I Built a SUBWAY Under my LEGO Shelf City!

When you're working with limited space, it can be hard to integrate a train into your LEGO city, but I didn't let that stop me! In this video, I'll show you how I built a subway under my LEGO shelf city. I'm very happy with the result, and hope it inspires you to keep building, regardless of limitations!
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[@thisismywill]

The lighting was the cherry on top 👌🏼 your creativity and thought process beyond the actual lego is a refreshing change from most content

[@clubjed6276]

I agree I love this channel

[@keltondavisLEGO]

That means a lot! It’s fun to loop everyone in on my little obsessions - er - projects 😆 Especially when I’m just figuring it out as I make the video. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DZstudios.]

A subway system for LEGO figures? Now that’s what I call ‘thinking big.’ It’s like giving your minifigs a taste of the real world’s traffic jams.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

If I need to suffer through it, so do they! 😆 😜

[@thibautmarlard8345]

the black supports for the shelve look like arches in the subway, great^^

[@keltondavisLEGO]

That was TOTALLY on accident 😂 But I was SO pleased with how it looked from the minifig perspective.

[@peteslifeadventures]

Awesome idea, and has turned out nice. Maybe your next addition should be an elevator 🛗 to make the subway fully accessible for the original mini figures that came with the tram

[@keltondavisLEGO]

An excellent idea! I think I feel an update video coming in the future.

[@karenustach5655]

I was jumping on to say the same thing. The gal in the wheelchair is going to be existing on coffee for a long time as she can’t get out of the lower level.

[@emmaforbes8306]

I came looking for this comment. I would have a lift instead of stairs. Looks excellent though. Love the lights.

[@Rossisteve15]

Super cool! I really like the addition of the NY postcard. It really seems like an ad you would see at a train station

[@keltondavisLEGO]

A fun, random happy accident that might just end up defining the whole theme down there 😂

[@EpicoNubletto]

This was really good! Love the stair and station entrance builds

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thanks! 🙏

[@ThatGuyJeremy]

The shelf looks great, excellent video!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you! 🙏

[@williamhershey9713]

I'm glad that your channel popped up in my feed. You gave me some ideas for solving my display problems.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Glad I could provide some inspiration. Thanks for watching!

[@dreamcast649]

This is really cool! the idea of having some visual interest under it could be really neat, something similar to how a lot of the stations in the seattle link train system have different art themes could be a cool idea!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Yep! Deciding which direction to go, but there’ll definitely be art installations along the entire back wall eventually.

[@bricktoadbuild]

I like the shelf brick detail!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thanks! I’ve always wanted to do it, but it always seemed too expensive. The PAB wall score made it happen!

[@neilrusling-je6zo]

Very nice indeed, buildings as they were designed and all is proper and ship shape...not a single half a building no back to it foulness to be seen, fills me with joy!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

That’s why the modular line is my favorite stuff that LEGO is producing nowadays. Beautiful, complete buildings with realistic detail.

[@msutter117]

This is almost exactly how I wanted to build a Lego city, except with more space for my idea to really flourish. My ultimate goal is a city with multiple architecture zones (modern, winter village, and farmland). I might add more architecture zones like steampunk but it depends. I wanted to separate them using wooden boards with holes in them maybe as dividers to simulate changing locations in a city kind of like how video games do it. It’s simple but would work. Alongside that I want to use sheets of background designs like clouds maybe to avoid a bare wallpaper. The subway idea I definitely wanted to do but was looking for ideas how too. Already subscribed because your videos are awesome and inspiring.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Sounds epic! I'd love to see that.

[@taraelizabethdensley9475]

Your shelf city is awesome, I'm loving how you were able to integrate the train under the city, and the lights are really good ❤

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thanks so much! It’s fun to share it with everyone 😁

[@BinkBricks]

This is the coolest thing I have seen in ages!!!!!!! Such a cool idea and concept, now you are making me want to do this! I would recommend adding an elevator down to the station, and move the station a bit closer to the stairs. Awesome video!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thanks! Definitely want to make an elevator 👍Perhaps one that utilizes power functions.

[@BinkBricks]

@@keltondavisLEGO Oooh, yes, even better!!! Such a cool setup

[@raddadchris]

Nice diy shelf. It looks good. I like the idea of adding more down below, like the postcard.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thanks! I'll have to keep everyone updated on how it grows and changes.

[@Unprofessional_afol]

so glad i found this channel, inspirational for a small space city, keep up the great work

[@keltondavisLEGO]

I'm so glad! Gotta rep the folks who can't fill their ENTIRE basement with a LEGO city. LOL.

[@daltonmeyer3976]

this is awesome I live in NYC, and take the train everyday, love this version. keep being you man😎

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thanks so much! Glad to know it’s good enough for a real New Yorker!

[@jared5311]

Get some gray murps and burp pieces and make a little cave/archeology scene behind the subway. Could have diggers uncovering vintage LEGO themes.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Now THAT’S an idea! 💡I absolutely LOVE it! Vintage LEGO themes are my jam, if my general channel content is any indication 😂

[@OaktownBricks]

Great Video! I love subways and this is the first time that I see one in people’s cities!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

It’s uniquely great for adding visual and play value to shelf cities. Not to mention it was fun to build!

[@michaeleischer3248]

love the postcard added to the underground. nice job!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

I initially put it there just as a place to put it, but I really think a bunch of those kinds of sets could look awesome down there.

[@JustAPersonWhoComments]

Your room has a lot of Lego builds, I like the subway

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Glad you like it! Check out my other videos for a better look at the whole room.

[@lester44444]

as long as everyone coming into that room is conscious of the new shelf extension being right next to the doorway :')

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Luckily it’s a hallway instead of a doorway, so it’s visible long before. 👍

[@davethewolf]

came out so good, perfect spot for it man

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you! Excited to keep improving on it.

[@gregobrix]

Great job. My advice; get rechargeable batteries, because those dome light eat them up like feral hogs eat up farmland in Texas!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Luckily I have a bunch of rechargeables for my trains 👍👍

[@gregobrix]

@@keltondavisLEGO Sweet! Looks great!

[@emmonstrex65]

Dude- you are uber creative! ❤ your shelf city!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you! It’s a work in progress, but I’m happy to be able to share it.

[@dinner_menu]

I think the stairs sticking out from your flush build will cause you trouble in the long run. Maybe try a way to keep it flush. Maybe cut into the board… Cool expansion otherwise. Maybe add a sewer or something too lol

[@keltondavisLEGO]

My original intention was to do cutouts, but I chickened out on committing to it. 😂 They’re good, sturdy stair units that have held up to play from kids, but I’ll admit they’re not ideal. Cutouts for stairs or possibly an elevator is probably what I’ll do eventually.

[@dinner_menu]

@@keltondavisLEGO that’s fair. I just think you’ll bump into them. Grats on the successful video. Popping up on suggested videos!

[@MOOKSVILLE.]

Man, great video. first time commenter. Love the idea of the subway station! the lights completed the mood of a underground station. good stuff 👍

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you! I hope to do some updates soon.

[@wc2512]

Looks fantastic. What I would choose to do is bridge the staircase over the track so that you can give the illusion the subway continues eitherside to other places.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Great idea! Half the fun of showing this to the public is all the really helpful feedback. Thank you!

[@christhegamingdude3491]

Great video! The subway is a nice addition to the city.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thanks! Lots more to do, but I’m happy with how it’s coming along. 😊

[@brickthinking]

This is really cool Kelton, nice work! 👌🏼

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thanks so much! So much fun. 🤩

[@andersstage1266]

Cool video man. Always stunned by the quality. Keep up the good work!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you! 🙏 I couldn’t stop if I tried! It’s too much fun 🤩

[@RCmies]

Wow those masonry bricks hiding the shelf makes a huge difference. I wish I realized that last time I was in a country with a Lego store

[@keltondavisLEGO]

You don’t see them in the Pick a Brick wall very often. I got lucky!

[@TheEvilEmpire]

This was fantastic. Great job and keep it up.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thanks so much! I appreciate it.

[@BRICKSONASTY]

yooooo this is sooo awesome, literally my dream setup!! i think i need to get into lego trains 🤓

[@keltondavisLEGO]

They’re awesome! But careful, they’re addictive 😂

[@panayiotiseraclides4217]

Great job, really impresive - keep it up!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you! So much fun to make 👍

[@raptex206]

HOW is this channel only 4k Subs?? The quality of this video is amazing! Keep going the good work and you'll make it far!! I'm impressed. Activated the bell to not miss any video of the Lego Shelf anymore :D love from Germany

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you! Having so much fun and loving the interactions with viewers like you!

[@MixABrix]

Hi Kelton, just found your channel and have to say I'm impressed with your small scale city on a shelf but the subway expansion underneath really brings it to life. As a new small channel myself I'm looking for inspiring small scale builds for my new studio and your builds have given me a few ideas for the future. One thing might be worth adding is the new snack shack or burger truck? gotta keep this mini figures ellis full. keep up the great work. Mike.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thanks, Mike! Love the idea of having food vendors down there. Good luck with your builds and your channel!

[@sidneysun5217]

nice! i did some ikea LED light strips for my underground and works well too

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Awesome! Yeah the only reason they didn’t work for me was because of some weird shadows they cast in my shelf. Might have been the particular brand I used.

[@Big_Mike001]

Looking great so far! I can't wait to see what you add next...and did I notice that your city has a superhero-in-residence?

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Several of you look sharply! 😂 I let my daughter play with the city, so there’ll always be plenty of Easter eggs from her play 💕

[@bartvandenpoel8568]

In Antwerp Belgium our subway system are actually trams running underground for large stretches. It's called the Antwerp Premetro. So it even exists in real life. There is an article about it on wikipedia.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Awesome! So great to hear from people all over the world. 🌎 I knew they had a system like this in Toronto, but I didn’t know about the one in Antwerp. Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@macnavi]

In Den Haag in the Netherlands as well. You can also call it Light Railway.

[@Areg14]

Great job! Cheers from Denmark 🇩🇰

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you! 🙏 Big fan of Denmark 🇩🇰

[@loftonsmith5707]

I like what you did for the lights. My city sits on 4 shelves and I’ve been trying to find some color changing lightings that weren’t plug in

[@keltondavisLEGO]

I love these. Definitely adds a layer of “cool” factor.

[@josephmeluso2377]

Great progress and upgrading to the new train too!!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you! I did a video a couple weeks back detailing how I modified that set 👍

[@karens8633]

Very Nice!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thanks! 🙏

[@MarkBuildsBRIX]

This is awesome. Nicely done. Gives me ideas for my new shelf city. Subbed to check out more soon. 👍

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Glad you enjoyed it! I hope to see your version in the future.

[@user-cs7ym2rq7w]

this is awesome!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you 🙏 Lots of fun to make!

[@tryckregulatornpalpatine6004]

You know the New York art piece is actually a really good idea. In Sweden Stockholm in our subway lines we do have artpieces glassed in at our kinder ground stations for people to look at.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

That’s good to know! Sounds like that’s pretty common. Seems like a good direction to go!

[@mijkevanderzee]

I really like the depth that the subway gives to your city. Maybe a good idea to push the rails one stud back so that you can add the masonry bricks on the subway level as well? Going up two bricks and also going down to hide the new shelves?

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Great idea! I actually tried to do this, but the PAB wall was out of masonry bricks the next time I went 🧱. Just gotta wait until they get those in again.

[@Simon-T.]

I loved this little build and have subbed. I really like the way you've added the subway. The lights look very cool. My only thought is this (but it would take a bit of work): As the platforms are at the back of the shelf I think it would be really cool if you could integrate the subway stations on the back side of the road with the mods. It would involve making a hole either end of the upper shelf but then you could have esculators and a lift going down directly onto the platforms and the stations above ground would fit better into the upper layer. Plus it looks like you have the gaps in your layout to fit them in. It would then free up the front of the build from the stairs getting in the way. Like I said, that might take a lot of work and mess, so it's only a thought.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

That’ll probably what I’ll do eventually. I want to finalize the placement of my buildings before I make any cuts I can’t take back 😂

[@Simon-T.]

@@keltondavisLEGO that's very sensible!

[@njacksonkc]

To add on to this, you could probably use a multi-tool with a fine-toothed blade to cut a hole out and have the remaining piece be in pretty good shape if you ever needed to plug the hole again to support whatever is above. Use some delicate painters tape on top so you can measure and draw exactly where you want the hole with a sharpie.

[@user-ty9mg4cn2w]

good luck making the subway wheelchair accessible ♿️

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Putting in elevators is my next project!

[@gavinyip4680]

An idea for the post cards, would be having them closer to the stations, to act as vacation advertisements for the minifigs. The city does look great though.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Definitely thought about doing that. Might be fun to only get the postcards from places we’ve been as a family. That way it’s even more meaningful.

[@dgray3771]

With a lot of 6513902 - 5065 - Panel 6 x 5 x 3 you could even make it a tube. Brick it up with white bricks. Some of the panoramas like you used at the right you can add some artwork. Look just like a real subway.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

That might just be a big Bricklink order I need to make in the future 👍

[@zoltannagy5325]

Hi! I don"t know what is your plan about the vertical space under the shelves, but later I would put IKEA or other drawer units under it , for part storage and at the same time a new platform for more city. I guess you have the space almost for a double width of surface using the upper shelf as a elevated platform, so you might have an entire round of train track for running the tram.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Who knows where this city will go! I’m sure there will be many expansions in the future 👍

[@robertdurrance8161]

there should be cutouts in top shelf so the figures can go down steps through the top shelf mabye too the middle of bottom shelf . im assuming you will do two subway tracks with a platform in the middle

[@keltondavisLEGO]

I thought of doing that, and still may, but I didn't want to commit to something like cutting the shelf before I completely finalized my design. And yes, there will eventually be two tracks with a platform down the middle.

[@mrk1075]

No stair case railing’s? It’s a long fall. RIP mini figures! 😂

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Not up to code, for sure! LOL

[@andyhuckle]

Could you make working lifts at either end ?? By cutting out two notches and use a couple of long worm gear mechanisms?

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Seriously considering that option! Sounds cool.

[@oneandonlyvigil]

looking real good!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you! 🙏

[@NoahgotLEGO]

Love the underground. You could include more postcards as one larger art piece. Maybe remove the city/country name tiles

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Great idea! And yes, I thought about removing the name tiles, since it’s kinda weird to have other cities on display in mine 😆

[@chocktalk]

your voice belongs in the travel channels or how factories work

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Haha thank you! 🙏 I should send in some auditions 😂

[@ijzerdraad93]

That’s cool, what about another shelf below the existing one with mine workers who discover a dinosaur skeleton?

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Awesome idea! Another commenter said they should be uncovering old LEGO themes. Love it!

[@UnicronPlanetMode]

The stairs are a bit too protruding. I would change the descent to a side one. Good work!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

I’ll probably put in an elevator, as many have suggested. Could even make it fully operational!

[@ryancarrell3186]

Build is very nice, but I think your voiceover is very underrated, you sound like you could be narrating How It's Made or something lol

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Haha thanks! 🙏 I should submit my resume 😆

[@legomyeggo77]

0:32 *Moon Men starts playing*

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Hey VSauce! Michael here.

[@pewpewdragon4483]

Personally I've always thought a shelf city like this looks and plays much better than a giant room layout. You get to move in close to look at every structure, the details are spread out and given their own space to shine without being cluttered, you can also hide away any open back sides that might come with non modular builds, and it keeps the horizontal footprint much smaller. I don't know how you feel about those stairs sticking out of the display, but perhaps you could try making elevators instead and pretend they move through the floors.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Totally agree! I don’t mind the staircases for now, but I’d love to make some sort of actual working elevator system!

[@basveldhuis4815]

Bro deserves at least 2 million subs

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Let's GOOOOO!

[@basveldhuis4815]

@@keltondavisLEGO Can you make more videos on your lego cities?

[@j_devs4603]

It‘s really nice, but something worth noticing: how did the lady in the wheelchair get there, if there are only steps?

[@keltondavisLEGO]

There are rocket boosters attached to the bottom of her wheelchair... JK. I actually plan to put elevators in the future. Should make for a fun update project!

[@TerLoki]

Definitely a very cool looking and well thought out build, though I do have one question: Given that it's the "Downtown *Street*car" set, why use it as a subway rather than integrating the track into the street itself using tiles and narrower road plates?

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thanks! I like the current width of the roads and didn’t want to completely change how the city is laid out. I based this on Toronto’s underground streetcar system. Of course, I’ll likely put proper subway vehicles on this track in the future. Only time will tell!

[@johneibert8328]

Looks fantastic, great work. What shelf brackets are you using for the main shelves?

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Here are the exact ones. They’re super sturdy and look nice. www.lowes.com/pd/allen-roth-Allen-Roth-9in-x-9in-Black-Classic-Bracket/5001382367

[@Just_Justin-ip7gn]

I have a subway train that is suppost to look like a Mta train but it looks like the Boston metro without exciting color

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Is it one of the recent LEGO passenger trains?

[@bedardfan98]

do the restaurant next!!!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

A restaurant down in the subway?

[@bedardfan98]

@@keltondavisLEGOno the subway sandwich shop

[@keltondavisLEGO]

@@bedardfan98 LOL

[@thecloud-yt8ly]

My daughter loved your video but wants to know how wheelchairs can get down to the subway.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Planning on building elevators to address that 👍

[@thecloud-yt8ly]

She says “thank you looking forward to seeing it” 👍

[@MrCrazymagpie]

I love the idea. how do you keep it all clean?

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Weekly dusting with a swiffer duster does the trick for me. We keep the vents closed on the basement so there isn’t too much dust buildup.

[@stunels]

subway trains dont use overhead electricity, you should remove the bar from above the train!!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

I've based this system on underground streetcar systems like Toronto and many places in Europe that do have overhead power. It's rare, but such systems do exist.

[@stunels]

@@keltondavisLEGO I stand corrected, carry on!

[@tedaustin6946]

Make sky buildings on clouds

[@keltondavisLEGO]

They could join the “Up” House up there 👍

[@petermaris9697]

Did you automate the stops? Or it is manual just by your remote. I made a side track for my daughter but she likes to ram it :D

[@keltondavisLEGO]

I hope to eventually get a color sensor to automate the stops, but right now they’re just by remote.

[@YFAu-g1v]

another custom platform

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Adding more/expanding the subway platforms is something I definitely need to do. 👍

[@Hasnasehatbahagia]

Ernieeeeeeeeee

[@keltondavisLEGO]

😆

[@josse1485]

❤

[@keltondavisLEGO]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@R.hansen.klodstossen]

👍😎

[@keltondavisLEGO]

🙏🤓

[@lukecantwell233]

What shelves do you use

[@keltondavisLEGO]

These are all custom built. But the brackets I use are from Lowe’s.

[@GothicKittyMadness]

The lights you chose are horrible. What you should really have used are under counter LED strips. they would look so much better.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you for your kindly-stated opinion. LOL.

[@GothicKittyMadness]

why do people have to talk over videos. It's so annoying. Just show us the subway!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Your diplomatic feedback is much appreciated 😜