How I Built My First Layout! N Scale 2ft x 4ft

[@shemp308]

had to add a comment! I personally have one that I built it is my front room coffee table. I built all including the table over 30 years ago now. The reason I told you was to point out I Personally know the time it takes and the difficulty of creating this! I would Not say anything except you did it perfect from choices of size landscaping and most of all the trains run and look good. There are no shortage of people who will tell you how you could have done this or that better or different! But in my personal opinion what you did is great!

[@LevelUpRailways]

Thanks Michael, I really appreciate this comment!

[@alfrednawrocki8061]

Agreed, great job. The electrical portion of a layout scares me. Not versed in this important aspect of the hobby.

[@timhoffmaster9791]

Great job...... I belong to a model railroad club but will be starting a layout in my basement with limited space your layout was very encouraging thank you

[@wolfiealternateaccount4181]

Fabulous. Your layout is excellent. Thanks for sharing how you did it.

[@vinnylovesretro]

Absolutely a fantastic video that helps folks like me not completely fear wading into the N scale world. Beautiful job, LOVE the final product (well, maybe version 1.0 as I know these are never "done" which is what makes it fun!).

[@PeterMcDadeArtist]

Good steady camera work. Kept me watching.

[@williamstamper442]

Love your vid and great choice on N scale. Hopefully someday before I die I will have built something similar in N. You did a great job within a little space. Your ideas are like fertilizer, making ones mind go crazy with what can be done! Thank you for sharing this my friend.

[@FrankC321]

Looks good. The trolly on upper level is fantastic.

[@jimbrent8151]

Hey you video was one of the ones that helped me make the plunge and finally (re-) create my layout under a bed (from my youth) for my Grandchildren... Thank you for sharing

[@BASILPANAS]

You are a natural at this!!! Congratulations and thanks for sharing.

[@LevelUpRailways]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@GRUMP5B]

Greetings from the U.K. Thank you for sharing your journey, I am now going to press subscribe and follow your updates x as you add more detail etc.

[@lexluthermiester]

@ Level Up Railways Nice build! Very well done, especially for a first go.

[@alzeNL]

very nice ! personal note, not usually a fan of music on videos, but I appreciate the hard work on mixing and timing put it on this one, its really good ! (I also like your taste in music). I really enjoyed this video and will learn from it. Thanks for the cool video.

[@Tipman2OOO]

Thank you for sharing I really like how you break down each step to build your set up.

[@jimbrent8151]

Great !!! I would like to see a winter scene based layout instructional video just like this one ... I have read a couple of articles about winter scenes in Model Railroader magazine but never seen a video with all these types of tips about winter scene...

[@gcorriveau6864]

Thanks for sharing your details about products and techniques. I'm just getting started on a small project and this is helpful. Cheers and thanks again.

[@marchebert9813]

Great quality video, track layout and execution. I love the gritty industrial style. Very well done.

[@paulvail2850]

thank you for sharing. I have been in the hobby for fifty years. I am considering building another and this is a challenge to get started.

[@Rayzor66]

Great work, i been throwing around the idea of building a layout for the family this winter in the cold months in PA. Thanks for the video

[@LevelUpRailways]

You're welcome! It took me about 6 months to build this so it will definitely keep you busy through winter!

[@Wolfie6020]

This is a beautiful layout and I am really impressed but also dismayed. This is your first layout and it is more beautiful than anything I have done in 51 years in the hobby. I have dozens of n-scale and even more HO scale locos and hundreds of rolling stock. I have built several layouts over the years but nothing comes close who how good yours looks. Really great work and inspirational. I need to build a new layout… Kato Unitrack on plain wood just won’t cut it anymore.

[@BoxcarJerry]

Really nice job on the layout. Glad you did a Cliff notes version of the build. The design you came up with is gives you some good continuous running . 👍👍

[@LevelUpRailways]

Thanks!

[@Seventeen_Syllables]

Nice, thanks for the inspiration. I have been fascinated for a long time, but never took the plunge. Maybe once cataract surgery is done I'll do something.

[@chelb4786]

Wow, for a first track this looks amazing. I'd die to have that much creativity. Your talent is intimidating!!!

[@ColorMeMozart]

Looks great! Inspiring to see someone working with limited space like me. Well done! 🚂👍🏻

[@LevelUpRailways]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stuartmiller8053]

Very cool lay out and very helpful video for this novice. Cheers Stu

[@thehastyterrainmaker9485]

Hahaha hot glue! Nice! I have been scoffed at for my use of hot glue at times and in 3 weeks now you’re the 2nd person I’ve seen use it too! My fav hobby shop actually uses it like I do to secure the cork and track down. I found hot glue comes off track MUCH easier and allows the track to be reused without soaking off white glue for hours on end

[@thehastyterrainmaker9485]

Yeah securing trees down with white glue avoids strands BUT IF using a low tempt gun and not hasty like myself, you can easily but painfully time sake wise, catch those stands as they form, wait a second or two and snag them off fast with no trace

[@LevelUpRailways]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll try to be more patient next time I use hot glue!

[@thehastyterrainmaker9485]

@@LevelUpRailways patience is my main weakness and why I call myself Hasty lol. I started using hot glue when I started making my own trees and other white glues were not working. I never went back

[@Stussmeister]

A very nice layout. I've also designed a layout in AnyRail, though it will be more of an HO scale mountain railroad town from the 1940s-50s, and while I have purchased most of the necessary track, rolling stock, accessories, and scenery, I still have to actually build the benchwork.

[@desmond9168]

Really enjoyed your presentation and the final results. I did a similar setup in lockdown. A few sleepless night were involved. Mine is ‘analogue’ so I did succeed in placing the lines from a set of switches ‘underground’ for the points. So pleasing but very fiddly. I did not plan the type of rail to use as you did? That was a mistake I would not do next time! I am 74 years old so perhaps ‘next time’ might be a bit hopeful? Well done and thanks for taking the time to show your layout on You Tube.

[@curtisclark5756]

Hell yeah man, im definitely going to borrow some ideas from you. Thank you much and for the useful programs!

[@pyke209]

that's helped encourage me to keep my first layout design very low key and not to throw myself into the deep end.

[@malcolmpayne754]

Enjoyed the video - layout looking good and coming on well - decided to subscribe!

[@LevelUpRailways]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for subscribing!

[@railway187]

Very good video! Impressive how efficient and logical you have made your layout, looks like you didn’t make the usual beginners mistakes. Your layout is very beautiful, it looks much bigger than 2x4. Cool job! 👍

[@LevelUpRailways]

Thanks! Learning from fellow youtubers helped out a lot!

[@glennkopriva899]

hi,, running a bit behind in the building curve. I'm modeling N scale, and too picked Peco 55. My layout is a bit larger 8' x 7' (and I used Any rail too) but just have some of basic electronics set up and some tunnel track mounted. I have a long way to go. I think its great to be able to see what others have done especially when its relevant to what you are using. I'm also building many component with my 3d printer. Thanks for taking the time to put this together!

[@LevelUpRailways]

You're very welcome! I'm glad you found my video helpful! Wishing good luck on your layout!

[@Meagain921]

Good video….thanks for sharing. I don’t have much space and nor experience so I am grateful for you sharing.🤗

[@mrcpu9999]

I enjoyed this, I'm just getting back into building a layout after 40 years, and going to switch to N scale and a door-ish sized layout. This was great, and the upper level track added quite a sense of depth. I'd love to see more on your control system... liked and sub'd.

[@ThePokéDesk]

Good job on your layout👍

[@TrainsNTracks]

Great video ive done loads of layouts and still more ive got to do from garden railways to oo gauge and now N gauge its great fun .

[@gmaneis]

Nice adaptation of the same plan by Steve's Trains. I think he might have used Kato track. Both layouts look great. Looks like you had a lot of fun.

[@ConversationStartersVideo]

Well executed video, my current layout is 6x12 N Scale but it was a 2x4 layout that got me back into the hobby. I’m also building a 2x4 switching layout. But again, well done!

[@MrNicktheBeat]

Very good. I've just designed my very first N gauge 4' x 2' layout ( on a budget) and glad to see the tight loops at each end seem to work fine. as I'm limited to a 9" radius at the ends. Like yours. the tracks go into tunnels each end and and one is elevated to cross the other under the mountains. Apart from the track ( Peco SL-300 Code 80) everything has been bought used and I intend to scratch build as much as I can. Luckily, I have an Ender 3D printer which will help a lot and I am fairly competent with model metal and resin moulding so hoping to keep the cost down as I have several other Hobbies requiring an injection of funds.

[@clevelandexplorer2221]

Yes pal! Absolutely brilliant using Arduino, first I've seen in train stuff. I've been wanting to start learning it but intimidated Things I didn't understand and will take a note of to look into: DCC plus plus Jmri Frog juicer Rail codes and rail points I think I'd find easier if you could explain please my friend? Suggestion: hollow buildings with real interiors :p though I suspect that'll be in the distant future because it's big and such. Absolutely amazing work on all this, plus the awesome video :D

[@PeterNscaletrains]

Hey Michael, Just found your channel & subscribed, loved the video. I'm fairly new to the hobby, & model N-scale as well. Keep up the great work!!. All the best, Peter. 👍 🚆 🚉

[@MrVinnyh]

Enjoyed your build Michael, its good to watch something different from my usual English based railways, but one channel you might like is chandwell n gauge. My next step is to check out some of your other vlogs 👍

[@LevelUpRailways]

Thank you, and definitely subscribing to Chandwell! The layout looks amazing!

[@janfaworski5155]

Good job! Very realistic! Greetings from Poland!

[@westbromwichwestrr5508]

Absolutely excellent layout mate, really enjoyed your journey.

[@LevelUpRailways]

Many thanks!

[@FBMRR]

Super cool. I cant wait to see the new layout.

[@tdhmoose]

I went to Wallmart and got packs of 12-in Quartet cork squares, lay it down. Placed track on top & outline the curve to cut because most hobby stores in my area shut down since the pandemic.

[@LevelUpRailways]

If you have enough cork, it's probably a great way of doing it!

[@cascadesouthernmodeltrains7547]

Looks like you adapted the 2 x 3 from Steve’s Trains for your layout. I’m doing the same and have also stretched it to 2 x 4. I am using Unitrack though as I have a ton of the stuff, the switches already have automatic throw machines built in. After I’m done with the scenery and ballasting you can barely tell it’s Unitrack.

[@CulturaeIncursu]

Great Job!

[@b8nducciify]

Thank you for all the help!!

[@davidsheriff8989]

Raised section adds dimension..simple but effective, needs more people and trucks and trackside items like old lines, bunkers, logs etc

[@LevelUpRailways]

I might be adding those details very soon!

[@davidsheriff8989]

@@LevelUpRailways Let's see an update very soon

[@bboomer1948]

I like the way you run your trains at scale speed. Not the 125 MPH races one sees on small HO and N Scale layouts. Very nice layout, indeed .

[@thehastyterrainmaker9485]

Very beautiful setup! If I may make one suggestion though... when doing the flocking of grass, some highlights of another flock colours helps pop the grass out more and less flat looking. Simply lay the highlight colours first, then go over it with the main color, lock it in with liquid cement or such, let it dry and vacuum off and pops it out more. Just a suggestion

[@LevelUpRailways]

Thanks for the tip!

[@thehastyterrainmaker9485]

@@LevelUpRailways you are most welcomed. I picked that up around 8yrs back off The Terrain Tutor and started to notice a lot of the other top model builders do the same.

[@lilchris26]

Nice one mate, I have a n gauge layout myself using code 55, look forward to seeing your next creation.

[@LevelUpRailways]

Thanks! I should have more soon!

[@duanesforkandspoonrr10]

Nice job...love the trolley

[@_apf12_]

What type of foam did you use?

[@chona123]

I like your modesty. You did a heck of a job! What was your ballpark budget?

[@andrewelie8687]

Thank you very much for an informative video.

[@Adventuring_outdoors]

amazing video im just starting out in n scale how did you work out what layout you wanted and the layout track numbers?

[@peterp696]

Absolutely amazing.

[@ArmedGringo45]

Do you mind sharing what your estimated costs were for this?

[@thejudgemeister]

What is DCC++? or even DCC+ (if it exist)? Never heard of those.

[@timeforanap6836]

Just started watching this video (today) but had to chuckle a bit about the pricing of the materials! For example, that exact piece of foam board from Lowe's (the 1in x 4ft x 8ft) now costs TWICE what you paid! Yep, 25 bucks instead of $12.50. And they say inflation's only 20-30% Ha!

[@pupsmotorworks5228]

Nicely done, video and layout. A second level indeed enhances it, (or any layout) in my opinion.

[@alantoulcher4899]

Hi Mike,just enjoyed watching your video of the 4’x2’ .like the track plan.did you use the peco long xing SL E394F or short xing SL-E393F. Please let me know.regards Alan Toulcher.

[@richardarsenault1471]

Looks great

[@ExtraLeben]

great vid :) .. i build a lot of dioramas .. but i struggle building my first model railroad layout xD i just cant decide how my track plan should look like 😂

[@tylerpete44]

Ok, so I am a beginner to electrical components, I would be interested in how to make a basic system to make the train go forward? Then maybe we can level up

[@LevelUpRailways]

Picking a control system (DC vs DCC) and how to wire up a layout that's more complicated than a simple oval can be a very large subject. I'll be sure to record a lot of video of the wiring process on my second layout so I can go into detail on how I did it! Most people start with a simple DC controller though and trains with a DCC decoder can usually work with it still.

[@joeweider4896]

Very nice congratulations. ! would recommend to project how wil I be able to play with it? Will there be a possibility to play? If it goes round and round it turns tol be boaring soon.

[@flyingbeaver57]

You've made a nice job of this, & packed a lot into the 2 x 4 space without it looking crowded. I wondered about a couple of things in your build. #1 is whether you set out a buget before starting? Also, as far as the cost of your 'initally finished' layout, how - roughly - did the costs break down? Eg., 20% for benchwork, 30% for track, turnouts etc., 35% for rolling stock/motive power, & so on? Finally, you mentioned using a 3D printer in the build. Was that 'part of the build' or something you already had access to? My 1st & only N-scale layout was built & run between 1968 & 1974. N has improved tremendously since then, & as I'm retired on a fixed pension, I'm trying to get a feel for what it might take to start again in the hobby. Prices in the Canadian northwest tend to be somewhat inflated, compared to Stateside, so I'm trying to draw up a rough set of costs, & how the different main types of expenses break down, as percentages. Thanks for putting up your videos. You've shown a very good example of starting and building a limited size 1st layout.

[@LevelUpRailways]

Thanks for the comment! I didn't set a budget from the beginning, instead just using some money I had saved plus what I know I can reasonably spend month to month. I definitely spent more than $1000 USD all together, but that includes some new tools and excess material (like the tracks that came in packs of 30 when maybe 5 was enough). But I did have the 3D printer from the start, I think it was $200 when I got it. I'll have to take the time to go through the receipts, might make for a nice short video!

[@FantaClown]

Bravoo ! Grandee ! Greatt !

[@ExtraLeben]

i see where you got your inspiration :) i live that you gave it your touch instead of just copying steves layout 1:1 :)

[@mysticrailroad]

very fine work!

[@hubertmantz1516]

Very very nice 👍🏽

[@BPR_Jon]

this is friggin awesome

[@recoveryelevator717]

This video is DOPE!!!!!

[@williamstamper442]

For years I've had this thought... Due to space limitations I'm stuck on the typical 4'x8' H.O. base... but then thought an elevated platform, such as "mountains in the plains" creating a visual effect... The elevated platform would be N scale with H.O. being the main focus. Of done properly I feel like one could achieve the right look and still keep scale in focus. Also could give a poor boy like me an opportunity to play with both scales on the same layout!

[@ciantank]

Very nice video I learned a lot, but I think Polystyrene is toxic it contains styrene which is toxic and some contains fire retardant hexabromocyclodeane? which is very toxic if you breath it in while working it and it can leach over time even if painted. I am starting my n scale 4 x 6ft and wondering what base to use that I can carve out that is not toxic. Woodlands Scenic Risers and inclines are an alternative but very expensive have you considered other bases less expensive and non-toxic other than polystyrene.

[@nasircalavera]

I think you can modify the models to fit any track with a spring. Thank you for the video Michael!

[@nsanenscale9390]

I was curious as to whether you used any flextrack or not? I'm not fond of flextrack personally. If you did, would you please consider sharing? I too, live in a small apartment and this is something very close to what I was looking for. You did an excellent job! Keep up the good work and keep sharing. :)

[@nsanenscale9390]

Never mind about the flextrack question. After 3.5 minutes into the video I actually see that you did on you track plan.

[@LevelUpRailways]

Yup, I used flextrack! But you can probably make a similar layout with Kato track!

[@nsanenscale9390]

@@LevelUpRailways Thanks! Keep up the good work!

[@chris4321das]

Love it! 🤩⭐⭐🌟🌟

[@elmundodepedro]

Muy buen diseño. Un 10.👍👍

[@jimholmes4224]

Nice work.

[@LevelUpRailways]

Thank you!

[@rakerss74]

Did You get some if Your ideas for this layout from Steve's Trains? He built a layout that has almost the same track plan, but He used Kato Unitrack.

[@LevelUpRailways]

Yes, seeing his small layouts inspired me to get started!

[@rakerss74]

@@LevelUpRailways Steve's Trains builds some pretty CooL layouts.

[@4x4trick]

Very Nice

[@K1k05]

😉Neat, thanks for the ideas!

[@evileyeball]

2'x4' doesn't seem like too bad of a size... Thats always been my issue would be finding space for a layout.

[@socalrail4729]

Nice job, hope my layout looks this good one day.

[@LevelUpRailways]

I bet they will!

[@angelgiron7359]

super job...thanks

[@karenlindsey629]

I’m taking word for word notes as you speak. I’m a little intimidated but I am determined to build a layout like this!

[@peterlutz7191]

SWEET!

[@jimkammerer8028]

THIS IS A VERY INTERESTING GOOD VIDEO THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS WITH YOUR SUBSCRIBERS VERY INTERESTING AND INFORMATIVE VIDEO THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS VIDEO JIM KAMMERER I APPRECIATE YOUR VIDEO AND HAVE FAT FINGERS AS WELL I ENJOYED THIS VIDEO VERY INTERESTING AND COOL.

[@johnramirez5996]

I would have done it inside the glass table. lol especially n scale.

[@warrior3456_]

👍nice

[@trickywho7463]

I like it.

[@adventureseeker9800]

I have an apartment albeit a large size one. I don't think modelers should be locked out of creating layouts simply because we lack a lot of space and don't have a 45' X 45' building for our dream builds. Small space N scale is so amazing because there are so many ideas in what can be created. This is great.

[@backyardgolfnz]

hi im into this hobby to an im 10 years old

[@zz7007]

I’m 56 y/o and brand new to N Scale and model railroading

[@elleryparsons5766]

Picking a Scale of Railroad May be Hard But once you picked it go to it But go Slowly.

[@sailingschooners8668]

HO easily fit with first radius

[@duanegregg6222]

👍🏼