LARGEST MODEL RAILROAD COLLECTION & Layout Advice from an Engineer!

[@tedfisk1211]

What hit me is that Todd is humble, not boasting about his collection or layout. He seems down to earth. Many of his positions on N scale agree with mine. He doesn't believe in hidden tracks and everything is out in the open, the way it is with real trains. He runs DC and expresses some opinions about DCC. He runs long trains which is good. So many layouts run skimpy trains that have several engines and a handful of cars. Todd runs his layout very similar to real trains and that is a bit of fresh air in this hobby. He is correct that folks should start out with small layouts and over time work up to larger ones. That was a good video and with Todd explaining his approach to model railroading. Good stuff.

[@djstrains]

He is very nice and humble and friendly

[@skerbs7755]

Hearing his comments (and yours DJ) about his layout and layouts in general are very encouraging! Thanks!

[@Mattjohnson-cv5er]

@@toddtreaster5873 dont lie ive seen it in "N-Scale Model Railroading"

[@toddtreaster5873]

@@Mattjohnson-cv5er were have I ever deleted anything. I get more likes than most people put together. I have never cut up anyone. All model railroads are great. No matter how big or small finished or unfinished, everyone that tries to do their best. At any rate you can say what you want, because in the end it means nothing.

[@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569]

Thanks so much for this awesome video, DJ. I've had the good fortune of visiting Todd's layout twice. I absolutely love it, and look forward to seeing it again in the future. And Todd is a great guy, always willing to help others in the hobby. ...Roy

[@davidpaul8289]

DJ .... I love to see happy people. And you two were having more fun! So thanks for your video.

[@TheTrainFreak]

That is one massive collection for sure! Guinness should come out and see if it holds the world record. Great interview DJ! - Jason

[@djstrains]

No doubt!

[@biggsrr6708]

Oh my gosh, I can't believe Todd gave me a shoutout, 22:00, on your video. Thanks for the wonderful layout and the interview too. You guys are awesome! Keep up the great work DJ!

[@mowman7777]

Amazing. The shot at 13:05 looks so real if I didn’t know it was a model I would swear it was real.

[@derekalexander4030]

Thanks DJ, that was amazing. What a collection and such a nice down to earth guy.

[@RWSBaden]

Hi DJ, Great video and yes Todd is a great guy. I always enjoy catching up with Todd at the Altoona N Scale weekend and it was great to finally see his layout in person at this years Altoona N Scale Weekend. So many subjects covered in this video. I can tell you one of the most common comments I hear from guys at work are "What is wrong with you, the way the railroad treats us and you are a model railroader / rail fan". It's my hobby and what I do for relaxation. I'm not a hunter, I don't find enjoyment in sitting out in the woods in the cold, hoping a deer walks by. I get enough of being at in the cold and rain at work, I don't need to do it in my off time. One point though, I do not model my employer. As for current and future layouts, at my age, I no longer dream of a basement filling empire. I'm very happy with my Hollow Core Door layout. I do enjoy switching ops, but I leave work at work, so no double checks, no three steps and none of the complicated paper work associated with work. It's just simple switching ops, the boxcar goes to Snyder Box, the Covered hopper goes to Medusa Cement, etc. you get my point. Thank you DJ for the video of a Great Model Railroad and lots of great info for model railroaders. Cheers, Rich S.

[@cncpgreatlakesdiv4896]

thanks DJ for the video it is just AWESOME .😊😊👍👍

[@djstrains]

Glad you like it!

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Cool layout. Enjoyed the video and have a nice rest of your Friday.

[@tedfisk1211]

Great video. I enjoyed watching the prototype length of trains running. It is a breath of fresh air that Todd's layout is DC and uses Atlas code 80, both of which my layout is. I say that because everyone, it seems, is running to DCC. Very enjoyable, DJ.

[@djstrains]

Glad you enjoyed it. He is a great guy also

[@johannleuckx1625]

Interesting approach from Todd. Very inspiring. Thanks DJ and as always a great video! Keep up the good work! Many greeting from Belgium!

[@riogrande5761]

Wow. Reminds me of the saying "he who dies with the most toys wins" or something like that.

[@djstrains]

He’d definitely win that contest, lol. He is a really good guy and has a great wife also.

[@miltonrichards5532]

You rarely see model trains running at scale speed…adds so much to the realism! Nice job! ❤

[@aaronwilliams6989]

OMG! How extensive. Love it. I could watch that all day!

[@djstrains]

You and me both!

[@mikel5295]

DJ , this may be your best video yet and you have a lot of sweet videos ! Todd is like you , he's a down to earth guy and his passion for this hobby shows in every sentence he spoke . I have seen a lot of layout videos , talked to a lot of fellow model railroad people but this video I learned more from . I'm not young and I've been around this hobby quite awhile so to impress me is not super easy . You and Todd really caught my attention. Thanks for a great video

[@djstrains]

I tried to do a break from the ordinary and I feel this comment shows my effort was successful, and I am truly grateful for your kind words and acknowledgment

[@ratherbeflying101]

It's simply an amazing layout it's really incredible thank God the United States of America has this man in this layout within its borders, thank you sir!

[@djstrains]

Couldn't agree more!

[@mikeilkenhons8896]

I came from a CB&Q/BN railroad family..father 40 years, grandfather 38 years, great grandfather 32 years and myself two summers while in college. Railroading is a passion. Listening to this reminds me of just how close the railroad family is. Nothing as relaxing as recreating what I remember from my youth. Even though his layout is massive compared to my room size layout, quality and finish are the goal. I did catch his take on power supply and track leads. I have a little work to do.

[@nynscaler2482]

Great video. I enjoyed the interview with Todd and his views on both work and the hobby. Would love to hear more about his collection. Possibly in a future video? Given the immense size of his collection, maybe he can point out some of the older models, favorite models, etc. Thanks!

[@djstrains]

Maybe in 2023!

[@HumancityJunction]

It is really good that he got the answer to that last question correct.

[@djstrains]

Lmao

[@proxtrains]

Love all the Conrail rolling stock shown! + Conrail shirt. I would love to see this layout in person, possibly even make a video😅. I’m realizing I need more interviews for the layouts I show, thanks for sharing!!!

[@gcorriveau6864]

Re, "foamers" and "buffs" as derogatory terms. I was surprised when a friend referred to me as a 'foamer' after a facebook posting about my new hobby. I replied how strange this attitude is to me. Like you mentioned Harley fans - I've never heard airline pilots say derogatory things about plane-spotters, or folks who just gather at fences to watch planes taking off and landing. We get it. Most of us love planes, too. Many professional pilots also fly RC models, or gliders, or aerobatic planes or just a simple, sport plane for taking local trips for those weekend, "100 Dollar Hamburger trips. I love this guys' collection! It almost rivals my wife's doll collection - and gives me a goal to reach for! ha ha. thanks for posting, DJ

[@tony791999]

Great video. I love this guy. I love the pride he has in his trackwork that doesn't derail. Also I love that he's on DC still. So many people think DCC is a requirement for a large layout but it doesn't have to be.

[@markjolyn94]

Just the statistics of motive power,freight cars,passenger cars,the yard is outstanding,and the dimensions of the layout are astounding!!

[@djstrains]

Well said!

[@dannyshortwave]

That is an incredible collection and layout. Great video. Great interview. Merry Christmas DJ. Happy New Year. 😊

[@djstrains]

Thank you and same to you

[@tracksidemike]

Fantastic share DJ just a awesome video. Just amazing layout to visit. And great shoutout to miniprints they do fantastic work it’s the small things that matter. I think you could sit there for hours to take all that great work put into that layout 👍🏻🚂🔔 TSM

[@thetrainseekers1]

Your videos and channel is fantastic DJ! I am hoping someday to visit Todd’s layout! Love your stories as an engineer too! Keep up the great content!!!

[@acrranscaleandlifejourney4330]

What great layout!❤. Thanks for taking the time to interview Todd. Really great set of videos DJ. Thanks for sharing!!

[@pattyofurniture8059]

Very interesting interview. I've seen this layout before but never knew it was DC. As a poor person with a small crummy DC layout, I approve.

[@scenariomckinney]

That was so insightful. I learned alot watching this,as I am starting a model railroad as we speak. Thank you!!

[@djstrains]

Glad it was helpful!

[@janeordway4841]

Most Engineers would call model railroaders Foamers because we love to watch the trains. Funny how this guy lived the formers dreams and did both.

[@elleryparsons2433]

My wife and I go Dc on Ho and N Scale and We Love it.

[@beertruk2429]

Ta DJ. A bloody good interview vid.

[@djstrains]

Appreciated

[@brucew.5177]

I like his take on keeping it simple . I need to rethink my layout ; I've been lost in the weeds for years and it's because of the self imposed complexity . Thank you...

[@djstrains]

Very common. I used to be the same way. Some prototypes aren't easily modeled into a scale track plan.

[@tpfromcentralpa1692]

Wow, this was worth the wait! Todd won the powerball and didn't even have to buy a ticket.............got paid to run NS F-units, talk to Wick Moorman, and then went home and ate ice cream in the N-Scale Mecca! The foamer comments are interesting, I had a interview at a short line here for a conductor years back, I was asked at the interview by a official near the top of the company if I was into trains, seeing where it was going, I said no, and they said "Good, we don't like Foamers".............I personally found it odd on why you wouldn't be more open to people who have a interest in the craft? In agriculture I run tractors/equipment all day, then work on vintage agriculture stuff at night, I know if I seen someone watching me at the edge of a field that was working on his own tractor, I would get them to run mine! I actuallly did have someone stop on a field edge along a busy road and start taking pictures about 10 years ago. I stopped at the end and went over and asked them what they were doing. The old guy proceeded to tell me that the tractor I was using that was built in low production numbers was his old man's dream but they couldn't afford one at the time, and have never seen another one other than the one on the dealer lot when new. I was flattered someone actually cared and was interested in what I was doing, I would think railroads would be similar, but it seems they are the total opposite. Great video!

[@eastcoastrailroad8209]

Great interview and video. This would be a great trip if it was ever possible but I know for my age it could never happen. Keep the good workout going on.

[@seanpacificrailroad3700]

It’s hard for me to describe in words how amazing this gentleman‘s layout is, and how amazing your videos are thank you DJ for sharing 😃

[@mrk1075]

These are the kind of people that keep the hobby stores in business. 😂

[@timf2279]

I hope Todd has family that will carry on his legacy.

[@robd2184]

Interesting video. We get a lot of small layouts here in the U.K. as we don’t generally have basements , and an average spare room is about 10’x 6’ , motive power depots are common in all scales - definitely envious of the space !

[@elleryparsons2433]

When I modeled I started with a 4x8 lost the Table Then moved to Wis My dad haloed me Restart Again had 3 4x8’s got married my wife started and Built her a Layout I still Have 2 4x8’s in an L Shape Then I started into N Scale Then My Wife got into N scale Now we Are good to go now. We Will Never Stop Model Rail Roading EVER! Best Therapy hands Down.

[@funone8716]

Years ago I got invited to a dr's house, his basement was filled with a point-to-point HO layout. It was an operating club, everybody got their assignment for the evening. They were really serious....lol. It seemed like a JOB not fun with model trains. I just like to watch them run around. They were not happy when I declined to join the club

[@djstrains]

Man, I understand way better than you know!

[@simonalexandercritchley439]

Great layout and love the cityscape! DJ putting Todd on the spot at the end there. I don't get the anti-train or modeler thing either but then I have been a fan for most of my 63 years.

[@linesided]

wow. This layout incredible

[@trevorgwelch7412]

He must be rich to own that many trains 😂 Maybe the backdrop could be a live screen video

[@freebird1292]

The entire basement is a masterpiece!!

[@IMRROcom]

Todd follows the same rules I do, Atlas Code 80, 1/2 plywood benchwork, MTL Trucks and Couplers, MTL plastic Wheels etc. and the train just run and run perfectly, Granted I'm DCC and not DC. The entire Metal wheels and body mount couplers etc. are more problem than they are worth. I have a bunch of newer cars with body mount couplers that are too high compared to the MTL height gauge with no way to lower them, so cars uncouple on grades etc. The MTL wheels are always true unlike the metal wheel sets. If you see a car with a wobble on it, it has metal wheels. Yes, metal wheels might be metal wheels but they still have a soft plastic center that is pressed onto an axle shaft. it seems metal wheels are never perfectly square. You might not be able to see that with a naked eye, but if the car wobbles it is those metal wheels. The MTL "Plastic" wheels seem to all ways run true and square.

[@waltersobchek2465]

I agree, but am curious if the plastic wheels actually create a dirtier track after many runs compared to metal wheels..? Apparently Todd runs many plastic and metal wheels and has a huge layout. A lot of internet myth in model railroading.. perhaps a good method of track cleaning that doesn’t attract more grime is more important than plastic ir metal wheels..?? Pretty big layout to have to chase extra track cleaning on ! Running trains keeps track clean! Maybe wheels are not the culprit creating dirty track needing more cleaning..? I am up to speed on good track cleaning (don’t use cleaners that attract more grime) What do you think if you run plastic wheels? Thanks!

[@IMRROcom]

@@waltersobchek2465 The MTL wheels are made from an Engineering plastic, in fact Todd mentions the name of the Engineering plastic in his interview. All these so called myths can be traced back to the old REAL PLASTIC wheels that came in HO Blue Box kits and other cheep garbage plastics that were used in HO wheels. Look up Delrin/Polyoxymethylene Then look at usage. "Typical applications for injection-molded POM include high-performance engineering components (e.g. gear wheels, ski bindings, yoyos, fasteners, lock systems). The material is widely used in the automotive and consumer electronics industry. There are special grades that offer higher mechanical toughness, stiffness or low-friction/wear properties."

[@waltersobchek2465]

Ok thank you for clearing that up! I am familiar with Delrin.. I used some to make a chain slider guide for a chain drive on a motorcycle build. I tread lightly on the internet myths in model railroading. But did buy into metal wheels keep ones track cleaner than new MTL plastic wheels. Old version plastic wheels spread onto new plastic technologies and perhaps people cleaning their track improperly attracting more grime and cleaning while blaming MTL plastic wheels. Thanks! Very helpful!!

[@stanleydavis7904]

I had a layout as a child it went from a Christmas oval to a city in about 5 years, it was a sight to see,streets,trollys,etc. My mom made me take it down to make the basement into a bar,over 60 years ago,still angry,company would come over my dad would say show em your trains,the looks would be like right a cho cho,after 2 hrs. in the basement id be like ok folks gotta walk my dog

[@TonyJanfloneJr]

Hey DJ , You have such a great channel . Wishing you the very best

[@djstrains]

Thank you, I pray for your health and recovery from some tough times.

[@TonyJanfloneJr]

@@djstrains Thanks my friend

[@TheLocutus70]

Incredible layout.

[@jamescraft672]

And I thought I had a problem with over-acquisition! My wife asked me how many locos I had, and I didn't know, but not 2800!

[@ColtonRMagby]

That layout was being built when I wasn't even a year old? Talk about dedication!

[@revrup]

Delightful interview!

[@elleryparsons2433]

If I want to spend Money this is How I would spend My Money Model Railroading. And it’s the Best therapy in the world Hands Down.

[@theboot1023]

This guy said “you can’t model the whole line, so I’m going to model the whole fleet”. Fantastic work.

[@djstrains]

LOL!!!!

[@eottoe2001]

Yes, the quiet layout is nice. DCC stuff with engine sounds drives me nuts. I like hearing the clickety-clack of the models themselves. In fact, I like the clickety-clack of the real thing.

[@raremileage]

This is incredible! WOW!

[@eliabraham6918]

This was a great video. Learned a lot

[@domstrains]

Thought I had a lot of trains with a couple thousand N and HO scale locos and cars... this guy's got me beat by about 23,000 pieces and a few million dollars! - Would be incredible to see this collection and layout in person one day! Great stuff!

[@ramalho1948]

Eu pensei que tinha muitos equipamentos, mas perto deles sou principiante, tenho 187 locomotivas, 400 carros de passageiros e 800 vagões de carga, tudo na escala N....

[@johnbanicki7232]

What a fantastic layout.

[@debbiemilka2251]

Dominic, I would love to know what you think of concrete ties. Have they ever benn used for switch construction ? what is the best materil to make ties out of ? I have even heard of recycled plastic

[@djstrains]

a few years ago CSX and Union RR experimented with Steel ties on their turnouts. Odd looking, and they ended up removing them a few years later since they were never used. Concrete ties aren't great for wet environments. Better for dryer temps.

[@jebbthetrainkid1281]

Absolutely Amazing. Todd definitely loves the Hobby.

[@sparky107107]

conrail blue baby !!!

[@michaelstump6289]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing! I’m a DC guy only also.

[@micheldescoteaux7192]

DJ, Nice episode 👍. You are so right. Trains are not toys, they are models and need to be treated as such👍 as a modeler for over 45 years we want the biggest and the best. But It takes time and if you rush it, it will fail and the engineer will not be so happy. Take your time have fun and be serious to all 👍 lots of KZbin videos and books helps 👍

[@cowsgomoo4618]

I'm a bit like this guy, like to watch trains run, but I also like to switch around some cars, but not so worried about being accurate or prototypical. I know and have heard the advice before "start out small" but looking at the bedroom door across the room all I can think of is "too small". I don't have a wont to run a 100 car train with 4 or 5 loco's, but in my mind you need more than a dozen behind a pair of 6 axles.

[@SteamCrane]

If you don't have track running through the bathroom, you're not really trying.

[@rickchapman9232]

I asked you a while back on how you keep water out of the engine and you told me you closed the windows. I should’ve said how to keep water out of the prime mover. I hope that it explains it better to you. Now I have another question,for example,you have a train 10,000 feet long with a mid train dpu, two cars before the dpu a coupler breaks does the dpu also goes into emergency?

[@djstrains]

Any break in an airline, the entire train goes into emergency

[@fivetenflasher]

As someone who almost exclusively runs N scale SHINKANSEN. This video blew my mind when he said that he could put 18 volts into it!!! I refuse to do it on my small layout, but 22 feet could fly by pretty quick with that many volts blasting through an O-2000...

[@alleghenyshenangorr2017]

Amazing layout, What a collection!👏

[@StevesTrains]

Great video!

[@phinsgranpop]

Now that was a loaded question Lol

[@kge420]

DJ, are you losing weight? Regarding the layout, that’s an insane amount of work for one person to accomplish. Very well done.

[@djstrains]

Down from 186 to 159

[@richardgivens2422]

Pretty amazing. There was an old retired railroader that used to live across the alley from me and I asked him one day if he wanted to see my layout. He was polite, but told me he never wanted to see another train, big OR little. He didn't mind telling me some good stories, though.

[@elleryparsons2433]

The Best thing ever to do.nothing wrong with he does.

[@philliplee980]

Very cool

[@4everdc302]

Epic God layout🚂🇨🇦🇺🇲🙋

[@anthonystewart3447]

JUST AMAZING 🙂

[@barbaracarson2128]

Words can not describe the layout outstanding. Is n scale used because of the size? Jimmy

[@bertdellaluna5612]

Amazing!

[@darrellking7551]

What an awesome layout!

[@KutWrite]

So cool. Both of you. Are you going to show a tour of his layout? There seem to be so many points of interest, plus the cars and engines are fascinating. I saw two Heinz 57 tank cars that seemed to carry 100 tons of... mustard!

[@raymondleggs5508]

That's why they call it a Bullet train 😄

[@georgehasler142]

DJ please tell Todd he has a nice layout I am also inpressed with all of engines&cars he has also please tell Todd.always work safe you as well also marry Christmas to you and your family

[@johnjp5883]

Incredible!!

[@nomadsempirebuilder9461]

Nice!!!!

[@AussieGunzel]

His collection is like a real railroad. Impressive.

[@likesanddislikesetc]

That’s definitely a class 1 model railroad

[@Eddy63]

Epic layout ... Part 3 ? ...

[@raymondleggs5508]

Model trainoverload!

[@debbiemilka2251]

Dominic, Please do an episode on how much effort is put into "monster" freights. It's got to be more than the engineer and conductor of the lead engine. I'm guessing it takes a coupler more switchers and possibly input from the dispatcher. I've tried looking around the internet, but nobody is bothering to explain this huge undertaking. Thanks for your most excellent youtube site.

[@fraidykat]

Nope. Just the engineer and the conductor. That's it.

[@pauldering7487]

I live in Pittsburgh. Where is this layout and can I visit?

[@djstrains]

70 mikes east of Altoona

[@djstrains]

NMRA OPEN HOUSE occasionally

[@garyrunnalls7714]

How does he do consists with only DC? My advice for building layouts is #1 Don't have cats lol effin Godzillas

[@hrdcoreme]

Dude looking healthy

[@djstrains]

I needed to

[@michaelbrack457]

cool ! if i had your email i would send you my layout it's huge it started out by a 4 x8 but i just kept adding more !!!!!

[@djstrains]

I am really busy this time of year. I’d only be interested if I was able to film for viewers

[@SleepyWombat9696]

I'm laughing when he's talking about selective compression and you can't be 100% prototype. I'm thinking of all the train nerd channels who spend half the episode apologising for a building not being exactly to scale or the distance to the next town or building is not exactly to scale. The things nobody would ever know or care about. LOL. My layout when it gets built is gonna give those rivet counters a heart attack.

[@rickmiller4202]

I believe the biggest question is, What's the chances of part 3? :)

[@djstrains]

There is a plan…

[@Wrathchildss]

Awesome…🎉

[@johnoneill5661]

And my wife moans about my train collection which is microscopic compared to this 😮 I am going to have to get her to watch this video this collection is amazing.

[@dirkmontgomery5983]

FANTASYIC

[@jeffwardlow4626]

Hey DJ... Question do you have any videos on how to understand a train operator's everyday job ? So I can understand everything on how to think like a motorman or engineer?

[@KutWrite]

If you go to his channel and click on "playlists" they are arranged by subject. I've seen them and they are great! In case you're new, just scroll up to where "djsrains" is in bold letters and click on it, then click on "playlists." You probably want the one titled "Life as an Engineer."