Model Railroad Track Planning Philosophy

[@Coreyhkh2]

I came to the same conclusion after building 3 layouts each bigger and more complex then the other and for my 4th I built a much smaller switch layout and couldn't be happier, less is more!

[@SouthDown]

Funny how that works, right? It is as if being limited forces us to make it work. Plus having less means we can put more focus on it. I appreciate your feedback!

[@rogermoore5761]

Nice video that will act as a reminder that you do not need to 'go large' to enjoy model railroading. I get more enjoyment from my end to end switching layout than the 'tail chasers' of the past. The same principle, in my opinion, applies to those highly detailed locomotives which you dare not take out of the box for fear of damaging some small part. Rather a less detailed one that you can use without fear of damaging it. Thanks for sharing.

[@SouthDown]

Thank you for your thoughts! I do find that “less is more” and limiting ourselves in space whether purposely or by the space available really churns out that creativity. I am inspired by British layouts that manage to build something beautiful and functional in the least amount of space. By the way, I love your layout shown off your channel! Would love a tour and overall view of it.

[@smallshelflayout]

It only took me a few months to grow tired of my old designs. I was thinking of doing things "your way" and adding a "time saver" along with a number of switches. Glad to have seen this. Thanks! 🙂 💪

[@SouthDown]

Thank you for your kind feedback! I'm happy something useful came out of my video. Sometimes being challenged by limitations really brings out our best creativity.

[@PrinceStreet]

I sure enjoy the way you construct this story. I always look forward to your updates.

[@SouthDown]

Quite the accolades coming from someone of your caliber and experience in the industry. Thank you!

[@trainglen22]

Fun to watch and truthful. More isn't always best.

[@SouthDown]

Thanks, Glen! Appreciate the feedback from a fellow Torontonian!

[@jcure]

Interesting to see my old friend, Craig Bisgeier (whos' passed away) mentioned. We had many email conversations over the years on layout design. I would recommend any of your followers looking into layout design to check into both the LDSIG and OPSiG groups of the NMRA (you don't need to be a member of NMRA to join these groups) I would check out the back issues of their publications for articles of interest. (might even find mine) There are a lot of opinions and options out there; many NOT on the web, that are still very valid. One of my own favs. for small layouts is the LDE Layout Design Element. It focuses on one larger (read fun, complex, modelable) industry. A good example being a papermill and if room, it's support yard. Another might be a brewer. This idea coined by Tony Thompson is a great way to start small, but with good design could be part of a larger layout later, or even a FREMO or other modular group. All things worth looking into. Cheers, enjoy your layout and modeling.

[@SouthDown]

Sorry to hear about Craig’s passing. He sounded like a well opinionated and skilled individual to have in your life. I’m amazed you found my reference in my video! Thank you for the tremendous insight and places to look into for additional information! I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts.

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Great video, deciding on a track plan can be hard but after you build it , will come to life , I know that, I looked for help, I am very pleased with my layout and I can see changes coming , but I can run trains now

[@SouthDown]

Running trains is huge step, especially when you have a track plan that works. Looking forward in seeing yours in person!

[@mrmrlee]

Thanks for the video! Makes for a fun, and functional layout in a small space😊

[@SouthDown]

Glad you liked and thanks for the inspiration and feedback!

[@1romcat]

Good insight, Thanks!

[@SouthDown]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MLWQC]

Great video, great story and great subject. Your track plan is excellent. I could never care for the "famous" so-called time saver. Again well done.

[@SouthDown]

Thank you! As someone wiser than me once said, the best way to win is to lose. Looking back at those photos and videos, it's amazing how amateurish it all looked.

[@mattw9667]

I think I have something similar off the mainline of my layout. It's the most interesting bit. Another great edit!

[@SouthDown]

Thank you! Your feedback especially means a lot. Thanks for inspiring me.

[@XBOXShawn12thman]

That was fun to watch ... Thank You for sharing this 😁👍

[@SouthDown]

Thank YOU for taking the time to provide such kind feedback! Love where your layout is going!

[@XBOXShawn12thman]

@@SouthDown.... I just recieved more track today, I'm hoping to start laying track tomorrow!!! 😁👍

[@jackoszuscik6669]

THERE IS A FINE LINE BETWEEN A HOBBY AND A MENTAL ILLNESS! 💯🤔😂🤣

[@SouthDown]

If my obsession is any indication, I crossed that line a long time ago! Thank you for your feedback!

[@thebritishrailroader]

Really enjoyable video and some great advice 👍

[@SouthDown]

Love receiving your feedback, means a lot. Thank you!

[@thebritishrailroader]

@@SouthDown no worries, you are most welcome

[@wapatocreekrail]

Whoa! That's one heck of a Timesaver. Well, you learn something from everything, and I have to say that I had a similar experience, but instead with poor layout construction. I started over, learned from my experience and did it right. I also once thought more was better, but I now realize it is often the opposite. PS: I love that ex BN SD9 you have! Is it a Proto 2000 model?

[@SouthDown]

The best way to do better is to learn from our mistakes. And yes, that is an old Life Like Proto 2000 picked up on eBay that now has a sound decoder. The weathering removed the plastic toy feel and gave it a well-kept but hard-working look and feel. Aside from bringing back pleasant childhood memories from an old Athearn Blue Box model, I absolutely love the BN livery. Always flattering to get your feedback.

[@7k1gwj]

I received a lot of comments on my video channel. thank you. While studying English listening, you can also watch this video. I look forward to working with you.

[@SouthDown]

I would love to work with you! And if it is any consolation, English is my second language as well! I'm glad my pronunciation is useful! Thank you for your feedback.

[@andyrusten5748]

hi! at 36 second mark. is that one of John Allen’s plans? i’m going nuts trying to find HO scale plans for this.

[@SouthDown]

The plan you see at the 36 second mark is my original track plan, which would probably fall under a “Switchman’s Nightmare” category more than a “Timesaver.” If you follow any of the links found in the description, you’ll see other people’s take on Allen’s original plan, albeit a Google search for “john Allen timesaver track plan” might yield better results.

[@HartfordWhaler]

Enjoy my small switching layout. Nice video.

[@SouthDown]

I love yours! Your videos are quite the inspiration and I love how smartly you put everything in yours while maintaining space and elegance. Thank you for your feedback, huge to have someone of your caliber watch my videos!

[@HartfordWhaler]

I appreciate the kind comments. I’m just executing years of trial and error. Definitely not a pro but glad you like the content. I think our track design and operations philosophies are very similar.

[@SouthDown]

I do feel like we share a similar recipe, just baked differently. I'd love to do something together, but haven't figured out what yet. I should weather a boxcar and ship it to your railway.

[@HartfordWhaler]

@@SouthDown I’d definitely be interested in a combined project. I’m also considering doing interviews of other model railroaders to showcase their layouts and philosophies. You may make a good first candidate

[@TrainWork]

👍😁OperateOnOperator

[@SouthDown]

I hope the surgery goes well :)

[@stevemcinnes5480]

🤠👍👍🍁🍁

[@SouthDown]

🥰🙏🚂

[@4everdc302]

Cool😎 sub'd🚂🇨🇦

[@SouthDown]

Welcome aboard! 🚂