NEW HO SCALE LAYOUT BUILD SERIES - Ep 1

[@1Nanerz]

Never keep going on a layout if you’re not happy with it. It’s wasted money and becomes a chore. Glad you’re following the passion of what you want to see .

[@TopRailroad]

Thanks man!

[@captainvanover]

Highly recommend installing a Keep Alive in your locomotives, that’ll greatly help your locomotives run over dead spots in the track. I have them in all of mine

[@TopRailroad]

Good suggestion! I’ll have to check those out

[@MichaelRailfan2808]

I need to do that for my n scale locomotives as well !

[@captainvanover]

@@TopRailroad they are super super easy to install as well :)

[@Phoenixknight79]

can't wait to see how this one comes together, I love watching people build their layouts

[@MattsTrainsandThings]

I don't blame you for starting over; sometimes we all need to start a project over from time to time. For me, while working on the plans to my big train layout my current switching layout will be a part of, I often design a layout I'm satisfied with at first, but then I develop second thoughts and start over, again.

[@TopRailroad]

I like that process you have! Allows for less messups

[@acrranscaleandlifejourney4330]

Can’t wait to see what’s next. Glad you find and fix the problems with the layouts. Thanks for sharing.

[@TopRailroad]

I appreciate it!

[@LS_trains]

He’s just gonna start another one

[@acrranscaleandlifejourney4330]

@@LS_trains good maybe I’ll learn more!!!!

[@captainvanover]

Also the spacing between tracks on the yard is actually pretty good!

[@benhinkle5873]

Thank you for the video. Very informative and gave me some ideas for my next layout. Model railroading is all about change and modification.

[@toolguybak]

Very nice-thanks for posting! Love the yard. Hoping you’ll include a caboose storage track and a locomotive turntable.

[@chris4321das]

Love it! Looking forward to seeing your progress and learning from it 👍 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃

[@ytzpilot]

Turnouts and flex track absolutely the best method, looks great

[@twiggs24]

The yard on the curve is very unique. Keep up the good work. Make sure to add some terrain and hills where you cant see the train.

[@keepamericayisraelgreat5708]

I just finished my layout, but for the room size, it works for now...Great ideas for your new layout, I like it! more functional .

[@johnathanlewis2049]

Hi Top Railroad! Great video and it’s cool you’re starting over. Looking forward to seeing more!!

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you very much Johnathan!

[@Rosso_Dabosso]

You definitely do like to start over, but I really enjoy watching each layout develop. The way you build stuff is really satisfying and professional, looking forward to build series for this layout!

[@drewzdrew27]

WHAT..again. Setting records on restarts dude! lol. Oh well as long as you are having fun. Some general tips regarding the power cut out issues. 1) Ensure all wire connections are solid, secure and/or well soldered. Over time wires may come loose. 1a. Ensure the wire and track are as clean as possible when making the connection, even factory new rail should be cleaned before soldering (i use Isopropyl Alcohol) and running trains. 1b. Solder flux will help the solder flow. 2) Power the Turnout Frog (as you did) is a great help 3) Ensure the track and locomotive wheels are clean. (again i use Isopropyl Alcohol) 4) as mentioned below - Keep-Alives are a great help. There is a cost to buying all new stuff as there is a cost to reusing old stuff. Most of my bench-work is reused from my 1st, 2nd, and Third layouts. While i saved on $$$ (especially during the pandemic price hikes), I spent a lot of time and energy getting the reused items adjusted to work on the new configuration. Looking forward to progress and first completion of a layout! 😂

[@TopRailroad]

I’m definitely setting some records 😂 but I appreciate the tips! Yeah reusing can help bring those costs down for sure, I used some of my 2x2s on the new one to help save some money. Thanks again man!

[@LowevilleJunctionRailroad]

Excellent video! Great job about your layout build and very informative, easy to follow! I too am starting over....looking forward to seeing more! Linda ~ Loweville Junction Railroad 🚂

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you!

[@MidtownSun]

Good for you for realizing what you wanted! I’m glad this layout is bigger, and it looks like you’re considering a continuous mainline, so you’ll be able to have a train running continuously if you desire. I’m very much looking forward to this build, brother!

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you very much man! And yes I’ll finally have continuous train running woo!

[@jasper_saberwolf]

Great job on that benchwork! It looks so clean. I think it’s good that you’re allowing yourself to make these changes and taking your time with it. It’s worth being methodical to end up with something that is functional that you’re happy with! Just be sure to allow yourself to enjoy it and get to running some trains! I’m in the same boat, in fact, my dad and I used many of the exact same techniques and ideas for our benchwork, tho we had to use bigger wood and screws for the table tops to avoid warping in our basement due to temp/humidity. Glad to see construction foreman Binx is overseeing the job too ❤️

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you very much for the nice comment! Cool too here you and your Dad are making a layout as well!

[@theglimpse3785]

Welcome back! I'm looking forward to your new layout!

[@ShawnCalay]

Curves yes you should solder....but on straights put a peice of 0.20 styrene between the joints. Secure your track then remove them....keep a gap....you will thank me later....

[@Allnightexplor]

Great start on the layout! I am looking forward to more episodes!

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you!

[@shawnpowell5876]

Great video Trey of your new layout. I totally understand that you changed your mind of what you previously had. I changed my layout design twice. Its definitely not an easy process for sure. I think it looks great and as long as you're happy with it so are we. The black trim on the legs and frame look great. I did the same with mine and like it much better than that wood look. The buildings and rolling stock are great choices. Thanks again Trey for sharing your videos with us along with your PRICELESS time and effort my friend! Cheers from Laurel, Delaware USA.

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you very much Shawn! Much appreciated as always

[@fredsmith6758]

Great video bro. Keep up the good work. I'll be at the train show in November at the Allentown ag hall. The show is November 9th & 10th.

[@TopRailroad]

Thanks man! That’s cool, I hope I can attend the show!

[@larmo5633]

There's 2 pet peeves iv always had when building a layout..the 2 things that will absolutely take the fun out of a model railroad are, cars that constantly come uncoupled, making sure the coupler height is the correct height is essential, not close, not almost, couplers (kadee) all have to line up perfectly with the KD coupler test tool..if they don't they don't go on the layout until they do line up...#2 absolutely flawless track work, trains that constantly derail are no fun.. testing track and curves with your most sensitive longest car is important, same with a locomotive, steam engines usually are the most sensitive..so always make a layout both steam and Diesel friendly..iv had to start over more than a few times to get it right.. but I've always been happy that I did..

[@TopRailroad]

I appreciate you sharing that and I 100% agree!

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Looking forward to seeing this one come together. As other people have said install a keep alive in your locos as they will improve the running over dead spots or dirty bits of track. Looking forward to the next one.

[@TopRailroad]

Thanks Nicholas! Yeah I never knew of those Keep Alive addons so I’ll definitely look into those

[@CrewsRail]

Its ok to start over, its your railroad, also I'll be at the Big boy Days At Forney Museum with the NMRA layout first weekend of august, I'll be running trains on Sunday. Even our modules keep getting updated as they are going on 20 years old..

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you for the heads up! I’ll see if I can make it to see all the awesome layouts and model trains!

[@darylhitchcock7680]

Great Work...I really like the idea of no track plan, and eyeballing a fictional railroad with prototypical or correct running applications... Well thought out bench work, by the way...

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you very much!

[@wapatocreekrail]

I agree about Walthers rail joiners working better than Atlas, I even prefer to use Walthers joiners on my Atlas track!

[@khyronthethunderhawg6577]

Nice beginning. You need a good foundation to start any project. I would suggest adding washers between the bolts/nuts and the wood. It helps spread the load and not cut into the wood.

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you and I agree! I appreciate the suggestion, I’ll have to add some washers asap!

[@modelrailroadingthesouthwest]

Great video! I really like the new layout. It’s nice to have a fresh start! Can’t wait to see the scenery come together.

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you man! I like your new cabinets & TV you got in your recent video! More room for those awesome locomotives 😎

[@TheNorthwestWind]

makes sense

[@davestrains6816]

Looking fantastic, thanks for sharing. Dave

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you Dave!

[@Multicammies]

yard in the curve may be difficult to line up couplers for connecting, but big fan of your content, just something to look out for.

[@TopRailroad]

I did realize that quickly, I’m okay with it for now haha

[@MaleusMaleficarum]

one simple trick with Pink/Blue foam... you only have to score the foam about half way (not cut all the way through. Scoring with a straight edge, then snapping, will get you a nice clean cut.

[@TopRailroad]

That’s a good tip

[@brasheyboy09]

I’m trying to build an ho layout and this will help a lot

[@jeeper360]

Soldering tip...try flux and see how easy the solder flows into your joints.

[@unionpacificrailfan1943]

I’d recommend keep alives and also using cork bed it’ll sound better when they roll Around

[@Minnesota_railfaner]

A tip for people with flex track, you don’t have to cut the ties of all you have to do it just cut the part that holds the track down and boom it looks a lot cleaner

[@MichaelRailfan2808]

This looks like good potential tho, love it , can’t wait to watch these , while studying since it’s August lol.

[@WesternNewYorkRailfan420]

jokes on you this just means more wiring videos that give me some good idea's and helpful tips!

[@TopRailroad]

There you go 😂👌

[@mikeseba7817]

Great work!👍👍👍

[@roady1710]

Yeah, I just went to your channel. It appears you do have quite a few episode ones and yes episode. One are usually the very beginning but in the long run, it’s for the love of the hobby.

[@bfredsys11]

Darn good video!! Keep them coming 😄

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you!

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Very interesting layout build , good choice on track and turnouts, not sure if I like the access to the center of your layout, but does look great

[@TopRailroad]

Yeah it’s not ideal but I don’t mind ducking under there real quick!

[@ConductorGoldy]

Every layout you make, you learn from. Each one gets better as do your skills, like soldering and such. I had what I called a practice layout and I learned a lot of what not do do lol. Now on to my second one which is built entirely different than the first one. Not to mention something like 10 designs before settling on something I would be satisfied with. After all, you gotta enjoy it for a while!

[@TopRailroad]

Very true! But that’s awesome, I think most modelers have atleast one “rough draft” sort of layout!

[@ak-miniatureworld]

looking Great specially curved yard 🔥wait for the next episode ✌🏻

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you!

[@2seeatnite42]

Great Video. Thanks for sharing.

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you for watching!

[@jasonweir6345]

Always, always lay the track... and run it before you paint and do scenery. Easier to make changes and adjustments. Bullet-proof trackwork is must before scenery

[@jimorlando5700]

Good luck with the new layout!

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you!

[@chrisd7865]

Love your videos. They are so helpful as I start my layout. Just curious why you changed from using cork under track to just gluing.

[@tolucaheights]

Babe wake up new top railroad layout

[@gerlandkent6377]

[LOOKS, GREAT]

[@ssttuuhhll]

We all make mistakes or change our minds. They are just damn expensive mistakes in model railroading! Good to see you back though and it looks promising.

[@TopRailroad]

Expensive is so true haha

[@EmperorsPath]

im very excited to see the progress on the new layout!

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you man! I love the podcast you do with James! Already looking forward to the next one 👌

[@EmperorsPath]

@@TopRailroad ahhh thank you so much! I'm glad to hear it!

[@lonewolfe31619]

Really great video also I'm part of a train club that does say if your not liking what your seeing and doing rip it up and start over but try and do it carefully.

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you! I like that thinking

[@csxnspittsburghdivision8580]

Nice video

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you man!

[@Gavin1849]

I can understand why you had to start over I have a model layout to and I have it being controlled by a Bachman controller for it and train do run' But trains do Not run that good on some parts. But I still have fun with running trains on the layout. And I am going to have the same idea as you in the future.😊

[@TopRailroad]

It happens sometimes! Having fun is what matters 😁

[@jameses797]

Looks good! Keep it up!

[@Easton-tc5gs]

keep making the layouts

[@andystrains4335]

Nice work I have recently dismantled my old layout and am going to make a new one as well like the cn wide nose you have. I have mostly cn as well being Canadian and all

[@TopRailroad]

Awesome man! I love CN engines, they have such a clean paint scheme

[@ronaldbrooks5982]

The RR cat is fun to.

[@southpaw7364]

I saw a hack recently you can try. Instead of cutting off the ties for the rail joiners to fit, like I do. Just cut off the plastic spike that hold the ties to the track. Then put on the the rail joiner. Saw that in a video

[@sergioarroyoguerrero5434]

5:02 you 🐱 in the layout. Scooby Doo is a good dog.

[@AstroKnight118]

Please upload more videos, we all love them

[@TopRailroad]

That means a lot thank you! I will for sure!

[@gacj2010]

Love uour perservere cr

[@johnbowyer5519]

I see your not using flux to help the solder flow better, and put some washers on the bolts that hold the sections together or they will sink in to the wood over time. If need help on some thing like the best glue to use for plastic or where to get a lot of great HO cheap let me know you have my E-mail and I still have the Crane and some Trucks. John.

[@MMRails]

Are you sure this layout is big enough? I think you should start again. 😉 Love it. I’m curious how the grade crossing planks work with your code 83 track. I had some issues with couplers snagging it. I guess I could bend the couplers. Meh. Love your work! (and your cat)

[@TopRailroad]

Oh no I might have to redo it 😂😂 but thank you man! I’ll have too see how they work I hope they don’t snag like you say

[@gary-williams]

When I lay straight sections of flex-track, I use a metal straightedge to ensure the rails are truly straight. Any little wiggle in the rails bugs me.

[@TopRailroad]

Good tip!

[@randydobson1863]

Hi Top Railroad & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Top Railroad & Friends Randy

[@elleryparsons2433]

Passion And Patience Will Be the Key of Building of the Layout.

[@TopRailroad]

Very true!

[@brianporkchop2277]

Thank you for sharing these videos. My layout is similar to yours, only just a little smaller. My benchwork is complete and I am using foam boards also. Thank you for the advice on the black paint, I was considering this, yours looks so good that I purchased some and will do the same. My question to you - I also plan to install a bridge on my layout. With only 1-inch foam, how do you foresee enough clearance under the bridge? It is for the reason that I am considering stacking 2 1-inch foam sheets for the scenery base. Thoughts?

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you for watching! And regarding the bridge, clearance wise it’s going to be very low with just 1 inch foam. I only plan to have some water flowing under neath so I’m hoping it’s fine. If you want cars or people to walk under then 2 inches or more would be better

[@sergioarroyoguerrero5434]

Building a new layout in HO scale. Good job my friend. You cat is friend of my dog Scooby Doo. Scrappy Doo my pup. Scooby Dum is a nice dog. 😼🐱, SCOOBY DOO.

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you! Scooby doo and Binx are great friends 😁

[@bentontrains2076]

That's nice! Will you ever extend beyond this part of the layout?

[@TopRailroad]

It’s a possibility but this might be it since the room isn’t all that big

[@MichaelRailfan2808]

Rip old 4x8 layout never forget :(

[@TopRailroad]

You’re an OG! But true I’ll never forget that layout!

[@MichaelRailfan2808]

@@TopRailroad Yes sir , prob gonna re build that layout at my house using the tut. It will live once again lol

[@BNSF1458]

Well, well, well.....

[@Coreyhkh2]

haha dont feel bad I am on my 4th layout

[@TopRailroad]

This is my 5th so were close 😂

[@manshedrailroad]

That's looking clean! Are you planning to do a backdrop?

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you! And maybe along the wall, but probably not anyway else

[@uncletimmy_88]

Where was the connectivity issue? Was the paint in between the rail and the joiners? I know it is too late now for the old layout but could you have masked off the rail ends before paint and touch up after its connected?

[@J2NscaleModelTrains]

Binx!

[@RailfanUS]

I just get afraid when u use that thin wood and foam on top and the weight over it that the plywood would break and everything would fall down at a point, would this ever happen?

[@TopRailroad]

Even though the wood is thin it’s still pretty strong and with the foam on top it’s even stronger. If I stood on it, it might break but I don’t plan on standing on it ever haha

[@Qwuxx]

Out of curiosity, why glue the track direct to the foam and not use any form of roadbed?

[@TopRailroad]

It’s not always necessary especially in areas with lots of track like a yard but some choose too do so. I’m just glueing right to the foam since it’s just how I like to do things

[@ultimateplayzz1587]

you could reuse youre ol layout if you wire some more wires to the track:D would be nice to see:)

[@TopRailroad]

That would be cool! I sadly don’t have the room right now to add it though

[@joshuadixon1272]

What size is this layout? I have a 10x10 room I am thinking about doing a HO layout in

[@TopRailroad]

This layout is 8 ft x 10ft. Your room could fit a good sized layout, I would look online to see if others have the same size room as you and what there track plans are

[@Lil_Pennsy]

I shouldn’t be watching this it’ll give me ideas 😂😂. I had to stop my model layout cause I moved😢😂. I’m watching anyways😂😂

[@TopRailroad]

I hope you can get it going again soon man!

[@Lil_Pennsy]

@@TopRailroadI wish but it is what it is😂

[@Lil_Pennsy]

@@TopRailroadcan’t wait to see how this turns out💯💯

[@thomasrankin8506]

@Top railroad that is to funny

[@trainboydavidson]

hope you can post within 3 months lol

[@TopRailroad]

I shall and will! 😂

[@elleryparsons2433]

Then Find Out Where You can Place your Buildings SectionBy Section then go From There On Out.

[@mr.oliver_11]

Welcome to the 100th layout video :D

[@TopRailroad]

Pretty much 😂👌

[@dariofernandez2283]

"new layout" episode 1000

[@TheNorthwestWind]

AGAIN LOL?

[@Mike__B]

Too much effort to salvage any old turnout track pieces?

[@TopRailroad]

I saved a couple but I’m only going to use them if I need too

[@Ahyder013]

I just posted my first KZbin video and it’s not getting any views

[@TopRailroad]

When you first start posting it will be like that, just keep posting and getting better and the views will come! Try to use other people that post the content you do as inspiration

[@Ahyder013]

Thank you so much

[@kilrbe3]

First off, proud of you for willing to try and try again.. But this is your 5th time. I think you need to learn more before you get your hands going. Plan better and think through more. After 4 times now, you are just wasting money. You don't seem to be reusing any old track/switches, and this boggles my mind. Why not? You are spending $$$$ on just new track & turnouts alone. All of that old stuff could easily been ripped up, cleaned up and reused. You are keeping Walthers in business... let's just say that. You could of added more feeders, and keep alives to get around your old dodgy track work. Painting before the wire was not your flaw, its poor electrical knowledge. Again not trying be negative, as I do enjoy watching your progress. I value your attempts and wanting to keep going. I just think you need to plan more and have a more drawn out plan. If you re-do this again for a 6th time.. I think you should join a club or local group and do it with someone more experienced. As you are just burning $$$$ away. Looking forward to more. I just hope not to see another video in 4 months with "NEW LAYOUT AGAIN" as the title.

[@TopRailroad]

I appreciate your comment! Luckily this is the only time I’ve restarted because of actual issues, all my past layouts worked great I just would get picky or my bench work bad lol. I do save some turnouts and I am keeping the one section still, I just like to use the new stuff. Last time I jumped right into building after almost a year away so my knowledge wasn’t refreshed like it is this time. I hope to not do another New Layout video in four months either 😂😁