden railway! Gives me ideas to build my own.

[@davidstrainsandlego]

I loved every minute of this, the trains, and the story, are beautiful

[@CoolestThing]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed!!

[@seppoinnanen5577]

I have only one word: WOW 🤘🤘🤘

[@ThompsonWoodworks]

I love this lady, I love the story and I love the way you put it all together!!! Also, I need to watch it a few more times.

[@CoolestThing]

Thanks Matt!! Appreciate it. You know I’m a big fan of yours too! Great to see all your success and still want to have a drink that amazing backyard sometime! Cheers- Guy

[@DeltaStar777]

Absolutely amazing, thanks for sharing this. Greetings from a N-scale Swede

[@talitemjenimchen3048]

Mind blowing. Such an amazing story. Love is true.

[@thehark6247]

A beautiful family, bless mamas sweet heart.

[@donh7909]

That woman is adorable.. I think she would be a blast to know.. Thanks for sharing.. 😊

[@jerrysmith7166]

I love this lady, what a treasure!

[@raspberrypiploy771]

What a sweet lovely lady, clever as well

[@CoolestThing]

She was fantastic to film with. Just a joy! Thanks for watching, more eps coming soon!

[@keithwillis3761]

Amazing! All of it; the story; the family and the trains. 👏

[@CoolestThing]

Thanks for watching! They were a lot of fun to film with as well. Such a cool location. More eps coming out soon! Cheers- Guy

[@roxstix]

Glad to see your video again. Love this story.

[@CoolestThing]

Thanks! More coming out soon!

[@ourendlesstrail]

Elaine, the Train Lady, is the coolest thing ever! These model train layouts are beyond great!!! 🤩

[@jbmorrow5390]

Saw it saveral years ago - really great!

[@CoolestThing]

It's very impressive indeed!!

[@jefflevoir6127]

What an AMAZING LADY !!

[@warpman74]

Yes, that was definitely one of the coolest things! What a wonderful little documentary, thanks for sharing!

[@CoolestThing]

Thanks so much! It was fun to make too!

[@donnawohlberg8464]

I have visited there and the gardens are amazing with the coolest ever thing.The trains! Elaine has designed the most wonderful railroad and botanic gardens!

[@gailarnold2660]

What a great group of people! I love how much they love that place. Such a great video.

[@GrandsonofstFerdinand]

This is truly amazing. I would love to have something like this or even see something like this in person.

[@collegedad8656]

Her skills are incredible! And what an imagination.

[@CoolestThing]

She is truly a talent and wicked sense of humour too!

[@JohnSmith-se9yl]

Fantastic Fun! Great work!

[@daniell8201]

What an amazing story!

[@daveyoung5445]

What an amazing person!

[@NitrousDiecast]

Wow, really cool! I enjoyed this video!

[@CoolestThing]

Thank you very much!

[@fredboat]

Beyond Words, Just Staggering, impressive set up . Thanks for the video.

[@jaustin3370]

Well done! Positivity is a Plus.

[@melodiejones7100]

This lady cracks me up 😂

[@WillieBeard]

Amazing what imagination and unlimited funds can create.

[@redgreen09]

WOW its buta full the best one yes one day got see it just A JOY to see

[@CoolestThing]

It’s truly magnificent! Filming here for day was one the highlight of this season!

[@npo64]

What a wonderful story. Absolutely beautiful!

[@CoolestThing]

Thank you so much!