Lance Mindheim's CSX Downtown Spur Layout in HO Scale - Operations!

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Was honored to have the chance to visit my great friend Lance Mindheim and his legendary HO Scale CSX Downtown Spur layout, which is one of my all-time favorite layouts. Not only is it so well thought out and detailed, it also boasts so much local flavor that one gets transported to and immersed in the Miami rail scene right away without any hesitation. Since the previous visit in 2019, several structures including Miami Taxi Meter, the Miami Jai Alai, and Sungas services were added offering a new dimension to enjoying the layout and carrying out operations. We run a pretty well waybilled Y322 on the Downtown Spur with Lance's GP38-2 #2771 and switch FP&T, Miami Iron, Family & Son, and throwback to the days where Trujillo and the 12th Avenue Switchback (A-1 Farmers Choice) received rail service. I even got the engine to face the most common direction as they do it in Miami.
Much of the action is inspired and curated to the tone of recent outings to the real Downtown Spur, including the two month ago chase of Y322 that is also on KZbin.
A shoutout to all the crew I have caught on this job for putting up with me and others at odd hours of the day documenting this very fascinating territory, and a shoutout to fellow railfans for sharing in the experience and culture of enjoying this operation. A special shoutout to Michael Thornton for his very passionate coverage of this operation. See his various videos on his channel.
Thanks to Lance and Elena for the gracious invite and the hospitality. After quite some time since the last in-person visit especially due to the pandemic it was especially nice to return to the layout and catch up. Already brainstorming the next visit and operating session! There certainly is more to come, including a little tease at the end.
Turn on your favorite Cuban Jazz, oldies, rhythmic, or smooth jazz tunes, kick back, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Miami in miniature!
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This video is the property of Tolga E. unless otherwise noted. Reproduction or redistribution is not allowed without consent of the video owner.

[@LanceMindheim]

Excellent! It was great seeing you again buddy. Can't wait for our next op. session. Now that you make it to the area more often hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.

[@TolgaEastCoast]

Likewise! Hoping to continue the fun again soon.

[@treystewart544]

@@TolgaEastCoast that diesel locomotive is doing so good pulling the train cars

[@thomasclavinjr.3817]

Lances work never gets old. Love how he captures the back alleys and mundane. The unnoticed parts of town.

[@Posttrip]

The detailing and weathering on every aspect of this layout is masterclass!!!

[@monmixer]

It's amazing how smooth those DCC equipped locomotives run on DCC.

[@johnnyflakpanzer7329]

You can smell the exhaust and feel the heat. I feel dirty just looking. So real. I love it.

[@USVSTHEBUFF]

As a Miami native who knows these lines well, this is incredible.......

[@ollieahokas9179]

well filmed and gives the idea how great this layout is. You don't need multi lashed up diesels with 100 freight cars to have fun and you can spend time to deliver the goods in a perfect setting with really a good eye to the detail! Cheers from Sweden!

[@SilverCreekSub]

Beauty!! very well done all around! cheers

[@jwrailve3615]

The scrap siding industry switch out has always been my favorite part of this layout. Anytime any new videos of it being operated it just leaves me in more awe in how incredible the layout is

[@H0DCCJakub]

There is something special about these locomotives 👍🙂

[@jamesscofield6308]

enjoyed the video. It was like railfanning the prototype with the excellant scenery, weathering, details, etc. Just like being in Miami.

[@Timrathmore]

As always absolutely Outstanding layout! The bar has been raised even further on. Railroader enthusiasts: we got alot of work to do! 😂

[@ThomasKlimoski]

Tolga, Thanks for filming and posting your operating session on Lance's layout. I feel like I am almost home! It is so great to see the layout come to life and replicate the local CSX Y322 switch job like it was a few years ago. While some of the industries may have closed, they will live on on Lance's layout. For those wondering, yes the local crew regularly blocked the NW 11 Ave grade crossing on the run around while they worked the industries on that end of the line. Great video of an outstanding layout, I only wish I could have been the conductor that day. -Tom

[@TolgaEastCoast]

Thanks for the comment, Tom! It definitely delivered on the promise to transport us to Miami in the spur's late heyday. I wish I could be around to railfan the line back in the 2000s, but the action now will suffice. At least Lance's layout offers the feel of seeing those customers get worked. Hopefully we can plan a meet up sometime this year! I look forward to running more stuff and even including the present day equipment that I managed to gather up recently.

[@maurelius57]

Wow! That does look like Miami!! Very nice thanks

[@alankjkj1]

Looks like a lot of fun. I must say that I am a little envious, building a new pike now. Thanks for taking me into your HO world.

[@macksliner9159]

Just like down in the 305, Dig the palm trees and industrial maritime /rail combo...sooo 😎

[@timothyjerry1177]

Killer scenery wow!!👍🏼

[@TwoRibbonRailvideos]

This is what a switching layout should be. Incredible detail and an overall great show of classic railroading. Great video!

[@davidbrown4823]

incredible industrial switching. thank you

[@hugolucy]

Thank you very much to Mindheim and TolgaEC from Argentina. I've learnt very much from you both about the real flavour imitating trains like in real world. Thank for Mindheim's books too.

[@VSLAModelRR]

Thanks to both of you for posting this. This was an excellent video. A few years back when I saw this layout in MR How to Model Today's Railroads I couldn't believe my eyes, and how far model railroading had come since I was last interested as a kid. From that point on, I knew I wanted something similar. Thanks Lance for your helpful blog and books and thanks Tolga for your awesome video footage of this line and many others!

[@andrewpalm2103]

Thanks for this video of a full operating session on Lance's Downtown Spur layout. It's nice to get a working tour of all the customers and see the structures, track detail, and so on. Very inspirational. Cheers from Wisconsin!

[@monmixer]

Those CSX cars look perfectly weathered for the service that they do. Nice

[@chuckchristian8816]

I wish I had a huge layout like that

[@markhayes6407]

Wonderful Detail. Switching is always good. I like all the trash lying around the right a way. That's cool. That scrap in those thrall hoppers looks authentic.

[@PrinceStreet]

I always enjoy seeing tramway updates on your blog but think I’ve never really seen the line presented as a whole, like this. I love how well it fits into the landscape and seems to be maturing with it-that contributes such a wonderful sense of connectedness between the railway that just feels so right.

[@chuckchristian8816]

I love your layout

[@johnnyflakpanzer7329]

Fantastic! Perfect dumpy, dirty look for a typical branchline. Incredible details.

[@CSXFan5496]

Nice video

[@thegamegroup4390]

@14:20 love the small details he added like pallets and assorted trash on ground. Really makes the scene come alive. Great stuff!!

[@jimjohnston7688]

Without question one of the best most realistic layouts in the country. I’ll always take time to watch anything about this layout.

[@MattsTrainsandThings]

I really like the layout! :)

[@lexpo181]

The details of your layout are just so amazing! Also I really enjoyed the kind of operations you did! 😉👍

[@bige6571]

That Family & Son's area of town looks like a place I wouldn't what to be at night. You have really put the time into this layout .👍

[@sunnydayhobbies]

The video is fantastic, Lance's layout is stunning!!!! Thanks for this!

[@ianroberts6929]

Brilliant video of a wonderful layout, thanks for taking the time to share this! Greetings from the UK, Ian

[@markturner6240]

Great work on the video, and that layout! Thank you for sharing, I enjoyed this!

[@ChainsawNW1218]

What a realistic and lifelike layout full of detail just like out on the high iron!🛤🚂

[@deeppurple3489]

Very very nice! The scenery with the trash along the tracks and buildings make it look very realistic!! Really enjoyed the vid

[@pkilznah5353]

Such an amazing layout. Thanks for sharing. Great video work as well

[@Cryptonymicus]

Fantastic grade crossing pavement-rail interfaces! Great weeds and litter too! And the graffiti ain't bad either lol!

[@spiderkidLarry]

Excellent guys, Ive been looking for a video just like this one, thanks.

[@stevek4153]

Great video! Always good to see this layout. The hopper scrap loads are “filthy”!😮

[@gdog5032]

Great footage! I used Lance's book on this area to build a small shelf layout in N gauge... it includes a scrap yard, rail served buildings, and an open area for truck / train interface ..

[@kaikuklik9748]

Fine video of an excellently built and operated model railroad 😊👍🏻

[@brenthopkins121]

Niclely detailed model railroad, Enjoyed your video. Thank

[@nagainobuhiko3340]

Nice Layout！

[@njRRtrainer]

great job super layout nice afternoon - thanks again!!!

[@keithdenner9441]

Awesome video! Awesome layout!

[@polaarj]

This is awesome man!

[@jamessbca]

My mind was blown when Lance had his first Florida Layout in GMR in 2008. He’s the most photo-realistic modeler that I can think of.

[@southernrailfanning5516]

beautiful layout!

[@ronnewman8364]

Excellent ! GREAT LAYOUT ! ! !

[@OgaugeTrainsplusslotCars]

SWEEEEEEEET

[@rolandmcphail5060]

very nice detail in the scenery and audio

[@chrisgrote6779]

Outstanding!!!

[@AshtonTheRailroadGuy]

Tri-Rail is holding a Family Safety Fair at Metrorail Transfer Station at 11:30 AM next Saturday.

[@jmcfarlandjr]

Beautiful layout.

[@Brianrockrailfan]

great video 🚅🚃👍

[@robertbeck97850]

Nice opening shot. I wish I could have seen the IHOP which was across the street from the Jai-Alai on the old seaboard homestead line. I remember growing up in Miami and eating at that IHOP when seaboard would run the Silver Meteor and Silver Star along with the The Floridian. To the downtown station near the baseball field where the Baltimore Orioles have their spring training. Robert now retired in Island City Oregon

[@randysrockandrollrailroad8207]

This was so freaking Cool ! 😊

[@Joeztrainz]

Great video 👍

[@cprtrain]

Super video.

[@jackoesterlejr.3454]

Just Outstanding! MoPac Jack 🚂

[@matthewwhittington-jk9ep]

If I had a train layout it will be box cars, oil tanks, flat cars, mwax open aggregate hoppers, four & two bay hoppers, and a caboose.

[@mitsu7909]

increible !!!!! this is the game anda super reality

[@scottstownusa4095]

Loved every minute of this. Has given me some ideas for my own US-based switching layout I'm building which isn't easy living in the UK but thanks to vids like these and the internet it's possible. 😄 Can I ask @LanceMindheim what loads that is you are using as scrap?

[@Trackman80]

What how does it sound so good

[@monmixer]

It will be interesting to see how much they charge for DCC sound where you can actually hear the cars banging together on hook up and then again when they pull apart.

[@joshuatoro8977]

do you have a video that shows your complete layout as a walkthrough your way out looks amazing

[@wideworldofkevinstransport2002]

Awesome. I request that you do the csx L302 distance local ho scale

[@debbiemilka2251]

This is truly a fantastic prototype correct layout. Super detailed and awesome sound. Would it be possible to make the lighting more of a daylight temperature ? It has a darkness to it.

[@Gaz3801]

Great video. 👌 Have to ask where you purchased your two red gondolas (LSEX) at the end of the video ? Cheers, Gary.

[@AbelG8781]

My guess is 3D printed

[@gailbooker3759]

More medley videos

[@VSLAModelRR]

Hey @tolgaEastCoast, any idea how he made those scrap metal loads @2:46?

[@thesuneversets]

Is that hi sided gon allowed to be next to the loco or would that not be a shiftable load?

[@trirail812productions8]

todays 206 get ready for this only 50 loads of rock mabey few junk on the end

[@trirail812productions8]

why did they even run a 206 where is all the intermodal for such a dead rail line in the day they dont have no intermodal

[@trirail812productions8]

for running trains every 8 hours you whould think they whould do intermodal

[@waynemiller7382]

Is the locomotive sound coming from speakers in the room as well as coming out from inside the locomotive shell? If so how is this made possible? Thanks

[@TolgaEastCoast]

It is! The understanding is a second decoder is wired via pickups wired DOWN from the track, and that puts out to the appropriate speaker.

[@dsingh412]

I hope you made sure the diesel locomotive had enough fuel in it's tank. do u have any sd40-2's on your roster as it would make more sense to have one stationed somewhere.

[@christianschmidt5744]

Wow!. you train specialists are beyond withering detail... so cool... the only "real" thing absent is the graffiti.. I'm happy to do some custom work on your surfaces if wished

[@trirail812productions8]

HOW IS GROUP OF MEXICO RUNNG FEC AND EVERYTHING ARE THEY DOING IT FROM MEXICO CITY

[@trirail812productions8]

WHY DOES FEC NOT RUN THERE OWN SHIT

[@gailbooker3759]

More fec

[@user-pd5kg1gi5i]

What DCC system are you using?

[@TolgaEastCoast]

I use NCE/Digitrax. Lance uses EasyDCC

[@user-pd5kg1gi5i]

@@TolgaEastCoast what is EasyDCC?

[@DetroitLove4U]

You're not a fan of rotating roller bearings?

[@TolgaEastCoast]

I am, but I won't spend a ton of money to replace all my wheelsets.

[@AbelG8781]

That first engine could use a tune up or an ESU decoder. Too jerky for slow speed

[@chriswoodruff2293]

You sure are a ball of sunshine aren’t ya? You’ve been negative on every comment you’ve made.

[@AbelG8781]

@Chris Woodruff if this is a negative comment, you lack a pair of balls. Grow some 🖕

[@GreenRC24]

Fantastic looking layout. IMO the train speeds are too fast and not prototypical.

[@chriswoodruff2293]

He films the prototype in this area as well. Watch those and I think you’ll find that the speeds are exactly prototypical.

[@guilford681]

Shut that friggin bell off!

[@normanmallar7519]

Nice layout, too bad your trains are of today, I myself, I am into trains of the 60's and 70's when trains were fun to watch because of all the road names and logos, today's trains are plain. Just initials and graffiti. And the 40' boxcar still ruled instead of these big ugly boxcars of today. But your layout is awesome. I miss Santa Fe, Boston and Maine, Penn Central, Erie Lackawanna, Norfolk and Western, Chessie System, Southern, Illinois Central, Seaboard Coast Line and all of the rest. Those were colorful railroads. These mega mergers killed the attraction to trains for me. Your railroad would look great with classic locomotives and freight cars.

[@Lakeside1943]

this is "real" railroading, where there is always a lot of work to be done.