How-To Build a Modular Model Railroad - Benchwork

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Hello and welcome, this is a new series of videos that will describe and demonstrate the process of building a model railroad layout from start to finish. For more info and to read the articles for Part 1 and Part 2, you will find it here: www.bouldercreekrailroad.com/build-a-modular-railroad

[@hawkteamarmy5057]

Build A Unstoppable Train Diroma!!!

[@azteclady]

This is going to be EPIC!

[@steveross129]

I visited the site and only Part 1 link is active. Part 2 says "Comming Soon." It appears to be an active link but nothing happens when I click it. Part 1, BTW, is very good and useful.

[@ColtonsHobbies]

Just looking how to do model railroad benchwork.

[@stephanienoire1892]

so excited 😮

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Hey Luke, I always love all of your stuff, but I'm personally very excited to see you doing a model railroad series. Thanks for sharing.👍🏼👍🏼

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Ron, yeah I've wanted to get back into building a proper railroad for a while now! I can't wait to get trains running!

[@niklaseriksson3343]

For years I have wondered why you haven't built the most epic model train layout known to man, I'm not even going to try to describe how exited I am for this series!

[@HistoricLife]

Precision even in places not seen, I expected nothing less from you Luke. I look forward to more videos on this project.

[@Gargraves100]

Luke: Perfect! This is exactly what I have been looking for. Rising rates on our variable mortgage means we must sell our house, pay off our debts and rent a house next year. A modular layout allows me to keep enjoying the hobby no matter where we live. Many thanks!

[@QuazarCG_Studio]

I have been waiting for this for years. So exited! Your dioramas are flawless and I've always wanted to see something like that put together into a larger layout.

[@Unstoppable-Trumpy-Bear]

Oh my goodness, this is exactly what we all needed! Please post weekly bare minimum, if possible of course. We're so excited to see all of your talent go towards one big layout!!

[@tinywuffstudio1390]

"Please post weekly" ... um shut up, some people (unlike you) have lives

[@pranavjayachandran307]

This is the video that I have been looking for all along

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Awesome, I hope you enjoy the series 😉

[@markdalton3834]

Ikr!

[@jamfjord]

It's as if all the planets are finally aligned, eh?

[@sammy_dog]

knowing Luke and his skill level this will be one of the most realistic looking layouts not only in Australia but the entire world I cannot wait to see the finished product fasten your seatbelts people this series is going to be the most epic builds known to man woman and child

[@jamylesage1530]

I was only ever really interested in this channel in the context of a full model railroad setup - so I am beyond pumped for this series!!

[@davestinyworkshopotherprojects]

I don't think anyone can find a better tutorial than this, well done.

[@JonBanquer]

It's very through.

[@jimmccorison]

I like the overall design of the benches. Your presentation makes them very approachable. Now, to find room for more than one module.

[@captainmother1268]

Thanks for the video!! - Handy tip - You can drill the dowel pin countersink FIRST then drill the thru hole, that'll speed things up.. If you have a drill press you can do all the operations for the end board dowel pins on the press (and use an alignment jig), THEN assemble the module grid assemblies. Everything will still line up perfectly.

[@bugler75]

Just started my first layout in N Gauge. Looking forward to this series 👍🏼❤️ Thanks Luke

[@zentoa]

Looking Forward to such a large model :) I know it will look absolutely amazing!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks mate, I really hope it comes together as I have imagined it 😊

[@marknicholson2281]

Great to see you building a layout again. My introduction to your channel was about 8 years ago when I was researching how to build benches and have learned so much about scenery from you since. As it happens I’m starting another layout after a house move. Open frame but not modular. Keep up the good work.

[@thesarcasticsettler252]

Your diligence alone earns a like. It deserves so much more but we do what we can.

[@Vickie-Bligh]

This is cool. All the dioramas you've made over the years have made me wonder what they would look like with a train setup. Thanks for this, Luke. Look forward tp the next segment.

[@alexmorgan2296]

A superb masterclass in carpentry and construction and so very useful as a guide to starting a layout - thanks for sharing and shall really look forward to watching the whole series.

[@johnd8892]

An added bonus that you are modelling my local railway, as i also do, but reaching a huge audience. Due to the quality of your work.

[@MidtownSun]

This is a VERY welcome change to your video series and I’m quite excited to see the remainder of the videos! I’m also hoping that you chose the “modular” design so that you can continually add more modules (and thus, videos) with new ideas.

[@ironwolfusa]

I've watched you for a long time Luke and I must say, your work is awesome! This series is a very easy way to build a layout, you have always explained your work in a way that anyone can understand. Thanks for all the great work and PLEASE, keep it up!

[@blainedunlap4242]

After working as a furniture maker while attending college for an engineering degree everything began to pay off when he started Railroad Modeling. Fantastic.

[@stevekettelson7368]

I just wanted to say, out of all the folk I watch on KZbin, yours are pretty much the only ones I “like”, keep up the great work man.

[@barnabasbacskai-nagy8380]

Amazing! I think this is the moment that we've been all waiting for :) Your scenery builds are always a delight to watch, but a whole series about building a complete rairoad track is some top tier stuff :)) cheers

[@p7s7cdfk]

I’m so glad to see you embarking on a layout construction project. I’ve watched all your videos and am so impressed with your skill and attention to detail. Needless to say the bench work is superbly built and I look forward to seeing the landscape evolve over time. Thanks for the inspiration you give to us all- Glyn

[@evanthomas635]

Thanks for this! I've been looking for quite some time for a simple, unobtrusive way to align a detachable staging yard at one end of my layout, and those alignment dowels will do the job perfectly. Better yet, I see that there's a power-routing version -- this is an elegant solution to something that's been vexing me for two or three years. I always learn something from your videos -- much appreciated!

[@mattyhanno2592]

This is the series we've all been waiting for. Can't wait to see the end product.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks mate, hope you enjoy it 😊

[@randallhawkinson4727]

Hey, Brother! Good to see you back. Your dream coming true, finally. If I'm going to relearn old tricks, I can't think of anyone else I want to watch doing it. I'm on layout no. 6. No. 5 was changed so many times, it just wouldn't meet the satisfaction standard any longer. This one is modular, but the modules are bigger, capable of fitting into my 5'x8' trailer. I haven't worked on it at all for several months as I am now the scenery guru for the Monterey & Salinas Valley RR club.

[@The_Dude96193]

Waited for years, for a whole layout series

[@grahamfrench9874]

This series will be awesome and for my money cement your position as one of the world’s best modellers.

[@schrodingerscat1863]

Great to see you doing a full layout, based on the quality of your dioramas I have high hopes this project will result in something very special.

[@NathanielKempson]

HELL YEAH LUKES BACK!! Ive been waiting for this series ever scince you made those really old videos about benchwork!! Looking forward to this series as it proggress!!

[@dandiehm8414]

Already subscribed. I'm really looking forward to this series. Most Model Railroaders on KZbin get so bogged down in the early details that it takes YEARS to get to the scenery building. And that is what I am most interested in. From your previous videos, I know that scenery is important to you too, and that it wont be 3 years until you get to it.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol, yeah I see that a lot! It definitely won't take long to get to scenery!

[@rwissbaum9849]

Fantastic video! I agree completely with the 600 mm depth of your layout. I once tried a layout that was 800 mm deep, and although I could make that reach over the bare sub-roadbed, once I had scenery and buildings installed, the reach was too much - and I am 185 cm tall. I have 18" radius curves at both ends of my layout. I made sure to provide a transition curve at the ends of the curves - this helps ease rolling stock into the tight curves. I am still limited to 65 scale foot long passenger cars and 4 axle locomotives. Looking forward to the next installment!

[@Jeff-Parr]

Never heard them called Kreg screws. Had to look it up. This video is just the inspiration I need to start my own modular layout. Now to figure out where I am going to put all the stuff I have in my shed to make room for it!

[@DartsideScenics]

This is going to be a great series to watch - looking forward to it 😀

[@JDERailCorp]

The tracking of the words is an awesome touch!

[@catamaranoborchiato]

before watching this video: i've watched only ten seconds and i said "that's what all your subscribers wanted from the beginning of your channel" i have great expectations from this series

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ha ha yeah I've been putting this off for a while... I'm really excited to build this model 😊

[@catamaranoborchiato]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad i'm building my own model railroad and it's really inspiring

[@plot1184]

Your attention to detail is remarkable.

[@SilentGloves]

I've waited so many years for an actual layout build! Very exciting. ☺

[@Npdias]

This is one of the most exciting moments for online modeling

[@donaldlembo1263]

This is fantastic. It is so good to see the complete process. I can’t think of anyone more qualified than you to do this. Excellent, THANK YOU for your wonderful content.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks for your fantastic comment, I hope you enjoy watching the layout come to life 😊

[@michaelimpey1407]

Luke, thank you for sharing, it is going to be a great series, I can feel it. Cheers, and stay safe, Michael

[@dodgeguyz]

You haven’t been posting much lately. Now we can see why. I’m (we) are looking forward to this series. Will be looking forward to more videos.

[@luctoulouse]

Wow, what a great tutorial. I wished I had this video when I started. Cheers from Canada.

[@EdCamCro]

Finally Luke. Ever since I started to watch your Chanel I’ve wanted to see a full model railway by you. (Your N gauge one was years ago!)

[@valborchardt3596]

Thanks so much Luke, looking forward to the next video….i hope you and your family are all well….take care from South Africa

[@derekalexander4030]

This is exciting, watching one of the best build a railroad. Thanks for doing this.

[@erickwoodard9991]

You can use the forsner bit first and use the center point for the other bit too. When you go to level this in another area always start with the highest point in the floor. You can use a 4 foot or 6 foot level to give you an idea. I always enjoy your videos

[@alekxanderhenrique1420]

Hello! I've been following you for some time now. Your work is simply incredible! Soon I'm going to start putting together my railroad model and you're inspiring me and helping me a lot! Thanks!

[@DB--lv6tt]

Wow! How long I've been waiting top see the building of a railroad on bouldercreek railroad! Hot stuff!

[@Thalis4341]

Finally a video where you don't need to use a 3D printer. Although technology is advancing, I still prefer modeling as it used to be, with my hands.😊

[@krowvin]

YESSSS, i've been waiting for this series since you first mentioned it. I knew there be more trains in your life!

[@brentonthorpe7328]

This has made me very happy! Can't wait to watch the layout build progress.

[@DocPlays]

Actually a godsend man. I was hoping you'd make a tutorial like this

[@MikesFoggyIdea]

Big project, exciting. I love watching the construction process, it gives me ideas and tips on doing my own.

[@BananaTie]

That was the best layout woodwork video I have seen so far! You are answering a lot of questions that I needed to research for my self after watching other videos. Beautiful photography. All in all, great job! Thank you for sharing!

[@StandardGoose]

Thanks for these videos. I'm working on a modular layout myself. I've built benchwork as essentially tables made out of CLS. I then made sections that rest on the benchwork using similar alignment dowels as the table "top". Each section is 50cm wide and 1.2m deep, which is far too deep to be within arm's reach for working on scenery, and that's why I made it modular; so I can slide each table top section in and out to work on scenery etc. I've only made a couple of the table top sections so far.

[@gullijons9135]

Amazing timing, I'm just about to start building a layout in n-scale with 600mm depth and I wanted to make it modular! I can't wait to watch this series!

[@jordanjones2046]

I'm looking forward to watching this complete build!

[@jeremye4248]

So looking forward to this series. Popped up in my notification just when I needed a lift. Thanks Luke. Looks like there is room for a subway under that initial surface.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol, I really wanted to add the subway. It's still a possibility 😉

[@Mike__B]

Can't wait to see how this plays out, for me building something is always the most fun part of the project. Also if you would like a true modular layout measure the exact distance (i.e. add onto your jig so it always is that way) from the edges of the pine boards for your aligners of course this also requires the track at the end of every piece is place in the exact same space too (so they all line up), this would allow you to add in pieces easily and even rearrange as necessary as long as you keep that same 600mm base for all your modules. Of course if you're making a continuous bit of scenery across the entire setup then yeah it largely doesn't matter too much.

[@normanrowe2831]

Back to the beginning. Outstanding. I very much look forward to your progress.

[@sherleysmith1889]

This video make me want to rethink my model railroad. Great video I will look forward to the series.

[@chrisrabbitt]

Watching Luke start to build a model railway while wearing my BCR hoodie.. life is good

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ha ha so cool 😎

[@shimesu443]

Perfect timing, as I was just considering getting into model railroading myself. I know that whatever you build, it will look amazing at the end, so I'm looking forward to this ride.

[@Hylian_Grouch]

Awesome surprise! My favourite KZbin modeller is making a railway layout. Excited to see this progress

[@DIYDigitalRailroad]

I am considering building a modular model railroad and this benchwork is beautiful.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Hey Jimmy! I heard you talking about some changes you have coming, I was listening to you on the Second Section Podcast! I only got a little way into the beginning of the podcast before I had to go to work! I've got it saved to finish watching later. I hope you film a series of videos on it as well... we can compare notes 😉

[@45degreesmodelling]

I’m looking forward to seeing how this comes out, I can only image that it’s going to be spectacular!

[@BobSimpkin]

Thank you Luke, you're videos are always incredibly interesting. I'm looking forward to the next episode.

[@dettentown]

It was about time you made a full layout! Love your stuff!

[@chrisbarr1359]

This video is just what I was looking for. I rent and know I will probably be moving at some point in time. So I want to start my new layout with this in mind. BTW I model in N scale in Pennsylvania, USA. Thanks for the easy to follow instructions. Take care!

[@teaselbay7235]

Hey Luke. Look forwards to keeping up with your new layout. Given your fantastic skill it’s bound to be an amazing layout!

[@the_train_girl]

Great work so far Luke, looking forward to seeing it grow 🌿

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks so much, I too am really keen to see the layout come to life 😊 I just need to put all the practice I've been doing on the dioramas into this layout, fingers crossed it all goes to plan 🤞

[@the_train_girl]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad I have no doubt it will be epic!

[@Balleatomique]

Love this new serie, can’t wait for a crossover episode with EverardJunction 😋

[@therealDonMac]

I can not begin to describe my excitement for this series. I love this!

[@christinaeneroth675]

Looking forward to seeing the rest of the series. I’ve wondered for some time how to best handle alignment if I ever go modular

[@HumancityJunction]

It is really great to see you getting back into model railroading.

[@stuartkorte1642]

Awesome, the builds in a layout!!! Look forward to what’s coming down the line.

[@fireaza]

I find it hard to believe you don't already have a model railroad! My uncle had a pretty big one when I was a kid, this feels sorta nostalgic!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

yeah, I had a N scale one that was nearly finished but it got damaged moving house and I ended up dismantling it. This one should be good though. I've designed it to be movable 😉

[@RicoGalassi]

Always been waiting for a layout build!!!! Can't wait to see the finished product!!

[@OGSnoberry]

YESSSS! This is what I've always hoped for watching your channel! So excited for this series!

[@bearisdriving]

Awww yes, time to live vicariously!

[@jonnyspeed]

Some really good ideas here! Thanks for sharing. I would recommend however, that you do not glue the plywood subroadbed to the risers. I have done that and regretted it every time. I find it better to use Craig jigs and screws to screw up through the top of the riser into the plywood. This eliminates the need to glue and countersink holes on the top of the subroadbed. If you need to move your subroadbed or make a change you have no way of getting to the Craig screws without cutting your subroadbed off. Then you would have to start all over again. Just a tip from my experience. I LOVED how well TiteBond wood glue held the subroadbed to the risers. I didn't even need screws as the glue joint was stronger than the wood! However, when I needed to make a change, I was out of luck and had to cut the top off and start again. Trust me.... don't do what I did.

[@christophervella-croft855]

Been waiting for you to do a layout for years can’t wait to see it. What a wicked idea this is would make moving it so muck easier.

[@wynorawishum5860]

Hi, I love this video and it comes at the perfect time. We are planning our layout and bench work and this is very helpful. Thank you for sharing your experience

[@piotrcholewa3382]

oh man so happy you are back and we all hope for more videos!!

[@peterstecks7660]

Excellent Luke. Thanks again for taking the time. 👍

[@garagemakerguy1808]

What? You don't have 3 hands....lol. Nice to see a model train layout construction from start to finish. I can't wait to see the amazing scenery! Thanks to Luke for the great content 😁 Cheers, Jeff (Garage Maker Guy)

[@ScottTaipaleRail]

Very solid construction! We're eagerly waiting for the next instalments in this series!

[@johnkelley9877]

This was great! Even without ground work it is very impressive and the construction is neat and precise. Thanks for sharing this.

[@roaenokesyzlak7828]

I've been following your how tos gor a while years now, as an n scaler I plan to adapt your techniques down a size. Love to see you starting a layout and I'm excited to see where it goes and how it turns out. I got my note pad out 😂

[@RealAndySkibba]

Ooo. New series! Looking forward to watching it.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

I hope you like it, it's been a project I've wanted to do for a very long time!

[@dexecuter18]

Good Timing, hopefully starting my own layout in a similar style within a month or two. Good refresher on this step of the process.

[@roskgo1193]

Definitely very excited about this series! I have loved your other videos and those are my inspiration for when I build my layout. Seeing this used in actual practice makes me very excited!

[@rpan5441]

Very well explained. Detailed knowledge was very noteworthy. Two thumbs up

[@kyliemorgan8042]

Love your work. I’ve learnt so much from you that I am using on my own N scale model railway. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@alPham0d3x]

I'm looking forward to seeing more of this project

[@lyellgeorge2673]

commenting to boost the algorithm. cant wait for the next parts of this series!