How I Built A Quick, Temporary Layout For My 3 Rail Model Trains

[@JeffHanna-f3d]

Two happy 8 year olds who road in on there Big Wheels and are playing trains! Does not get any better!

[@classicmodeltrains]

we even walked down to the convenience store and bought soda's

[@JeffHanna-f3d]

@@classicmodeltrains Not sure those were sodas…. Jeff

[@jebbohanan2626]

These O scale three rail videos are the best…!!! I have an idea about how to manage more, a whole bunch more, smoke flowing out of the steamers…. I don’t think it will work on HO but there’s got to be plenty room in the O scale. Wait!?! Is that “Old Milwaukee” wobble pop, I’m spying?

[@dah2nd]

There may have been an old Milwaukee or two

[@classicmodeltrains]

Good eye to see the can of Mothers Milk

[@TheRobertSterling]

Hi Ron, and Hi Local Dave. You guys looked like a couple of kids at Christmas. New toys to play with. Nice to see them running outside. That big boy whistle, wooow. Nice to see the big Amtrak all hooked up and running, looks good at night also. Thanks guys. Cheers 🥂

[@classicmodeltrains]

we were young at heart for sure

[@jimciancio9005]

I know that 0 gauge isn't something for everyone, but they're so much nicer details than something smaller. Yet I know that also the smaller gauges have been coming a long way too with their own scale detailing. But there's something that is unusual and fun about running with the big boy's. The steam locomotives are not the best of pulleys especially without Magnetraction, they can really be a pain in the behind for pulling more than their original set weights. I definitely understand that, but one would think that just their sheer weight alone is enough to support the tractive efforts, but unfortunately they don't have to sand in their domes..... LOL. Great show Ron and Dave. Thanks for sharing your birthday gift with us Lol and congratulations on your B-day.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Jim. Yes this was a eye opener for me and the post war steamers not being powerful pullers.

[@dah2nd]

That big boy didn't even notice that the tables had so much height difference. And we could've easily put more rollingstock behind it. It is a powerhouse when it comes to pulling power and they are heavy! I'd like to see how many rollingstock we could actually get behind one of those big boys, then lash up the Great Northern and double the rolling stock. We're gonna need a S&$tload of track and tables!

[@DavidJeggo]

Wow…I felt like a seven year old…my friend had a layout and gear like that, in the 50’s…his Dad was an engineer for Canadian Pacific Railway…I wanted a Lionel, but my Dad opted for the Lionel HO for my first train…good days those, thanks for sharing…love the night shots…Cheers to you and Dave from 🇨🇦

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for sharing!

[@NotGavin]

That's one awesome way to have an O gauge layout, very good stuff Dave and Ron!

[@classicmodeltrains]

A fast and furious one for sure

[@Mike-ul3gw]

Excellent video, as usual! Nice to see vintage Lionel riding the rails ----- especially the Pennsylvania Steam Turbine.

[@classicmodeltrains]

thanks Mike

[@darrenrawlinson6344]

You can't beat a good running session with rattlin', bangin', crashin', lights and smoke!

[@classicmodeltrains]

They are very noisy when running for sure

[@normfredriksen1381]

Awesome. Some really good runners and a few that need some love to be the best they can. Great video. 👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Norm

[@zaboha]

Nice Lehigh Valley 4 bay hoppers 😊

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks

[@2045American]

Super recording 👍👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for the visit

[@2045American]

😊😊😊​Classic Model Train😊😊,J like american Train and model😊@@classicmodeltrains

[@UncleSalty-nz5uk]

Great Vid! It's fun mixing pre and postwar stuff with modern items

[@classicmodeltrains]

Agreed!

[@dah2nd]

I gotta be honest I love running all of it. They all have their own allure. My wife prefers Tin Plate and pre-war.

[@jamesfitch6431]

Looks like you all had fun. Enjoy. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for watching

[@jamesfitch6431]

@@classicmodeltrains thank you for sharing

[@gmaneis]

Santa Claus brought a 2026 to me in 1953. Never pulled more than 3 cars without derailments, slipping, etc. What a fun video! Thanks for sharing your fun! The Big Boy is so beautiful!

[@classicmodeltrains]

sorry to hear your 2026 gave you a lot of problems

[@gmaneis]

@@classicmodeltrains Thanks. Actually, it was a good engine. As you know, it was pretty hefty in weight, but just not a heavy puller without magn-atraction. It came in what I think Lionel called its Scout set for lower income folks, with O27 track and only a tanker, gon, and caboose. I was sorry to see it go when "Santa" decided to switch us HO in 1960. 😁

[@scottudave4499]

What a great episode. What a sight to see to guys playing trains outside in the blistering heat. “Hey Dave you may want a koozie for that”. “It’s not hanging around that long”. Excellent.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks ;-)

[@paulatherton985]

Well worth the wait for the night shot!!!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

it came out so Nice

[@MachGo66]

You guys looked like the happiest kids on your block. Thanks for 2 episodes this week.

[@classicmodeltrains]

the day wasn't long enough thats for sure

[@dairy49]

Ron, really enjoyed the video. I was in Billings a few weeks ago. I would pay admission to hang with you guys on a deal like this. Seeing the trains swaying on the uneven track was like the big boys! Keep them coming.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you liked it

[@paulburns3788]

Hi Ron how is your back I hope it's better...I like your RV it looks nice

[@classicmodeltrains]

Its getting better. Have to be careful so I don't re-injure it

[@EricSmith-ve7qi]

Awesome Video! You guys were hammering down on the high iron! Love those older sets can't wait to see the video on them! Thanks for having us over! B Safe.....

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Eric

[@thomasmoroney4993]

Omg a double matinee of classic trains!…way to end the weekend!

[@classicmodeltrains]

First time for everything :-)

[@stevenwaller192]

Wow waaay cool Ron and Local Dave! And you guys ran some 6464 cars new and older. I’m not sure of my math so I can’t say for sure about your 2% grade with 2” in 12, . That’s pretty darn steep . And waay more than 2%. Why not scuff away some gravel and level the table a bit more . Those older Lionel post war engines would pull more. And Hey between you and local Dave you have two turbine engines. Trouble coupling them but bet they would pull as well as the big boy. Glad you’re looking better. Take it easy with your back. Thanks for two videos this week. Looking fwd to the weekly classic Model too!

[@classicmodeltrains]

if a track goes up 1 inch in 10 feet thats a 1% grade. we had 2 1/2" in 9 feet so I just rounded to a bit over a 2% grade

[@stevenwaller192]

Was thinking there was more to do with the scale as to how far to how high. Kinda like what a scale O gauge mile is and what the 2 percent rise etc etc

[@classicmodeltrains]

@@stevenwaller192 from all my research a 1% or 3% grade is the exact same no matter the scale. I could be wrong but so far grade don’t scale out.

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

Setting up the tables and track, is a small sample of what it's like setting up a Modular Layout. Week from this coming Friday, we'll be doing a 54 by 30 foot set up. Want to come join us?

[@classicmodeltrains]

I would love to help!!

[@dah2nd]

Will there be AC?

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

@@dah2nd YES, a brand-new Air-Conditioning system was just installed.

[@ruagoof2]

Wow That is freakin' awesome...Thanks for sharing that with us... Rich...

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@JerseyBill-x9r]

Great fun, Jersey Bill

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@BrockRuby]

What a great vid! Outside n having fun. I even popped a cold one half way through. This would make a great series of vids. Looking forward to seeing another if possible. Keep it up buddy!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tonyhoneyman3693]

You make a Post War Man HAPPY!!!!!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Right on!!

[@dah2nd]

I have some more than I can't wait to run. I just got my first Milwaukee Road EP5 2351 not too long ago, now I want the other three lol.

[@johnmalley4355]

That was cool Thanks Ron…

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@JAVELIN73]

BIG kids having fun!!! Thank you for sharing your fun day with us!!!!😀

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for watching!

[@bernardc2553]

Now that was fun makes me wanna buy tables in bulk..himm😅

[@classicmodeltrains]

cheap/fast way to make a big layout

[@zendoargos4988]

Sometimes as a train guy...you just have to pull out the toys and run them. Really fun video.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I felt like a kid

[@XBOXShawn12thman]

THAT IS AWESOME!!!!!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks

[@mikepoindexter9849]

You guys are living the dream.

[@classicmodeltrains]

We have decided were poster boys for how to be irresponsible with money :-)

[@kilroy9273]

Great video, I love seeing the trains running. Thank you for sharing

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed

[@regisbraga3833]

You know Ron that I’m not a Lionel guy, in but, man, this is b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l !!! The Superliners are really cool, the steamers are nice, but the Big Boy and the GN one are simply amazing! Thanks for sharing my friend!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yes them new fancy locos sure have some amazing features and styling to them for sure. BIG price tags as well. Unfortunately I hear no parts available for them after they are 6-10 years old. electronic board goes out your are outa luck

[@thelazyfishkeeper2730]

that was some sweet shots . but you need a lot of room to run'em. thanks for giving us the show stay well

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you. Yes these hog up the space for sure

[@johnknippenberg-LandmarkYards]

I love seeing the post-war era engines. Sweet 736, thanks!

[@classicmodeltrains]

I like them too

[@jasonmarkum171]

Wow, those first 2 locos are really neat! What a steam whistle on that big boy! Sounded awesome! 😊

[@classicmodeltrains]

That BB whistle was super awesome!!

[@dah2nd]

Some people can sleep with a fan on, and then there is me, I could sleep with that in the background.

[@gabeaguilar9786]

Thank you Ron and Dave. Great fun to watch.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing. Very nice.👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for visiting

[@Joe30101]

Only thing to say is- WOW!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Joe

[@timothyrose4052]

Awesome! I predict Costco and Sam's Club warehouses around the country will start selling out on folding tables once this goes viral. :)

[@classicmodeltrains]

Fingers crossed!

[@elleryparsons2433]

A Perfect Way To Spend A Weekend.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you!

[@elleryparsons2433]

You Are So Welcome.

[@SantaFeBob]

Awesome running trains video. Thank you for showing the fun times.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnbanicki7232]

What a great way to spend a day! Thanks for sharing. Was really hoping to see what was in the trailer. It sounded very healthy. LOL Thanks for sharing.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks John. My neighbor has a 9 second some sorta class I cant remember. It looks like a t-bucket

[@DC_Highlight]

Good stuff! Looks like you found a great day to do this.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yes, thanks

[@scale_model_apprentice]

Glad you found a modeling buddy in Local Dave, Ron. Hope youre healthy and doing all right

[@classicmodeltrains]

Im glad to have found Dave as well. Still waiting for the back to be all better.

[@scale_model_apprentice]

@@classicmodeltrains thoughts and prayers

[@2045American]

Wheell Sleper😊😊😊..👍👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup!

[@georgebenson6036]

Thank you for making this video. I love the way you put together the folding tables to make a fast, temporary, large layout. I have a permanent layout, but I have 042 curves so I can't run a lot of Lionel's newest offerings. Doing a layout like yours ever so often would allow me to run the larger engines, even though they won't work on my permanent layout. Thanks for sharing.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hope I gave you a good idea there George :-)

[@2045American]

Super layout 😊😊,Big Boy Union Pacific 😊😊👍🚂..Lionel sińce on 1900 years... Classic Model Train 😊.

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@2045American]

:-),🙂🙂 Thank you Wathing.

[@JacquesLevyJr]

Thank You"all For all of the fun ; that was very nice !!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@georgeatdublincml]

Joy to see you playing trains. Keep living your life with your creative happiness. Good on ya!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks, you too!

[@daviddobson6108]

Thank you for sharing with everyone! Great

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for watching!

[@CannonCountry]

42 year old here grinning like I’m 8 again 😁 Always fun!

[@classicmodeltrains]

I hear ya!!

[@DRCRailroard]

Looks like fun. Nice engines. Love the Big Boy. The Genesis passenger set made for a cool nighttime opps. I have all the same postwar engines and almost every one of the Marx E7 configurations. The older sets are fun to run, but those modern engines are hard to beat when it comes to entertainment value with their sounds and smoke effects. It's sure to put a smile on your face. Ron I can see it won't be long before you're hooked on O. When can we expect to see your new layout?

[@classicmodeltrains]

Im way behind schedule due to my back injury. Im hoping to start on it late fall. Ive been hooked on O for quite some time now :-)

[@DRCRailroard]

I knew you were hooked. Can't wait to see you get started. Word of warning. There are so many great models that it's easy to go down the rabbit hole collecting. It's a sickness. I'm sorry to hear about your back. I'll keep you in my prayers. I've been dealing with sciatica from spinal stenosis myself. It caused mussel weakness in my leg to the point I was falling uncontrollably. Physical therapy and a message gun have helped considerably. I would recommend a message gun to work on your glutes. I have no more sciatica pain if that's what you're dealing with.

[@stevenhaneklaus8087]

Awesome layout for doing it on thise tables. Keep up on making these awesome videos.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Steven

[@2045American]

Classic Model Train 😊😊..super american train 🚂🗽.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you

[@2045American]

👍👍😀

[@johnorlitta]

Watching those locos slipping on the track reminded me of the little engine that could

[@classicmodeltrains]

yup! except he ended up doing it and some of these didnt ;-)

[@johnorlitta]

​@@classicmodeltrainsLOL!!!

[@TwistedMacGyversTrains]

That was a great running session with the folding tables. What are you using to keep the tracks from pulling apart. 👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

The O track has special spring clips installed to keep them tight into the pins

[@elleryparsons2433]

A Train a Palooza on Any Scale Is Better Than Goin to Bar Events.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yes it is

[@brianlohr3412]

GARDEN RAILROAD TIME !!!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Almost!

[@mikerotch4597]

Reminds me of the episode of trailer park boys

[@dah2nd]

Thanks? lol

[@classicmodeltrains]

Never watched that show

[@davidstrainsandlego]

Awsome stuff, glad to see some of your o gauge get to stretch their legs

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks David

[@clifnunnery4691]

Dang it, now I need to build a outdoor layout

[@classicmodeltrains]

gotta really watch the weather so it dont get rained on

[@strobson1]

Dammit Ron and Dave that’s amazing

[@classicmodeltrains]

thanks :-)

[@RobertDaSilva-ss8zx]

That must have been fun. Looked great to me. Those MTH use DCS and Lionel use TMCC or LEGACY or they both use the APPS so they should have steady 18 VAC on the track. You’ll be needing a modern transformer for best performance of them. Thanks for showing us you guys rediscovered childhood

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for the good info there Robert :-)

[@PerryBobKelly]

It’s great to go back to being an eight-year-old again😂🎉❤

[@classicmodeltrains]

It sum times is :-)

[@pathvalleyrailroad9277]

It looks like you need some helper service on that hill. That looks like it was a lot of fun.

[@classicmodeltrains]

been a long time since Ive run em that large

[@chiconian49]

The 671 does not need Magnatraction.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thats what the books all tell us.

[@raynagy7660]

Great video but I love ho scale locomotive

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much!

[@bobbymartinezvergara9130]

wonderfull day , the big boy is amazing , congratulations

[@classicmodeltrains]

I wished it was mine

[@MattKonsol]

That is so cool right there!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks

[@stevenhaneklaus8087]

The am track train was awesome

[@classicmodeltrains]

Its pretty cool to look at for sure

[@DarrellNorton-gq2ic]

Awesome 😎✌️

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks ✌️

[@AEStudt]

This is awesome love the BIGBOY I have them in HO but I would eventually get one of those for myself

[@classicmodeltrains]

Right on! These ones are quite spendy

[@AEStudt]

@@classicmodeltrains definitely agree

[@N_scale]

Dave(s) I have been in N scale for almost 30 years. And have a collection and layout to go with it (see my channel for vids of the layout) But I got into o / Lionel last year cause I have little kids who specifically cant easily operate digitrax on n scale. But as for the lionchief remote and app that is absolutely perfect for a little kid. You supply the voltage and connect your phone or remote and you are running. Perfect for a kid and an adult. 2 nights ago uncle Shawn was here with a brand new digitrax throttle and he spent a lot of time trying to consist his engines. A little kid wants the thing to run now. I still love n scale and always will. But for a scale for a family o is the one to get. Last week I convinced the wife to let me build a lifts to ceiling o gauge layout in the rumpus room for the kids. I love the sound of 3 rail reminds me of my grandpas house. Great video! Tyler from Regina, Saskatchewan

[@classicmodeltrains]

Good little Lady you have there. I love all the noise the O stuff makes as well

[@dah2nd]

So you're somewhat local to us then? And I always joke, O scale or no scale. But I love it all. My cousin moved out here a couple of years ago and he was going to get rid of some of his trains from when he was a kid. I held onto them. It's a nice little set of N scale funny enough. I thought at some point it might be fun to build a little coffee table set up for him. I didn't have the heart to get rid of them.

[@N_scale]

@@dah2nd this is meant to Dave?

[@N_scale]

@@classicmodeltrains more addictive than cigarettes from the Marlboro Man

[@N_scale]

@@classicmodeltrains kzbin.info5QUBw96jXiA?si=7qrS8IBT9IewVqip Worked on the n tonite

[@johnenos930]

Do you maintenance (like in your videos)on old barn find trains for customers? I would love to send you a couple I found in my grandpa’s storage.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I really have not dont it for cash pay. If you have a loco for donation perhaps

[@geraldporteus6404]

Sweet.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you!

[@rickdee67]

How fun! 33%er!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Rick

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Frog Snot you can make your own traction tires with it by just brushing it on the wheels and it will stop the wheels from spinning under load.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Wheels need a clean surface for electrical pickup. I dont believe in frog snot.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@classicmodeltrains you don't have to do all of the wheels just one of the back ones or two

[@keepamericayisraelgreat5708]

Ron, I just might buy an O gage one day, I Never had one but my family did I got to play with it for maybe 15 min.

[@classicmodeltrains]

there easier to put on the tracks :-)

[@genemanno1533]

Turbine with out magna traction does a good job. Weight and/or traction aid makes all the difference. Dual motors driving all wheels helps a lot. Gotta have good friction or the wheels just spin. Light weight engines do struggle. Running trains outside is nice.😊

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree

[@dah2nd]

Boys and their toys right? This is so much fun to do and a great day for it. I need to get my act together and get a layout at our house so the wife and kids can run their trains too. I won't lie it was just as fun to run some of the post war and pre-war. But it was also fun to run the big boy for the first time. We definitely need to accommodate 72 inch radius on the layout, certainly allows for that "authentic" full throttle action, and laying on the horn. Nice and loud, and to quote a radio station from when I was a kid, " if it's too loud, you're too old!". (Anyone tell me what that Radio Station was? )

[@classicmodeltrains]

Dee Snyders House of Hair!! Whoop Whoop!!

[@kurtstrains]

Do you think the rounded top of the rail has a smaller contact patch? Thus having less traction

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree with that statement

[@michaelphilo3525]

That sure was fun to watch. Those tables gave me an idea for setting up something temporary in my garage to use for 2-rail O and for code 100 OO. What size are they? They look like 2 different lengths.

[@dah2nd]

6 foot and 8 foot tables.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Dave beat me to the answer

[@ifindmetal]

As usual I’m a 33% er I just picked up basically three plus full sets of pre war Lionel’s instead of flipping as is I’m considering restoring all the engines and a few passenger cars

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for your support and fixing before flipping will yield more $$$ for sure

[@fredmarshall6240]

That one engine that was spinning its wheels. I didn’t get the number of train. There was a time during the Korean War that Lionel couldn’t get the zinc and nickel to make there magnetic wheels. There was usually printed on the cab after the number RR. That was identifies those trains.

[@classicmodeltrains]

1951-53 2-6-4 #2024. The only post war I ran that did have magna traction was the #736 2-8-4 Hudson from 1955-56. Yes I'm aware of the No magna traction during the Korean War effort. Them Wars sure do mess up stuff :-/

[@dah2nd]

671 if not mistaken

[@johnorlitta]

Hi Dave, I was wondering if the sound effects for the locomotive could be ran through a sound system. How cool would that be?

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello John. A feller could install a wireless sound transmitter (lapel mic, guitar pickup, etc) if ya had enough electronics knowledge

[@how_to_hallagon1]

One thing about it. We see what works and what don't. I know them old analog engines ran like a top in the 50s because I've watched old footage. So this tells me the motors are warn out. The new stuff has newer motors. I wonder if putting a new motor in old stuff makes a pulling difference.

[@classicmodeltrains]

The new ones weigh in at 12-15 lbs. the post war ones do not have worn out motors and weigh in at around 2 pounds

[@davidlewis9068]

O 54 or o 72 curves?

[@classicmodeltrains]

these are 72 curves. My first time ever using them and I love them.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

I have a K -Line 027 big boy steam locomotive. Only paid $400 for a brand new conventional only. So much cacophonous noise. It gives you a headache after a while especially if you have more than one locomotive running just like to smoke units you can run enough steam engines with their smoke until you turn on the smoke alarm.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yes I agree

[@scottthurman3625]

Just wondering did you wipe the tracks off any time during the day? Thanks for a GREAT video!

[@classicmodeltrains]

No. They were just Ultrasonicly cleaned 2 day before

[@jamessawyer4625]

18 volts ac is waht they run at. MTH and Lionel

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks James

[@plunkervillerr1529]

I don`t know of any prune juice that would give me more runs. You know the thing.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I cant tell if this is a complement, But I'm going to take it as one :-)

[@Frank-jb9cs]

I have a solid train engine made out of gasoline is call the xg547 it was made in South Korea

[@classicmodeltrains]

Sounds cool. Didnt know S. Korea made model trains

[@fredmarshall6240]

You obviously have a bad knuckle on the tender.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup

[@Dragonbear13-k2r]

O scale is nice, but the sound feature is annoying as hell. I prefer ho scale as it looks more realistic and is much more QUIET!

[@classicmodeltrains]

I like my trains noisy like the real ones. But I hate the poor sound of DCC stuff

[@Zebrails]

"LIKE" Number 4-8-2 Mountain John

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)