Great American Model Railroads - UTAH BELT on Per Laursen's UP Central TX Layout

In this video, we continue the series focused on model railroad operations, while highlighting different layouts across America along the way. We will be following a Utah Belt Export Loaded Coal Train across america. In part 2, we look at Per Laursen's UP East/Central Texas Layout and many of it's unique operations.
Check out Per Laursen's youtube channel for more videos on his layout! / @summitmodeltrainvideo...
A big thank you to Per for letting me share his fantastic work with everyone!
Josh

[@dougvalmore1450]

One thing too many model train videos do poorly is the VIDEO part - shaky/too fast moves, high altitude angles, etc. The realism of much exquisite modelling is ruined. But not here. Low angles, steady camera, etc add to the realism - along with the real train SFX (NO onboard sound has ever created a Doppler effect!). Other than the occasional "shadow on the sky" from trees/buildings/etc the only distraction is the shallow depth of focus - VERY hard to eliminate in motion video. So besides the excellent modelling, a very fine video (and audio) presentation!

[@comajoebuck999]

My peeve is people standing around in frame and talking. Ruins the experience.

[@kenneths3742]

Agreed - best video of a layout I’ve ever seen!

[@ntopits]

Especially the diamond sound effects at 4:30. Very well done!

[@nsmodeler24]

Really appreciate the kind words! A lot of time went into this one and it means a ton. Thanks! Josh

[@icebolt0864]

​@nsmodeler24 we can tell!! I've been looking, hoping, for others to be inspired by your storytelling style, but I genuinely can't find anyone!

[@donhunking2286]

Truly one of , if not the best of any video out there , anywhere !!! Congratulations !!! Your new fans in the Great White North 🇨🇦

[@AdmiralSenn]

What a great series and layout. Also, I wanted to mention the stellar sound effects and editing. Little touches like the wheels clacking across the diamond have to take a pretty significant amount of work and the effect is so seamless you almost don't notice it, until you remember you're watching 1:87 scale models and not the real thing!

[@nsmodeler24]

A big thank you to Per Laursen for letting me share his incredible layout! Let me know what other videos you'd like to see in the future! Thanks - Josh

[@jovetj]

A big thank you for this video! It's wonderful!

[@timothyrogersrailfanning5673]

I was wondering when you'd check out this layout. I've watched Per Laursen's videos over the years and always loved the attention to detail he's put into it. Looking forward to seeing more update videos on you and your dad's layout as well!

[@donhunking2286]

Man o man !! It just doesn't get any better than that . We felt we were right there trackside as the action rolled past us . Absolutely some of the best railroad modeling we've ever seen !!! MAKE MUCH MORE . Your new fans in the Great White North 🇨🇦

[@kcgrailgilbert8466]

Your locomotives sound so realistic how u getem sound like that.. could u get mine sound realistic

[@jovetj]

@@kcgrailgilbert8466 The sounds are mixed in to the video. They aren't present on the real layout.

[@timregan1005]

utah belt is a work of art

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks!

[@Perfusionist01]

A really FINE video. Pers Laursen is an artistic genius! I have admired his work for a long time. He really captures the "feel" of the towns his tracks go through.

[@sammym.belfastchild]

This was so enjoyable , the vidiography was so immersive with such great model realism.. You definitely let us enjoy a railfaning perspective.... cheers you nailed it..

[@nicksanto882]

Very fine look at Per’s layout Josh. It is truly a polished gem! Nice job of showcasing it! Thanks for sharing!

[@motorTranz]

One of the best models I've seen! Many thanks!

[@ArgentumCoyotl]

Yet another top notch video!!! I loved the detail of the interchange junction. Thanks for giving us armchair modelers a layout to experience vicariously.

[@ArgentumCoyotl]

Correction: layouts

[@NorthCoastTrackside2010]

Absolutely awesome layout videoed by a amazing person

[@user-tg3xy6ws3l]

Great railway, the scenery is phenomenal lots of personal touches. Very well put together.

[@bobbitchin4310]

Your videos are the most realistic model train videos I’ve seen. I’m not a modeler at all , just impressed to see what people do. Your audio, definitely the audio, is the best ever along with the video footage

[@nsmodeler24]

Really appreciate the kind words. Thank you! Josh

[@YourAverageAmerican752]

Very true.

[@T-Cat311]

Amazing layout. Fantastic camera angles for good viewing and very realistic appearance. Awesome video! 👍

[@allychat8496]

More videos like this please! 😸

[@NielsenSTL]

JB Hunt containers on a UP train...sacrilege! But a very cool layout. Great work on the buildings and autos. Nicely filmed! His trackwork isn't quite as polished as your NS layout, but still top notch.

[@comajoebuck999]

Digging the wood grained station wagons….😊

[@SkywiseStormwolf]

I've seen this layout before.. I love a highly detailed layout... makes it more realistic.

[@nsmodeler24]

Agreed. Per has done a fantastic job on this layout.

[@handlaidtrack]

Love the sound of the wheels hammering the diamonds!

[@jamesa6272]

Frogs

[@jamesgriffin8354]

Even though there is a lot of compression (for obvious reasons), this is one of the best ever layouts I have seen on You Tube. Nearly all of the location names are real, though Waycross, TX isn't a real place. One of the reasons I like this layout is the one of the scenes shows a Texaco gas station across the highway from the main line. The gas station really exists (just outside Moody, TX) and I would pass by there twice a day on my way to teach school in McGregor. The actual highway is TX 317 which follows the main line for much of it's length. Was a rare occasion for me not to see at least one train go by. Would sure like to see this layout in real life. Hope to incorporate a few design elements in my layout I am planning to build soon.

[@LogicRailTech]

Josh, the quality of your video/audio on this one is ridiculously good! Going to watch it again on my TV this time.

[@christopherjohnson5236]

Gorgeous. It's like real railfanning going on.

[@joelankeny6277]

I think I recall seeing this layout featured in a Model Railroader magazine many years ago. What really struck me was that the scenes were not crammed with details or track and it looked like what the prototype does. As I begin the very early stages of planning my layout (mid-90s Baltimore MD industrial area served by CSX) this layout is my benchmark of what I want the scenes to be detailed.

[@jakedoestrains1759]

nice my home state! nice enough that he let you share his layout im love the layout!

[@jakedoestrains1759]

and 2:31 what is the location of that?

[@YourAverageAmerican752]

Sick video… This layout looks so realistic!

[@johnathanlewis2049]

Hi Josh. Thank you for sharing Mr Laursen’s really amazing layout with us. Really looking forward to seeing that coal train’s journey across the country. Have an awesome day!!

[@nsmodeler24]

It was a pleasure to film and share his work. Thanks! Josh

[@Adam_Malkovich]

Truly a gorgeous layout and a testament that you can make a layout look real with a bit of effort. My favorite feature is the sky in the backdrop that reminds me of the hot afternoons in the early summer when a storm system is starting to roll in. It really is a unique look and is something that makes the layout truly unique. I love watching the coal train cross the different layouts, as coal traffic is one of my favorites to catch and listen to on the prototype.

[@jbdbackfan]

Awesome video! One of my favorites if not favorite layout I’ve seen in press or video. What also makes his layout so great is he doesn’t flood the layout with track everywhere. True representation of scenery with a railroad through it, not a railroad everywhere with scenery around it.

[@nsmodeler24]

Couldn't agree more. His modeling is top notch! Thank you -Josh

[@J3scribe]

Mind blowing layout.

[@peteengard9966]

Great sound effects. Love it.

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks!

[@ariesarethebest271]

I love Laursen's layout. Actually subscribed to his KZbin channel, Summit model train videos.

[@MesquiteBelt]

Great video Josh! Utah Belt train, Pers layout and your film work and editing; THAT’S a great combination!

[@nsmodeler24]

Thank you! Really appreciate the kind words!

[@more_sandwich]

I remember watching a video on this exact layout a few years back! It's truly an amazing layout

[@nsmodeler24]

Couldnt agree more!

[@chehalisvalleyrailproducti8913]

I guess even the model railroading universe isn't immune from Dollar General lol. Joking aside, this is an incredible layout, and some amazing camera work to capture it on. Can't wait to see where this train will end up next.

[@johnkazoriii9081]

I got my FIRST HO sacle train set BACK in 1959 and it AMAZES me the things I thought BACK then and the REALITY of the thoughts TODAY ... Thanks for for this journey with UTAH BELT the time and the EFFORT that you your POP and many of those that become close Friends even after passing ... RA 68 HELL FIRE

[@itskale6940]

I’ve been waiting for this video for way too long, thanks Josh

[@BPSDMRR]

Well done great effort, I own the Model Railroader the Utah Belt was in, the layout inspired me to build an American themed layout here in the Scotland, its very nice to see the loco's running today :-)

[@nsmodeler24]

The Utah Belt was a huge source of inspiration for us as well! One of the reason's I decided to build these engines. Thanks! -Josh

[@JBG1968]

Thats a very nicely done layout

[@randydobson1863]

hello Nsmodeler24 & it's is Randy and i like yours video is cool & Thanks Nsmodeler24 Friends Randy

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks Randy!

[@user-gk8gg1zt7l]

Excellent shot. Like.

[@iandogokot]

vey detailed josh! thanks for the great video!

[@EntertainmentWorldz]

nice video 💚💚

[@cadenwelch6656]

I saw those locomotives at spring creek model trains

[@kahunatiki6498]

Just outstanding!

[@jamesa6272]

Awesome!

[@garrettlayout6598]

WB I LOVE YOUR NS VIDEOS

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks Garrett!

[@RFMCabooseNP1713]

Fantastic as always. You have done it again. Can't wait for the next one.

[@nsmodeler24]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Bourne1999]

good watch, great sounds

[@melvinlee1614]

Awesome

[@WVS-KFD]

Excellent shots, great narration.

[@JamesAmes-zm4ts]

Been waiting on this video for awhile, thanks!

[@richardbolt4237]

spectacular layout

[@NorthmassRails]

Amazing layout!

[@bnsfbuff]

Wow! Great video on a great layout! Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work….

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks John! :)

[@Nswle]

Awesome video and great detail.

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks!

[@chris_c09]

i love your content!

[@randysrockandrollrailroad8207]

👍🤠👍 very cool and very well done

[@CharlieKrampitz]

Awesome layout

[@donaldfaris4798]

Thanks Josh!

[@jonathansabatino3987]

Another great Video, Josh

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks Jonathan!

[@jordandegraaff]

Do you know what this reminds me of? The Questar train documentaries, but in model form.

[@OgaugeTrainsplusslotCars]

Nice Railroad operations.New subscriber here

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks for the sub!

[@ChamplainDivision]

Great videography and layout, but I don' see no steenking courthouse in Livingston!

[@TheLEMRR]

very cool vid - thx

[@HarrisburgRailfanProductions]

Good video

[@rodwarren2508]

Great work Josh on a beautiful RR. Love the way you sync prototype sounds with your videos. If you do not mind me asking what sort of equipment do you use for video and editing. Rod down-under.

[@nsmodeler24]

Thank you! Everything was filmed on my Iphone. I've tried nicer cameras, but it's a lot easier to get the Iphone "ground level" on layouts for more realistic angles. All of the editing is done with Final Cut Pro and the music is from Epidemic Sound. Thanks Rod! -Josh

[@rodwarren2508]

Thanks a lot Josh @@nsmodeler24

[@sernajrlouis]

Cool video

[@ronaldrondeau7870]

Thanks real fun to watch, one thing, are the sound from the trains or its recording

[@nsmodeler24]

They are sounds from real trains overlaid on top of the model sounds. Thanks!

[@spaceship092v3]

I love ops videos

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks!

[@hrothgargearminder8515]

The Waffle House, Denny’s, Dollar General, Super 8, et Al show off the modern roadside America touches. He could try to add a Buc-ee’s but I don’t think he has the room for that. Awesome scenery. Nice job on that tracking shot. That was a tricky one to pull off. I like the ‘story’ side of modeling and you do that nicely.

[@nsmodeler24]

I think a Buc-ee's may take up half of the layout room. haha But I agree - his structures are amazing! Thanks!

[@samnicastro2487]

Gorgeous layout! As someone who’s railfanned the Austin sub for most of my life, I’m curious if Waycross took most of its inspiration from Hearne, Texas?

[@summitmodeltrainvideos4440]

You nailed it. The inspiration is a combination of Hearne (most) and Pittsburg, TX. I borrowed the name from Waycross, GA

[@thomasosborn5823]

I have to ask. Is the audio from real engines or is the sound decoder you use that good sounding? If it is the decoders what are you using? Thank you

[@rx7sportscar]

I know one thing. If i'm on the Utah Belt crew. Im running over to taco bell while im in the hole waiting on trains.

[@deandrejordanoompcamp]

Was that a new model of a greyhound bus in the background because I want it really bad

[@bnsfET44C4]

I have lots of videos on the Union Pacific Austin subdivision

[@nsmodeler24]

Awesome - I'll check them out!

[@bnsfET44C4]

@@nsmodeler24 if want you can include some in another video

[@noahroth2992]

Was the Utah Belt a real railroad? I can't find any info on it online.

[@Grainexpress]

Nope, just a fictitious model railroad that Eric made up. He does an excellent job. Over time he keeps his rolling stock and locomotives updated just like the real ones do. He is in the St Louis area.

[@cabincreek1692]

Where can you find such modern vehicles like on this layout?

[@Hawaiianbro10]

Yankee dabbler Lombard hobbies

[@gregegan6111]

Why do so many model railroaders cut off the trip pins on couplers? I've never had any problems with them and they look like an airhose

[@nsmodeler24]

Just personal preference. I take most of mine off, as I think they look clunky. I go back an add rubber air hoses on all of the cars after, but definitely nothing wrong with the trip pins.

[@williamwehmeier443]

WOW! No people popping up in the background, no edges of fascia, no distracting items in the background,all blue sky, vehicles that match the era(no 1950’s,1960’ era cars and trucks). An incredible layout! One question tho, can you really drive 75 miles an hour on a 2 lane road in Texas😳

[@summitmodeltrainvideos4440]

Most places in Texas you can

[@Carnage_17]

So was this like edited or is this how model trains actually sound. If its real I might buy one from KATO.

[@e.t.p.3710]

Was this model railroad inherited from Eric Brooman?

[@dougvalmore1450]

Unlikely. While the train featured is named Utah Belt (Brooman's layout) the "model railroad" is "Per Laursen's UP Central TX Layout" ( says it right in the title). (When did Eric die, anyway???).

[@nsmodeler24]

This is Per Laursen's layout. I built some Utah Belt engines (seen here) which were modeled after Eric's work, but nothing in this video was done by Eric himself.

[@ridgec5670]

A Waffle House near the tracks? That's exactly where I would be hanging out! Two of my favorite things!

[@jaekobbokoskie]

First

[@user-yn8do4px8e]

Like the layout Not crazy for the Real-Life railroad sounds added cheese sounding in my option, would rather hear the actual layout sounds

[@scottwilliamson5430]

Awesome