After more years than I want to talk about, I've decided to get back into model railroading. Your video was really GREAT. It clearly gave me a precise idea of how this switching is done. It's a lot more interesting than I originally thought. Great job. I think I'm going to see more of your videos, because you make everything so simple to understand. Keep them coming, Mark G.
@N-Scale3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Mark. Mike
@RogerPerkins19397 жыл бұрын
Mike, I have never done switching or operating sessions, so this was a real treat to watch and educational as well. Thanks.
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Roger, for me too! Mike
@werts425 жыл бұрын
Amazing array of fine detail and organized layout. Beautifully done !! Congrats .. and you did a great job at your very first try of filming your layout. Tremendous !
@N-Scale5 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Mary Beth. Mike
@jegas67967 жыл бұрын
I liked this video because your narration, cool layout, backstory ... always helps make it seem official ... and you are good with them kaydee style couplers :) I love when delayed uncoupling works smoothly - :) Great job man!
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks , Yes I use the Micro-Trains couplers almost entirely. Mike
@backtosleep7 жыл бұрын
Nice running session. I hope my 3 by 7 foot layout looks half as good as your's. Cars and everything nicely weathered. Design of layout looks great for operating. Your the one who got me onto kato track which I ordered from you. One thing I have done in the past is always built too big and complex and ended up tearing it down. I'm not going to do that again. This time I did a more manageable layout for price and time to experience all the facets of the hobby. Took me a while to learn to work within my ability etc. Glad there are guys like you showing us how to go about this hobby. Please keep it up.
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Buddy, The main thing is to have fun. That is the whole object. Glad you are having fun. Mike
@stanleymontgomery39318 жыл бұрын
Great video , always enjoyed switching procedures , on a small layout watching trains going round n round gets a little boring and switching dose break it up and makes it fun, a lot of folks don't realize what goes into switching , keep up the great work
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thank you Stanley. Mike
@brianmathiason296 жыл бұрын
This was great! I love the detailing and weathering you did! I swear I've seen the exact same auto rack for real! I also like that you just invented your own system and didn't use cards. I'm the same way, I run and do what I want and have fun. You have a new subscriber.
@N-Scale6 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Brian and Happy to have you on board. Mike
@user-TheBestRailfan4 жыл бұрын
How do you do weathering gob?
@NScaleTrainBoy8 жыл бұрын
Love these kinds of videos. Please do more! -Dennis
@N-Scale8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dennis , I am going to try. Mike
@greganwintour33675 жыл бұрын
Great weathering on your rolling stock, and structures
@n-scaleunionpacificevansto65698 жыл бұрын
Wow, Mike, what a fabulous video! Very smooth running trains and nice action! Your videos and layout are a source of great inspiration for me. ...Roy
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much Roy. Mike
@bigsparky657 жыл бұрын
fantastic video Mike, i enjoy watching your videos
@TomsTrainsandThings7 жыл бұрын
Always good to see an ops session. thanks for the show. Tom
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Tom. Mike
@Tipman2OOO2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful layout, thank you for sharing with the world!! Inspiring me to build bigger and better!
@N-Scale2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Rudy but it is all torn down and am getting ready to start the ACTRR 4
@Tipman2OOO2 жыл бұрын
@@N-Scale I will be following your updates! Thanks again for sharing!
@N-Scale2 жыл бұрын
@@Tipman2OOO Thank You Brother !!!!
@davidsheriff89894 жыл бұрын
the overall effect with weathering makes this layout so realistic and the track bedding with a natural surrounding fauna..marvellous work
@N-Scale4 жыл бұрын
Thank You so much David , Glad to have you here. Mike
@xfiles-thetruthisoutthere80383 жыл бұрын
Looking darn good and it’s nice to see your having fun with it. That’s what it’s all about! 👽
@N-Scale3 жыл бұрын
Thank You Sir !!! Mike
@slam8545 жыл бұрын
You have a beautiful layout with realistic operation. I have just gotten into N-scale and learning.
@N-Scale5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Stephen . This layout has now been torn out and a new one started. Thanks , Mike
@bfurailroad11043 жыл бұрын
Luv your groundcover scenery and the sawmill area.
@N-Scale3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much
@19mansellcj547 жыл бұрын
A nice change from layout updates, thanks Mike.
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Colin , Mike
@themaddogyoung7 жыл бұрын
Great switching video, I really enjoyed it. I hate to see it (actrr) being chsnged but I surely understand. All in the name of progress!
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Steve , It will be for the best (I hope). Mike
@Duhjr888 жыл бұрын
wow great video mike! Also I like your lumber mill as I am planning a similar one for my future layout. - Bill
@N-Scale8 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Bill, I am so glad you enjoyed it. Mike
@AlexTheRailroader7 жыл бұрын
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. And the scenery on the layout is top notch. I'm in the process of re-building my layout to something more manageable. Though I'm more into steam locomotives, I still do have a fascination for diesels and freight trains.
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Alex, Mike
@jeffmorgan12295 жыл бұрын
I did enjoyed this video. Your layout and scenery look awesome.
@N-Scale5 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Jeff. Mike
@terryjudd20064 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed the little session only wish I was more familiar with it or could have had an aerial view of the proposed operation session to envision it more!
@michaelglass47017 жыл бұрын
Awesome video, love the weathering.
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Michael , Glad you enjoyed it. Mike
@zekecycle7 жыл бұрын
This is a very nice layout. The track is well designed for operation and the scenery is very good!
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot Steve, Glad to have you on board. Mike
@ryanmullins6957 жыл бұрын
What a great layout. Giving me a lot of ideas thanks Mike
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ryan , glad to have you on board. Mike
@ryanmullins6957 жыл бұрын
hey mike I have a couple of questions. what is the manufacturer of the green box car with the tree on the side that you backed into the sawmill? and second is the engine house on your layout a kit or did you scratch build it? thanks Ryan.
@kenneymitchell15255 жыл бұрын
Very beautiful and highly detailed layout Mike. This is Kenney, the one with the Jackie Stewart model that got sent to me by accident.
@N-Scale5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Kenny and glad you found me and thanks for forwarding that for me. Mike
@mikeez398 жыл бұрын
Mike.... Greta job! Would like to see more of these videos.
@N-Scale8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mike, Mike
@PeterCPRail87487 жыл бұрын
Mike for a first time switching ops vid you did fantastic.
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Peter, Mike
@catfisherboy4 жыл бұрын
loved this one Mike !!
@N-Scale4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Buz , Mike
@atsf81rj4 жыл бұрын
I love you new layout, but this layout my always be my favorite.
@N-Scale4 жыл бұрын
Thanks , Mike
@bunnycatch3r7 жыл бұрын
I like what you're doing here. Subscribed.
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much , Mike
@dhh7501 Жыл бұрын
Nice layout!! I love the grafiti and general wethering
@N-Scale Жыл бұрын
Thanks , Mike
@rjet43214 жыл бұрын
It was a great learning experience I am about to build my first N gage layout
@N-Scale4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ron , I hope you enjoy it. Mike
@dacuzzz7 жыл бұрын
great op session Mike.. you should do more.. thanks for sharing.. vinny
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
I would like to some day when I retire. Mike
@boomer88067 жыл бұрын
Who knew Unitrak could look that good. Nice work!
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much , and glad to have you here. Mike
@attackeagle5 жыл бұрын
Really enjoyed it.
@N-Scale5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Richard, Mike
@trade07143 жыл бұрын
The weathering on some of those cars is fantastic. Graffiti, wear & tear, its all there. So realistic. Amazing "grittiness" on the whole layout. 4:00 "I only love you cuz I hate you"
@simonjacobs96165 жыл бұрын
This is awesome.
@N-Scale5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Simon, Mike
@4ennout27 жыл бұрын
I enjoyed watching. I hope you make more ! Maybe involve some of friends.
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
The room has little space for any more than 3 people and I have no card system in place. Thanks , Mike
@MrMikepaniora7 жыл бұрын
great stuff mike
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Mike, Glad you enjoy it. Mike
@boiboi89707 жыл бұрын
great video!
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much , Mike
@freedomisfromtruth7 жыл бұрын
Great detail and weathering. The graffiti, wow, the cars must have been in a big city.
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Indeed they were. Thanks so much , Mike
@QRoutback8 жыл бұрын
Nice and smooth switching Mike Glynn
@N-Scale8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Glynn , so it appears. Lots of outtakes. Mike
@fruitgums5 жыл бұрын
@@N-Scale "So it appears"? I think that statement is most upsetting to me. I have been planning an 00 scale layout but the space I have is only 2.4m by 3..5m so I'm thinking N scale but.. its been 35 years since I last was involved in the hobby and N scale always had issues with points and junctions back then, so I've been busy watching video's to see if there had been a decent improvement because I cannot be bothered with the headache of continually de-railing trains. My plan is a fully working yard with many switches :( Disappointing. Please anyone, correct me if I am wrong
@fruitgums5 жыл бұрын
I really need advice. Does N scale still have issues with switches, if so is there a work around?
@doncardiff46137 жыл бұрын
Thanks, that was fun Don Carduff
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for taking a look Don, Mike
@lynneferencik13784 жыл бұрын
great job
@N-Scale4 жыл бұрын
Thank You so much. Stay well
@severalothers7 жыл бұрын
Great layout...
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much and Thanks for looking. Mike
@atsf81rj7 жыл бұрын
I hope stuff runs that good on my layout. I have a few feeders left to wire and maybe a operating video will be in my future. Thanks for the inspiration. -Russell
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Russ , hope you liked it. Mike
@drifterman319 Жыл бұрын
Everything inspirational.
@N-Scale Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much !!!
@charlesvinsonhaler11197 жыл бұрын
Great video, Mike! Thanks! We are down in Las Cruces and love to watch trains in the Belen area. What area is your model RR patterned after? Charlie
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks Charlie, It is loosely based in southern New Mexico. Mike
@jorgenvids93386 жыл бұрын
Where did you get the center beam with the lumber load? I can't find them anywhere. Excellent video I love the flow of switching on model rr keep it up
@N-Scale6 жыл бұрын
They are all Micro-Trains Models. Thanks , Mike
@ralphgreenwood58577 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed the op session very much. I've never seen the layout up this close. The ground cover detail is excellent and the weathering on the buildings at the mill is very convincing. Is there a future for the SF GP-30 on the flat?
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
It would be headed for the ACTRR Shops some day!! Mike
@BaronvonBavert8 жыл бұрын
nice switching !!!!
@N-Scale8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Harald , I had fun! Mike
@IMRROcom8 жыл бұрын
Nice.
@N-Scale8 жыл бұрын
Thanks a bunch Eric. Mike
@TheOriginalBadger6 жыл бұрын
Hi Mike. I am just getting started in N scale. The biggest, or the first, stumbling block I keep hitting, is doing the track plan. I like the way you have your track laid out in the yards..... would you happen to have a layout track plan posted anywhere? Stu.
@TheOriginalBadger6 жыл бұрын
Never mind...I found it :)
@N-Scale6 жыл бұрын
Thanks , Mike
@rogersrailroadproductions91856 жыл бұрын
What kind of decoder did you use?
@mastergeebo7 жыл бұрын
That was fun.
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks , Mike
@zacharyburnham61376 жыл бұрын
I switch in real live this is so cool to see it done in scale
@N-Scale6 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Zach. We have fun and hope you enjoy what you do as well. Mike
@sparky1071078 жыл бұрын
love the green house, wow, I like the layout placards, are the switches too throw the switches labeled the same to make operations easier? or are they just layout markers? super video, where is Alberkurcy, sounds like something bugs bunny would say, really great video mike
@N-Scale8 жыл бұрын
Albuquerque is in the center of New Mexico and the largest city here. The markers do , indeed , mark the turnout numbers. All turnouts are DCC thrown. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2m3hqp-icuChbc Thanks Sparky , Mike
@sparky1071078 жыл бұрын
lol Mike, yep that was the humour I was thinking about, great response sir
@RestrictingSignalProductions8 жыл бұрын
At 0:41, do you have a better view of that warbonnet on the flat? It's very interesting, thank you for sharing, -Josh RSP
@N-Scale8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Josh, Try this video at around the 9:00 mark. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZS1kKWgndGnh6s Mike
@RestrictingSignalProductions8 жыл бұрын
Thank you mike! It's very interesting. Looks burnt. I am planning on doing this with a slug unit. Just needs to be painted and weathered. (Where do you find that chain holding the engine down to the car?) -Josh RSP
@N-Scale8 жыл бұрын
I bought the car at the N Scale Convention this year from a man named Charlie Hopkins. Mike
@RestrictingSignalProductions8 жыл бұрын
Very lucky find Mike! And thank you for staying with me all this time, -Josh RSP
@RestrictingSignalProductions8 жыл бұрын
Just got to view that video. The new YT update wouldn't let me. View your link.
@mikemcmullen1331 Жыл бұрын
How satisfied are you with the final result of your yard where you used flipped cork road bed to build up the area between track pieces before ballasting?
@N-Scale Жыл бұрын
I was totally satisfied. Mike
@mikemcmullen1331 Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@keving1265 жыл бұрын
I know that fifer hobby is a wood block, never the less fantastic as usual . I know you are working on the act 3 and probably won't read this I just thought it was cool!
@N-Scale5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Kevin, Mike
@rogermetzger73357 жыл бұрын
I bought some N-scale Bachman trains back in the 80s. I think the type of couplers that came on the rolling stock were called "Rapido", but I could be wrong about that. I liked the fact that I could (or our children could) lift a car out of a consist without damaging the couplers and without derailing the other cars. I never did find a way to uncouple the cars by remote control, however. I also tried two different brands of switches (turnouts) and neither worked to my satisfaction. Can you please tell me a) What brand of rolling stock are you using, b) What brand of couplers? Were they installed on the rolling stock when you bought them? Or did you get the couplers aftermarket? d) What brand of switches are you using? Thanks.
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Can you please tell me a) What brand of rolling stock are you using, Mostly Micro-Trains b) What brand of couplers? Almost all Micro-Trains Were they installed on the rolling stock when you bought them? Almost all were. Or did you get the couplers aftermarket? What you do is an entire truck replacement. d) What brand of switches are you using? All Kato track on my layout. Thanks , Mike
@rogermetzger73357 жыл бұрын
No. Thank YOU.
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Glad to help. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Mike & Robin
@doublediamondrailroad59492 жыл бұрын
Where did you get those nice Tractor Trailers in this video?
Hey Mike can u do a video on N scale Micro Engineering company on a n scale turnout plz. I am having trouble of the instructions and some of them doesn't make any sense. can u make it plz and thank you
@SGTGhost8 жыл бұрын
BTW I enjoyed the video
@SheltonDCruz5 жыл бұрын
Hi Mike - what do you use to clean your track?
@N-Scale5 жыл бұрын
CMX car with Alcohol and or my homemade track scrubbers. Mike
@galaxyplayz44686 жыл бұрын
what dose actrr mean
@mysticrailroad4 жыл бұрын
nice switching. some cars are a little herky jerky- weighting issues?- but layout looks great and graffiti is nice.
@sonnypruitt66397 жыл бұрын
Hope you don't mind but about how much $$$ do you have invested in your layout?
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
I have no idea. The collection of items has spanned about 25 years. Mike
@shiftintohigh55644 жыл бұрын
👍👍👍😎😎
@piloto52485 жыл бұрын
Wow i did not know you can disconnect the cars that way, just a question is the N scale the last small scale or there more tiny ones i dont know much about this hobby....
@N-Scale5 жыл бұрын
There is NN3 , Z , and TT that are smaller
@piloto52485 жыл бұрын
@@N-Scale thanks for answer back to me my friend give me a locomotive amtrak in the box never used size HO the brand is athearn i dont know if i start with that one or go stray for N just for space by the way nice layout,
@N-Scale5 жыл бұрын
@@piloto5248 Thanks Juan , Mike
@akr3985fan8 жыл бұрын
Hey Mr. I’ll be over in little while for first hand View but it may take me a while to get there ;)
@N-Scale8 жыл бұрын
I am waiting Ron , Thanks , Mike
@christophercddelrosariocoish7 жыл бұрын
I saw that boxcar that has MD&W, that is from International Falls
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Cool , Glad you caught that one. Thanks Chris, Mike
@christophercddelrosariocoish7 жыл бұрын
***** Can you do more on switch with all the Boise Cascade MD&W boxcars with a proper switcher locomotive?
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Sorry , likely not as I do not model that area. Thanks , Mike
@MrTech2three8 жыл бұрын
what do you use to label your turnouts?
@N-Scale8 жыл бұрын
They are small wooden coffee stir sticks , like the ones at Starbucks. Mike
@Rapman214 жыл бұрын
Who made the lumber mill?
@N-Scale4 жыл бұрын
It is made with Walthers buildings and a Brass sawdust burner and all of the sawing part is scratch built. Thanks , Mike
@warrenwilson48184 жыл бұрын
World's record for weathering? Never saw graffiti before.
@michelj.gaudet50487 жыл бұрын
HEY! You really need to do a LOT MORE of the running videos. It is so nice to watch someone who knows how to do it correctly. HOWEVER_ as nice a video that is was, and of my FAVORITE train activity - SWITCHING IN THE TRAIN YARDS, I have some DIRECTIVES for you. Ready? Good. We want to personify that what we are DOING for our audience comes from ABSOLUTE certainty in what we are demonstrating, wouldn't you agree? So, in future videos, no more will we hear things such as Hopefully, or Try To, or Attempt. Got it? GOOD! SMILEY FACE HERE :-D Seriously, every time you would SAY such as above, I was EXPECTING either a derailment or a miss-coupling or such. So STOP IT, friend. If there is an OOPS, what you do is take care of it during post-edit. Make the OOPS go away so we NEVER KNOW you are not the PERFECT VIDEO PERSON that you are. Okee-dokee, constructive critique over. NOW I get to tell you how much this "Old-fart" of nearly seventy TRULY likes your videos. Please keep it up for we who are armchair voyeurs. I just KNOW there are TONS of us out there, and we all have YOU to thank for our choo-choo entertainment. So_ THANKS!
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Mike. I guess it is just my nature. Mike
@ARP-20177 жыл бұрын
Is that PECO track?
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
It is all Kato Unitrack. Thanks , Mike
@ARP-20177 жыл бұрын
+Mike Fifer OK thx. Loved the video BTW.
@N-Scale7 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Mike
@marciebalme5882 жыл бұрын
all KATO track ?
@N-Scale2 жыл бұрын
Yes Sir. Mike
@N_scale8 жыл бұрын
Awesome vid Mike. You got the train bug.not to be confused with train beetle which is what I have!
@N-Scale8 жыл бұрын
LOL , as long as you have something related to trains! Mike