I Built a HO Train Simulator on my Layout - Cab Controls & Camera Car

[@SMTMainline]

I've been getting a lot of comments asking where I got the items used in this video so here are some links. Fyi the Dji links are affiliate but the rest are unsponsored. P.S. I know I mixed up the AC4400 with the dash 9 used in MSTS - Don't know how I said the wrong thing when it literally says AC4400 on the box but ether way my bad 👍 Proto throttle holder makerworld.com/en/models/1409... Ipad holder www.thingiverse.com/thing:125... Dji Camera (affiliate) amzn.to/4bNivjT Dji Handle it all Wifi module (affiliate) amzn.to/3yOhWI4 ProtoThrottle www.iascaled.com/store/ProtoT... Special addition Otter Valley ProtoThrottle www.ovrtrains.com/Iowa-Scaled...

[@TherockislandGP7R]

Can you tell me your address so I can send you some packages for your unboxing video?

[@Engine1988]

By the way, I mix them up all the time. They look about the same anyways (I simply refer to all such locos as GEs simply because I'm lazy). Seeing it, however, was kind of fun because I see a lot of BNSF GEs like that.

[@SMTMainline]

@@TherockislandGP7R The post office box has been closed until further notice as video production has become more challenging due to reasons outside of youtube and I've started to fall behind on boxes already sent in. Sorry about that :/

[@andremells348]

This is awesome smt mainline thanks for your great content very enjoyable.

[@stephenlongtin6441]

Yeah I’m leaving this comment for the bnsf locomotive !

[@snoble1981]

What a great video! The train simulator is such a cool way to experience model railroading with a FPV. My 6 year old son Daniel is obsessed with your videos and never misses one that you post. We are fortunate enough to live in the Pacific Northwest so BNSF is our favorite. We even caught the Microsoft train simulator unit trackside last year and it was an amazing memory. We joined a model railroad club here and now just need an engine for him to be able to run. Hope you consider him for the giveaway as it would be a blessing to watch him run it and continue to develop his love for trains and model railroading. Have an amazing weekend.

[@davidstrains4910]

Someone may have suggested this already but if you want to take this further one thing you could do if you have the capabilities is 3D print a cab piece then place it on a wagon placed in front of the camera, that way you get the feeling of being in the cab of a locomotive, quite a few of us in England have been able to do this because some of the manufacturers we have have made 3D printed caps of locomotives that normally would be placed on a scrapyard scene but some have placed these cab pieces in front of mini cube cameras and the effect is quite convincing. Also Harrison if you ever want to play Microsoft train simulator again you still can today, get yourself a copy of it for a cheap price then install it onto your computer then go into the internet and type Openrails into the search and Install the stable version, open rails is just a modern front for Microsoft train simulator so if you do want to play it again, I still,play the old Microsoft one to this day just using Open Rails because it’s not as buggy as the original game, if you do this and your computer is windows 10 make sure that the original installation of MSTs is being run as administrator and in compatibility with windows 7 I think.

[@SMTMainline]

I'll have to look into that. I just got into 3d printing.

[@robertswafford5655]

What a neat idea and function to any layout, I build a 4X8 or a 5x10 over our dinning room table every Christmas. Lots of work but a lot of fun for this 84 year old.

[@Cape_Cod_Steve]

Let us know if you post your Christmas layouts pictures anywhere .👍 👍

[@SMTMainline]

That's awesome, is it all HO or O?

[@hudsonfan5426]

There is something so cool about seeing model railroads from a cab perspective. Thank you, Harison, for all you do on this channel and inspiring me to fix up old model trains too. What you do on this channel is amazing. From fixing old trains to inspiring many people including myself to enjoy this hobby. Thank you Harison.

[@SMTMainline]

Glad to help :)

[@useruser-oc8xn]

I love this, it inspired my broke self. For all those poor folks, I made a ghetto rail cam out of a phone and lumber car . It works GREAT.

[@SMTMainline]

I've done that a couple times before. I makes for a good passenger view.

[@useruser-oc8xn]

@@SMTMainline I stuck an angled mirror on it for a front view. I've got video short of it if u want to see just how cheesy I can get...... That and the Halloween "Bonedaddy 420" engine I'm putting together for the kiddos. Per usual, a work in progress.

[@milestonesmemories3719]

They need to make this an actual game

[@SMTMainline]

Someone started a project on steam called "SMT Mainline's Basement Layout" steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3153575516&searchtext=

[@milestonesmemories3719]

Lol

[@drake_the_ohioan_j50]

​@@SMTMainlineill play

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Great video Harrison. Would be interested in more information on the DJI camera you used some cool gifts from OVR

[@canadianlocomotivelogistics]

They already did years ago.

[@Tzifari_Productions]

Fantastic idea! It is also good for club layouts!

[@donsherwood9500]

Harrison, one of you best videos. Loved the cab view. Got to see your layout from a completely different perspective.

[@SMTMainline]

More to come!

[@HO_Train_Guy]

I have to hand it to you never thought it would be possible! Great video.

[@sva60_cyyz59]

What a novel idea! I never thought a simulator and a model rwy could merge into one! Great locomotive by the way!

[@johnhood9567]

OK - I REALLY enjoyed watching this. Harrison you are a beast of model RR 😁

[@canadianbehaviour8280]

Best model railroader on KZbin. Keeps pushing the boundaries on what makes content truly exceptional. Way to go Harrison

[@ailtondias3075]

I'm Brazilian, I live in Brazil, and I started the hobby a year and a half ago, I'm learning a lot from your videos, your tips, I don't have the same resources lol, but I try to do the best I can.

[@ailtondias3075]

watching some videos that you maintain on your machines, that encouraged me to maintain mine lol

[@ailtondias3075]

o que eu uso para fazer o gramado aqui, é a serragem de madeira, eu peneiro depois tinjo da cor e tom que preciso, e fica muito bom e barato $$$

[@SMTMainline]

Right on. I'm gonna be unboxing some more Brazilian locomotives by Frateschi

[@MAXX_Studios_Roblox]

this is crazy! i love the ideas you come up with, I hope you enjoy your layout, I'm jealous.

[@electron2601]

I thought of this idea a while back but wasn't sure how to implement it like the way you did. Great work!

[@jasper_saberwolf]

This has to be the coolest thing you’ve done on your channel next to you restoring your old Rivarossi locomotives and that’s saying a lot! This looks so believable and it’s super neat to see your layout from that 1:1 scale perspective.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you very much!

[@ryanthompson1326]

Like seeing the layout for a new perspective.

[@Fxe4014]

I've known about that Proto Throttle control for a long time, and honestly it seems like a good control to me, plus the idea of making this board was ingenious!

[@WalkinInTheLight95]

Been watching your videos for a couple of years now. Got me back into the train hobby for sure! Between you, Eric’s trains, rbp trains, and Hyce, it’s been fun getting back to the train stores and working on my layout, even if it is only a 4x8.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks. Those are some great channels too!

[@purrple.shadows]

It's great! Too bad the camera can't follow the curves though.

[@Petemonster62]

Maybe, they can make a "camera gondola, or flat car" that will have a pivot under the camera to have it be turned left or right by the front truck?

[@purrple.shadows]

@@Petemonster62 Good idea.

[@Elliottblancher]

@@habbyguys Me and my Father have ordered Rapido Trains stuff through them, definitely will keep doing that

[@SMTMainline]

Yes, I tried fixing that but there isn't currently a setting to lock the gimbal.

[@curtisowens3262]

Maybe he could Frankenstein something together so it can? Maybe use the front set of wheels for a bigger steam engine?

[@mssawask8862]

That is really a fun, new view of your layout.

[@Fortytwowheelman]

Mercy ! Mr Train Master, I have never seen or heard of such an awesome setup . Thanks for the show !

[@johnellick7778]

I love the simulater you put together. The video was awesome. Felt like I was a passenger in your ho train. Neat idea. Nice locomotive you are offering for give away.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you very much!

[@KBY30]

I always loved the idea of having a little camera on a model railroad and seeing the model at eye level. Great work with this!

[@tubejoust]

@SMTMainline I'm a local Ottawa resident. You have inspired me to build up a train set. My late father was an engineer for CN. I would like to setup a Train Yard like the one from my Home Town of Cochrane Ontario where he worked. Since i lost everything in a house fire in 2020, this would be something to remember my father when i see it.

[@tubejoust]

@SMTMainline where can i find some of those deals locally? Cochrane is where the Polar Bear Express goes from and to. I'd like to make on of those. and a CN yard train. i have a CN locomotive but now i have to watch your videos to learn about it :)

[@SMTMainline]

I'm sorry to hear about the fire, let me know if you need any advice while building the layout.

[@SMTMainline]

Yes, once a year the OVAR flea market happens here in Ottawa and the deals are great!.

[@PacificNorthwestRailfanner]

Super clever setup you got! Might even have to try that myself!

[@leftcoast9261]

Doing 3D animation, you typically place something ahead of the camera following the same path. This is used for the camera to align on. Making a more natural feel for head/eye movement. In 3D, the "thing" can be invisible. In your case you might want to experiment with a set of wheels just below the field of view that will make the camera follow the up coming turns in the track.

[@chickenlight]

It's always fun thinking of new ways to entertain ourselves, and I love the new locomotive!

[@EdgarG-sx4co]

Amazing video my friend! It was a great idea about replying a real cab in modelrailroading, looks very cool. Grettings from México 🇲🇽✌🏼

[@BNSF_6022]

I love the new Scale trains BNSF AC4400CW on you layout, I’m excited to see it lashed up with BNSF ES44C4!

[@randallellison6421]

It will have to have an ESU Loksound V5 installed before he can consist it. That locomotive was a DCC/SOUND ready model.

[@BNSF_6022]

Oh I see, is that to prevent one locomotive being slightly faster and damaging the sower locomotives motor?

[@randallellison6421]

@BNSFES44AC DCC ready is essentially a DC (or analog) only locomotive but has provisions to easily add a decoder. Currently, manufacturers are using a motherboard with 21-pin connector (the previous ones used either an 8-pin or a 9 pin JST quick plug type). A DCC decoder essentially functions as the locomotive's "brain" that receives signals from the DCC system which tells it to activate certain functions (horn, Bell, turning the lights on and off, prime mover sounds, etc). The decoder also serves as the locomotive's on board powerpack controlling the amount of voltage going to the motor allowing the locomotive to speed up or slow down depending on the throttle setting. Without the decoder, there would be continuous 14 volts going to the motor which can, and will damage the motor. DCC decoders have alot of really cool features for motor control, you can adjust acceleration and deceleration, top end speed (although in that respect, you can only reduce the top end speed, you can't increase it any faster than what the locomotive is capable of going), starting voltage (this helps with extremely slow speed operations), there's alot of neat tuning options with DCC decoders. You can also create realistic consists with DCC too, where only the lead locomotive can blow the horn, ring the bell and turn the headlight on. There's so many things you can do with DCC!

[@BNSF_6022]

@@randallellison6421 do you know if he has plans to install ESU Loksound V5

[@BNSF_6022]

Do you know if SMT plans to install Loksound V5

[@rodneygouthier6090]

That's pretty cool. This video will inspire All of us. Thanks for all of the ideas.

[@peterdevoe5614]

You've seen me before

[@twitchtomatsu8290]

BNSF Dash 9 looks great! Scale trains top tier.

[@MMRails]

You. Are. The. King. Undisputed. This is so cool. Start to finish, loved it.

[@SMTMainline]

Lol, thanks Mark

[@mbtaghost2583]

This is insane I love scale trains with there details

[@ianhutchinson7358]

Love the idea of making driving trains more tactile. It would be cool to take a old powered chassis and mount a small camera on each end for even more realistic views! Glad you are having fun with it!

[@adriannash2705]

That would be awesome but I’m not sure if you can connect more than one camera at a time unless you get a second tablet for it

[@SMTMainline]

I bet it's possible with a different style of camera(s)

[@adriannash2705]

@@SMTMainline maybe, like if you have different cameras that use the same app to work and then all you gotta do is switch them when you’re changing directions or maybe there’s a setting for split screen viewing both at the same time. The next problem then becomes sidings and run arounds since now you’re operating an engine with added cars for the cameras

[@cabcar82]

What an awesome concept! I kind of want to try something like this for either my home layout or my club's layout since it seems like a lot of fun and very much worth the money.

[@derektempleton3152]

Hi cool you did the cam train hope to see more cam train like your vids.

[@SMTMainline]

No doubt 👍

[@a2020vision_official]

What a fantastic idea and great execution! I'm tempted to do the same for my own layout

[@pathvalleyrailroad9277]

Now you have a walk-around throttle for ops, too. You are going to have to detail the insides of your buildings and tunnels now to look good for the camera. :) Nice looking loco for the give-away, too bad for me I model N scale.

[@SMTMainline]

I should start by at least cleaning them up. I think this throttle will be helpful for walk around operation.

[@FoxCatcher_Designs]

This looks like amazing fun SMT! Thank you for sharing!

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks, it was a fun project.

[@fivaldrood]

Love the camera view. Now all you need is another person to do the switching for you!

[@SkywiseStormwolf]

Very nice locomotive. Love the setup wit hthe camera car as well.

[@FrankTedesco]

Harrison, you amaze this 79 year old. Where do you find the time? Super work!!!

[@SMTMainline]

It takes a fair bit to make this stuff happen but quitting video games was a huge help.

[@BrentFraserWeatherall]

Just discovered your channel, and love the concept of building a simulator. I've been thinking about getting back in to modelling as a hobby I can introduce me kids to, so this give me another idea to explore!

[@cenglish1064]

the stereotypical industrial off-white was a nice touch

[@PhatBaxter]

Great Video! Scale trains have great quality! Thanks for making great model train videos! Your videos have helped me fix, and do basic maintenance on several of my trains! Thanks!

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you very much!

[@TerrisJoyner]

Hello Harrison, my grandson and I have been watching your KZbin channel. We really enjoy it. From a subscriber thank you for all the information we have learned a lot. Again thanks from Ga.

[@Gamerd650-p6x]

Why are you good at finding cool stuff like I didn't know these things existed

[@chaotictrains1900]

The throttle is very cool, I think I might get one after seeing you use it. Awesome video as usual, love how you did the picture in picture type video.

[@leviplays3905]

That is such a great idea with that camera. Much better than my phone attached to a flat bed car lol. Thanks for making such great content.

[@SMTMainline]

You are so welcome!

[@Neodra]

That is really fun ... I want to see it go through the mountain part of the layout!

[@KayoMichiels]

I remember a system made for HO trains that allows you to install a tiny camera in any locomotive, the camera module would send the video signal through the tracks to a receiver, which would display a live feed.. nowadays wifi is more than enough!

[@legotech7268]

Now this is something really cool I will want to get for my layout I really like how you used the throttle with the camera not just for doing a loop around the layout but also to do a switching job. Ether way great video Amy have a good day.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@indiananotch8204]

Thats an awesome setup. Nice job.

[@Wannigan]

First time seeing this - Smith Falls / Hershey callouts! A local enjoyer!

[@SMTMainline]

I hope to see them come back to town with the recent news

[@Ace-kr6gu]

What a cool idea, I had no idea that you could purchase a cab controller. Yes OVR is a great place to buy train stuff, awesome stock and excellent customer service. I'm from Manitoba and I've placed an order with them before through their website. Enjoyed this video was too cool.

[@SMTMainline]

I quite like how quickly they get stuff shipped out.

[@Dedddguy]

This video was really cool and I really like that train, I don’t have a lot of model trains you have inspired me a lot, continue doing what you do

[@az80311]

I have been binge watrching as many of your videos as I could over the last several days. I'm a new viewer so I have to catch up on alot more of your vids. I am super impresed with your layout, your videos and the repairs you do on the trains. I have a Rivarossi Big Boy 4005 that I got from a recent realitive who passed away last year. I want to put it in a display box for other people to see. I have always loved model railroading but have never even been close to the heights you have acheived. I am really impressed with the knowledge you have amassed and I thought the video where you honored your Grandma and you Dad were very thoughtfull. Thank yoou for the excellent content you lend to this hobby.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you so kindly. I really appreciate hearing that since I do try to do my best. Those Rivarossi big boys are wonderful locomotives, I hope you find exactly what your looking for in terms of a display case to honour your fathers locomotive.

[@JfiveLandin-ez6oe]

You make great videos. The camera view is great addition.

[@theskidog1119]

SMT, first post on your channel. Just got back into this hobby when my wife and I found the trainset I had when I was 14 at an antique store. Love your channel, especially the episodes with you repairing old locomotives. Its pretty cool whatyou are doing with the channel. Anyway, wouldn't mind being entered in your drawing. Cheers!

[@SMTMainline]

Consider it done :)

[@SouthwestCtRailfan]

It so cool how you can like see the layout in cab view

[@djw1066]

Very cool pov camera shots

[@nickrudd538]

I don't even have a model train setup but this is goals! Really nice video and good job on the setup!

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you very much!

[@luketrain6270]

I cant believe how technical you can get when building something that only really needs an iPad and train. It just amazes me how far you can go and make something so nice.

[@GreyBeardTrains]

That's a sweet setup. I need to look into getting a cam like that. Keep up the great videos

[@Kevin_A324]

Looks amazing, nice job!

[@RichardRyman]

What a fantastic addition. I have never seen anything like that. It does give you another way to look at your layout and operate your locomotive. Looks like fun.👍

[@SlimPlatypus9662]

Awesome video there really needs to be a game like that

[@aa_0n711]

Hey SMT! I love how you did this simulator, never would've thought of hooking up those controls for the horns and power like that. Eventually when I finish most of my layout (hopefully within the next year), I want to attach a gopro to a gondola like you did here and do a full layout runaround. It'll be super interesting for me to see my layout from the eyes of a conductor.

[@SMTMainline]

There should be a full layout tour in the future.

[@aa_0n711]

@@SMTMainline of course!

[@SarahP-hh6bl]

My son loves your videos and I can see why. This is a very cool perspective of the train layout.

[@captandysir8670]

Wow! Just when I thought your tackside videos had reached their peak, you add this. Amazing.

[@TonyBellina-k8v]

That is awesome great job

[@-SuperOtrain-]

This is the coolest thing I've ever seen in model railroading and I might want to get started with HO but for now its just O for me

[@scottbrandt3814]

I like that set up i may have to try it my self so cool

[@patfer1973]

That is so kewl. Thanks for the great vid as usual

[@joshuamurphy150]

Love this. As usual another great video

[@kd5ctt]

Amazing video. Thanks!

[@JoshErdman-ep3rb]

Hey SMT I've been a life long sub proud of your channel I love that BNSF you had going!.

[@SMTMainline]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@MrMark2024]

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your train videos. I love the way you take the time to explain to your viewers exactly what your trying to do and why. I would love to be entered into your drawing. I think that, in fact I know that engine would look great on my layout. Thank you for sharing your latest video. I found it very informative as well as interesting. Take care and thanks a lot.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you very much!

[@FireRescueRailfan]

Thats awesome Harrison! Best of luck with all your trains cause that is one awesome and diverse collection (Sladen)

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@FireRescueRailfan]

@@SMTMainline you are absolutely welcome

[@ducky_mcquackerson]

Very cool! Mrs. McQuackerson and I really enjoy watching all of your videos and livestreams. Keep up the great work! 👏

[@LogsTrainsProductions]

This is cool, I never knew about these controllers

[@bubbycraft66]

it was really cool to see this project. Nice to see that perspective of the layout too

[@xlxer250]

I love your layout, with that camera you could see it much better, a beauty, greetings!

[@tylerthomas8272]

Very cool! Bnsf is my favorite.

[@mikeV2848]

It's like riding in real life very cool

[@Three9s]

Great idea. The realism, yet game like play is exactly what this hobby needs to draw the younger crowd in. You young man are very talented.

[@SMTMainline]

If someone could build a cheaper version of this I think the youngsters would like it. It combines tech with the hobby neatly.

[@kcgrailgilbert8466]

@@SMTMainline I have a bunch of Locomotives would you want them to fix up

[@Balance365Life-t9g]

hey smt! I saw your comment about being behind on unboxing all your boxes. I think you should do a streak of unboxing allllllllllll of the boxes or majority of them. I think all of us would watch! Thank you SMT!

[@SMTMainline]

I probably will but there is also a backlog of train show videos etc as well.

[@Adm.Mustachio]

That is a very cool piece of equipment, and a very smooth sounding locomotive, great work on the setup.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you very much!

[@KearSki]

Whoa. Glad to see the Proto throttle is as nice as the pictures make it out to be! Funny enough I was just lookin' at one a few days ago. Also saw some H1 and H2 Dash 9s a few days ago, that scaletrains looks exactly like a full scale!

[@rickmiller4202]

Really cool. Now the tunnel interiors just need a bit of brick sheet.😉😂

[@SMTMainline]

I tend to agree. I have added some stuff since then lol

[@richgreene7043]

Harrison, Super awesome video. You produce so many fine videos but that was one of the most interesting and entertaining Model Railroad videos I have watched in a long time. Thanks so much for your time and effort. Rich

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@railrocker2368]

This has to be one of the coolest things I have seen. Outstanding video!

[@donnydimarzio5521]

This is awesome love the idea 10/10

[@22NCRAILFAN23]

Love your model trains and a awesome idea that you did

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you very much!

[@modelrailfan37]

This was such a cool video idea! Now I want to do this for my layout!!! 😂

[@MijakaTrains]

That is a neat set up.

[@marcellinden7305]

It defiantly adds a new layer of fun having the simulator with the camera. I'd be tempted to move the camera back slightly on the gondola to give the impression of having a hood out front, and also would give less of that drift off the rail center on turns.... The give away looks sweet !