K & W HO Scale Model Railroad, Construction Update #20 - UP yard built! What's next?

[@Ruggedrails]

Also I really like the Royal Gorge area it would be great to see that finished

[@KandWRailroader]

I can't wait to see the reality that my mind has constructed (and nature too since I am trying construct a reasonable facsimile of a real location), but I am apprehensive about so much scenery and water, none of which I have experience doing. Eventually though, that scene is going to win the vote, which means apprehensions will be set aside and work will begin!

[@TomarIndustries]

Looks like you are off to a great start!

[@KandWRailroader]

Going well so far!

[@ericjonboone]

Can you make the power plant track a balloon track so unit trains come in and unload without switching? Pretty common for more modern power plants.

[@KandWRailroader]

I am still considering this for the reason you mentioned, and because that's how it is for the prototype I am modeling. However, I saw a video by @djstrains I think where he mentioned that it's a waste of time to model the operations of an active train being loaded/unloaded because of how slow the train has to go (like 2mph I think). I wouldn't want to spend 15 minutes slow crawling a train through there and wouldn't want to make any of my operators do it either. It will probably just end up being a couple of spurs where loaded cars are dropped off and the coal load will be "unloaded" between ops sessions.

[@KraigSickels]

My vote is to continue with the UP yard , its main line and wire it …. Nice update 👍 !!

[@KandWRailroader]

Another vote tallied for wiring up the UP yard! Thank you for your participation!

[@chessieandjack]

Incredible job! Your classification yard blows my little 4x8 layout away. I like your idea of the power plant. I used to take CSX crews to Plant Bowen in Cartersville to dump trains. There was a big loop the trains would go around leading to a elevated truss over a pit with the conveyor system mounding coal for the boilers. They had trouble one day in the rain getting traction and I had to help them get a running start to get speed to make it up a very slight incline. I shadowed the train until it finally got leveled off enough to to continue. For about five minutes the second locomotive was jumping up in the rear every time the wheels slipped. Good luck with your project. You have your work cut out for you!

[@KandWRailroader]

@@chessieandjack Thank you for the compliment and for the awesome real-world story! I wish I had the space at Holcomb to do a loop but it's not meant to be. Thanks for watching!

[@kcsthebetterway]

Enjoyed the update. Hope to have one myself soon? 😊 Try black napkins for the absorbent pads at the engine facility.

[@KandWRailroader]

I'll keep an eye out!

[@KandWRailroader]

Missed the rest of your comment somehow...thanks for the recommendation! Would you just use white glue to glue pieces to the ties or would that just soak through the napkin? I may just have to experiment with that.

[@kcsthebetterway]

@@KandWRailroader that's what I used for a roof I made.

[@RaulSavala-em1vb]

Lookn good, lookn good, keep going, I wanna see trains running soon, 👍

[@KandWRailroader]

@@RaulSavala-em1vb If you go to my home page you'll find my Operations playlist which is nothing but running trains.

[@ericbengtson2822]

Well your correct about the yard, it looks fantastic.

[@KandWRailroader]

Thanks 👍

[@Ruggedrails]

It’s a huge layout which when I listen to people like Jack burgess he and many other people have said finish one scene at a time and then you will complete it and move on Important to get trains running a complete loop too to justify the whole beginning keep up the hard work mate and the journey will be worth it

[@KandWRailroader]

I certainly understand different points of view regarding how to go about building a layout. Part of the reason that I have been hard-charging the track laying is because I've been pulling in a ton of overtime at work the last few months so I can afford to buy said track (especially turnouts), but that overtime is about to end which means so does the spending. However, I started this "poll-the-viewer" thing a couple months ago about where my viewers would like to see me focus my effort for the next update, and I've really enjoyed the feedback and participation from my audience. It's fun for me to see what specifically interests my viewers the most, and it motivates me to achieve those mini-goals they set for me. So, I guess my audience is really driving the priorities of how the layout takes shape, although I do find some time to work on my own priorities as well, so everybody wins!

[@dsingh412]

I think a logging industry could be a nice place to add if this is possible as i would love to see one of those appear on your lovely layout.

[@KandWRailroader]

I appreciate your input but given the locations I have decided to model, I'm afraid a logging industry won't be making an appearance. I'm trying to stick to the prototypical industries for my locations to help guide my structure and rolling stock choices.

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

You have once again put in the work and it shows... well done.. I would like to see the main line done and it wired so we can see some trains running on the parts that you have wired... that would be fantastic and I guess, show you, how far your hard work has got you... Keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing the outcome.

[@KandWRailroader]

A vote for work on the main line! Thanks!

[@SleeperBBQ]

just wow, can't wait to see it in some type of running form looks great

[@KandWRailroader]

Thank you! I will post another little Ops session video soon!

[@sharonfieber6458]

New layout, I will enjoy watching your progress. Walgreens for printing background photo two to sheet.

[@KandWRailroader]

I've heard that! I will definitely check them out when it's time to start getting those mounted. Even though it's pricier, I also like railroadbackdrops.com because of their ability to work with you and your own photos to blend into a scene. I still haven't decided how I'm going to approach my backdrop design though, whether I want to go with location specific or a more general backdrop. It will be photo-realistic regardless.

[@rickyhammond36]

looking really good..will be a cracking layout when she is up & running.

[@KandWRailroader]

That's the plan!

[@Ruggedrails]

No doubt you are on the right track 🛤️🥇🤝👌

[@KandWRailroader]

Making progress!

[@todayisthebest212]

wow so awesome!😀

[@KandWRailroader]

Thank you!

[@FultonRoad-yv3me]

What a cool layout!

[@KandWRailroader]

Thank you!

[@PaulAFulcher]

Nice update and well described !!👀👍

[@KandWRailroader]

Thank you!

[@lindsayatlmrtransport8118]

Wire up the UP yard, try using the Walthers pavement(sidewalk) plates for the engine maintenance building, should work if you can get them.

[@KandWRailroader]

Thank you for the vote and the tip! I will check those out.

[@johnbanicki7232]

Very nice! Making good progress. My vote is to work on the main line. Thanks for sharing.

[@KandWRailroader]

I appreciate the input. For future reference though, the "polls" close on the Monday following these construction updates which I usually post every other Friday. I do a follow-up video on those Mondays that reveals the top vote-getter for the weekend and my work plan regarding the winning task. I'm sure it's confusing and I've never published any official "rules" because it's all just for fun anyway, but check back in a week and a half and vote again!

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

Looking awesome my due I love how progress is going

[@KandWRailroader]

Me too!

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

@@KandWRailroader I hope someday meet up at a train show

[@KandWRailroader]

@@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409 Certainly!

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

@@KandWRailroader oh yeah

[@KandWRailroader]

Is there an aspect or location of the Kansas & Western Model Railroad that you would like to see me focus my attention on for the next update video? If so, then leave your request in the comments below! Below is a list of locations and aspects of the layout to refresh your memory, listed in order following the main line from the bottom up, starting from the west helix: Royal Gorge Route Canon City Portland Cement Plant Pueblo La Junta Yard Lamar Holly Holcomb Power Plant Garden City Charleston Elevator Wichita Industrial Park Wichita Yard Towanda El Dorado Industrial Park El Dorado Refinery Union Tank Car Company Aspects of the layout that aren’t location specific that I can focus on: Track weathering and ballast Wiring (so I can run trains on newly laid track) Rolling stock weathering Structures Backdrops Scenery (the Royal Gorge Route…the main line between Canon City and the west helix…is the only location that is close to ready for scenery work. I will still have to lay the siding and install some backdrops, before I can start scenery work but that won’t take much time or effort) Layout skirting Fascia/valance Votes will be tabulated Monday and a short video update will be posted Monday afternoon regarding the vote result and my plan to carry it out. Power to the people!...err...viewers!! I look forward to hearing from you!

[@paulkirkmanMYTRAINS]

Very impressive !!!! Everything looks good. I would get the mainline finished so I could take a break and run trains occasionally. That help you adding that booster !!!

[@KandWRailroader]

Another vote for main line construction!

[@Crookedriverandeasternrr]

Wow you’re making great progress. Question , would you please show the steps on how you set up and wire that db5 booster when you install it ? I’d love to see how it’s done as I’m wanting to add one on my layout too

[@KandWRailroader]

I have found a few videos on KZbin of that process, which I will be following myself, so I encourage you to do a search with those keywords which is what I did to find those videos. I don't really have the ability to film while doing anything (I can barely manage to record an ops session) as I just use my phone to do these construction updates, which is why I haven't produced any "how I do..." videos.

[@KandRCustomModels]

Coming along nice

[@KandWRailroader]

Thank you!

[@hotdogpilot6319]

I'm thinking some track wiring might be an idea as there's quite a bit of track.

[@KandWRailroader]

A vote for wiring track...thanks! And you're right about there being quite a bit of track. It's gonna take me quite a while to build up a decent car and loco collection to properly fill out this layout. Every now and then I remember that I still have 8 staging tracks to fill with trains which equals up to 16 locomotives and probably 120 to 150 cars!

[@dwightbernheimer331]

Myself... I'd Really be considering Battery power🤔🤔🤔... Good stuff thanks for posting😊

[@KandWRailroader]

Battery power? In regard to what, might I ask?

[@dwightbernheimer331]

@@KandWRailroader Powering the locomotives so you don't have to get involved with wiring Track power... It will be the norm in a few years in model railroading... Happy Easter

[@KandWRailroader]

@@dwightbernheimer331 Believe me, I would love too! I can't wait until that is a thing! However, the layout is already about 3/5th's wired, so I might as well finish it. Crimp splices are a lifesaver!

[@dwightbernheimer331]

Thank you for taking the time to respond...👍

[@KandWRailroader]

@@dwightbernheimer331 And thank you for watching/commenting!

[@derekalexander4030]

Wow! That UP yard looks incredible. You have so many different yards that your operating sessions are going to be intense. Great progress. My vote doesn’t have to actually be work done because it has to do with scenery and you haven’t done any yet but I would like to see you discuss how you are going to handle the scenery with the cliff side running. What materials do you plan to use to build the mountains and river run and how large will each part be?

[@KandWRailroader]

Thank you! I couldn't be happier with how the Wichita yard in general turned out. I think I could discuss a rough scenery plan for the Royal Gorge Route (I'm assuming that's the area you are talking about) in my video update Monday. I have it pictured in my head and the photos I printed out and have on display are a basic representation. I've been wanting some feedback on my river design anyway...I've never poured "water" before, and I think I will do the small river at the east end of La Junta yard first to gain some experience before pouring the Arkansas river at Pueblo and then the Royal Gorge Route area.

[@derekalexander4030]

@@KandWRailroader Yes, that was the area I was speaking of. Do you have a plan for the mountains? Cardboard strips and plaster or foam profiles and sculptamold or some other method? And how tall are you planning to make the mountains? I’m really enjoying your build.

[@KandWRailroader]

@@derekalexander4030 I'm planning to use foam for the substructure covered with a blend of plaster cloth and sculptamold. That's the plan anyway. I've not really ever reached the scenery stage on previous layouts so I will definitely be learning as I go. I'm going to try out ideas in small areas that can be ripped up and re-done easily without ruining any other aspect of the layout. I'm both excited about the prospect of doing scenery and apprehensive at the same time. Fortunately, there are a plethora of videos out there to help guide me.

[@jerrygoldman4484]

With my limited experience I say that you should get the track as perfect as possible first. Then go to the scenery. Question. I am 5'6". How high is the upper level? I can foresee difficulty dealing with an inner yard track problem because I can't see it.

[@KandWRailroader]

I agree with you on track being the priority. I like the idea of running plenty of trains over all trackage to ensure there won't be any issues that are impossible to fix before ballast gets put down or rock walls get cast in place. The track level height of the upper level is about 55". Foreseeing that this could be an issue for my more vertically challenged operators, I intend to buy a couple of those spring-loaded stools on casters for each side of the Wichita yard that should help with this.

[@jerrygoldman4484]

@@KandWRailroader I am helping a guy with his large layout. He has also run across issues after and because of ballasting. There are places that are difficult to get to where there are important switches. Those places don't even have scenery yet which may complicate things. Also, try one of those stools first. When I hear 'wheels' I think of falling. Good luck. Terrific project!

[@KandWRailroader]

@@jerrygoldman4484 Thank you! Your friend is lucky to have help, although I am terrible at delegating so I would probably tell whomever showed up to just "having fun running trains!" I chose my layout design with easy reach in mind. Obviously that doesn't apply to the helices (which won't have scenery) or the Wichita yard (which will be easy to reach with a stool...I had to use one to solder all that track!). The stools I have in mind are used in libraries all the time. Once you put something like 20 lbs. of pressure on the stool, the spring-loaded wheels depress up inside the stool, thus planting the stool firmly on the floor. Of course, if someone tries to reach farther than they should, then their center of gravity will be calling the shots regardless. Either way, I have more than one yard and if a shorter operator has difficulty with the Wichita yard, then I'll be happy to have them working the La Junta yard while seated on a comfy stool. That one is gonna be super busy because it's so small!

[@shaunrobertson1857]

Looks good but if u want a continuous range train up top make a run through track from the Bnsf n the up side together so it’s like a wye

[@KandWRailroader]

I agonized over that decision for quite a while, because it also involved making the helix under the El Dorado refinery full size so I could do continuous running between all three levels. Ultimately I decided not to do either option because I have continuous running from the lower staging level to the middle Colorado level. The prototype line from Wichita to El Dorado is an out-and-back line that I chose to emulate instead of adding the wye between yards and the full size helix. However, that's why I added two interchange tracks at the end of the Wichita yard, so cars could be passed back and forth between the BNSF and UP yards, even though the UP has trackage rights on my railroad on the BNSF main line. It all just adds more options to future operations. I really only run continuous through trains for visitors so having continuous running on all three levels wasn't important to me.

[@shaunrobertson1857]

@@KandWRailroader ok makes sense but layout looks cool

[@meflog2]

I agree with getting the wiring done so you can run some trains

[@KandWRailroader]

Another vote for wiring!

[@christopherburford8754]

I vote for the mainline

[@KandWRailroader]

Thank you for your input! Voting is closed for this period (wiring up the UP yard won) but another update video is coming Friday and you will have another opportunity to vote then.

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing.👍

[@KandWRailroader]

Thank you for watching!

[@Longshadowsmodeltrees]

Your progress is coming along real nice, keep at it.

[@KandWRailroader]

Thanks, will do!

[@spiffytrains9538]

a vey sweet layout . please keep up the great work. new subsciber. thanks for your time and efforts.

[@KandWRailroader]

@@spiffytrains9538 Thank you for watching! I'll keep plugging away at it!

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

When you are ready to start doing signals and stuff, let me know. Hopefully you'll want to use current sensing block detection and not opticals. I build block detectors and can help you with those and more.

[@KandWRailroader]

Thank you for the offer! I haven't made a decision yet on signals. A portion of the layout won't need any because the prototype operates via track warrants. I will keep your offer in mind though, I appreciate it!

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

@KandWRailroader okay sounds good! Even some crossing signals will require a detector or two. I need to get off my lazy butt and make some videos of my products, but I get distracted watching videos like yours.

[@KandWRailroader]

@@SD40Fan_Jason Oh yes, I will need a few crossing signals. Sorry for the distraction, I totally get it! 🤣

[@charlierumsfeld6626]

I don't understand, what is the location for the power plant? A lot of coal comes from the powder river basin in Wyoming and Montana

[@KandWRailroader]

The power plant I'm modeling is just south of Holcomb, Kansas. I had seen on another KZbin video that that plant received its shipments from coal fields in Utah, delivered via the Royal Gorge Route. I'm not sure where they get them now.

[@cstraws]

Wiring to see some trains run...

[@KandWRailroader]

A vote for wiring! Thanks! However, if you were not aware, all the rest of my track is wired and you can see for yourself by viewing my Operations Playlist on my channel. I also recently shot a train-level video of an entire main line run (except the part that isn't laid yet).

[@OldcampRanch]

Structures for sure, the track work is amazing, but a few buildings would make it more fun. 👍🏻

[@KandWRailroader]

Another vote for structures!

[@ronaldrondeau7870]

Thanks great review

[@KandWRailroader]

Thanks for watching!

[@tomlander123]

Impressive

[@KandWRailroader]

Thanks!

[@politicsandtrains]

Are you holding track down with washers and screws?

[@KandWRailroader]

Just on the helices where they won't be seen. Alex Plus caulk everywhere else.

[@jstockton303]

Vote for yard completion, what is your standard for distance between tracks?

[@KandWRailroader]

Vote recorded! Generally, my distance standard is whatever is natural from how the turnouts are laid. I'm fuzzy on the proper terminology, but it depends on the diverging route angle for the Micro Engineering and Walther turnouts that I'm using. Generally about 1-5/8" to 1-3/4" I believe. I make sure to widen that out on curves to at least 2". I always check clearances with my autoracks as they are the longest rolling stock I have in my collections, although I let that slide on tracks that will never see autoracks like certain industrial sidings and spurs. I know it's a lot tighter than NMRA recommendations, but when compared to prototype photos and video I've seen, it doesn't look that far off. So far, it doesn't seem to be causing any operational trouble.

[@ericjonboone]

Prototype spacing has slowly increased over time. Earlier track will have 13 ft spacing with more modern going to 14 or 15 feet. However, the most modern track like the Powder River Basin I think go 20 or 25 ft.

[@KandWRailroader]

@@ericjonboone I can see regulations requiring more spacing for worker safety.

[@tczephyr3665]

I couldn’t help but notice that you have the power substation kit. I recently completed the same kit. Be prepared to spend way more hours on it than you might think. The directions are terrible. I spent more time looking at the picture on the box when it was tiny to assemble the component parts , then I did pouring over the incompressible directions. Don’t even attempt to build the fence with their design. Scrap the metal fence rods and use scale styrene rods instead and glue the fencing fabric to it. The one KZbin video I found about its construction ended with the guy tossing the whole thing in the trash. Eventually I completed it and was able to maintain my sanity 😁. Good luck Incidentally, I have been in the hobby for 35+ years and needed all my kit building experience and patience to get it done

[@KandWRailroader]

Thanks for the tip! I've heard many complaints about Walthers's kit instructions and somehow managed to construct their notorious oil refinery kit once before on my last layout. I've never tried building any fences but I've seen plenty of alternative options in the KZbin world that seem pretty easy if this kit is a pain. I've received lots of positive comments about how fast the layout is coming together but I think when the tracklaying is done and I start putting more time in on some of these complex structure kits, progress will definitely slow down.

[@achb-railway]

Walthers truly makes decent kits with terrible instructions. It's not that the instructions are poorly written (they are), but in many cases they are just wrong!

[@KandWRailroader]

@@achb-railway It's fortunate that there are so many helpful KZbin videos our there that exhibit the construction of many of these kits. Sometimes it really just takes someone on video, showing the viewer with sometimes 360 degree views of kits and their components to help the instructions make sense.

[@papageorge5897]

WOW, progress is a beautiful thing, what approximately is the square footage. That UP yard is impressive.

[@KandWRailroader]

Thank you!

[@KandWRailroader]

Sorry, missed your question about square footage earlier - The room is approximately 480 square feet.

[@Ruggedrails]

👍✌️

[@KandWRailroader]

Thanks!

[@Madling1968]

I love watching these videos but one thing is concerning. I used to own a HO track when i was younger and the quality and details of trains seemed so much better than what i see in all these videos. Is it just the brand i used? (Fleischmann)

[@KandWRailroader]

Hard to say. I see that Fleischmann specializes in European style trains which are obviously quite different in look and design from American styles. It could have something to do with that. It could also have something to do with their German origination, especially since Germany has a long history of excellent engineering in many aspects. My equipment comes from a variety of manufacturers, mostly American, but also a variety of price points. All of my locomotives run about $300, but my rolling stock varies in age from 40 years to brand new, and price points from probably $10.00 per car on up to $70.

[@Madling1968]

@@KandWRailroader Another issue maybe that we use AC here?

[@KandWRailroader]

@@Madling1968 I wouldn't think that would make a difference with quality and detail, but then I guess it depends on you personally consider to be good quality and detail. Myself, I like the scale of details to be as accurate as possible. For example, handrails on rolling stock and track details like spikes and ties. Those sorts of things really stand out to me the most when looking at a layout, and if they are far from accurate, my mind instantly thinks, "toy, not model."

[@Madling1968]

@@KandWRailroader In those days i had a lot of buildings and kits from Heller... But you barely see those anymore... A shame, they were easy and fancy...

[@KandWRailroader]

@@Madling1968 I am not familiar with Heller, but I have a few Faller kits that I'm curious to try out.

[@bumpingpost]

First time viewer. Will your turnouts be manually controlled? If automated, what's your method on the 2" foam?

[@KandWRailroader]

Welcome aboard! All my turnouts will be manually operated both to be more "hands on" with operations and to save a ton of money on machines and work on wiring and control panels. I did install machines for my hidden staging turnouts for obvious reasons and building those control panels was quite enough for one layout for me.

[@achb-railway]

Build some structures - so your passengers have something to look at besides fields of pink...

[@KandWRailroader]

Another vote for structures! You are right...my layout world does indeed look pretty boring thus far.

[@Allnightexplor]

Structures

[@KandWRailroader]

First vote!

[@nyg21bd]

Structures

[@KandWRailroader]

Another vote for structures. Thanks!