HO Scale OPS: Trouble on Amtrak's MI2 Runner

Filmed 05/28 and 06/25/15
Well... here it is. The video that's been in the works for a couple months now. This is one of the biggest and most complex Operations video I've ever done. And it fought me almost every step of the way.
The Amtrak train in this video is not replicating any current (or passed) actual train. It's my own freelanced Amtrak train. I call it the MI2 Runner. "MI2," by the way, stands for Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. It's set up to be an extension or continuation of the Missouri River Runners (the 314/313 and the 316/311) which run between Kansas City and St. Louis, MO. This set runs on the fictional Kansas City Eastern, picking up In St' Louis leaves off. This runner set services St. Louis to Indianapolis, IN.
During filming, something happened on the layout's programming track that scrambled some of the settings in the 822 which ended up causing the ditch lights to not function properly. So I sent it to Shane to have him figure it out and he had to basically reprogram the decoder.
While this was all going on, a new sound file update came down from ESU for the EMD 710 series prime movers which also included updated and better sounding horns and bells. So, during the video, if you notice the 3984 sounds different in a few spots, well, that's because of the upgrade.
With as many issues as I've had making this video, I decided to not go back and re-shoot all the 3984's scenes. Otherwise, it wouldn't be ready yet. So, this one certainly isn't perfect and does have some continuity issues, but over all I think it came out pretty good.
Next Sunday will be the National N Scale Convention video. Filmed a lot of stuff for that one, and it's going to be another long one too. Then, like usual, railfanning video on Wednesday.
Thanks for watching and all the support!
Jason
----------------------------
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Facebook: Vinny Sestito
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[@aztraingranny7015]

So freakin' realistic I was sucked in from the beginning! Superb camera angles, speed, sound, the works. Might be the best ops vid I've ever watched. Bravo to all! . . . Diana

[@RailfanJason]

Wow, thanks Diana, appreciate that. I know it's not perfect, but I did what I could to make it as real as possible. I'm glad it's something a lot of people seem to be enjoying. Makes all the work worth it.

[@enriqueaguilar4892]

The best investment is building ho train layouts n they get better everyday with DCC n Sound technology cause this entertainment keeps you busy n you can invite friends n family n the grandkids to see what you built

[@robertsamsak4710]

How could you dislike this video I feel like a kid watching this love it😊

[@RailfanJason]

Haha... Thanks Robert!

[@NS8010]

Great work Jason. I loved every bit of it. You did and excellent job and I hope you do more like these in the future!

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks Spencer, this one was a beast. Glad to finally have it finished, and of course, I'll do more. :D

[@jasbarsoph]

That’s just the coolest thing I have ever seen this could be used in a movie it’s so realistic the detail is absolutely amazing such dedication I thoroughly enjoyed watching this thank you so very much for sharing this.

[@mirails]

Dude, periods and commas exist

[@gunlokman]

This is such an entertaining video - I just had to comment. Great storyline and professionally executed.

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks John, glad you enjoyed it!

[@ForumLight]

At 21:20 it was looking like a nice area, and I did not expect 21:45, which was amazing! Nice layout!

[@sernajrlouis]

I can't remember if I seen this video before and commented. Lol. But great video love the Amtrak backing up to the passenger cars and boxcars then rolling out. Awesome!!!

[@sparky107107]

love the realism in your switching ,, slow and steady and bell , horn ,, believable for sure , I didn't see that coming , Amtrak having troubles so needs a lift ,, bit of wheel slip happening there when first got going , nice , this has to be one of the best switching , ops sessions I have ever seen ,, switching with a purpose ,, for sure ,, has to be a thumbs up ,, twice if I could , you kept me watching for the full 22 mins ,, start to finish , just a great thought out video ,, thanks for sharing ,

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks Dave, greatly appreciate that. Way I see it, if you do a video like this, no way you can get the feel of realism if you don't do what the real ones do. Sounds, lights, train control... The only things lacking are a better way to hide the real world so we don't see people walking by in the background, and I need some ambient background, real world sounds in it. Glad yo enjoyed it!

[@jimmyat460]

Great story-line.WELL EXECUTED! And the layout is fabulous!

[@RailfanJason]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!

[@nycdotguy]

What a great setup and I love all the sounds 👍👍👍

[@ridered7262]

Great video, Lots of work and hours for sure. Brother works for the Railroad and after many years it's basically like getting in a car for him.

[@dalsun226]

I along with my friends have seen some of your Model trains video and have enjoyed it thoroughly ....thanks once again for sharing it with us 😊

[@RailfanJason]

Thank you and your friends too. I'm glad you enjoy my vids. Appreciate it.

[@MrRickSteele]

A lighted dashboard in the UP - WOW that is amazing!

[@darrenhillman8396]

Great storyline. Nicely filmed! Great layout!

[@DC8FD]

Awesome video, most realistic setup on the internet!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@raphaelrae8186]

The realism of the situation is adorable!!

[@NorfolkSouthernES44AC]

Neat video man!! VERY realistic, great detail. 10:57 - trying to get back on schedule. :P Cool shot there at 20:50, and quite a steep grade.

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks Dan! Appreciate it. Yeah you know, they were nearly an hour behind schedule, so that 70M was like, "Yeah, I got this." The grade is just over a 2%, I thought there would be at least some wheel slip, but no, it slowed down a bit but never lost traction.

[@triciareilly6171]

i can watch this all day long!!!!!!

[@montygill485]

Good one.easily cleared the trouble of amtrak and the last bridge is well directed👍😊

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@steveharris8852]

wow!!! this is one of the nicest models I have ever seen!!!

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks, I couldn't have done it without Shane and his electronics and sound skills.

[@4ennout2]

Great Video Jason, loved the scenario, Those engines sound fantastic. Sometimes makes me wish that I had not changed from HO scale to N scale.

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks! The guy who did the lights and sound in these two units, Shane, has done almost the exact same set up in N scale models. He's actually an N scale modeller too.

[@PeterAnthonyHolder-StuphFile]

This was really, really cool! Thanks for sharing! 😀

[@dacuzzz]

hi Jason... great back story.. awesome vid.. still love the fly-over... thanks for sharing... vinny

[@RailfanJason]

Thank you Vinny. Someday whenever you guys make it up this way, you can see that flyover in person. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@kurzewinke1694]

Really a great layout and a nice video! Well done!

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks!

[@LouisianaRailProductions]

Finally all caught up! Loved this op session and look forward to more!

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks Bishop, no worries, I'm behind on a lot of stuff too. That pesky thing called real life gets in the way sometimes. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@triciareilly6171]

simply BEAUTIFUL

[@ForumLight]

11:42 - While you guys were filming this train, a GIANT walked past in the background! Better get that footage to the government - they'll never believe you!

[@RailfanJason]

Oh yeah, those damned old giants are always doing that. Someone needs to invent Giant-be-gone spray or something.

[@admirallive2377]

Railfan Jason lol

[@Earthmoonstars-el6rd]

Reality check , what's the point of going up a bridge in order to get to the other side of the track when you can easily switch to another track to do that and You would Never ,Ever see an Amtrak train climb a steep bridge like that. It's upmost unadvisable to do so.

[@873Official]

@@RailfanJason Ilked the train rescue + Loved the layout!

[@MykeRomeo2]

@@Earthmoonstars-el6rd it's two on the Northeast Corridor, not steep but near Claymont Deleware & New Jersey Transit has it for their Morrisville yard to avoid have to switch so many trains through the interlockings and northern New Jersey has it where the old auto facility used to be..

[@TheNomadicRailfan]

Great video, kept me entertained for the entire time!

[@RailfanJason]

haha... cool. :D I know long vids are hard to sit through (I enjoy them though), but if people can do it for TV shows, don't see why not for here. Thanks for watching!

[@mikeberthold1593]

You have a very very nice layout👍👍👍

[@glendenig6419]

Beautiful layout and trains!

[@eleon96218]

That is what I call a Great Empire better and bigger than mine, good work guys

[@jbrewphotos79]

I love these stories

[@jamestally4612]

Good stuff man😂😁😁😂😂😔😂😰😝😂😂😂👻😔😔😔😂😂😂😔😔😔👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻💽😌😀👻🏰😀😀😀💻😀💻💻💻

[@irelandbloke]

Awesome video :)

[@glendenig6419]

Love the illuminated instrument panel in the cab of UP #3984! Very creative!

[@Jay-rr7ks]

I'm ur newest subscriber, plz don't stop making vids Jason. :-)

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks, and I don't plan on stopping any time soon.

[@nicholasragusano2284]

Great show. Fun to watch.

[@RailfanJason]

Thank you. Appreciate it, and glad you enjoyed it.

[@raybrown3971]

Well done. Interesting trackwork.

[@Bruno.Trains]

That was Awesome! Thanx for posting !!

[@franciscogomes7955]

un sonido espectacular, very good , congratulations.

[@kamala8883]

Excellent job enjoyed it.

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks!

[@chuckufarly5]

the sounds of the locomotives are actually relatively good.....

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks, yeah, the sounds were recorded from the real thing by Loksound, then put in their decoders. Using a higher quality speaker (Sugar Cubes in this case) also helps.

[@douglasquaid4518]

Wow i just took an Amtrak train in a sleeper car a couple of months ago this looks and sounds so real

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks. I took a trip a few years ago, yeah it's fun and neat to model.

[@TheOriginalDJMrVee]

Excellent action!

[@MrRickSteele]

One thing that puzzles me on very good layouts is when the track is not hand laid! I love hand laying track, including turnouts, and it really makes a big difference visually.

[@scarygamingaj2445]

The Amtrak is my favorite train, but I been waiting for 4 years to get one but I never the chance to buy it but only see it, but it’s amazing how you got the train and the coaches

[@sethkimmel7312]

hmm.....a breakdown on a train with an Amtrak business car on it. Some one is in BIG trouble...LOL! BTW great video even if it's Horribly Oversized (HO)...chuckle. I'm an N scale modeler...

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks, and hey now... HO is cool. I do both HO and N.

[@arturomendez3893]

tgu

[@Manatee693]

Seth Kimmel Good pun.

[@trainmasters497]

I went up there today and it was amazing

[@DrKO2453]

There's a reason they call it SLAMtrak LOL. Great video!

[@railangel6103]

beautiful very nice loved it 😊😊

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks!

[@arturomendez3893]

exrj

[@sergiozaragoza6515]

donde puedo conseguir trenes ho

[@NikhilKumar-dx3kp]

Rail Angel HSBC gdf add kdhhsdjf

[@jacquelinemora8631]

Lindo tu video

[@Ultimo_Dragon]

Beautiful!!! If I wanted build something like this to my son, how much money do I need??

[@geraldgreen5371]

It all depends on how money you plan on spending on the realism of the layout, while taking into account how much room to expand..you got OPTIONS!!!!

[@42ndStreetShuttle]

Gerald Green although to have a set this big and that many trains, it probably costs over $1,500

[@joestrainworldvideos3977]

Thanks for the video and great ideas.

[@derekonxbox]

9:41-9:43 Do i see some wheel slip happening? lol

[@52ManMars]

This happened in Buffalo NY, CSX loaned a AC4400 to get them going

[@dallasbaker4931]

I seen that Amtrak before but in real life in montana it made my day the Amtrak 1971 or 1978 to 2011

[@GeorgeJansen]

Beautiful

[@joshpack7330]

It seems so real!

[@fixedgearfever69]

Trouble is Amtrak's other name.

[@salomemontano2279]

James

[@arturomendez3893]

James Smith be

[@customerservicebestpass7937]

James Smith dg I think I j.z

[@customerservicebestpass7937]

salome montaño ,

[@nickbarman4145]

James Smith definitely

[@Wassupitsmike]

Woulda thought they had an extra locomotive in those three baggage cars 😂😂

[@Willrc57]

Cool!

[@terrellhoward5231]

Love It, just awesome.

[@shoetrain7072]

I'm thinking of a HO Scale Shoe Locomotive.

[@welcomestranger]

Nice story mode for a model train video.

[@Manatee693]

12:09 There goes the Amtrak P42, and the cars sit there for the P40 to Pick up.

[@osen1123]

love the scenarios u have created.. can u put the dd44ax on Amtrak cars? thx

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks, and the DD40 get to pull my UP passenger car set.

[@osen1123]

+Railfan Jason oh ok cool and thx

[@Maximal3235]

where are u, I neeeeed your train set and layout especially one of the bog boys and some other engines

[@bluedoris88]

Wow,terrific, thanks for posting,.😐

[@RailfanJason]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.

[@rbrailfan2961]

So in the Sene where 822 leaves his train to head over to MI2 is that supposed to look like he's on the Amtrak Exhibit train? because it did.

[@rbrailfan2961]

That was a coool video for sure!

[@RailfanJason]

haha... nah, it was just pure chance that's what was there. The F40 and Amfleet car set belongs to another member. Thanks!

[@rbrailfan2961]

***** Oh it looks like it!

[@SWITCHMASHER]

PRETTY SOON WITH THE NEW AMTRASH PRESIDENT, THIS WILL BE THE ONLY WAY TO SEE AN AMTRAK TRAIN!

[@patriciaschneider5929]

fantastic!

[@bhigdaddymark]

Terrific layout, gorgeous stock and stunning video recording in HD! What kind of camera was used? Love the angles too. Great job!

[@MrRamon8]

very nice

[@michaelglass4701]

Cool video

[@rahulraaz9442]

really man i loved it., its its jst awesome n were did u get it all???

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. This is a club, it belongs to a lot of guys. The Amtrak train and UP locomotive are mine, but the over all layout is club and individual owned.

[@AltonRouteRailfan]

I wish I had this layout

[@ronaldclark8187]

Very cool.

[@scottbentham7466]

impressive thank you for sharing ..I liked the Resue power move ..modelling in today's world is so realistic ..Amtk Loco kept shutting down ..UP Was the Protect Engine. .from Dispatch. .

[@RailfanJason]

Wow, thanks, appreciate that. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@scottbentham7466]

Thanks again. What a great effort & visionary ...

[@scottbentham7466]

+Railfan Jason recently I saw a similar actual rescue video .date& amtk train No. unknown ..Gennie brakes failed to release a CSX rescue Loco I think it was Fayetteville N.C ..... btw Siemens testing new Diesel Loco @Co.testing facility. .I'm hearing to start replacing Geenie Locomotives in the future ..nice Video testing too. .I'm think the nickname is Siemens "Charger"...

[@saberstash3844]

Scott Bentham Yes the Chargers are beginning to arrive and they are ugly af

[@regisbrooks8064]

Nice Amtrak locomotive I haven't had one since 1996) Athearn p40 can't remember paint scheme.

[@bestamerica]

' beautifully HO model scale train... should make a MX missile in military train in the boxtrailer

[@erikjames9733]

Love the incline shot... what was the grade on that... I love operations

[@michaelpugliese2715]

Add a derailment once in a while to complete the Amtrak experience

[@markarrivi3818]

Just Great

[@thesmedbergs5970]

How steep is that grade running up and over the yard?

[@PalmerSubRailVideos]

Awesome deos 822 have ESU sound?

[@RailfanJason]

Yea it does, both it and the UP have it.

[@PalmerSubRailVideos]

***** i could tell that up had it cuz that bronze bell sounds like my Vermont Railway 207

[@AD-tc4it]

Pls increase the speed of train if possible when train is in straight track

[@Trainman145]

Just look up HO Scale Amtrak and look under 'today' and you will see it

[@TrashMan2008]

Wow just wish I had some coffee while I was watching that would have really made my day. Is that a club layout or someone's personal?

[@error-vl4ge]

TrashMan2008 He says it's a club layout.

[@poonamdubey7568]

it is awsome.... but from where did you purchase it from

[@RailfanJason]

Purchase which one?

[@regisbrooks8064]

That's my BNSF Gevo intermountain by Southern gevo heritage at the Gwinnet fair Train exhibit 2018) September

[@Greatdome99]

Do you know the difference between its and it's??? I didn't think so.

[@RailfanJason]

Did you know that "it's" is irrelevant to the point of the video??? I didn't think so.

[@cody5903]

how do you make it so when your pulling a loco not running the wheels don't drag

[@RailfanJason]

The "dead" locomotive wasn't actually dead. It works perfectly fine. I just called it up and consisted it with the UP unit. This video was done to showcase the sound and lighting effects of the UP and Amtrak 822 units. So basically, the locomotives were the "actors" in this Operations Session.

[@cody5903]

+Railfan Jason ok

[@cutefeet63]

Railfan Jason can you do a video of the trains going thru the signal lights?

[@RailfanJason]

Unfortunately the signals are nonfunctional, just there for looks.

[@RailsOfTheSouthProductions]

Rule number 1: if a P42 doesn't work, call up a P40

[@RailfanJason]

Good rule.

[@youngvet4020]

Railfan

[@youngvet4020]

Railfan Janay

[@youngvet4020]

Yhhhhhes

[@atoosanooraeifard614]

SeaboardSystem ChessieCSX Qy

[@Random.Channel_]

3:15 why use the UP when you have an Amtrak loco in the background lol

[@benukasrYT]

Another thing with the UP in use for passenger service, it has 6 axles. Not 4. Which will cause tilt when at high speeds and cause derailment (Possibly.).

[@Random.Channel_]

MetraFan1752 I guess it’s just strange to see

[@Random.Channel_]

MetraFan1752 also at 8:32 did the bell change from the e bell the new one sounds a lot better

[@benukasrYT]

Yes. There was no bell for a minute but then the new one came in, which I don’t know why.

[@jth1987leb]

Where did you get the Pontiac Grand Prix car in the beginning of the video?

[@RailfanJason]

Most likely at some train show/swap meet.

[@rva1945]

Did I have to wait for 30+ seconds until I saw a train?

[@RailfanJason]

No different than opening credits and title sequences from TV and movies.

[@littletrainguy]

yes you did hey I am a youtube er

[@gandalfthegrey7874]

Joshua I want to see trains Wilkinson you aren't a KZbinr. 😂

[@Kevin-ev7hw]

If you didn't want to wait, advance the video!

[@kernanhosea2024]

nicly detailed how many scale ft are their beautiful.K

[@RailfanJason]

It's about a scale 6.5 miles around the layout.

[@benjamindeloney]

10:45 where did you get that passenger car from?

[@RailfanJason]

I think it's a KATO, I'm not sure though. The car belongs to another member, not sure where he got it.

[@clrphotography7448]

I like it! Will you be going to the National Train Show this year?

[@RailfanJason]

Thanks, and no. Can't afford to go to Indiana.

[@southeasttexasrailproductions]

So realistic!!!!!