I've Outgrown My HO Layout and Need to Fix it

The first section of my ho scale layout was created in 2007, ever since then more additions were added on including the industrial section in 2012 and the mountain layout in 2017.
Although the upgrades to this layout over the years have worked out well, one thing that hasn't changed is the height and as I've gotten older I've found it trickier to work on.
I finally decided to raise the layout which meant lifting each leg one at a time and adding shims. Bringing the entire elevation across all four tables up a foot.

[@byronthomas4733]

Great work.Having the right tools helps tremendously also...

[@SMTMainline]

Yeah, tools are important!

[@Photoline1]

Shows how solid the earlier construction phases were for them to be able to withstand the layout sections being uplifted in stages. Great job!

[@SMTMainline]

That's a good point. I wasn't sure if it could withstand such a thing to be honest.

[@thegreatdh]

Is it scary that I thought the mountain layout was relatively new? Gosh, I'm getting old...

[@robertstevenson4910]

Yup

[@NashRailfan]

Thought that too

[@SMTMainline]

The earliest build videos of it date back to 2018 but it was already being put together fall 2017.

[@AstroKnight118]

it is new though edit: wait, 2017 was 6 years ago 😳 ( i had to look up how long ago it was)

[@vehicles_n_stuff]

@@AstroKnight118try 7 years ago

[@RamblingModelRailroader]

In case no one else says it, kudos for wearing your PPE!

[@SMTMainline]

I've had enough experiences to appreciate it. One time I was drilling into an engine block and I almost skipped puting safety glasses on... The bit locked and split into three pieces and the middle section landed between my nose and eye and bounced off the glasses. I can't tell you how the gratitude I had for choosing to wear them after that. Safety ain't no joke.

[@avlisk]

@@SMTMainline Same here. I've had 2 good, functioning eyes for the last 46 years (73 total) because I had glasses on when a drill bit snapped. It took a big chip out of one lens instead of my eye. I'm a BIG proponent of safety glasses!

[@RamblingModelRailroader]

@@SMTMainline I'm grateful to have had an auto-mechanics instructor in high school who was safety-conscience. I too have had a few instances with flying debris that was deflected by safety glasses.

[@Trainguy.5771]

You gave me a heart attack with those “jenga” support beams. 🤣😭

[@williammcgeehan3424]

@ SMT There was a funny comic in Railroad Model Craftsman years ago about benchwork and the effect it can have on you. It depicted a railroad modeler in an engineer's outfit with extremely long arms down to his ankles. It was said that it was rare in the population but was epidemic among model railroaders. The name of the condition is Too wideus bench workus. ☺

[@SMTMainline]

It happened so slowly I never really noticed but one visit to the osteopath made it clear something had to change.

[@TheUnluckyTug_official]

Love seeing how you tackle issues with the layout. Gives me ideas of how to improve my own. Clever work here!

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you! Its good to see your channel back up and running btw :)

[@crewleaderprods]

Its always a good day when Nerf Cat stops by

[@SMTMainline]

For sure

[@carldean5987]

Out of all my years of doing model trains I have never seen anything so impressive like that great job sir.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you so kindly!

[@FrankC321]

Ah, power tools! Makes life so much better. When I assembled my 3x5 tabletop for an n scale, i cant believe how many screws were needed. And, had to recharge dewalt battery at least once. Looks good Harrison, much more appropriate for you height!

[@SMTMainline]

They save time and go easy on your wrists, all good in my books.

[@ajax8398]

those precariously places pieces of wood were genuinely giving me a panic for you glad it turned out the way it did! looks (the same) but more accessible!

[@lucase.garcia8026]

10:24 The "Big L" express. Extraordinary!

[@trainbuffboy4727]

Oh thank GOD! I thought you meant you were outgrowing the trains. Nearly just died. I LOVE watching your videos!

[@TythetankguyWT]

Same, nearly had a heart attack

[@trainbuffboy4727]

I watched this guy all the time! I still do too!

[@mercuryoak2]

You guys read into stuff way to much ..

[@trainbuffboy4727]

What does that mean?

[@mercuryoak2]

@@trainbuffboy4727 exactly my point.

[@markkuhn1297]

This is so much fun to watch. You are the best model railroading channel on KZbin.

[@garysprandel1817]

Pretty clever Harrison. You effectively hit on how they raise buildings to be moved. Jack,insert cribbing, jack again, insert more cribbing until they can get the dollies underneath for the move. Off topic a bit but I've seen you do videos with your friends/railfanning crew and just wanted to offer up the advice of when out there spare a few pixels and storage for just some shots of you and your buddies mugging for the camera. I say this because while we had a pretty good size crew 2 of those guys were my ride or die best buds for decades. One of those friends was a bud from high school for 27 years until he was my first brush with my own mortality 23 years ago. The other has been my best friend for 37 years, best man at my wedding, my wingman for nearly a third of my life. Got a phone call the other day from his sister. He missed a family event and a check in found him unresponsive. As one wants to do in those situations you dig out the photos and start reminiscing about roadtrips,railfanning excursions and all the remember that time stories. Problem is plenty of photos of of us mugging for the camera in our late 40s, 50s and early 60s but damn few of us in our 20s and 30s. We'd been so focused on the trains etc and so consumed by the immortality of youth that we never conceived a time we'd be glad we " wasted " a few frames of film and the processing of those frames on pictures of the group together.

[@SMTMainline]

My sincerest condolences on the loss of your friend. I'm completely with you on capturing the moment, it's a lesson I unfortunately had to learn a lot sooner then I ever would have imagined when my best friend was suddenly taken away in a car crash March 2021. After hanging out so many times over the years I was stunned by how few photos I had, the ones I do have sure mean a lot more now. The importance of these things only seems to be noticeable years later but I'm thankful for the ones I randomly took and the great memories.

[@tracynation2820]

Super. Good job. If those were drywall screws, which can snap in half easily, add a few more screws to the legs just in case someone trips and grabs or falls into the layout. Hello again from the Tracy Mountain Railway in Colorado. 💙T.E.N.

[@johndix177]

The raising went smoothly! Great job! The layout looks so much better and level at this height!💯👌

[@keepamericayisraelgreat5708]

Once again you have added a different look to your layout which we all think for the most part ...Job well done.

[@dbtech7914]

Never underestimate how important it is for everything to be level. Good job.

[@SMTMainline]

I wish I had known when I was younger but live and learn I guess.

[@gabemiller4882]

Wow, that is such a cool layout what you did!! Keep up the great work on your train layout!! 😊😊❤❤❤! Love your trains going around your railroad track layout !! I bet it took you a long time putting that layout together with that table in section by section! Great job , Harrison 👍👍👏👏👏😊😊😍😍😉😉👍👍! Good job in putting the beams on your train layout table !! Looks like you're a construction of all trades!!❤❤❤

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear SMT, very cool tweak of the layout height. Must admit the title of your vid made me anticipate another kind of being grown out! Love the way this adjustment improved the overall look and levelness of your layout. Cheerio

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks, I'm just trying to keep this layout with the times 15 years later.

[@JeffHanna-f3d]

Serenity!!! There is something so satisfying about track/layout work.

[@jimjohnston7688]

Very impressive, you certainly have a knack for successfully tackling different problems and solving them.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@swiv99]

right on with the drill and carjack idea!...that's quite a layout...you were able to keep the old legs which are nicely made, thats a win....love the "foreman" too, got to have atleast one 🐾🐾....thanx for sharing cheerz!

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks, I'm glad it all worked out.

[@michaelmohrmann]

Hey Harrison... Great update, looking forward to seeing results of your future plans for your layout! :-)

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks, I'm looking forward to the results as well.

[@RichardHume-l4r]

Harrison, your layout looks taller and alot better, because we're not getting any younger. I enjoyed your videos.

[@NormanAllen-ps9ju]

I have always liked your layout ,and I can see. the raised height and leveling have made an improvement in operations !

[@raybame5816]

Just found your channel and looking at the inventory and this vid, subbed immediately. I really like your set-up. It seems to be rough in places, finished in others, W-I-P in others and at all times fun to operate...long straights and curvy other things. Really like it and the way you use it. Anxious to look back at your vids and I know I will enjoy all of them. I wish I had seen you years ago but I realize you weren't alive then. Boy I like what you are doing....now 81 y/o in CT.

[@SMTMainline]

The layout was build in sections over the last 15 plus years and has gone through countless renovations which explains why some sections look so different than others.

[@myvideosetc.8271]

That's whay I like about the hobby, is something you are able to transmit very well with your videos, "I will create things", "I will solve problems". And I will have fun doing it.

[@SMTMainline]

For sure. I learned a lot about problem solving when I was younger through it and still do today.

[@myvideosetc.8271]

@@SMTMainline A word of advice from an engineer in their mid 40's, never stop honing your problem solving skills, but I imagine you already know that. P.S: People that do job interviews try to identify natural problem solvers, it could boost a candidate profile a lot, regardless of field or academic level, all companies want people like this,

[@lotsatrains]

Trains seem to run better than ever now and you won’t have to be hunched over hurting your back when working on it now great job 👏

[@SMTMainline]

Two things fixed at the same time, gotta love it.

[@johnbeck3270]

An interesting way to a solution, using a car jack to raise a layout. As I watched this I could see rails buckle and rail joins pop! Nice job.

[@SMTMainline]

I'm sure it was hard of them but they held up nicely.

[@jasper_saberwolf]

Excellent work, SMT! looks like you have added a bit more stability to your trackwork in the process too as an extra benefit! My basement floor is so uneven, my dad and I used adjustable table feet that screwed into the bottom of the 2x4 legs of the benchwork.

[@user-TheBestRailfan]

You've done an amazing job with this, Harrison!

[@mrtiagoawesomegaming2423]

Good luck with that and happy memorial day from Atlanta Georgia

[@o.northland4942]

You did it again…scary project but on the camera it makes quite a difference, greetings from berlin

[@SMTMainline]

I think it has improved the level of detail that can be seen a fair bit 👍

[@o.northland4942]

@@SMTMainline absolutely. But thinking about it and then realizing it, on camera, is something special…

[@ginaklein8964]

Very relaxing and satisfying video watching you adjust your layout....enjoyed it very much!

[@MSRTA_Productions]

Nerf the Foreman Feline always has his words lol

[@MattKonsol]

Very nice Harrison! The leveling on the layout looks good!

[@wowdad3055]

I though you were going to tear down the whole layout, I am glad you just lift it up, because i love your layout they way it is.

[@SMTMainline]

I'm not interested in a new layout ether but I do want it to keep with the times. This upgrade was a major plus in my opinion.

[@richieturner0825]

Just noticed the Scranton sign. Love it, from that area

[@SMTMainline]

I visited there in 2017 and 2022, what a great city!

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Harrison very impressed with the way you adjusted the height of the layout, trains running fantastic

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks, I'm happy with it.

[@blainedunlap4242]

Have a garage sale and get rid of all that crazy stuff. You could cut them down and run along the walls or use what you got as peninsulas. I just built my first layout at 51 inches, after 40 years at 36 inches, I sure like it. Tall enough I can duck under pretty easy, and this allows a lot of opportunities. Your mission went pretty smooth, good job.

[@googguy59]

Man with drill can do anything.You shore your not from New Zealand lol love what you have done with your layout.

[@mercuryoak2]

I remember when I had my layout up. I had to make sure I cut piece like you did so I have room for raising. Good job.

[@SarcasticBroth]

This man is the inspiration that reminds me to work on my own layout 😅. Looks great! Keep up the good work!

[@SMTMainline]

That happens when I watch other peoples videos too

[@4everdc302]

Like the raising of Chicago in the 1850/60s. Also done with screwjacks. Sidewalks and all🚂🇨🇦🙋

[@bobm3919]

Which was done, in part, by a consortium led by George Pullman, before he went into the sleeper car business. The buildings remained fully operational as they were raised.

[@SMTMainline]

Interesting comparison, I never thought of it that way.

[@adamspender6595]

Good one. Really good visuals there at the end. Looking real good.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks, I think the improved height makes the camera angles better.

[@johncloar1692]

Nice job it looks like it work out really well. Thanks for the video Harrison.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks

[@oskarvalance3041]

Good job on raising the whole layout. It was long and tedious, I'm sure. But the end results are astounding. As always, another good one. From Texas.

[@SMTMainline]

Yeah, this was highly condensed footage compared to the actual amount of time but I'm happy with it.

[@JohnBachofer]

I still can't get over how awesome that Aussie engine is.

[@willtrainvideos]

That Locomotive is a CL Class, essentially an SD40-2 in a streamlined body. They were the last locomotives to be built by that design also. All of them were rebuilt by Morrison Knudsen Australia under contract from Australian National into either CLP (Passenger) or CLF (Freight).

[@SMTMainline]

I'm really enjoying it so far, it runs great and has a sweet paint scheme.

[@gameingtimewithcaden7395]

i absolutely LOVE the channel. i have been into trains specifically model trains for a while now. and i love your videos of unboxing (im pretty sure fan mail ) stuff and seeing you test the trains! along with other videos you post. keep doing what your doing! dont stop! :D (this is my first time commenting on your channel. ) and i enjoy your channel. i love seening theses trains pass by here 9:58

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks for the comment :)

[@gameingtimewithcaden7395]

@@SMTMainline :D

[@willamettevalleyAFtrains]

Quite the project. Well done.

[@andrewferguson5653]

That's quite a project, SMT. I have to agree with Nerf Cat, it needed more work. and it looks a lot better now.

[@SMTMainline]

I'm happy with how it turned out :)

[@ScottRails]

I love your Git er Done attitude. No laser levels, no angle iron etc. Those things just take time away from running trains, lol.

[@SMTMainline]

Yep. Nothing too fancy so long as it gets the job done.

[@franksabatine9075]

Great job , it looks really good and the new hight looks better 😀

[@johntaylor5968]

Well that was utterly riveting !!!

[@mikegrappone9078]

Great job on the video - thanks for sharing!

[@danielbayer278]

Great job and clever engineering!

[@TheNorthwestWind]

looks like a fun layout my man!

[@DNRailworks]

Good to see you dont make bad habits like us old guys LOL you actually thought about eye and ear safety, we usually thought about it afterwards 😂

[@SMTMainline]

I try to be careful, I've had a couple things go south and PPE saved the day.

[@ronaldbrooks5982]

Big improvement, great job.

[@DennisLora2001]

I fully understand that you need to fix your layout

[@DryToaster-cw5cn]

Nice layout

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks!

[@JB-ud6vm]

I guess you could say... this elevated your layout to new levels.... nice vid as always. xD

[@SMTMainline]

Lol, I like it.

[@lorettacaputo6997]

Ah...yes, the things we do for the pleasure of running trains! I remember doing something similar to get the benefits of a taller layout.

[@keithblevins5093]

You got a good head on your shoulders Harry.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@ThatRailGuy]

You did awesome! i wish i even had room for a layout!

[@eccotheorca7745]

you look absolutely dapper in the thumbnail

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks 😂

[@zenontrainstrucks9433]

Great video! Inserting to see how to rise the layout!

[@Eric_Hunt194]

I'm extremely jealous of the amount of space you have for your layout! Also, hello Nerf Cat 🐈

[@SMTMainline]

I feel grateful for it.

[@juancarlosspico]

don't stay up to late, it's a school night... lol Great job!

[@Carlife669]

I love your videos. I wish I could get some Canadian locos but in the UK all we get is CSX and union Pacific. I'd love to import some over. 3:05

[@SMTMainline]

Have you checked if ebay.com ships to the UK? I usually go on ebay uk when I'm on the hunt for British locomotives and most of the time they will ship.

[@Carlife669]

@@SMTMainline oh I will have to check that out thank you

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

Brilliant

[@doughoback5226]

Well done

[@Engine1988]

I'm going to be building a new layout in O scale soon. My original O Scale layout will go into storage, and the little N scale switching layout that I'm working on will be used in the downtime.

[@thhseeking]

Ah, the good old Toyota jack!! I kept mine after I got rid of my '85 Hilux for an '05 Falcon Wagon :P

[@SMTMainline]

It's come in handy many times.

[@sammy61187]

Simple but effective mate great job

[@wallyallyn5473]

I like I like to see multiple trains running on your layout you don't usually do that keep up the good work

[@SMTMainline]

I'm trying to make it more common now that there's two tracks.

[@Lil_Pennsy]

U had me at the title ngl😂 gonna say. I feel ur pain sometimes it's not fun working ur back

[@SMTMainline]

It's been overdue, I'm glad its done now.

[@DryToaster-cw5cn]

5:44 what is this goofy ahh music? You know what, goofy ahh is an understatement

[@akirasho719]

I wouldn't have the back or the energy to rise those those legs!! Good for you!!

[@TwoRailfans]

Nice job! I’m sure it’s nice to have it at adult height now, and you might even see scenes differently now at the new height.

[@rvs8425]

Good job! And great layout.

[@Niroka07]

I love you Layout

[@mailstorminurbox]

So this is the legendary Hersheys Factory that I've heard about, good lord is it huge!

[@Sinistar24]

The tracks are not fully tested until that “drifting” loco makes its rounds 🙂

[@SMTMainline]

That's a good point.

[@Usastrong1123]

Holy cow you look old! Time flies

[@BlackcloudRailways]

Very clever. I used cans of beans when doing a similar operation on my layout some years ago.

[@SMTMainline]

Whatever works I guess 😂

[@David-yo5re]

Nice work Harrison. I was wondering how you were planning to raise it. You had mentioned before that it was too low. Hopefully now you will not have the derailments and unexpected uncoupling issues as you mentioned.

[@SMTMainline]

So far things have been fine with it luckily.

[@jarrettdurrant3199]

Looks good buddy!

[@strobson1]

Well done Harrison with aloha

[@willm1601]

Looking good.

[@kevinjhonson5925]

The fact it stayed in one piece shows how well it was built in the first place.

[@SMTMainline]

That's true, it looked sketchy but didn't falter.

[@EvilTurkeySlices]

I’d probably double up the legs in that first table, put a second plank on the back of the first you added, it’ll help keep them from flexing.

[@SMTMainline]

Not a bad idea. I'll see how it holds up as is

[@patrickaiken5046]

And then one fine day you will make the most difficult decision of your life. Time to tear it all down and make the dream layout you’ve had in your head forever. New benchwork that’s kind to your back. Easy access to the back of the layout. Or is that just me. Getting back into the hobby after a 40 year hiatus and looking for something to do with my impending retirement.

[@SMTMainline]

I hope not, I'm pretty attached to the current design. I can however see the practical side of doing such a thing.

[@markwilliams2620]

The back, it's called getting OLD. It starts to hit you in your twenties. Liked the background music. It had a real _This Old House_ segment feel. But if you want the Red Greene seal approval, ya need to add a little duct tape.

[@SMTMainline]

I should have added a bit of "the handy man's secret weapon" to the legs for extra security.

[@daverosinski3663]

My wife has that same DeWalt saw. It's her favorite.

[@SMTMainline]

It seems like a good product so far.

[@paulbervid1610]

Great work

[@Mike__B]

Oh my, the amount of cringing I did as you did that... I'm reminded of my younger days, when I didn't have as much money/tools at my disposal and I did things like that... That said, something I would probably do is put in some horizontal pieces connecting all the table top so that it is one solid piece where you can lift up on one side and the whole thing will rise.

[@SMTMainline]

Needless to say I wouldn't lift something heavier then my layout like this but it got the job done fine.

[@minxracing5817]

Looks good!