Model Railroad for Beginners - From Loop to Layout - The Puzzle of Switching Operations

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The next step in my “From Loop to Layout” series adds some more challenge to the layout! This video shows builds on the previous one but can stand alone, looking at ways to handle switching operations, and the pros and cons of puzzles on a small layout.
While this is N-Scale, the principles here are transferrable to any scale.
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Music: "Engine No. 9" by Les Hooper
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Keywords:
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[@JCsRiptrack]

So what is your thoughts about puzzles and switching layouts?

[@johnmcintosh3626]

I live in a caravan so space is limited. I developed an HO switching layout (2000mm x 640mm) on the bunk above my bed. (based on an article by Robt. Pethoud in Model Railroader - March 2016). The track plan represents a town at the end of a spur track, and is simply an incoming main with a passing loop that has 1 facing and 1 trailing turnout. On the opposite side to the loop the main track has 1 turnout in the middle leading to a double ended lead track. There are 8 industries to be served, and I use 10 cars in total.. I have 12 Job lists for the "crew", each taking 50 min to 1 1/2 hour to complete. Each Job list involves 2 inbound cars, 2 out bound & up to 3 to be re-spotted.. At the end of the 12th Job, the cars are in the same place as when you started. It's a puzzle but represents the challenges that a Locomotive crew could face every day!

[@JCsRiptrack]

That sounds great! And the encouragement that it can be done in a small space like a caravan. Thanks for sharing!

[@lyircalllamawolf5164]

Really cool

[@tombarnes7196]

Sorry, I don't think of it as a game or "puzzle". I am attempting to simulate what real railroads do-- pick up, drop off and transport goods and people over their road. If there is no element of doing this then you are simply playing too-too twains and I am outta here!

[@diedertspijkerboer]

The problem with the inglenook puzzle for me is that I know a general method to solve it. That takes much of the challenge away. I haven't looked at the other puzzle, but assume that the same could happen.

[@grahamthedark]

you know what I saw that seemed more important than anything, it was that you don't need a lot of cars to have fun. so building up the cars you want slowly instead of thinking I have to have everything I want at once. thanks for this Video keep at it, I am the one that asked you when you would post another Loop to layout on your live stream.

[@haydenbrooksarenburg3024]

Omg someone took notice of NS, thank you from rail fans across Nova Scotia!

[@JCsRiptrack]

No problem! It helps that my Dad grew up in Cape Breton and went to high school in New Glasgow. :)

[@normanrowe2831]

Hello John, I was wondering where you were. That was great. Super entertaining watching you and your son. The high five at the end of an hour switching session, very cool. You guys can watch this together in 20 years and go, “ remember that?” “ That was awesome, dad!” Thanks for sharing, awesome dad. See ya.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks Norman! 👍It was fun. As you can see in the sped-up motion of the video that my son sways and bounces around a lot. However, it does say something that the DCC system I use is relatively bulletproof that he can do switching stuff with me. :)

[@brettany_renee_blatchley]

YAAAAAAY!!! 😊❤

[@greggmundkowsky5798]

Well it's about time, just kidding John. Glad to see the next installment

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks. Truthfully, I originally tried to do too much with this one, which was one of the reasons why it did take as long as it did to release!

[@mitchmorrow1726]

I love the reactions from your son! It's obvious he is having fun!

[@elleryparsons5766]

Watching These Videos From Everyone on Utube is The way to Model Better one way or Another it’s the Truth.

[@codyandrew2029]

I incorporated a ingolnook puzzle in my layout. One end has the mainline switch the other had a grade crossing. That way the “puzzle rules” apply however they are based in reality. Can’t leave cars over a grade crossing or foul the main. I don’t get the dislike for “puzzles” as you’ve shown and I’ve personally worked there are a number of real world industries that are similar. In reality all a industrial job really is a real life puzzle

[@JCsRiptrack]

I like puzzles personally, but I am aware that there are model railroaders don't. The brewery that I mention is exactly a real-world example of puzzles in railroading. There are even several real-world examples of TImesaver track configurations. For me it's a way to keep a layout interesting.

[@fritopg285]

This is awesome, especially involving the kids, Thanks for doing this, it gets the idea's moving

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

That was awesome!!! Was so neat to see your son operate the train and do the operations. For only 5 he did a great job!!!!

[@big_surly]

Just getting back into trains as an adult and found this video with the puzzle aspect awesome!

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks. It makes a difference for "playability" rather than watching trains go by. I know that some enjoy watching trains in motion, but the operations/switching part can keep it fresh.

[@Ferrocarril_Chicago]

OMG, the dice rolling thing is absolutely brilliant! I've always looked at switching as a puzzle that involves using your mind which can be very relaxing, but the whole dice thing really enhances it! I'm now interested in trying that for myself some day.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Glad it was helpful! I realized that I had the dice in hand, and it was an easy way to do it. Although re-rolls are almost a guaranteed thing when rolling that many d8's at a time.

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

For my own Inglenook, I created car cards by taking a photo of each car and printing the photos on card stock. I could then shuffle them and draw the five cars needed for my train. If you use this method, it helps if the cars you use look distinct from one another (which mine did).

[@gulflines1960]

Great video, that nicely shows the difference between switching puzzles and freight-car forwarding systems. My own layout visually appears to be point-to-point (or yard-to-yard), but beyond each visible yard there are hidden six-track staging yards representing distant connections (north and south); and I also have a hidden track that connects the two visible yards, allowing continuous running. When I operate/switch the layout on my own I have a second (and sometimes a third) train running laps around the layout to create interference traffic. The train running laps forces me to keep the main track clear as I work the industries, just as a real switch crew would have done.

[@IMRROcom]

Good video. Thanks

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks Eric, and your input/advice is always appreciated.

[@TheMidlandDorchesterRailroad]

Nicely done John! Great explanation of how “puzzles” can work within a greater layout. Stay safe and healthy.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks! Hopefully you and others are finding it useful.

[@ShawnBrandon888]

Great music

[@mariorios767]

This kind of videos are very interesting and help to Introducing in to te hobby

[@Death_From_Below]

Please do more operations videos, I loved this one.

[@JCsRiptrack]

I will try. I have a planned yard video, but I am not sure when I will be able to get to it. So yes, there are more operations-related videos coming. :)

[@donmartin9567]

Nice video John. It was great to see Ian involved. Keeping someone that young occupied for that long is a real accomplishment. Also, I wish I had seen this or something like it before building my Scenic Ridge Layout. Like I suspect most folks, at the start we have no idea about operations and just put some track together. Knowing specifics about operations and siding large enough for 5 or 3 cars would have made me make some changes.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks Don. The Piko Smartcontrol/ESU Cab Control is really easy for Ian to use. I plan on doing a review on it, and having that as a real plus that a 5 year old can operate it. The video doesn't have the audio, but he loved ringing the bell, horn, and all those Easter egg sounds hiding in the Rapido GMD-1 :)

[@donmartin9567]

JC's Riptrack I don’t run trains that often so unless I really think in advance I don’t use the ESU wireless remote. Most of the time, recently, I’ve been doing speed matching and the ESU console lets me easily control multiple trains so that’s my controller of choice. Although, if I’ve charged up the wireless controller I will use that as well. I just find it does take awhile to get booted up!!!

[@michaelbroshears3053]

Hi John. My layout progressed from a basement sized loop to an industrial switching layout. I based it on Peoria, Illinois. Not necessarily duplicating the prototypes. I studied industries for car types used and ratio of the car types. I next looked at how work flows through the industries. This gave me a more proper placement of car spot location. There a thousand ways to pick inbound cars. I sometimes cherry pick out of staging or play the cards as they are dealt. Er cars in this case. My learning curve was steep at times but it increased my enjoyment and increased my interest. I agree with your thoughts and teachings on this matter. I have seen several guys fade away due to boredom and lack of interest in the hobby. Keep up your mentoring. I surely don’t know it all and hope to learn through your journey in this series. Mike

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks for this, Michael. I'm really learning this as I go. Teaching it to others helps me learn it. My comfort zone is the weathering stuff, but I do need to build my layout. :)

[@gulinoteam]

Thanks, John I have watched a lot of how-to videos but this one not only showed how to but why to, and having your son there brought back many fond memories of me and my Dad and my Lionell trains back in the '50s. Yes, I still play with HO trains.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks John. The control system I'm using makes it easier for my son to run it. He still needs me to tell him when to start and stop, but he's doing well so far.

[@19scamps92]

John this is so awesome! bringing the kids into the hobby, let them enjoy all the great things and let them be a part of it is very great!

[@ItsDrMcQuack]

Wow, your kid is adorable, and so patient! I can imagine you're proud. I had my first train run with my three year old daughter a few days ago. Pretty much just running two trains in circles, but I was excited she wanted to do it at all! Thanks for the video

[@JCsRiptrack]

He's not as patient as he looks... I had to do some selective editing, but for the most part he was great at following the conductor's instructions. Plus, I think it also says something about the control system I was using, easy enough for a five-year old to run a switching operation :)

[@ItsDrMcQuack]

@@JCsRiptrack stil, you made it through, to both your and his credit. :) and the high five at the end says so much, it looks like you both had such a wonderful time. what controller were you using?

[@TheSwitchList]

Great stuff John! Looking forward to more in this series. -Rick

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks Rick. I'm debating staying on this side of the layout, or if I move to the other side for a bit.

[@kd0r]

JC, good job with the 5 year old!! I combined a Timesaver and Inglenook Sidings into Timenook. I wrote a history of the industrial area to 'explain' how the track configuration came to be. It has full scenery and buildings. BUT, most important, I also use car cards and waybills to keep things fresh. I think at some point I'll build two track staging yards to attach to both ends of the 12X80" layout that exists now. Thus, I'll not have to be moving cars on and off the layout at the end of each session. With about 20 cars available, and the car cards to work with, I get a wide variety of problems to solve. Sometimes there's too many cars on the layout, and sometimes there's not very many. It all makes for an ongoing challenge. You and your son keep enjoying your layout. David

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks David. I may move to car-cards and waybills once the industries are a bit more concrete. Ideally, I would like to have some genuinely off-layout staging. I expect I'll move toward that, but one thinga at a time. :)

[@stephengordon4081]

Sounds interesting I would like to see your track plan.

[@keeganseva3975]

This whole miniseries was great! I’m brand new to HO and can definitely see using some of this for my own planned layout. Thank you!

[@JCsRiptrack]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elleryparsons5766]

I Saw that Done in A trainshow Very Educational Once you try to Understand it love it.

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

When I saw ‘puzzle’ I thought no, not realistic. But this was a great video, I loved it. Thanks John!

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks Bill. Puzzles are all in the rules, not in the track arrangement. They work well in a small space like what I have... and give me lots of switching practice!

[@nscaledave]

I just discovered your channel and I have learned more in the several videos I've watched then I have in the last 4 years. I model in N scale and use mostly Kato track. Thank you.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Welcome aboard! Kato Unitrack is really useful in set up and tear down to test out certain configurations. I need to do a yard next...

[@joeyd4593]

this is great!

[@ironhorsehistorian9871]

I reconfigured my track plan to be able to have 2 industries, specifically a coal depot and a warehouse for boxcars. My original yard that had 2 spurs and a siding to build trains. Had to move a turnout in order to have 2 industries but turned out to be a good thing and gave me more fun for my small layout. To anyone who sees this comment, take stock of your track and be patient when creating a new track configuration. If you can have 2 industries on your table, by all means do it! I love it.

[@jooplambert]

Hello John, yesterday I bumped into your video's. I like your video's very much! I'm building a track myself. It is a great hobby during the pandemic. This video about switching gave me some new ideas for my own track. Thank you very much! Sorry for my English. Greetings, Joop

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks Joop! Switching adds a lot of interest. My next video, which should be done in a little over a week, shows how all the pieces come together to create some interest over a several-night session. No worries about your English!

[@OstranderD1986]

Thank you for these videos. It's giving me a bunch of ideas to make a very interesting layout. Like having a fiddle yard to store various trains. Or having different industries where various types of cars could be picked up when full or dropped off at when needing to be filled (such as oil tankers or covered hoppers)

[@jimlee4961]

Oh man seeing your loco and stock there reminds me of when I visited BC several years back. I was lucky enough to get on the Rocky Mountaineer which was a spectacular journey but the train itself pales in comparison to the length of those freight trains you get out there. I saw one from the top of a mountain weaving it's way through the Rockies and it must have been a mile long at the very least. From that altitude it really looked like a miniature and we were lucky enough to be able to see the whole thing at once from front to back. Such an amazing sight in such an incredible place.

[@jtmonsman]

Because I’m going with n scale in 4x8, I’m thinking about going with a combo. Oval with a second, interior circle off of a passing to allow me to turn directions, and a couple spurs. Mostly rail fanning with a simple switch of direction, but then be able to grab and drop off cars if the mood strikes.

[@Horse2021]

An excellent video, and including your son in the operation of the layout is genius. May he develop a life long interest in the hobby of model railroading. What Kato Unitrack pieces did you use for the Inglenook section to achieve the required spur lengths?

[@kamala2111]

Really enjoyed the series, glad you posted a new episode.

[@tombarnes7196]

Hi there! I just came over from Roy Smith's Dispatch show. I have an 8'x2' switching layout. I do not have any other space at this time.

[@ejhayes]

This video and the previous in this series were excellent content. Really loved how you showed the actual switching moves and explained what you were doing. Really nice to engage my brain with what you were doing, since this is the aspect that is hard to replicate until you’ve actually got a layout in front of you. Also, excellent job on including the boy. I’ve got 2 young children and I appreciated the entire sentiment. Excellent job!!!

[@JCsRiptrack]

EJ, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! Fortunately, the control system that I'm using is fairly easy even for a 5 year old to use. I just have to remind him to always look at the light so he knows which way the locomotive is going to go. :)

[@garyjohnson4608]

Wish I knew what you are talking about, your explanation is as clear as mud

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

Since I stumbled upon this series a while back, I have been eagerly awaiting the next installment, along with planning my next model railroad. My re-entry into model railroading several years ago was an N-scale Inglenook Sidings layout using the same basic configuration you show here, although I built mine using Atlas Snap Track. I also built it around 40-foot cars and used Atlas "standard" switches (basically equivalent to a Kato #4). BTW, the layout I'm planning includes a yard based on the Inglenook puzzle, but I expanded it to accommodate a longer train. And good on you for getting your son into the hobby! I don't have kids of my own, but I did babysit my sister's kids quite a few times when they were around this age. I know what you mean as far as keeping their attention on something. :) You are fully justified in taking pride in him wanting to run trains again.

[@manolorodriguez2956]

Thank you very much, greetings from Madrid

[@JCsRiptrack]

You are welcome! Greetings from Canada. :) I hope you're staying safe.

[@TheBossJohn]

I was watching dispatch on Ray Smith's channel tonight. He featured your channel in this weeks shout-out. I will look forward to following along, and learning from your experience. New Sub - John

[@JCsRiptrack]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@pathvalleyrailroad9277]

That's exactly what I have, a basic loop with a passing siding/staging track on the back side and a switching layout on the front.

[@valleyviewrailway7806]

I really enjoyed this video series, I’m an HO guy but I’m actually thinking of starting an N gauge layout with Kato untack myself .

[@coxsj]

Nice weathering on the Canadian grainers

[@wilzdart]

John, very nice explanation on switching VS puzzles. On my steel mill part of my layout 2 x 8 even in N scale it is compact but working with google map I was able to do the track work and make it prototypical. Great to see the engineer , you should get your daughter and her horn to add sound while switching.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Ha! Well, while the video doesn't show the audio, Ian had fun working the horn(s), bell, and other sounds on that GMD-1!

[@diedertspijkerboer]

I once made an inglenook puzxle in G scale. I took pictures of the different cars, printed them and laminated them in plastic at the local photocopying shop. The cards were shuffled to choose an arrangement. I developed an alternative simple set of rules so that smaller children could also play.

[@JCsRiptrack]

That would definitely work well with kids. My son has been transfixed by G scale displays whenever we’ve seen them.

[@diedertspijkerboer]

@@JCsRiptrack I think a low cost version of G scale can be fun for kids. Also, it's roughly the same scale as Playmobil, so abundant possibilities for play when combined.

[@diedertspijkerboer]

@@JCsRiptrack The puzzle was popular with children. A much smaller child enjoed just driving the train back and forth, and later, discovering what points do. I asked him to drive slowly and he was very proud of being able to do so.

[@thehastyterrainmaker9485]

I’m fumbling my way through my first ever setup... I decided why start small... oh my this is much more to it than though lol

[@gerlandkent6377]

thank, you for youre video. im. working with a size room 60x40 room.

[@jeffreyhatcher1445]

Hi John, really enjoying this series. I recall Mr. Roper's layout pages some years ago so nice to see you bringing back some of the concepts. I've wanted to try Unitrack for a number of years, the ease with which a layout an be reconfigured and it's bulletproof performance are real selling points so I am watching with interest to see what can be done with your space. Wait, is that a 5E PHB off to the side of that dice tray with D8s? Nice!

[@JCsRiptrack]

Yes, that is a 5e Player's Handbook. One doesn't usually find 8-sided dice and a dice tray without one of those nearby ;) Glad you're enjoying the series. Even with my current yard video, I've learned a few things and will be re-configuring bits on camera in the next video.

[@bigbrianDASHncDOTcom]

I loved this video and the thoughts expressed in it. Yes real world situations exist that mimic switching puzzles, old infrastructure gets reused in ways as I industries grow and change that mimic these puzzles. I work at a plastics factory that has fairly straightforward switching operations. However the plant I started at had a grouped together set of legacy rails which we were not going to take the expense of reconfiguring that was a lot like a switching puzzle, Also I love the part where you shared this with you kid, looks like you both had fun!

[@JCsRiptrack]

We did! Thanks Brian. I'm glad you found this helpful, and that you provided a real-world example of legacy rails.

[@820krx7]

Hey, I thought I was way behind, but I was wondering about this stuff today. I have most of my layout down, and just need to finalize industries. I also put up a video of me doing inglenook with my kids brio magnetic trains on my channel recently, and want to have the flexibility to play that, too! Great & timely video!

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks! Doing an Inglenook puzzle with Brio/wooden trains is a great idea.

[@adriengadson3544]

Nice video showing fun educational switching movements. I could say you should write down this operation set so you can use a timer to see if you can do it more efficient the next time to learn better moves. I basically have a 2 main line figure 8 with full switching layout inside for 6 industries. Also I have a under layout loops too act as destinations off layout where trains can be built , wait, or change direction. ..good video.

[@jbbournisienjsc]

Hi, Thanks John for this interesting video (and the all serie is interesting). On my N scale US T-TRAK layout, I just made a yard module that can be potentially used as an inglenook, but not with the traditionnal track plan (so, in fact, it's not so easy to play with the puzzle rules). But I decided to make a pure inglenook for a little french layout, to demonstrate to my friends how it's possible to play in model railroading. I'm french, and to view model railroading as a game is not as popular as in US/Canada. And it's better to show this with a french layout, because even if my main layout is US, the US train (or any foreign train) is curiosity that is not very interesting for most of the people... And I plan to document that on my KZbin channel, as you do (at least when "Stay at home" will be finished). But in french, of course :)

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks for this! I'd be curious to see what you come up with! My spoken French is not as good as either my wife or daughter, so I'm glad you're able to offer it. Incidentally some of the best weathered trains that I've seen in resources have been French or other European railroads. Putting it into your local context can definitely up people's interest. Thanks for sharing!

[@jbbournisienjsc]

​@@JCsRiptrack A member of my club do really beautiful (and slight) weathered : facebook.com/Les-Patines-de-Jay-1695186324112574/

[@johnmcintosh3626]

Great Stuff! Love you videos!

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks so much, John!

[@SD_Marc]

It's so weird you went this direction. Since your last video in the series, I learned about switching puzzles, and have been considering adding an Inglenook puzzle inside my loop. Seems like on a small loop layout, it would add usability to the layout.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Interesting! It is a logical next step to add challenge to the layout. I had originally planned on doing this video with the timesaver, but in some ways this one worked out. I may still try the timesaver as an alternate, but now I have some ideas to add another single industrial track on the same side of the layout that might require some interesting arrangements. It's nice to be able to play with it.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Also, here's a quick link to Eric Hall's KZbin channel: kzbin.info

[@IMRROcom]

I would of done it different - Pull tank car (1) 1st, Dropped it in track 3 for a later respot. Grab cut on track 2 (6,7,8), pull it and spot Blue Hopper (8) on track 1 next to car Tank car (2) - (8,2). Return cars (7) and (6) to track 2 and 3. Track 3 should have (6,1). Now you are set for a quick back and forth picking game. Grab (8,2) then go get (7). (8,2,7) then back to Track 1 for car (2). (8,2,7,3) Make your 2nd to last move and pull car (1,6) from track 3. (8,2,7,3,6,1) Return car (1) to spot 1 and leave with cars (8,2,7,3,6). It is best to try and add car to groups if you can. Numbers look backwards but engine would be on the left for the number strings. < Engine (8,2,7,3,6)

[@IMRROcom]

Opps missed the limited lead. So a few extra back and forths, my bad.

[@IMRROcom]

To be honest, during the proto sesion, I would of pulled entire train on to the inside siding, use those 5 inbound cars as a handle during the pull. After the pull shove, those 5 cars back out into the hole. Then spot the 5 inbound cars that you were using as a handel. Now back out engine light grab you cut of 5 and get out of town, after you contact the dispatcher for permission to occupy the main...

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks for this Eric! I'm still learning the stuff myself, but how to translate it into a small space like mine. Your experience is definitely appreciated!

[@michaelzalewski2532]

Nice,including an inglenook in your layout. What is the widest length at the buffers since it's angled. Thanks

[@bobsturgis4674]

John,interesting video on how to if that is your thing for moving cars around.Also glad to see your son involved in the hobby.But i bet he was wondering,when are we going to run some trains around the track? Question are you using the Kato power pack when controlling the trains,or something else? Happy Model railroading,to you and your family and subscribers,stay safe and Healthy.🚂✌🌍

[@JCsRiptrack]

I am using a Digital Command Control system with this layout, rather than the Kato power pack. However, whether or not you use it to drive trains, the Kato power pack is also good for powering the turnouts and other accessories.

[@bobsturgis4674]

@@JCsRiptrack Do you need DCC trains to use it? If not can you show how to use weather,DC,or DCC. Thanks.Happy Model Railroading,and be safe and stay Healthy.

[@elleryparsons5766]

Widen the The Table By one Board think that might Work. Try it think you have Room for it.

[@tylerpeeling9699]

Was wondering where your interest in NS comes from was unique to watch a video and see something about where I’m living

[@JCsRiptrack]

My Dad grew up in Nova Scotia, and I would spend my summers as a kid/young teenager at my grandmother's cottage on the Mira River. So I'm familiar with the territory :)

[@milgeekmedia]

When did model railways become D&D? What are the car stats? 😊 ...Very interesting video, thank you.

[@JCsRiptrack]

If it works :) Some might say that car cards are their stats :) I'm trying to figure out what the most charismatic car is :)

[@sparky107107]

my 3 level layout will be a loop,, but add operations for days that I want to play

[@JCsRiptrack]

I'm having fun seeing yours evolve. :)

[@fkiss5992]

Good video...just getting back into the hobby myself, but I have to ask why your layout sits so high?

[@JCsRiptrack]

Good question! It's positioned above my hobby desk, so I had to put it high enough so that I didn't whack my head on it. Also, the height allows for a viewing angle that's closer to eye level and looks more realistic. Another side benefit is that high layouts aren't as hard on the back either :) It's about 53" off the ground, which is a good height for my 5'8" frame...

[@DuncSargentsKarstValleyRR]

Hooray! I currently building a 120"x16" N Scale with Kato Unitrack. I have spent a long time disciplining myself to not fill up the space with track. I although I have two reversing loops on the right end (one underground, one above). The left end is just a loop back. I'm constrained to 183mm curves, which thankfully my locomotive can handle it fine. The rest is passenger and industry. So I really am going for more operational -- but I'm keeping my options open. Cheers! --dunc

[@JCsRiptrack]

Wow. Those are some tight curves, but industries are often known for some really tight turns...

[@michaelzalewski2532]

Neat little puzzle, yard I have a question if I use #4 turnouts I can fit a smaller yard inglenook in 3-2-2 format in 8 inch by 36 inch as a test bed for scenery practice before building a bigger layout.if you are using #6 turnouts , what it the width of the yard as you have layed it out? Thanks.

[@theblooper9631]

what is that long metal thing you use for the switches and couplings?

[@JCsRiptrack]

It's plastic. It's a de-coupling tool from Rix Rail/Pikestuff. Handy for separating cars.

[@johnjcoxiii9401]

A really Great presentation. In the 1960's I had a 19' X 36' layout that mimicked the Weehawken Yards of the West Shore Div., NYCRR. It was ALL operation like you demonstrate in the video. I have one suggestion.....the background noise (music) is unnecessary and VERY distracting.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks John. I'm still learning operations, so I'm sharing what I learn along the way. :)

[@deandanielson8074]

Hi John, I have admired your weathering abilities and your skills as a teacher and mentor of weathering. This video, however, was special in dealing with puzzles or operations or both. I idea of doing both is very appealing to me with my small layout. Your benchwork looks a lot like mine which was developed by the Model Railroad Magazine layout of January-February-March-April of 2015. Did you use that series in building your layout? Is it 36 by 80? If so, I like that you were able to do double track around most of the layout. Thanks and looking forward to your new adventures. - Dean from Minnesota

[@JCsRiptrack]

I am aware of the series from Model Railroader in 2015, although this one isn't necessarily tied to that, but yes, they built that on a door. I've extended this one a bit.

[@mzondi1970]

Im so confused LOL I just picked up my first train ever today a Kato set. I also picked up their m1 expansion set too any suggestions or videos you can tell me on getting started with a simpler design?

[@JasonAHowell]

Is there a maximum number of feet of track you can use in a train track layout? Example I got a basic HO scale set up in a 8ft by 4ft ovule. I wanted to expand it doubling its size.

[@thehastyterrainmaker9485]

JC it’s ALL about New Brunswick brother! Where in NS? I use to live in Halifax and one of my lines is from Cape Breton

[@JCsRiptrack]

My general area finds inspiration around Truro, where the CBCNS meets CN.

[@thehastyterrainmaker9485]

@@JCsRiptrack I call Moncton home, from Chatham, aka Miramichi City. I use to live across the old Via Rail station in Moncton and use to take it between there and Chatham. What got me interested in trains years back. Finally getting into modelling them now

[@satyajeetghosh3824]

Thanks for the video. I am trying to use Kato HO unitrack to create a layout with slight elevation on a 8x 4 board. Can I get layout design using Kato HO tracks ? I am building this for my grand kids and want them to enjoy it. All I would like to do is assemble it with some ups and down. Where can a go to get such layouts ? I have tracked out to Kato USA and they were a big disappointment and all there layout are flat. Any help or store where I can buy this will be helpful

[@brettany_renee_blatchley]

😊❤😊❤😊❤😊

[@carlwegert691]

Question, where did you get the pink foam and where can I get some?

[@mattbalboa1349]

John. I really enjoy your videos. You have answered many questions about Kato Unitrack and motivate me to start another layout in whatever space my wife lets me have. But, have an odd question. What is the name of the jazz piece you open your videos with. It is one I played years ago on bass trombone before I retired from an Army band, but I can't remember what it is.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Good ear! It’s Engine No. 9 by Les Hooper. I pay for the rights to use it on this channel. I played Trumpet in various jazz bands for a number of years back in junior high/high school and university, and it was one of my favourite pieces.

[@thelowmein9143]

Interesting video well done, if you don’t mind a little criticism though it would have been much easier to understand what you were talking about with a closer, maybe even a top down, camera view.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks for this. I've since moved since this video, so I will try to get some higher angles on stuff with my next videos.

[@bambostarla6259]

Really nice series! Your layout is HO right?

[@JCsRiptrack]

N-scale, actually, but the principles work for any scale. :)

[@elleryparsons5766]

What Track Are you Running? Bachman or Lifelike?

[@JCsRiptrack]

Neither of those. I’m using Kato Unitrack. :)

[@cadenchristiansen3553]

When will we get the next installment

[@JCsRiptrack]

As soon as I get the new hobby room set up! We just moved into our new place yesterday!

[@iandouglas451]

is that board 8 ' x 4 ' please?

[@JCsRiptrack]

This is a 36"x80" hollow core door, with a 6" extension to one end of it. Since I'm working in N-Scale, I can use a smaller board. The principles for HO Scale are the same, but space considerations are a bit different.

[@iandouglas451]

@@JCsRiptrack thanks - much appreciated

[@troysimpson9550]

Great Vid John. I think the Kid had way more fun than you. Trains are fun so why so serious? =p just poking some fun at you. Hope you and your son have tons more fun.

[@JCsRiptrack]

Thanks 👍

[@LifeOfRiley2166]

What are the dimensions and can you draw a diagram of the track plan?

[@JCsRiptrack]

The track plan is evolving, although I sketched some of it out using SCARM. The Inglenook siding, on the other hand, was built by swapping a S186 straight on the main line, and adding the right amount of track to hold the appropriate number of cars. The dimensions of the whole layout is 36"x86" --It's a hollow core door with a 6" extension to one end.

[@elleryparsons5766]

Need Buildings.

[@Rafe0921]

I’m new to the channel and kinda late but is your layout dcc?

[@JCsRiptrack]

Yes it is DCC. I have a video on my control system in the works. :)

[@Rafe0921]

Cool thx for letting me know also 1 more question, do the Kato switches when switched to one of the tracks cut power off to the other track?

[@johnmartin4650]

Make sure you love your son more than your hobby .I mean it .It's serious . I lost my son.

[@normadagnin909]

Really love your layouts wish you were in cape town sa

[@normadagnin909]

I

[@crobin9150]

just a little to much talking and not enough specific information

[@positivelynegative9149]

I had to stop watching this video just a few minutes in. Why put pointless, distracting, annoying music over someone talking? 🤦‍♂️👎