Model Railroad for Beginners - From Loop to Layout - Adding Interest & Industry

[@mikparker2572]

I am 63 yrs of age and my wife has just bought me a train set on an oval track and has also said I can use the loft to set up whatever I like so finding your videos is perfect. I love the way you explain layouts etc and yes you make it interesting and fun. I totally can’t wait to see more. Kudos my friend 👏🏼 subscribed

[@marchebert9813]

What a great series. It is good to see the progression from simple layouts to more complex incrementally. This is so easy to digest. Well done.

[@EarlJSmith]

You have a natural talent to make this easy and fun for us that are just starting out like myself. I am really enjoying watching your series and look forward to watching again soon. 👍

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thank you so much Earl. I'm hoping to get the next one in this series out soon. I had initially bitten off too big a chunk with it, so I'm splitting it into more manageable pieces.

[@thehastyterrainmaker9485]

Earl I’m a terrain making guy NOW getting into trains and damn, love this channel so far BUT aid love to see JC do a video on what 18/30? 15/30 and such are for tracks and their differences... YET to find a video on that... makes it hard to layout track plans in scarms when you’re not sure what track you do have lol

[@Srt_Gio215]

Me and my wife was thinking about putting a train layout together in our garage. By watching your videos it’s really helping us we are 1st timers.

[@The52car]

John, this is just what I was looking for. I came from a large club layout and I have a friend trying to get into the hobby with a 4x8 layout. I've been struggling to wrap my head around how to make a track design centered around ops on a table top. Thanks for the video!

[@wilzdart]

I really like what you have done in the limited space...You show what can be done with a space most have available. Enjoying the series.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks Will. No big steel mills like yours, so I have to be selective about the industries!

[@williambryant5946]

This is a great series for someone just getting into model railroading who needs building tips and who doesn't know how switching operations work on the railroad. It's even fun for me to watch knowing all this stuff already. Maybe you'll teach me something I don't know. Great video. 👍

[@JCsRiptrack]

I still have a lot to learned about operations, but starting with something basic like this seemed to be a good thing to share. I'm picking up stuff just doing this.

[@jasonlicari8425]

I am just getting started in this hobby, and very happy to have found your videos. You obviously put a lot of time and effort in, and it is very helpful to a newbie like myself. Great work! Thanks!

[@kevinpavelchik9189]

JOHN -- Your videos ROCK! ...and are an immense help to a railfan returning to the hobby after 50 years! QUESTION: What is it that you are using to dis-connect the cars? Is that just an ordinary piece of wooden dowel, or what?

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks Kevin. I’m using an uncoupling tool. I think I’m just using a bamboo skewer in this video (if it’s wood coloured), but I also use a pre-made one from Rix/Pikestuff. Recently I’ve been experimenting with 3D printing them too.

[@jxvolker]

I am really enjoying this series and am learning a lot.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks John. I'm learning as I am doing through this!

[@milgeekmedia]

@@JCsRiptrack Likewise, I haven't even bought my first length of track but this series is proving very helpful in planning BEFORE I buy! Thank you.

[@mmitchum3826]

I've never had a train other than as a kid running a plastic one around a Christmas tree. I was excited by the first two episodes in this series, but the complexity and amount of info really jumped up a couple of levels from the last episode to this one. May have to watch this one a few times.

[@JCsRiptrack]

I'm happy to chat more about it. Adding sidings isn't all that hard, at least in principle, but there is a challenge of adding stuff without making it too complex. I'd be happy to talk more, you can contact me through the facebook page, or a direct email in the "about" section of this channel.

[@JCsRiptrack]

I should add, one can potentially stop at any one of these steps and still have an enjoyable layout. The last video shows operations, but it's a more straightforward "swap and drop" --bring cars to the industry, pick up the outgoing cars, and drop off the incoming ones. This video, yes, it does get more complex, but it sort-of builds on the previous video. This one adds the dimension of needing to move cars around inside an industry in order to drop off and pick up the right ones. :)

[@mmitchum3826]

@@JCsRiptrack Thank you for the offer! I'm still in the 'watch but don't do' stage due to time and space, but will reach out if I get further in the 'real world'.

[@ryans413]

I made a pretty fun layout on a 4x8 sheet of plywood it was in HO I was able to have one industry with two siding that could hold 5 cars. It was a steel recycle plant I had a passing siding and the loop was in the style of a dog bone to break up the boring circle I had a small mountain with tunnels and a small town. The thing I can say from experience is don’t go too crazy with track designs you want room for the scenery that’s important

[@greggmundkowsky5798]

I am really enjoying this set of videos, looking forward to the next installment

[@JCsRiptrack]

Glad you like them! I'm working on the next installment, I am hoping to get it out soon.

[@katscott4793]

Thank you for this series..... I inherited all my dads HO trains... (including 2 ice cream buckets of red cedar and mahogany saw dust for who knows what he was designing) was in a 9×11 room in the late 80's/90's... now im sifting through boxes trying to figure out what works and how to design a 4×8 layout and utilize as much of it as I can. Make some train memories with my youngest son like I did with dad.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks for your note. The 4x8 in HO is a good place to start. Some advocate for doing something around the walls if you can. In my case, I don't have that luxury, which is why I am doing it on a door. I hope you find this useful to add some interest to it. I'm working on the next video in this series, which with luck, could be out by the end of the week. :)

[@trainguy5634]

I'm glad you are thinking about operations from the beginning. I built my current layout without much thought for operations. I'm going to be redoing my layout as my health permits with operations as the main goal.

[@JCsRiptrack]

That's been the plan all along, as a way to keep things interesting. I am still learning about operations, but every track that I add is done with operations (and modelling opportunities) in mind.

[@reddrw1]

I still have my N Scale set from when I was a kid. Atlas set ..I grew up by a train yard where they work on trains. I want to make that kind of set up...

[@atheistapostate7019]

Ah a fellow Maritimer! NB originally, now in AB like everyone else lol

[@thomasm519]

JC your doing Great work with this video series. Promoting both the hobby and the product.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks! I'm slowly working towards it, but showing how one can expand even from a basic loop. The next one adds some stuff to the interior. :)

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

Also I think temporary “stand-in” structures are a quick way to see what your layout will look & feel like. I am still using empty cardboard boxes. I print out appropriate siding including windows, doors, & signs, then glue to the boxes. Move them around to try different configurations. This helps plan your final kit or scratch built structures.

[@JCsRiptrack]

I was planning on doing some sort of cutouts once I have the intial full track down and the backdrop installed. What I like about this setup is that if a track configuration isn't going to work, it's not that hard to change it before securing anything down.

[@AndrewMurphy8383]

@@JCsRiptrack kato is pronounce with a k not a c

[@momoansari1195]

Awesome 👍

[@gullijons9135]

I'm about to buy my own startset and get started and this is by far the best starter series I've seen! Can't wait for the next part.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@SkunkMonkey991]

Agreed!

[@jolliemark6294]

This should be good for any one interested operation even long time modelers too... thanks for sharing....Jack

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks. This was really basic, just moving cars around, really. More complex stuff is coming... but there's more track to come too.

[@thundercreekcustoms]

Because I grew up in coal country, a mine is always a must. I also enjoy heavy machinery loads so a factory of some sort is usually on the cards. And transload facilities are fun to model so that’s usually my #3.

[@SleepyHollowRestoredMikeJohns]

Well John I didnt start with a loop only a shelf but it is a very long shelf two feet wide by 18 feet long .As I am just starting in the hobby I mocked up some areas to see what I liked. Keep up the great work and keep safe!

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks Mike! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with. :)

[@NothusDeusVagus]

Aside from the information in regard to the "basic mechanics" of general operations, I see how you're implementing the clever use of pre-recorded statements from your previous presentations, edited into your subsequent presentations. Thankyou.

[@jamesbraxton6132]

there was a Bowaters paper mill in Brooklyn NS. just out side of Liverpool where the warehouse was on the Mersey Bay and service cargo and some small container ships.the warehouse still is there.

[@JCsRiptrack]

I've considered a paper mill for a maritime layout. Definitely prototypical, but oddly too big for the small amount of space that I have. I expect that I'll handle papermills and the Michelin tire plants via interchange tracks in different operating sessions. :)

[@jamesbraxton6132]

@@JCsRiptrack Let Me rephrase what i'm saying. it is prototypical to have all sorts of cars going to and from the waterside mill. and there's no way you would be able to model the mill site on that small of a foot print. but you can use your imagination of it in a invisiblepart of the layout.. this is what you get from someone who spent 3 mounths every summer growing up acrosss from a paper mill in NS.

[@JCsRiptrack]

@@jamesbraxton6132 That's very true. My layout isn't large enough to show the larger industries in the region, but there's opportunity to suggest something bigger that's just "offscreen".

[@thehastyterrainmaker9485]

I have an adhock setup in the progress... not a standard look BUT several industries in mine... lumber yard, granary and coal yard with a train repair building

[@EdLeake]

Great series, really helpful to newcomers like me. I hope you continue!

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks! I have a new video in this series on the way, but it's not quite ready yet.

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

Very mice. Even though it's not weathering is nice to see you doing obsessions on your layout

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks Joe. I'm still doing weathering stuff, but this helps me get my layout done... and moves me closer to doing stuff on scenery!

[@IMRROcom]

What are Very mice??????

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

Mice are very nice

[@MARKLINMAN1]

This has got to be one of the best series on N gauge Kato tracks and layouts. Awesome ideas man. I just started working on a 4 foot by 4 foot Layout and I am using all Kato track, would love to see a video series on how to do all the electrical wiring with KATO, thank you.

[@JCsRiptrack]

I will do my best. Wiring isn't my strong suit, but I've managed to make this thing work (mostly). So that video may be expressing some of my challenges. Right now, I am just using the plug connectors, feeder tracks, and terminal unijoiners to power the track. I do, however, have the wire to run more "traditional" bus powerlines and feeder drops. That will come when I expand the layout. :)

[@MARKLINMAN1]

@@JCsRiptrack can’t wait. I can plug all things and wire the layout, it is the turnouts that I would love to see get done, my dream is to get them done digital style. I could be dreaming. 😂🤣😂🤣🤣🤣

[@JCsRiptrack]

The other piece I am looking at is creating control panels that use DPDT switches instead of the standard Kato ones. However, I may be dreaming a bit on that one.

[@LewisLocos]

Thanks for this. It was great to see a demonstration in model form of trains switching. There was quite a few movements there. I never knew how exactly it was done. I'm from the UK so there may be a few diferences but this was helpful for layout design. Thank you!

[@sparky107107]

looks like the fun is starting now.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Yup! Actually running trains, even if across a pink landscape. :)

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

@@JCsRiptrack The CP Pink Foam Division? :) I put a video on my Facebook page yesterday of my most recent motive power purchase running over a loop of Unitrack on the dining room table and billed it as the "Southern Pacific Kitchen District."

[@normanrowe2831]

Thanks Teach! I’m learning a lot. Great new series. See ya next time.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks Norman. I'm learning a lot on this one too!

[@mchorvat]

great tips. thank you!

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks Marek. Glad you found them useful!

[@modelrailer]

Very cool man! Im in the process of building a 6x9 O scale loop layout with my kids and operations for me. This was a big help. Thanks

[@JCsRiptrack]

Nice. Operations can be done at any scale. You doing yours with Fastrack?

[@modelrailer]

Yea and im planing it out evenly like you did with your track. I just need 4 more pieces to finish my Interchange track. I think im going to call it the arrival and departure track. Eventually it will grade down under the layout to hidden staging. Again thanks for sharing this series. Ill definitely keep an eye on it. KUTGW @@JCsRiptrack

[@canyonpast]

So fun, Thanks for sharing.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

Really like the layout!!👊🏻 Since I'm just starting out this is something like I had in mind. Stay Safe & God Bless!!!

[@markgershman1563]

Very simple demonstration. It seems to me that as long as you can get around all sides of your layout is an advantage to picking up and dropping off trains...unless it can be remotely done.

[@chuckmaddison2924]

Just starting out in N . Ive got a table and the room. Next week got some stuff from Tomix coming. I just want 2 tracks with country Japanese style . What they sell we don't have crossing the desert with freight, folks or ore .

[@CheapTricks]

I would love to see more operations like these

[@JCsRiptrack]

I'm hoping to get the next video on Yard operations out fairly soon!

[@book1957]

Great start. Will make a fun layout to run, by yourself or with one more person.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks. The current configuration is more of a one-person job, but I am planning to add enough that could have up to three operators. One for each side, and one that runs the local that moves stuff around the layout. The next two videos in this series are going to be about adding some challenge to the interior of the layout.

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[@sohayel_nafi]

Very informative, thank you

[@JCsRiptrack]

This is as much about me learning about it as I go along, rather than being an expert. Thanks, and hopefully the veteran model railroaders will help me when I mess up.

[@lukeroberts2610]

Thanks for the conversions & explanations on track. I’m from the metric system & a lot of videos on KZbin are from he imperial, feet & inches. I can’t recall either many videos I have personally come across that are using Kato track, so I thank you for your time & effort with your series, I look forward to seeing more of it.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Glad to help. The conversions aren't too hard. As a Canadian we have this odd hybrid where we use both. Officially we are metric, but because we are so close to the states, we also make use of imperial measurements. It means we have to do a lot of conversion on the fly. I'm hoping to get the next video in this series done soon.

[@B-A-L]

@@JCsRiptrack Pesky Americans and their Imperial measurements and fractions! Mind you us British are like our Canadian cousins and are equally at home using both measurement systems! I find metric easier to use for my layout because it is all decimal and the lengths that Kato use are easier to work with.

[@maxheadroom7687]

Interesting thanks for this...I’m learning all the time!👍😎🇦🇺

[@theoneandonlytony8481]

You deserve WAY more attention! keep doing what your doing bro

[@raymondleggs5508]

keep rollin rollin rollin'

[@geoffreylee5199]

CP and CN, good man!

[@JCsRiptrack]

And CBCNS :) Gotta keep the canuck representation going :)

[@elleryparsons5766]

This Will Be My Wife’s First Time With N Scale Specially with Kato.

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

Good basic intro to ops. Maybe should discuss trailing versus facing points next time?

[@JCsRiptrack]

I am going to be adding a second outside interchange/industry track that will be a facing spur. That could well be in the next video in this series. Good that you mentioned it, I'll remember to include it.

[@oldboy7783]

I love your videos! My only suggestion is that you could somehow number them; as I started on video 3 I think and had to jump around to find the right order, and after going through to your current video I finally found the first video. I was never much into N initially. I started with HO and even dabbled in O. But after divorce and moving, and stumbling upon your videos I am seriously considering doing an N gauge layout, and may use your track plan as a good starting point. Thank you for doing these videos; I have subscribed and look forward to your new ones. You have a great presentation and I enjoy your way of explaining things.

[@chazco]

Awesome beginner video.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks ChazCo! I figured I was in a good position to do something like this.

[@shiftintohigh5564]

I did what you are doing in a basement. 10 or 12 folding stables with layers of 3 inch styrofoam plus 1 and 2 inch layers and Woodland scenic is risers. mostly all Kato track. When ballasted looked great. Cut in lakes, and retaining walls. Even had an NN3 run up hill in the middle. Never finished it. We moved. No basement. You have me thinking👍👍🤔🤔 Your layout looks great👍👍😎😎

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks! Yes, no basement can curtail the size of a layout, but European, British, and Japanese modellers all deal with smaller space constraints than we do in North America.

[@shiftintohigh5564]

JC's Riptrack ahhh! Me thinks your right! Good thought👍👍😎

[@the.porter.productions]

This is all assuming you don’t have trashy bachmann turnouts. My father and I run ho scale stuff and our non-permeant layout has Bachmann track. I can’t back up more than 2 cars on my turnouts without derailments. When I get more track, I’ll get a different brand of turnouts, even if it doesn’t look super great. This video was very helpful, as I’m gonna do a lot of track work soon, so this gives me some creative ideas. - JP

[@JCsRiptrack]

It’s why a favour the Kati ones, but any turnout can risk derailments. I have some locomotives whose wheels are a little out of gauge and they trip up too, mostly on the #4’s. . Glad you found this helpful.

[@the.porter.productions]

JC's Riptrack yes sir, and that is why I’m redoing my track plan. I am gonna add more 2 way turnouts so I can also drive in versus always backing in! - JP

[@mikebacko7933]

My loop started as a simple loop around the iconic leg lamp in our family room. That grew into me building Hogsmead station from Harry Potter. Eventually, that grew into me buying an n scale replica of the hogwarts express and expand my simple loop into a much larger loop that includes a scale model of Hogwarts. It's not perfect but, hey, it's my Railroad to steal a phase, and I am pretty pleased with it.

[@rdanscale3416]

I think for small fries like me.. The Layout as you showed in your Video Sir it's Damn sharp and as much as we wished we could.. most of us out here live on tight Budget's or it's where we live that keeps us from broadening our Layouts but I've seen on youtube lately and what you posted small layouts dont have to be Dull either.. On my Layout I basically got to keep it simple my Allergies & dry eyes and my layout being in a Bedroom keeps me from doing any sanding of Any kind.! that also includes painting and using Strong Glues to me a Layout is better placed in Garage or Basement if you can keep it watertite or maybe a bedroom if it's only used for Running the layout or other model related purposes.. But I thought this Video was very constructive it can help a small layout Builder build something even though there isn't a whole lots of space and if you use foam as shown here you can add: trees, signs foliage cut out ditches or Ravines bridges & power lines Please keep on posting this Good content from a small Fry I'm hooked.. And now im Hungry Time for some Grub.mm🤓 Allen D and D.M🚦R.R.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks Allen, scenery will come as this evolves. Once I finish showing how I am experimenting with the track plan, I am going to be installing a backdrop between the two halves, finalising the track work, and then scenery will be the next thing on deck. So that is definitely coming. The big challenge in a small layout is the temptation to put too much in and not leaving enough room for scenery... but on the flip side, there’s also the danger of not having enough on it to keep it operationally interesting for me. Part of it is finding the sweet spot.

[@s_cutt]

Operation is fun

[@JCsRiptrack]

It is. :) The next two videos in this series keep going down this rabbit hole....

[@steve87thpsap]

Very nice explanation. I have 3 industries and a passenger stop on my rail road. Much like your port on industry, the batch plant has 2 siding tracks. The way the layout is I can run about 3 different trains. One question / suggestion for you to answer. Talk about using the Kato turnouts with DCC. I did not read well and found that there is a switch inside the turn to use them with DCC. My are left in DC mode which now makes them power routing. It would be nice to see the difference.

[@JCsRiptrack]

The switch is in the #4 turnouts to change them from power routing to non-power routing. The #6 turnouts are always power routing, which created a few headaches in filming this video. :) Not because I didn't know, but some of the feeder tracks weren't connected properly, and the power routing worked in my favour, until it didn't!

[@chrisgeoguy]

Great video! Just starting out and a great introduction to industry and how they function within a layout. Would you mind sharing an overhead shot of your layout...I’m interested in copying yours if you don’t mind! Keep the videos coming!!

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks. I'm going to be adding a bit more trackage in future videos. I don't have too much room to do an overhead shot beyond the end-shot in the video. I may be able to provide a rough track plan outline of each step.

[@elleryparsons5766]

I do see this At Train shows and I love it shows me better skills.

[@waikwokchoong7528]

Hi John, I have just started this hobby and I think your video is of great help! Thanks! Just a question, what are you using to decouple the cars? I see you are using a rod. Is it specially made? Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@JCsRiptrack]

I was using a decoupling tool made by Rix Rail Products or a bamboo skewer depending on what segment you're watching. Either will work, but the Rix product has a slight blade shape that makes it easier.

[@cme8331]

Another way to add interest and play value would be to run one or more laps between switching locations as if each area was located in a different town.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Yes, that’s definitely part of the operational plan. As someone else pointed out elsewhere, I “cheated” on the exit, and should have had the train do a full lap before exiting on the interchange track. Although demonstrating on a video, these shortcuts are necessary.

[@Youraloser404]

Loving the content make another video about improving

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks Dominic. Working on it! :)

[@kamala2111]

Excellent series so far, enjoying it. So do you think Kato unitrack is best, compared to say Bachmann for a beginner?

[@JCsRiptrack]

For a beginner, especially in N-Scale, Kato is definitely the way to go. More options, and pretty much bulletproof. Very little in the way of derailments, although I have do do a little work on the crossover tracks as my GP9rm's don't like them. Nothing a file won't solve!

[@bugsbunny9332]

love every vid. you need more subs

[@jeremiahroy6823]

Hi, I'm a new subscriber. I was wondering if you've done a Video on "How to set up DDC?". Nice vid man!

[@JCsRiptrack]

I've not done anything on DCC, but I do have DCC system. So I suppose I could probably do a "side" video on the basics of it and the system I'm using.

[@larryschmitt2513]

JC, new to the hobby, when I was a young child had a train. Now a Senior Citizen with a soon to be 6 year old grandson would like to build a train set. My question is do you have this build series as one group that we can follow? Your Amazon Shop doesn’t appear to be working

[@JCsRiptrack]

Hi Larry, I created a playlist with this series. Here's the link: kzbin.info/aero/PLxNYoknHPrDoI9LemF4X2hW2lmA1mko4M Unfortunately, Amazon links can expire, but the principles in this series are applicable across brands, unless I am talking about somethe Kato-specific. Depending on where you live, there are local stores or online shops that have everything that you see me use in this series.

[@larryschmitt2513]

@@JCsRiptrack thank you for getting back to me. We are located in a non hobby shop area unfortunately, so we’ll have to order in pieces parts.

[@DrRchannel71]

nice

[@jeffallen5698]

Enjoying the series..what manufacturing company are those engines

[@JCsRiptrack]

Those engines are an out-of-print set from Lifelike, commissioned by Hobbycraft Canada. Very nicely detailed, but actively DCC hostile. I have three, and all of them have decoders in them now. It was not easy for him to do that.

[@buckeyerails15]

Glad I finally found your channel! Your videos are great, and you know how to present everything well. Keep it up! Also, I couldn't help but notice you were using NCE Powercab for DCC, how did you wire it into the kato unitrack?

[@JCsRiptrack]

It was an MRC Prodigy Express (original) controller in the first video, but in this video I had since upgraded to a Piko Smartcontrol system (it’s virtually identical to the ESU Cab Control). Connecting it to the system was the same. I modified a Kato Unitrack “extension” cord by clipping off the end, stripping about 1cm/0.5in off the end, tinning the wires and then hooking them into the system the same way you would any other system. I may add more robust wiring once things are more secure.

[@buckeyerails15]

@@JCsRiptrack Ah, alright. Thank you so much, and once again keep up the good work!

[@Wild-Dad]

Great series - just came across it. I’m looking to get back in with N scale - I gave away the last of my HO stuff last summer. I didn’t realize the N scale track were so easy work with. I had some experience with the KATO HO track when it first came out over 20 years ago. It did not seem that easy to work with back then. Just out of curiosity, are you a a Canadian YT site? Just asking as I’m in Burlington, Ont.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Yes, I am Canadian. Now out on the west coast, but it's only a recent move. Prior to here, I was in Calgary, and I did live in Ontario for a number of years.

[@Wild-Dad]

@@JCsRiptrack - good for you. I follow another YT site from out west called BArailsystems. He doesn’t do “how to” vids like yours is. It’s more a chronological view of the building of his basement sized layout - based on the Rockies near Banff. It’s a slow build.

[@dianekomperda1816]

So thankful to have found your series! It's been super helpful as I've taken on the challenge of helping my son start his first layout. Wondering what material was used on your table over the platform? It appears to be a pink foamsheet? Thanks!

[@JCsRiptrack]

That’s exactly what it is. Depending on where you live affects it’s availability. It’s common in building stores in Canada, but more difficult the further south one goes in the US for example. Glad you’ve found the series helpful.

[@raptorranger4282]

For this content he should have more subs

[@JCsRiptrack]

I appreciate the vote of confidence :)

[@BertTirona]

Thanks for the helpful video! Giving me great ideas for my layout. Got a question though, how do I make spurs functional? Do I need a special end track to get the electricity working? When I make my turnout, the train dies, maybe because the end is not connected?

[@JCsRiptrack]

You need to provide some sort of power to the siding. Are you using Unitrack? The #6 turnouts are power-routing, but it is still a good idea to get power to your spur tracks.

[@BertTirona]

@@JCsRiptrack Got it! Thanks! Yeah I'm using unitrack.. not sure if it's #6 though, I'll look it up. Appreciate your videos!

[@SD_Marc]

I like that layout. I need to tweak my plan a little to avoid just a basic oval with some turnouts. Any diagram available for ideas?

[@JCsRiptrack]

The main thing is have a purpose for the turnouts. Whether it is a dedicated industry or one of these Universal industries. The other thing is including one that is designated as an interchange so you have an "off layout" source for cars.

[@cadecunningham2208]

Uh, random question but what is the white foam stuff underneath the track?

[@JCsRiptrack]

It’s Woodland Scenics foam risers. It can be curved and shaped to create a base for the track. They also have incline sets too.

[@cadecunningham2208]

@@JCsRiptrack thank you so much!

[@AverageOhioan1903]

i got my first loop last christmas and i had some ho before (it was to big) i went to dollar tree during christmas and they had some little buildings and walls and stuff and i used there post office as a station and a small ho train as a fright inter change thing what do you think about that?

[@jaypmorgan4782]

What is the white styrofoam flexible road bed at 7:04? Where can I get it?

[@JCsRiptrack]

Those are Woodland Scenics risers. In this case, they're the 1" type, but they also have sloped ones as well. Here's a quick link to the 1" risers on Amazon: amzn.to/34bSxVf You may be able to find them at your local hobby shop when/if they're open at this point in time.

[@NHseacoast]

What height did you set this layout at? It looks very high. Great 👍 tips !

[@JCsRiptrack]

It's about 53 inches or about 135 cm. I'm not that tall (5'8"/173cm)ish, so it's a good eye-level height for me. Also clears my hobby desk which is directly under it.

[@elleryparsons5766]

Try a Double Loop then put your Twist on it.

[@falconeye577]

Hello Years ago I started collecting cars and engines, but with two children I did not have room or time for a train layout Now I have an empty room and no children I pulled out my items and laid them out on the floor Over the years I have read up on trains and much has changed Now I want to know two things to see if I should or even can convert what I have to DCC and KaDee or If I should sell what I have and buy new any hope I can get some help here from you

[@JCsRiptrack]

Converting from a standard DC system to DCC is relatively easy in terms of wiring. Just connect the system into the same wiring as your DC system to start. Having locomotives that can run DCC can get trickier when it comes to installing the decoders, short of buying some new ones in the meantime to give you a feel for it. You don't necesarily need to sell what you have, but you could piecemeal it.

[@sheldonpardy3233]

What are you using to uncouple your cars? What size base is this? Ho scale? Really want to build this. Do you have anything I can reference besides this video?

[@JCsRiptrack]

This is an N-Scale layout. What you saw me use to uncouple the cars in this video was a simple bamboo skewer. I do happen to have a Rix uncoupler as well, which you'll see me use in the next video.

[@seanhicks8525]

I have more of question than comment. I a beginner with not much room. I have 2foot wide 6foot in length ply board. Can a HO scale train fit on this?.

[@JCsRiptrack]

You can do HO Scale on it, but not in a loop. 24" in depth can even be a little tight for N-Scale. However, you can do a whole lot in terms of a switching or shunting-type layout in that kind of space. Makes for a very interesting way to model a railroad.

[@seanhicks8525]

Thanks for the information.

[@seanhicks8525]

Thanks for the feedback but would Flex track help my wish come true or am I being foolish?

[@IMRROcom]

I must of found a short cut, You did not do a return lap back to your point of origin....

[@JCsRiptrack]

You’re right Eric! My bad. Maybe this shows the need for a track schematic. On the way in from the outer loop I have to complete full circuit to line the train up for the team track, but on the way out, the train was already on the outer loop.

[@muleFUEL1]

Are those GP9RMs? Where can I get myself some? Can't seem to find any online.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Yes, those are GP9rm's. Made by Hobbycraft Canada/Lifelike, and were released in about 2004. I'm not sure if you can find them anywhere other than Ebay. They are actively DCC hostile, but these ones do have decoders in them now. :)

[@muleFUEL1]

@@JCsRiptrack thank you!

[@elleryparsons5766]

How is your Layout comming?

[@JCsRiptrack]

The table is now re-assembled in my new hobby space. Now to get some track back onto it. I have another Loop to Layout video to do!

[@tomwcameron]

What do you use as an uncomplicated tool pls?

[@JCsRiptrack]

You mean for uncoupling? I believe was using a Rix Rail uncoupling tool, but a bamboo skewer also does the trick.

[@tomwcameron]

@@JCsRiptrack Thank you - you correct ly interpreted my mistyping. I shall try that bamboo skewer 👍🚂

[@kadebrown6162]

3:30 bachmann ez track (dissapointment)

[@catfisherboy]

Nice info, where and when the next update ? It's been about 3 months'

[@JCsRiptrack]

Yup. New video in this series is partly filmed, and the rest of it will follow this weekend. I hope to get it out just after Easter. My day job has been very busy over the past few weeks, and I had to tighten it up from what I had originally planned. The Puzzle of operations is next. :)

[@catfisherboy]

@@JCsRiptrack Super, been looking forward to it, thanks for all your video's

[@lonnahenriquez6950]

We had a coal industry. We used a steam locomotive to pick up and drop off cars.

[@christopherdelgaudio9484]

I think I need ure help.if u have done this a million times it's easy!!😗

[@JCsRiptrack]

I haven't done it a million times. I'm still learning myself and sharing what I pick up along the way :)

[@Jstroman221]

Are you going to update this series? Hope so.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Yup. I’m literally working on the next video (took a brief break to respond to this comment). It’s all filmed, just editing it together.

[@Jstroman221]

@@JCsRiptrack haha sorry to distract lol. Not many videos on operations on a small layout.

[@chadportenga7858]

For a little fun, change the playback speed to 0.25x to see roughly how slow he operates the train. The audio makes him sound drunk! LOL Interesting to watch how much work really goes into swapping out empty and full loads on spurs.

[@JCsRiptrack]

For the interest in time, I had to accelerate it precisely because I run my trains slowly... I've not put a speedometer on the layout to see what the speed is, but I do try to run it at more scale speeds. Plus there's always the tricky part to make sure stuff is properly coupled...

[@wcox4]

Kinda interesting, but at the port, you cost yourself so many moves, you'd've been sent back for retraining. I worked as a conductor/switchman/engineer for a variety of shortline railroads all owned by Genesee & Wyoming.

[@JCsRiptrack]

I'm still learning Wayne! In the next video, I'm showing how switching puzzles can help get that practice down... even if it isn't prototypical for operations. :)

[@wcox4]

@@JCsRiptrack you actually do a good job. You have given me a few good ideas. I was just making the comment to help out at a ol session. I just found you on KZbin so I am going to watch all your videos and try some of your workl. I have tons of Unitrack and want to build a good layout.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Unitrack is definitely flexible enough for the job, plus there’s room to play around and test before flying anything down. :)

[@joeweider4896]

Why only loop??;round and round.. boaring A shelf layout van be more intresring

[@JCsRiptrack]

Indeed they can. The loop is a starting point for many people, and if you have young kids like I do, allowing room for trains to be in constant motion is something they like to watch. In the video after this one, I have my son driving the train in a switching operation. I'm effectively the conductor, and he was the engineer. it worked for us.

[@joeweider4896]

I agree with you! Constans motion is more intresting for kids but even kids get boared after a short period if there is not some trick in the layout I think.. It can be intresting tó make the layout a bit unpredictable. I mean with tunnels when the train is entering and it comes out from not the tunnel from where they expected.. The most difficult is tó make a good plan that is not becoming boaring soon. Congratulations to you and lord of fun with your children! (Sorry for my english) Best wishes!

[@djlangle5526]

lol, concrete xD

[@willandrew9160]

.

[@Calispeedboi]

You should raise your camera slightly. It looks better not looking up your nose.

[@mgamga9476]

To much talking

[@philipfrancis2593]

Hello I need suggestions I want to get started on model railroading I decided on the Z guage what should I do first im open to all suggestions. Thanks