HO Scale Train Layout Extension - New Bridge and Line to Freight Yard

Back in April I built a line to my new freight yard, although functional it was too complex and ended up leading to many derailments. This was mostly because of an S curve I added at the time. I figured it was time something different was added to improve the route to the yard so I found a new way the line could be directed.
Final plans involved relocating a switch on the mainline as well as building a new bridge connecting to a 22 radius curve located on a new extension to the layout. It's gonna take some adjusting to get it working properly but with the few trains I ran things seemed to be working well for a start.

[@chrisdaniell2990]

I love how this guy's layout simply flies in the face of every "professional" layout out there, lol. Way to go, love it.

[@SMTMainline]

There's nothing "correct" about it but I wouldn't want it any other way :)

[@chrisdaniell2990]

My layout is the same. You're enjoying the hobby and not caught up in minutiae - it's nice to see the hobby made so accessible, keep it up!

[@danielbayer278]

@@SMTMainline I like how it grows as you get more resources, yet still works together.

[@NYandAtlantic]

I’m fairly new to the hobby but enjoying it I’m stuck on 4x8 table I have built a small warehouse from a cardboard box coated it using some aluminum foil Saran Wrap for windows and aluminum foil for bay doors still have to weather it a little bit. Oh and an old roof shingle as the roof

[@drosselvonflugel4886]

@@NYandAtlantic I am also fairly new to the hobby, i have a very smal layout on a few tables and enjoy running old locomotives with old and somewhat rusty coaches.

[@awr1050]

These are the types of videos I love. Track repairs or building is such a creative activity and I enjoy seeing the different ways people solve unique problems. Great video and glad it works!

[@JOSHJUNCTION]

One day my layout will be as big as yours. With all those loops, tunnels, inclines, and bridges! Great work!

[@SMTMainline]

Sky's is the limit

[@roderickcampbell2105]

@@SMTMainline Hi SMTM. Now I find out your trains can fly? I know you are good, but really :)

[@Petemonster62]

@@roderickcampbell2105 - SMT has a couple of videos were locomotives become airborne!

[@QuebecGamer20]

We need more of these building videos, they're really cool

[@garysprandel1817]

Nice. With all the bridges perhaps Blue Island North might be a good name for the junction after Blue Island junction here in Illinois

[@SMTMainline]

Maybe so, it doesn't have a name yet.

[@alanwbelcher]

Serenity! Congratulations on releasing, analyzing and fixing a problem area in your layout. I think it helps other model railroaders see that it’s ok to make changes to your “complete “ layout. Keep up the good work.

[@SMTMainline]

Lots of good advice constantly coming in from people which helps too.

[@Jvthepro]

The layout you have built throughout the years looks incredible

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks. I really want to get the whole thing operational.

[@Jvthepro]

Can't wait to see it

[@NYandAtlantic]

@@SMTMainline do you or anyone you know where I can get a NY and Atlantic locomotive any help you can give will be greatly appreciated

[@robertmorris5354]

@@SMTMainline can you please send me any dash 9 for free I really want 1 but my parents can't afford 1

[@cpcnmodelrailroadingrailfa9339]

Lol I love the way u just keep adding to the layout to make new routes for the trains to take. Great video keep up the good work 🇨🇦👍😁

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks, I really want to make this all work better.

[@chicagolandrailroader]

Looks fantastic SMT

[@jorgel.fernandeziii8278]

Really impressed with your ability to link to layouts together finally and I’m anxious to actually see you have a LIVE Train-Meet “run on your channel” in other words, “have some friends over to Meet/Run sessions” running “several locomotives at the same time” and doing jobs like one hustling the yard, one hustling from the Hershey factory to the city on the other side of the layout and another one from the city on the other side bringing Supplies back to the Hershey’s Plant !!! I hope you’ll understand what I am trying to say ? As well as possibly having to passenger trains going from one city to another now that you have enough passenger cars ! Let me know when you’re going to make it happen !!! 🌊🐺

[@ethanspaziani1070]

Hay me and my grandfather model trains this was sort of our only thing we kind of did together.... As a hobby it was really cool I will never forget all the awesome times that I had with him... I was born into poverty and my grandpa adopted my mom the rest of my family doesn't really consider us a part of it and my grandmother has some issues with accepting my mom still to this day but she does love me still thankfully unfortunately my grandfather passed and most of my train set is gone now the board that we built is in storage and because well I haven't been successful in life I don't have anywhere to put it I can't afford a home of my own or a large enough space... Watching your channel reminds me of all these happy times I had building my own weird Frankenstein locomotives and trying out stuff on my set reconfiguring everything working with equipment that was older than me and working and planning with my grandfather... It was super nice and I thank you for making these videos they help remind me of a better time in life a time I fear may never come again it gives me a glimpse of feeling of what things was like then and for that I thank you happy holidays

[@beckyandscottstark7367]

This is so funny we live less than an hour from the Forest Fair mall and went through it In November 2022. They just closed it down around November 23, 2022. We have a few pictures and videos inside. It used to be one of my favorite malls back in the early 2000's.

[@michaelhardeman6004]

Great job Harrison on your layout. Big boy seems to be working just fine but doesn't like reversing on the bridge.

[@modelrailroader5619]

So happy to see that little kink in the mainline curve go! I’m sure you’ll be happy with the new track alignment. Might I suggest a bit more support under the double truss bridge. Let’s get that Hershey plant into production so we can have chocolate for Christmas!Keep up the great work!

[@SMTMainline]

Things on the layout are already working far better. The bridge has supports, I just didn't show them on camera. Hershey's Canada is already connected, I just need to finish the place off.

[@MMRails]

Hmm… I’m not convinced. You better try the other 298 locomotives to see if they can run across the new bridge. Lol. Great work Harrison! If I’m being honest that S curve drove me nuts.

[@SMTMainline]

That's true, how do I know the rest work without testing them? lol. Everyone was right about the S curve, things are working far better without it.

[@GoViaorgohome]

Looks good. I like that you keep adding to the layout (layouts) and expanding. It’s a great example of how our layouts are truly never done. -Kris

[@SMTMainline]

This one probably never will be completely finished since things can always be improved.

[@kaikuklik9748]

Good job Harrison 😊👍🏻 Your layout becomes a network 🛤

[@SMTMainline]

Slowly but surely.

[@modelmainline7278]

Love the video! glad to see you are continuing to work on the layout. It’s evolved so much over the years.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks. Next step is gonna be rebuilding many of the smaller lines to get them functioning too.

[@modelmainline7278]

@@SMTMainline nice!

[@crashryanphoto]

Massive layout. You gotta give that bridge a name … Dead Man’s Drop

[@elleryparsons2433]

That’s What I’m Talking About! Work it out Harrison! You Can do It Man!

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you so kindly!

[@GreyBeardTrains]

Looking good can't wait to see what else you do to your layout

[@SMTMainline]

There is much more to come!

[@FrankTedesco]

Nice to see the extension being built. I too have little qualm about taking up track to,make an improvement. Good work.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@chuckboise]

Dude your vids are the best. I was a total HO nut my teenage years, now I do N because of space restrictions. I like buying busted locos on eBay and bashing usable parts to make a running unit. Your vids are also good sleep ASMR. There's usually not a lot of loud commotion and you have a relaxing voice. It takes me a few evenings to complete them because it conks me out lol.

[@andrewferguson5653]

Good work, SMT. Much better now without that S curve.

[@doreenkibbe8174]

You’re the best train expert of model trains You make the best train videos ever I can’t just stop watching it

[@harrystrains9626]

Great video love it

[@mrsillycats]

you have a super cool model train layout

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Great video mate. Good track modification. Hope you can get the UP Big Boy running around it with no issues.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks a bunch!

[@mikegrappone9078]

Excellent work! Thanks for making the video.

[@ericthorsen7852]

Nice job - I started watching your videos after seeing your 4x8 new build. Anxious to see that continue to develop! But this was very cool as well. You shocked me by announcing the new shopping center is based on Forest Fair Mall from Cincinnati! I spent most of my life in Cincinnati - and shopped there regularly. You are right, it's a very cool and unique mall. Cannot wait to see that develop as well! Great job!

[@randystrunk9774]

I know all about the forest fair mall. I grew up in Fairfield oh. & would frequent it very often. It was a great place when it opened. You could do all day & not cover it all. So sad it's become what it us now!

[@sergioarroyoguerrero5434]

Extendiendo tu maqueta escala HO, con puente y patio de carga. Excelente 📹📽️🎥.

[@thehotrainguy586]

Love the channel smt, inspired me to start mine own and it has been finding its stride lately, love the new addition

[@rickygarrett6508]

Your enthusiasm has inspired me to build an old school o gauge layout. Keep up the great work

[@SMTMainline]

That's awesome! Although being more into HO I've gotta say there is nothing like the rumble of 0 scale trains flying around a layout.

[@irenecraggs6123]

great job on the track laying smt🙂

[@crecencioresendiz2831]

Que hermosa maqueta y la ampliación súper linda maquina la Burlington norter

[@mercuryoak2]

Well slap me silly. lol This is the project you were working on when we were chatting on thursday EH? i remember you said something about foam and im like whats he up too. and here it is . very good. i think the bigboy being what it is is not ment to run into freight yards per say . 4014 back when they had it first running derailed because of the way the tracks made were not ready for such a big loco to come thru. i think what they did was have the loco disconnect from the manifest and then the road switchers and such would dismantle the train to put away in the yard while the mainline locos would get ready to hookup to another set . basically like the trucking industry. Good job. i would think you would need a double slip switch to be put in that yard area to switch the tracks where you wanted the cars to go. i love this

[@metrotechguru5863]

Harrison, I'm so glad to see you have fixed that S-curve. It has been driving me crazy on each of your streams, wondering which train would derail next. Congratulations and have a nice Christmas.

[@SMTMainline]

Everyone was right about that, things are already working way better.

[@metrotechguru5863]

@@SMTMainline Good for you.

[@NotGavin]

Awesome video Harrison, love the layout videos. inspiring and fun to watch!

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks.

[@michaelhoffman6354]

Glad to see your changes worked out. Keep doing what you do Harrison!

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks a bunch!

[@DSZI.ShyHunterBB]

Great video! Merry Christmas from Tacoma Washington!

[@abethpezarkar9946]

Wow, That Big Boy is really big for the new bridge.. Really great effort in building the same. Incredible layout... Just an advice move the new bridge inside and vice versa, at the bridge inside is on straight track.

[@SMTMainline]

I think it just needs to be slightly widened.

[@psl54rsniper]

Looks great buddy!!!

[@acrranscaleandlifejourney4330]

Great addition Harrison. The mall sounds awesome. Also have you made a video showing the Hersey factory yet, would love one. Thanks for sharing.

[@SMTMainline]

Hershey's should be done soon, just bought supplies to finish it off. I will for sure make a video when it is.

[@nileswilson577]

Way to go mate ☺️👍 I likey.

[@joshuameier238]

Love the layout and your content! been a long time fan

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks a bunch!

[@RapidTransitFan]

Great video SMT!

[@Fxe4014]

It looks like you put effort into the layout, and as a small recommendation despite not being an "expert in this model train thing" I would tell you to put a firmer base on the bridge, because it gives the feeling that you are going to fall or something like that, greetings from Mexico!

[@SMTMainline]

Despite how it looks it's pretty stable. I will however be adding guard rails to prevent things from falling off the layout in the event of a derailment.

[@terrajarrett4178]

I absolutely love your layout....it gives me so many ideas. Thank you so much.

[@manuelcuellar8954]

Awesome layout

[@jamesmanleyk7824]

You are my favorite train channel

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@penguingamerkid2776]

Nice job SMT! The sped up sections were like mini ASMR's but maybe it's just me, lol

[@qwincyq6412]

Gotta admire the way you tack on new sections without tearing out what you already have (as so many do) and somehow get it all to work together almost as if you had planned it to look like that all along.

[@SMTMainline]

There are some areas that I never want to change, they are too sentimental.

[@TheArizonaRailfan]

Looks great!

[@rayronvr]

such a nice addition. my only worry is the center point of the bridge. i think over time that solder could fail (or the rails can bend) so a heavy enough train could break the middle of the bridge. would recommend a brace piece of wood the width of the bridge-track underneath that connects to both tables to brace that center of the bridge.

[@SMTMainline]

Your concern is right on the money. It wasn't shown on camera but I re-enforced the bridge with wood before hand to prevent that from happening :)

[@Ae86786]

I love your videos and are so inspiring your videos are one reason why I’m into model locomotives

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@robbpenoyer9357]

On the cars you are having issues with derailments, try adding some extra weight over the trucks. Those covered hoppers, especially if they are tyco or Bachmann, I set the weight at around 4 1/2 to 5 ounces and that usually fixes the problem. And also body mounting the couplers will help as well.

[@stacy3]

The day we’ve all been waiting for

[@syko-blud]

Good Work. Keep It Up

[@MoosesWorkshop]

New track looks great!

[@distanthelicopter32]

Love the layout

[@GalaxyTheif]

This looks really good man! Great work.

[@4everdc302]

Harrison. Goto my curved bridge deck for no money video. Might add some validity to your curved bridge. Still watching👍 🚂🇨🇦🙋

[@leroyducharme2477]

I use lots of rerailers on the layout. Makes little derailment fix themselves.

[@SlapthePissouttayew]

lol...I worked maintenance at Forrest Fair Mall when it was new. It was a mess back then, too.

[@SMTMainline]

No way. It's insane how many things went wrong with it from deciding the location to what stores they picked. Overall a total disaster but the building its self is awesome.

[@SlapthePissouttayew]

@@SMTMainline Yeah, we knew it was doomed from the start because they planted it right in between two already established malls. Last time I went in there a couple years ago, the muzak was off, the escalators were off, the sky-lights were leaking, and the restrooms had no lights. I think 2 or 3 stores (other than Kohls and Bass Pro Shops) might've been open.

[@mdouglaswray]

SO MUCH FUN!

[@ronaldrondeau7870]

Great addition

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks

[@OmniHumansWorld]

great video!

[@nitrorrat8190]

Your layout is looking good it has grown a little awesome

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@nitrorrat8190]

@@SMTMainline you are very welcome

[@csxnspittsburghdivision8580]

Stm main line is 8x5 A good size layout And and I got a spirit of 76 engine today

[@wowdad3055]

Happy Holidays. I was waiting for this Video awesome. Maybe can you video the Hershey build , also the new section Forest Fair Mall when you get to it please.

[@manuelcuellar8954]

That is one awesome layout

[@crewleaderprods]

I wonder if you move the bridge closer to the turnout and straighten the yard side of the curve a bit then the longer cars and locomotives might have a better chance. If not you can create an addendum to the rulebook prohibiting equipment of a certain length from using the bridge, just like in real life.

[@cadenchristiansen3553]

you should do some videos of realistic operations that would be so much fun to watch on this layout

[@PWaco-yq7wr]

Your SOUTHERN PACIFIC DD35A you have it right, It went over good bot that Bridge could be better if your train derail right there it well hit the floor, put a guard rail there also, we need you at are club you are so good at fixing things you should join them.

[@SMTMainline]

The guard rail will absolutely be added to prevent that from happening.

[@darrenoftheNorth]

This video will put the hating comments to rest. Great job on the layout Harrison. I bet you're proud haha. Please put more track layout content out there. It truly will help all hobbyists out there. Keep up the good work.

[@SMTMainline]

There wasn't really any hate, more just constructive criticism and it was accurate.

[@ronaldfisher1742]

Awesome , I live right down the street from Forest Fair Mall!

[@SMTMainline]

No way, were you in the area when they first opened?

[@ronaldfisher1742]

@@SMTMainline Yes, my wife and I grew up in Forest Park, got married and bought a house right around the corner in Fairfield Ohio.

[@RW-pf4oq]

I live by Forest fair mall I will be looking forward to seeing it n the future

[@livedifferentlywiththeoily9917]

I LOVE THIS GUY’S LAYOUT

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks!

[@codygeorge6813]

great work smt

[@austinstitzel]

I love that big boy!

[@robn620]

hey Harrison. I think the change was a good idea. I live 5 minutes from Forest Fair Mall if you need any information about it, or the stores that were once there. or if You need any pictures let me know and I can try to go take some before the wrecking ball.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks a bunch, I will let you know. The project should be somewhat simple since it will be based around a single wing of the mall. Roughly what year do you think it was in its prime? I still haven't decided when it should be modeled after.

[@pata7355]

what would be super cool would be to leave sections of weathered and abandoned track and old ballast where the track was removed.

[@agressive_cementbag]

pretty nice.

[@davidsprague6385]

I realize that this comment is very late to the table. But I've noticed that the track leading to the tunnel on the extension, could possibly be extended towards the other part of the bigger section. In a way, you could create a whye. Allowing the Inbound from the far side of the main, togo into that yard.

[@VintageRenewed]

I would say it still needs some track work. You can get to the freight yard but trains are forced to only go in and out that one direction I would suggest change the track in such a way that a train can pull in, do the needed switching and then just continue forward to join back into the rest of the layout instead of needing to pull in to switch and then back out

[@SMTMainline]

Building a wye creates electrical challenges so I want to avoid it. I might be able to make some changes but it would require moving the second curve nearby.

[@VintageRenewed]

@@SMTMainline If there is a loop in that entire mountain then I would suggest you pretty much run it straight out back to the curve you just fixed

[@yourfellowpancake6335]

Congrats on 70k subs!

[@juangabrielsolanoperez2929]

Muy bien 👏👌👍🚂

[@antonbruce1241]

Great addition, but...ya wanna be careful, wiring wise, as you might end up with a wye, which could require special wiring - like a reversing loop.

[@SMTMainline]

I don't want to build a wye, the wiring would be tricky.

[@antonbruce1241]

@@SMTMainline And with DCC, it could even be more of a....P.I.T.A.....Still - great addition to the layout.

[@EddieSusshine]

Great layout! I'm located in Cincinnati, OH and live about 10 mins away from Forest Fair mall. Let me know if you need/want any photos to help with your model.

[@elleryparsons2433]

Serenity!

[@paulditzen2708]

Im not trying to be a troll (abd I probably sound like your grandpa) but now that you are a famous and respected member of the KZbin community it might be time to do a little cleanup in the basement 😂😂. The layouts great but the room is looking just a bit messy. Maybe a video of you and a few of your friends straightening up would be entertaining. Keep up the good work.

[@railroadguy100]

Throughout the years, your layout has been really incredible. By the way, have you thought about building a loop around the back of the mountain section and around to the area by the Hershey's area for longer runs with trains in and out of the new yard?

[@SMTMainline]

I might end up adding that later on

[@GooseinTheCabooseProductions]

Just curious, but why don't you add like some plug ports for your DC and your DCC stuff instead of having to walk all over the place cuz your power packs in one spot? Coupler/trip pin height, weight, and metal wheels will fix most of your derailment issues. Looking good though.

[@canadianbehaviour8280]

Oh yeah that’s a beaut right there

[@SMTMainline]

For sure

[@newhavennscale]

Hello SMT!

[@LoveShaysloco]

On my lay out I did 2 expansion but I also planed for it. How you are standing mine looks like a T. But to help if you keep having derails in reverse. How I have mine deigned they can turn around. So they can go in head first and leave head first without me taking them off the track 180 and put them back on. Just a thought for some fun and to help keep in mind of how if I do this will effect future expansions

[@SMTMainline]

It's always good to build this stuff and see what works and what doesn't.

[@doreenkibbe8174]

My most favorite is the 777 and the 767

[@Guest-trains-n-things]

amazing

[@Petemonster62]

SMT - I have to also express my concern over the bridge. It appears that they are two Warren truss bridges, each intended for a short span. Bracing underneath is a good idea. If you have some model girders, you could run a girder horizontally between the horizontal top girder on each bridge section.

[@SMTMainline]

I should have mentioned in the video that those bridges are braced by a long piece of wood and are more decorative than structural.

[@Petemonster62]

@@SMTMainline - That sounds like a good design SMT! Prototypically such a bridge would have a horizontal beam or girder running the entire span - like your other Warren truss bridge across the ravine. The bridges, as they are, would have a pier in the middle supporting the 2 spans. If you have an extra 2 by 4 board, you could paint it a concrete color and stand it on 1 end for a pier between the 2 spans.