How to make a Model Railway/ Railroad with limited space and budget

[@daviemaclean61]

Looks brilliant and the concrete retaining wall backscene is a refreshing change from trying to make hillsides blend into such a small layout. Cheers

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks

[@yvoheaton6402]

I have this little red loco running on one of my N gauge layouts. It runs really well and was well worth the money I spent that was not very much compared to some. Happy days!

[@BudgetModelRailways]

They are great locos, especially at that price

[@steadycamman1]

Great tips for everyone starting out on a budget 👍

[@bangboats3557]

good looking layout and at first shot I didn't realise it was N gauge - good use of quality details. Here in Australia best we can do is "semi-budget model railways." The Kato N set you showed runs about $112 with postage (about 64 GBP) and the Kato small steam european type engine with 2 carriages you've featured, runs about $136 AUD (77 GBP) and thats with a fairly favourable exchange rate at the moment. But this is an excellent layout, very scenic very detailed, and very compact. By freelancing you can build anything you want. I think, if you didn't like the look of that little loco, you could scratch build, modify or 3D print a more conventional box diesel body for it. Possibilities are endless. Same goes for wagons - you could build new bodies of a different style quite easily on those chassis. So again thank you for the inspiration! You guys keep model railways real.

[@insomniacbritgaming1632]

I've just started on a 1840x720 layout, this is great inspiration even though I have a bigger space available, bought a GF Merchant Navy (2015) FOR £62 a few weeks back, I always try shop used where I can :)

[@edgein7892]

Keep hammering it in. It doesn't always have to be expensive, with cheap brands, a bit of luck at fairs and your own imagination the possibilities are endless. Rivet counters might argue that you can't shunt with overhead lines but tramways did it in Europe and I've even seen videos of it in the US. Btw, bought that same Kato set today at a fair, nice little runner

[@rich_rich90]

Great vid! I've got a similar set up but with American N scale 2nd hand stock. So old Atlas GP9 & bogie wagons. Such a great space/timesaver on limited resources & budget.

[@Shelfandtabletoplayouts00gauge]

Really impressive, love your enthusiasm. Gonna give this a go👍

[@foxhillrailway2252]

well done mate, see it can be done on a budget 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@nikneumann9170]

Hi Mike, hope all is well? I think you're right when it comes to watching model trains going around. I much prefer more interaction with the layout - most probably why I like tinkering with freight. But love the n-gauge setup. 👍🏼

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks, I like doing both but with limited space a shunting layout gives your more involvement and interaction

[@TheRobertLcollins]

Happy New Year from the States! I think that particular urban scene fits in with the idea of the layout being a busy industrial area.

[@keithedmunds7536]

good idea nice little layout iv got some oo as well as n continental and couple of dapol locos you can do a lot with n in a small space interesting idea of yours thanks for sharing

[@OlivierGabin]

Happy new year, and glad to see you again with big ideas for small wallets ! All your channel in a nutshell : No room ? No money ? Budget Model Railways ! Agreed on Kato, and Japanese models at large : you have Japanese models in N for half the price of European ones, and they run perfectly. In my unreasonably wide collection of model trains, the japanese N scale ones are the best runners overall (Kato, but also Greenmax and Tomix) on all points : smoothness of running, pulling power, silence. And you have a layout here built on a surface smaller than the one of two A3 sheets put side by side on their smaller side. Superb !

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Nice video Mike. I have to say the track plan makes good use of the space you have and it doesn't look out of place either! I agree shop around to find the best prices/deals. - Nicholas.

[@andrewretallick4614]

Loving these n gauge inglenook layouts. This looks fantastic. Looking forward to more n gauge shunting videos. You've sold me on the Kato locos, I've just bought one 🙂BTW I noticed on Train Trax what I'll call the Budget Model Railway Effect; the red loco is out of stock! Keep up the good work in whatever scale takes your fancy. Andrew🙂

[@BudgetModelRailways]

I'm quite taken with N inglenook and these locos. Sadly we have had to stop the 3d range now Doug is at university. Traintrax do have some other versions last time I checked

[@andrewretallick4614]

@@BudgetModelRailwaysthanks, I plumped for the black freelance set. Quite a change when the kids go to Uni...then just as you get used to it the 3 years are gone and they're back🤣

[@richardtarr2745]

As usual, you've managed to inspire and encourage with your amazing imaginative layout. Well done Mike, I must admit I'm one of the 'round and round' brigade but maybe I'll give the shunting layout a go. I do enjoy your videos😃

[@BudgetModelRailways]

I like watching trains go round as well, it's basically what my shed layout is. When space is limited though, then the classic inglenook is hard to beat

[@JPoulAndersson]

Nice little layout, impressive how affordable this lot is as well. Joachim

[@ThruAWiderLens]

Love that Kato set!!!

[@TheGra1959]

Once again, in addition to yet another fine little layout, you talk so much sense and offer such useful and practical advice along with budget friendly tips. Thank You 👍

[@BudgetModelRailways]

That's very kind thanks

[@abethpezarkar9946]

Absolutely brilliant layout, looks beautiful, Greys, Yellows and Blues are giving the layout real life. Little Green patches here and there looks great too. You continue to inspire others with great layout. Looking forward to more videos on this layout. A suggestion - take print out of the wagons and stick them on the cards.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Many thanks!

[@ArcadiaJunctionHobbies]

Micro Layouts are incredibly satisfying and good fun. You can also make several of them and stack them. Take advantage of vertical space even in a small apartment.

[@pault1289]

Excellent work Mike, I really like the way you and Doug try hard to not only talk about, but demonstrate how to enjoy model railways on a budget. I have to agree with you that OO is just so over priced at present. Second hand bargains are really hard to come by and with the postage unless you are getting several items from a seller, it becomes cost prohibitive - I worked out buying new from my local shop is not much more and you get the benefit of brand new!

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Exactly, after numerous problems with second hand locos Inc from major retailers it's getting very hard with 2nd hand, hence my interest in reliable new Kato

[@dibsyardshuntinglayout]

Fantastic Mike! A real breath is fresh air for the hobby.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks happy new year

[@dibsyardshuntinglayout]

@@BudgetModelRailways thank you. And to you, Doug and your wife

[@railway187]

Thanks for the good advice and beautiful examples. Model railway material is usually expensive, but I share your passion to look for cheap alternatives. I have just made a draisine crane from a secondhand Lima locomotive. Purchase and added materials included, I made it for less than 15 euros. For me secondhand is the way to go.

[@waynespencer4247]

Wow this looks great and truly on a budget, you could save more by scratch building the buildings using the picture framers card offcuts. I brought two big bags from a shop in Worcester for a £1 a bag sadly now closed. Look forward to more videos. Happy New year to you all.

[@TheJpec361]

Another brilliant small layout!

[@michaeldavies9600]

Happy New Year Mike & Doug.That is a great idea! You really do inspire people to have a go! Well done you! :)

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks happy new year

[@milgeekmedia]

This is a wee bit spooky. I've just decided to get into this hobby and my first loco set arrive just yesterday - and it's this KATO Steeple Cab & Freight set! I got it not only because it's budget but - and I'll get flamed for this - because the loco is *cute*. I'm building a small Japanese layout so I also bought the Kato freight wagons because they were good value! So I was stunned to see you doing this video today! Great minds eh? :D

[@BudgetModelRailways]

How spooky?! The Kato wagons are beyond cheap, they do a large bogie reefer for £9, a similar UK one is £20+! If you can get the Peco wagon kits they are even cheaper. Have fun with your layout

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Ps, I only buy wagons and locos because I like the look of them, hence my eclectic collection lol. It a great looking loco, I have three

[@southjersey10]

Cute is good!!!

[@davie-murphy]

Looks good, I admire your efforts to make railway modelling affordable. I'm waiting for a, mostly, Kato package from Plaza Japan. I can't believe the price of Farish coaches online so I'm going with 4 non-british coaches for £37 - the brake van coach even has a tailing light. So my late dads Farish A4 SILVER KING in late BR livery is going to be pulling brown old fashioned Japanese coaches. 🙃 I also got a bunch of plastic kit buildings and some Kato chassis so I can experiment. The entire lot came out at £100 which, even considering I'll be hit with a customs charge, is still WAY cheaper than buying branded rolling stock in the UK. I don't mind being inaccurate if it means being able to afford it.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Couldn't agree with you more, have fun sounds fantastic. Try traintrax online shop for Kato in the UK at very cheap prices

[@davie-murphy]

​@@BudgetModelRailways for sure, I'll take a look. Also, in reference to the peco wagons. you get smaller box and plank wagons for £5.50 at hattons. The reason I mention it, being shorter, they should make the shunting puzzle sidings even shorter (if needed). And as you say, they're pretty easy to put together, fun to paint (I probably overpainted mine :lol:) and they roll well on the track. I've made a cheap baseboard out on an old metal framed screen printing screen (my other hobby) and used your corrugated box sheet idea to stiffen up the top and bottom sides (where the screen mesh sits). It has worked really well. I'm still working out a track plan that I'm happy with but in the 600mm x 980mm space I reckon I could fit a 2nd radius loop, a 1st radius station siding on the town side AND an Inglenook Shunting Puzzle layout on the industrial side. I might even have enough to mimic that really nice level 1 tram circle you did on that N gauge 'viaduct' layout from a few years back.

[@stevenjones19-m8i]

Hello,what a awesome layout,for the size of it, everything fits perfect,the locomotives are cheaper than the other brands.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks they are the best cheap loco in any gauge

[@davidsheriff8989]

Simplicity and no nonsence prices in N guage makes for interesting video. Watched a US video where it is a double oval but from the left curve right around to the right curve is all covered by mountain scenery leaving the centre for village, industrial scenery and front for station and roadway allowing outer radius for passenger and inner for wagons.

[@christopherallworth2514]

Brilliant and such a good exemplar of the simple and affordable ~ Bravo!

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks that's very kind, happy new year

[@davidportch8837]

excellent - happy new year to you both...love the backscene...

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks happy new year

[@adrianandkatrinadove203]

fabulous railway

[@sailingschooners8668]

Happy & Healthy New Year.....good to see you after the festive season...

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Happy new year

[@robertpearce2244]

Great little layout! Just a thought, if you could maybe do a quick ‘add-up’ or total of the rough costs of the whole layout, that would help people to gauge what the final cost might look like. As always, loved the video, keep ‘em coming!

[@pauljonnson1181]

Nice layout 👍

[@andrewpalm2103]

Nicely done, sir!

[@jasonpierce-newmodelbarmy3394]

Happy New Year Mike and Doug. This was Budget Model Railways at its best. Superb video demonstrating that there are wallet friendly layouts out there waiting to happen. Well done guys.....loved those retaining walls. Regards, Jason

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Hi Jason, many thanks, Happy New Year

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Hi Jason, many thanks, Happy New Year

[@andrewmasters5020]

Nice, as usual. I've been using scalescene kits for buildings etc. They're a lot of work, but I need customised buildings to hide things (hinges, electrics, cunning branchline tunnel) or fit in small spaces (box file).

[@raymondleggs5508]

cute little trains

[@southjersey10]

I have been thinking about a long (50”-60” by 9”) end to end layout that has 3-4 spurs and a runaround to allow shunting. I have a lot of Kato Unitrack to help accomplish this vision. I really like how you make the small layouts self-contained with power and very portable.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

I have a very similar layout planned , but at the moment no where to put it, although I have a cunning plan for the shed

[@southjersey10]

@@BudgetModelRailways You know Mike, I have started to measure a space and then build to accommodate. It’s like a real world setting where it’s most prudent to design based upon the geo constraints. That is part of what makes the BMR way of doing layouts so very interesting.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

@@southjersey10 thanks. What space you have has to be the starting point, yet only recently a magazine article said design what you want and then try and find a space for it!

[@bentullett6068]

The Gaugemaster Fordhampton range is pretty decent. I purchased in 00 the railway loading dock, it was great value, it was easy to assemble, has enough detail on it and the detail beats the comparable Hornby plastic car loading ramp (which is really only designed for Motor Rail era services). There are also two variations that come in the box one is red brick and the other is grey brick. I have also purchased the carriage platform kit which were also easy to assemble. Also note some of the kits in that range are Faller models (railway loading dock is one of those items) and they have been picked specially by Gaugemaster as they are a suitable size for both 00 and H0 scale layouts.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

They are nice, but for me a bit on the pricey side compared to say dapol

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

nice layout you got there keep up the good vid thanks lee

[@JohnDavis-ik6ve]

That layout looks great,I’m looking to build a N gauge shunting layout and hope you don’t mind me pinching your idea. By the way I have the Kato steeple cab in BR black. Happy New Year

[@JohnJohnson-cn9fh]

great stuff guys.jpj

[@mikeelliott2736]

Take a photo (on your mobile phone) of each wagon. Load the photos into your computer and add them to a word document. Size the photos to be about 2in by 1in. Print them out. Get a cheap pack of playing cards and paste the photos onto the cards.

[@dibsyardshuntinglayout]

That is pretty much what I did, but with Google sheets instead of word

[@penjunction]

Looks great and keep up the good work. I know you use a lot of ballast mats on your projects and layouts but have you ever considered getting ballast on a budget such as going to a beach collecting some sand then bake it so then it's ready to use on your next project. Thanks again

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Thanks. I don't like the time it takes and issues with smooth running which ballasting involves

[@Maurice00PA]

Great job! Don't forget to show us the Kato freight cars that came in the set next time. I bought a similar set a few years ago, same loco but with passenger cars. It looks really good but personally, I think I would paint the track and sleepers as it just comes across too shiny. I wonder if you didn't mount the controller and used the extra room to extend the sidings, would you have enough room to get 5 cars on the long siding and 3 and 3 on the others? Cheers!

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Painting track is time consuming and can lead to poor running, I'm more interested in operation than realism lol. I wanted the layout to be self contained with no separate fiddle yard or controller etc

[@ewoodrailway]

Very life like

[@Andy001z]

This is great, can you share a layout plan for the points, interested how the track lays.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

The track plan is simply a right hand point followed by a left hand, with sidings of your choice length wise. I don't draw track plans , but can send you a pic if that helps

[@Andy001z]

@@BudgetModelRailways That would be great, I was going to send you a pic of the setup that I am hoping to scratch together, what's the best way?

[@philipgreenhill2782]

Hi Iam philip and Iam doing a layout like your one in n scale myself but we're did you get the grey mat from with the vehicles on it let me know

[@BudgetModelRailways]

It's metcalfe tarmac card sheets

[@barronTV1]

What tracks did you use? most of the track I see has the plastic ballast on the bottom

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Hi it's Peco set track on javis ballast mat, not pre ballasted track

[@SwindonJunction]

Nice

[@markrobinson8728]

May I ask do u buy from Japan or UK as p@p really expensive from outside uk

[@BudgetModelRailways]

I but it all in the UK. Kato very expensive now via Japan especially if you get caught for import tax.

[@Nate_the_Great-4472]

Could you do making a big layout with a limited budget? Like an 8x15

[@BudgetModelRailways]

You can but not on such a small budget. A larger layout needs more buildings, scenery, trees etc so costs proportional more

[@thomasmills1078]

Yes all very well saying do N Gauge however, you can bet your last coin that will also go up in price

[@BudgetModelRailways]

Yes, but freelance N is currently the cheapest option. The price of this set would have to go up 50% to bring it in line with the equivalent OO

[@thomasmills1078]

@@BudgetModelRailways Sadly I still say that will also go up in price, its like with these Kato Chassis I get for My 009 Gauge now a days they are about £30.00 to £40.00 each a few years back about a £10.00 each

[@thomasmills1078]

@@BudgetModelRailways However still might be cheaper than 00 gauge only time will tell

[@smudger797]

🤠

[@mikeelliott2736]

Here's a really good way of setting up a shunting session on an Inglenook or similar using cards. Note the use of blank cards! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXnFn3WZlq-gecU

[@daveday5507]

Seriously, I don't think you have ever worked in a limited space. That's not a criticism but there is a distinction btween a small layout and a limited size layout. Have you ever built a boxfile layout?

[@BudgetModelRailways]

It's all relative, a box file layout needs a fiddle yard, which then makes it bigger than this

[@daveday5507]

@@BudgetModelRailways I suppose I didn't really make my point. I'm 87 and in a wheelchair. I have loads of room for a layout but am severly limited in what I can handle. The whole point of a boxfile layout is that it doesn't need a fiddleyard. I'm currently at my limit finishing a layout consisting of two boxfile layouts back to back with each acting as a fiddle yard for the other. There is a lot of card involved and card is hravy.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

@@daveday5507 sounds very similar to my layout in a small chest of drawers in a recent video

[@daveday5507]

@@BudgetModelRailways There is no way I could handle that. It's taking the Hand of God to extremes.

[@djwarren5081]

Embarrassingly you've built about ten layouts whilst I've sat on my fat arse thinking about it.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

That's really common in the model railway world. It's not helped by the it must be perfect culture which stops people just building something and having fun

[@djwarren5081]

@@BudgetModelRailways when I was a kid I got stuck in and got on with it. For some reason I now think that it will be too difficult.

[@BudgetModelRailways]

@@djwarren5081 the whole industry makes it appear difficult and expensive, in reality it can be as simple and quick as you like, ignore the quest for perfection. Use ballast mat, plonk some track down, a few cheap buildings , a paper mache hill etc and have fun running trains