N-scale layout (Time lapse - with photos)

[@Guy_6397]

Starts with "I'm not an expert modeler" - goes on to show a freaking awesome train layout. Great job Steven!

[@lesbrewer3105]

The very words I would say. Very impressive modelling.......

[@ian_b]

Humility is the blessing of the truly talented.

[@jimmhenry657]

That's the words that I would use to explain myself and my modeling railroad skills

[@jimmhenry657]

Very amazing and incredible and very nice looking layout. I love the variety of color schemes for your locomotives

[@jegas6796]

yeah, this is one of those layouts that deserves a spot in a model railroad magazine or website ... looks wonderful

[@davidgorrie3553]

For someone who is "not an expert modeller", you did a great job. Kudos. Particularly liked the music you chose too. Great job Steven.

[@ronaldlowe1721]

This is one of the most unique Layouts in any scale I've seen. I'm a retired (eyes shaky hands) N Scale modeler. You've done a terrific job combining two (Trucks and Trains) application in one top notch N Scale Layout. I agree it should be an article in one of the two major N scale mags, Model Railroader, or the on-line Hobbyist mag. 5 Stars.

[@NScaleRailroad]

Beautiful layout, glad to see someone besides me leaves enough room for the trucks to move around in. As a real railroader and then a Truck Driver I can grasp the overall effort you did here, really an amazing layout. Thank you for sharing this, this should be an inspiration for anyone to start a layout.

[@jdc31947]

Sir, I just want to tell you that you did a FANTASTIC job with your train layout ❗ It is VERY detailed, and so realistic ‼️ THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing it with us .

[@billclark81]

THis lay out is fantastic. giving credit to both of the ground transport systems we rely on every day. Thank you.

[@Kerrville50]

Steven, You should be very proud of what you have done. It is fantastic. Anxious to see next winters addition.

[@briankistner4331]

Just a AWESOME layout Steven!! "Not an export modeler" You WAY to modest!!! N-Scale is perfect for those who don't have much room. If planned out correct from the start, any size layout in any scale can look amazing and very realistic.

[@spannamudcrab69]

WOW.. For a person who states he's not an "EXPERT". You have put together a bloody great model.. congratulations on a job well done..

[@greggmundkowsky3058]

Stephen, Very well done the use of space showed some good fore sight. You showed awesome wood working skills and once again fore sight in the way you can recover derailed trains behind. Once again great job.

[@NothusDeusVagus]

I believe we are in the presence of a Master. Thankyou. This is an excellent presentation of a magnificent work of art.

[@sharonhill7781]

I enjoyed myself so much watching this. Absolutely incredible. Gave me some good ideas for my new layout, but no way it will come out like this one. Definitely worthy to be in railroad magazine! Thank You for sharing!

[@KapybaraKSP]

“I’m not an expert modeller” No you, sir, are a godly modeller!

[@suujunction2419]

Great layout. Thanks for sharing. I am especially impressed with the lighting. I love a good night scene and you have several on this layout.

[@TheJasonlefort]

Would love to see it live. Congratulations well done mate. I couldn’t be more impressed.

[@timothycovell549]

retired trucker who also s a fan of trains. father in law worked to retirment for the boston and maine. fallen flag. worked for consolidated freightways. another fallen flag. nice to see you have a nice set of triples in your display. thank you for remembering. tim

[@Mark-yb1sp]

Steven, this is incredible. I'm retired now and I know what I want to spend most of my time doing: N scale !Thank you for this wonderful video.

[@jeffmcconnell2933]

Steven. Don’t sell yourself short! That’s a fine layout for a smallish room. Nice balance of track to scenery. And your scenery is great! Love the interstate. Thank you for sharing your layout with us!

[@Cryptonymicus]

First time I've seen any layout with a plausible amount of space for trucks to maneuver into warehouse docks.

[@MrTrashcan1]

My last layout was in the early '70s and just I've been an N scale accumulator since then. Yours is excellent and is really inspiring me to get to work on another.

[@jefflee393]

Steven, Wow - you have produced a model of the north west that is very real. I admire your talent. A great result.

[@Thereallyniceguy]

I'd like to see an (so called)expert create any better than this marvellous layout. Superb work, really is. You must be very proud; I know I would

[@Etienne_H]

Just type in Luke Towan ;)

[@collinsullivan1517]

Very nice! Lots of great detail and a great plan for the available space. Busy plan without being cluttered or over done.

[@kurtbunting7287]

WOW ! Fabulous layout with excellent workmanship and detail. Very impressive.

[@punkrockpub]

VERY IMPRESSIVE!!! All the time & effort that you've put into this project has paid off well!!! KUDOS!!!!

[@Cameron-wk6xb]

Really beautifully done. Doesn't matter if it's prototypical or not, the scenery execution is absolutely wonderful. Love that you modeled for yourself! Thanks for sharing!

[@trade0714]

I love seeing trains running on multiple levels as your do. Great job on the scenery and track layout plan.

[@Mercatoyd]

I am very impressed. Wow!! Where to begin.. You have created a very smart track plan using the limited space to create a linear layout that while being very busy is not a spaghetti bowl of track. It was very impressive before you added the peninsula..even more so after. You truly made some excellent choices in being able to present both your likes of trucking along with your trains. And, again..busy but, not cluttered. You also did a very nice job with the scenery. There is another modeler..Steve..he goes by banjo..I hope he gets to see your layout. He's a trucker..and, I think he would be very impressed as well. Thanks for sharing. Oh, the time lapse presentation was excellent.

[@SteveJohnson-SD70MAC-747]

Thank you for your comments. You are absolutely right that the space is limited, and it was a bit of a challenge to try to fit tracks and roads together that did not interfere or obscure other parts of the layout. I also wanted to have a sense of the landscape/scenery within my layout, and try to avoid the "cluttered" feeling as you keenly noted. With this set up it allows me to get locomotives, train cars, and trucks out of their boxes and on the layout so they can be seen and add to the overall look even if they aren't being used.

[@paoloconsiglio6281]

Great layout for our great N scale. Next step: weathering of all rail carriages. Greetings from Italy. I ❤N scale

[@vincecrysler7654]

Steve well done. Ignore the negative rivet counter comments. After all it is your model railroad and I think your choice of combining railroading and trucking is excellent!

[@g.w.7893]

Genius the way the track crosses over in an X for the new addition. Well done.

[@davidsheriff8989]

Magnificent....one of the best I have ever seen...for a non expert, this is a gem of a layout...time and patience and imagination...

[@oldskool1807]

Excellent layout. And you don't have to make any kind of excuses, your layout is for YOUR enjoyment. I swear I could some of that traffic actually moving on that interstate. lol. Very well done.

[@domkripes8372]

That is one of the nicest n scale layouts i have ever seen ..you should call yourself an expert.. because that layout was done by an expert...wish my ho layout looked that awesome.. you should send pictures to model railroad magazine.. ITS THAT GOOD OF A LAYOUT.. GREAT JOB..

[@Brenda461]

Nicely done. Lots of operation in a relatively small space. Excellent!

[@meme-ke3ub]

Love the layout and especially the helix lit, this is Rodney from Ashlin Designs and we manufactured these kits. I will be adding some utube video soon of my layout with 2 of these kits. 👍

[@jamesyoung1127]

great layout! looks so good. really liked how you did the documentation of it and the whole thing looks good the layout fits the room nicely. nice long trains are running love it. keep up the good work and looking forward to an updated video.

[@retrokingranch]

One of the most realistic layouts I've ever seen.

[@haroldsmuck3569]

Fantastic, I agree with Jegas, the layout deserves a spot in Model Railroader Magazine, Great work.

[@jimmhenry657]

I agree with that very much to

[@richardmadsen6608]

You did a great job. I love the old Fred Myer My Te Fine trailers. I had forgotten about that logo. I live and have lived in the Pacific Northwest all my life and its great to see a layout that focuses on this area.

[@butlersmodellingpaintingan3974]

That is a really clever plan to make the very most of the space...excellent.

[@DarkTerritory71]

That right there,is beautiful! WOWZERS! Standing ovation!

[@OMCCsam]

Very pleasant. Top notch scenery technique resulting in a magazine worthy appearance *:)* Nice weathering on the buildings.

[@ADAPTATION7]

I don't know at what point you become an expert at something but my guess is that you have reached that point and exceeded it.

[@ahirschfeld1974]

Masterpiece of a layout! Looks like a section along the Columbia River Gorge.

[@SteveJohnson-SD70MAC-747]

That was some of my inspiration as the Columbia River Gorge is one of my favorite areas in the Northwest. Thanks for watching!

[@ggreene245]

What a fantastic job... Well done. Absolutely beautiful !!!

[@GDSFlyboy]

Ex truck dwiva here. Love it. Especially the night pics

[@robertcawley6841]

Awesome display. Great job, I love it. I would have loved to have seen it action, though.

[@slashusr]

I don't often comment but this layout is superbly done. The economical use of space, the stunning realism of your mix of road and rail, the lighting (fantastic), the buildings -- all in all an absolute gem of the art! It gives me hope that -- one day -- I, too, might find a fit for my BN "Coeur d'Alene" non-prototypical plans. I am in awe, sir! That awe is only exceeded by my jealousy. This one is going into my favorites! (maybe a Kato roundhouse on the peninsula? No, nevermeind, its perfect the way it is!)

[@SteveJohnson-SD70MAC-747]

Thank you for the nice comments. Ironically I am toying with the idea of putting on a real small addition to the layout where I can put perhaps a small two engine repair shop with several set out tracks. Gives another excuse to get locomotives on the layout. Though right now I have several non-railroad projects I need to get done first. So not sure if that’s going to be realistic this year. I’ll just have to see how the Winter plays out.I hope that day comes soon for you on making the BN “Coeur d’Alene” layout. I’ve been through that area several times and those areas of Idaho and western Montana are pretty. It would be really cool to capture the feel of that area within a layout. Also it always good to see a little Cascade Green running on the rails :) Any thanks for watching and good luck!

[@opforind]

At first I was like that’s a really nice layout then you went and added the expansion. It’s a spectacular layout!

[@alabama3226]

I swear the cars and trucks look like there moving down the highway great job !

[@tanzj]

Very nice job both with your layout & your video story. You certainly have a lot of engines & rolling stock.

[@JoeOvercoat]

Dig it. The hidden spiral is genius. The color scheme is so very peaceful.

[@echeez4418]

Ugg. The half-inch between the wall and backdrop is a great place for spiders. Me no likey spiders says the combat infantryman lol. Very nice build.

[@davesnider8375]

wow, great work! That was fun to watch and inspiring. Thank you for posting!

[@chiefchook]

A man with a plan; brilliant, well done!

[@Lynchppi]

Wow! Very nice work. Putting the highway along the top was a great idea.

[@ntd11182]

It bring some inspriration to me

[@jeroenmeijer19]

One of the Most Nice track i ever see !! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@tadheath5856]

incredible just plain INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!! wished u lived around me...i would love to see that in person!!!

[@tony791999]

This is such a cool track plan!! Great video

[@jessejames9576]

That is awesome. Gave me an escape for a bit. I'd like to have a layout that nice someday.

[@atsf-3415]

WOW. Very cool layout! You have a fortune in trucks alone. :)

[@lilnwayne]

Wonderful video . Thank you

[@xtremehelinl]

Really beautiful Steven, thank you for sharing your ideas.

[@johnnywhite1681]

Very nice. Thank you. It good to see the steps.

[@jonwebb5241]

What an elegant design, and forthright, artistic execution. A gem of a road that would fit in the spare bedroom. Share on Model Railroader?

[@royhogsden923]

This really is excellent puts my old layout to shame I had 7 locos running at the same, I had great fun building it , as I'm sure you did I wish you good luck ,five stars for your layout remember to keep the rust away ,

[@RM-io7qo]

Awesome!!! Very well made layout, Steven. Take care...

[@baseballkidz3520]

You are officially an expert.

[@carstenprilow1837]

Really awesome layout, and you got 4 nice winters.

[@randalldearing6193]

Absolutely stunning !! I've never tried night lighting, but the effect is very realistic here, good job man\

[@trukinhard77]

Given the space you had to work in... Yeah. Many have said it... Awsome!!!

[@jimmhenry657]

For sure Awesome awesome

[@bman4943]

Great work the nicest I’ve seen in a long time

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

Not an expert? You are far too humble, sir. And with that much hidden track, you are also far braver than I!

[@FrankELembo]

Very nice layout, enjoyed watching. Good show !

[@dohtech981]

Is there any update from this railroad? I would love to see what you might have done in the last 2 years. I like your neat and organized build process. Fantastic result!

[@SteveJohnson-SD70MAC-747]

Thank you. The only update was a few years ago where a small pie section was added that contains the locomotive repair shop. The limitations of the room makes it impossible to expand any further without making it impossible to move around and/or maintain the layout. Thanks for watching!

[@nscalefun]

AWESOME LAYOUT!!!!! Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work.

[@kenjohnson9498]

WOW!!! very realistic looking, great job

[@bentstrider]

Got to have a lot of patience and plenty of room to get the most out of these projects. I'm sticking small and going with a simple, "West TX/Eastern NM in the Summer" 2x4 layout before I decide to go any further with something larger. I also like that interesting mix of both existing and "fallen flag" trucking you have on the layout. Consolidated Freightways and Viking were two outfits I'd see in SoCal growing up in the late 80s/90s. They were both either gone or on the way out by the time I got my CDL in 2004.

[@csxbaltimoresubdivision7746]

the scenery looks great, very nice attention to detail.

[@khaley37781]

Wonderful layout! Most excellent.

[@douglasnorth4703]

never feel bad about not being proto-typical . That's a very small crowd. Most of us just want to run trains of all era's on nice layouts! great work!

[@steventartamella454]

Came out awesome.. great job

[@kaladhor]

Thank god for N-scale ^^

[@madhugn]

That is a great work! Sometimes I wish I had chosen N or Z over H0. Amazing work!

[@nscaledivision2336]

love the layout and love the detail you done

[@rolandleone2105]

Awesome job! Very well put together.

[@stevenbullock9276]

You'd be forgiven for thinking the shot at 5:44 is real. Awesome job.

[@PJGGolfer]

Everyone has already said what I would have said. Simply Awesome!!

[@franswah100]

great great job steve Looks fantastic!

[@4ennout2]

Beautiful layout, I agree with Jegas..

[@williamarseneau1575]

Me thinks I smell a trucker at heart!!!!!! :):):) I'm a retired trucker that's driven for RWY,YEL, NW and a few more over my 50+ years out of Colorado. Living in Idaho noe, I've finally had time to build my railroad. It's based on the UPS La Grande Sub in Oregon. Benchwork is pretty much complete along with track still tweaking before moving on to scenery. Thanks for the slide show! ! Bill PS, It's nice to see someone pay attention to the real world of trucking. IE, long load signs on rear trailer of triples. The can be a real pain in the ass sometimes, but you'd better have em,

[@SteveJohnson-SD70MAC-747]

Thank you for your comments. Yes, I certainly have a soft spot for trucks even though I've never driven one. Though I have a friend who’s driven for CF, Reddaway, OD, and a few others pulling doubles/triples mostly in the Northwest. And you’re right, if you’re in Oregon pulling triples you need that Long Load sign! For me it’s 50/50 with trucking/railroading, but I just never really see trucks represented very often in layouts. Or if they are there, then as you state they aren’t represented properly. Also there just isn’t much out there for trucks in N-scale! Trainworx and Athearn have made some good progress in that area, but the prices are steep! I hope you are planning on incorporating a little room for trucks with your model railroad. You are entering what I consider the most fun part which is the scenery. This is where everything starts to come alive and look like a railroad. Though make sure your track is working properly before starting any of the scenery. You don’t want to have to tear any of it out to fix track that could have been caught earlier. Anyway have fun and good luck!

[@andreweh4]

Wise advice to any newcomers out there. Make sure your track is perfect and smooth before starting scenery work. It is hard to fix afterwards. Also ballasting can sometimes affect rail level etc. so I always ballast before any other scenery. Great video and a super nice job on the layout. I would love to see a video of actual operation here.

[@kmcwhq]

Super nice result, very nice.

[@ridermak4111]

Yeah, what everyone else has already said. Plus fabulous night scene. 👍

[@Lutain1337]

Wonderful layout thank you for sharing it with us

[@lawrencesavoy8033]

Beautiful layout, congratulations. I too model (HO) in a non-prototypical fashion and enjoy every minute of it. I suspect there is a legion of modelers who do the same but rarely receive any recognition in the various MR publications...boy are they missing the boat!!

[@SteveJohnson-SD70MAC-747]

Thank you. That's the beautiful thing about this hobby is that there are many ways to to approach it, but the most important thing is that you have FUN.

[@robertgreeson8867]

Bad ass layout. May not be prototypical but really cool. Love the interstate and all the trucks. Very nicely done for a “non-expert”. Ha ha. Take a bow for a job well done.

[@Leesion73]

Great job Steven, bravo! Some interesting and effective techniques, the yard in the center is so original and cool, great track plan. SUGGESTION? mirrors at end of the interstate to add real depth?

[@jamesyoung1127]

great slide show. love the layout. never seen a yard done that way. thanks for the new idea man. love it. hope your not done yet looks like there is still more room to work with! hint hint! ps dont forget to run it by the boss. ha ha!