NEW HO SCALE LAYOUT BUILD SERIES - Ep 1

Awhile back I deconstructed my HO Scale layout and I haven't uploaded since. I finally have a plan and a new layout to start working on. Benchwork as you may notice is up and I didn't film that part since I thought it would be boring. Besides that Ill be showing everything I do on this build series step by step.
Welcome and I hope you enjoy this new series!
Edited with Adobe Premiere
Music - KZbin Music
Camera - Sony ZH1
#ModelTrains #HOScale #TrainLayout

[@PauletteKneer-Mackey]

I have always loved miniatures, settings & H0 train layouts. About 1 1/2 yrs ago I started buying all the things to build one, but didn't know where or how to start or what I should do first. I bought 2 books, but that didn't 't really help me. I really thank you!!! For going over every detail from the beginning & showing the whole process. It is so helpful. Can't wait for #2 of the 10x7 series!

[@BNSF1458]

MY FRIDAY HIGHLIGHT IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TopRailroad]

I appreciate you watching man!

[@tywhiteman8379]

YOOOOO BNSF

[@foxs683ss]

Great restart. Understand the duck under, but eventually time will catch up with you. Then you'll need the benefits of a walk-in design.

[@GreatMidwesternTrains]

Great to see you back!!

[@TopRailroad]

Glad to be back! 😁

[@allanmartinez1190]

Your reply is very helpful. Good luck on your next project.

[@crystalzues4712]

The dilemma with swapping to code 83 from 100, I can really relate to. Its not a major change at first but It does make a big difference on a large scale. If you ever build another layout, I would highly recommend transitioning.

[@beardedgamer6684]

I love the idea for this layout. I can’t wait to see the progress!

[@randomsucks2444]

As long as your having fun and enjoying putting it together. That's all that matters. Looks great. Nice job

[@MMRails]

Congrats on the new layout. My knees hurt just thinking about you crawling under there to get to the middle. Can’t wait to see what you do with this one.

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you Mark! Yeah hopefully my knees don’t go out anytime soon haha

[@simonetaormina7080]

I’m so glad to see you building on foam board. I started with that years ago and when I wound tell other modelers I would be looked at like I had 3 heads, good luck with your build. One thing before you ballast your track make sure your plan is set . Once you glue it down it’s not coming back up easy.

[@TopRailroad]

Foam is a must I’m surprised it wasn’t used as much at that point! Very true though

[@RicoGalassi]

This just brought me back to my (somewhat mediocre attempt) at model railroading when I was a kid. Going to the hobby store with my dad and seeing all the cool supplies and trains, heading to the local convention center on a Sunday morning for a model RR show and buying a nice locomotive, man I miss those days...

[@stevesoscaletrainchannel.1901]

I like the modular layout build. If I ever relocate, that will be a must. Thanks for explaining details.

[@larrydee8859]

Very informative reconstruction video of your new layout! Thanks for sharing.

[@gbrtrains]

Great start to a new layout. Will be watching as you progress.

[@owenthetrainman7219]

I’m glad to see you are back at it. One thing you could maybe do with that right side is add some small curves. Like have one of the shorter sides go farther than the other and have a “flattened” S-curve to equal it out. Kind of hard to explain, but just to give it some variety and not just straight track.

[@peterethaney9922]

Looks great! Love the open center design, that's what we did on our layout. It's an exciting time when you're working on the track plan, near endless possibilities. Looking forward to the next episode!

[@TopRailroad]

I appreciate it! I agree the open center design is a good move :)

[@anthonyproctor5104]

Looking forward to the build. Should be awesome. It will come together quickly compared to your first. Keen to see more.

[@johnathanlewis2049]

Great video! Looking forward to seeing your layout develop!

[@robertc.maxfieldiiphotography]

Great Jim Marshall/Johnny Cash shirt!!!

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you!

[@garryhulshof4383]

Great to see you back. Always entertaining to watch your progress.

[@Multicammies]

Glad to have another layout series to watch! I am just beginning my own layout!

[@TopRailroad]

That’s awesome!

[@mstng100mph]

Very nice! Building my 8x16 open center layout along side of your build. Excited to have the videos back and follow along. You inspired me to film my journey too. Keep up the awesome work.

[@TopRailroad]

Nice! That’s a great size layout for you to do a lot of scenery and track laying! And thank you very much!

[@scottsrailroadingadventure9502]

Good to see ya back at it! Look forward to watching the progress!

[@MoPac-Trains]

Great to see "Top Railroad" back in action. Awesome Johnny Cash shirt. Great video. I like your track plan. Looking forward to watching your model railroad getting built. Your chalk paint is a great, affordable way to paint bench work. Glad to see your fur buddy helping you.

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you very much! My little buddy causes trouble more then help most the time haha

[@ryan1gr]

I use the same NCE system and is perfect for what do you need in a small layout. Good luck with your new layout and have a lot of fun !

[@thomasmaster5603]

Glad to see you back. Great layout plan can't wait to see the results.

[@williamschlenger1518]

Very nice & well planned.Good luck with the rest of it.

[@beefyiceman94]

Just found your channel last night, subscribed and binged watched almost all of your videos, cant wait to see how this layout turns out! Great work man!

[@davestrains6816]

Great ideas, looking forward to the build!

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you Dave!

[@darthwalls1]

Glad to see you back! Can't wait to see what all you do with this.

[@shanestrains2849]

Nice video, you did a good job on the BN boxcar. Nice find at the thrift store!

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Looks like you have made a great start to your new layout

[@ericnickle9652]

I have been eagerly waiting for the next episodes! You are one of the KZbinrs that inspired me to finally build my layout.

[@TopRailroad]

I’m glad I was able to inspire! Goodluck on your layout

[@luke_atthat]

I understand so well your decision to start a new layout ! I have an unfinished 6x8 ft layout, with 2 parallel ovals and I was not sure if it was what I need... So I am planning a new one on paper (with Anyrail 6 and Trainplayer to try it...) Still undecided. So I like very much to follow your process. Thanks to share your videos.

[@giacomopeters9988]

Nicely documented.

[@brianchapman9645]

Welcome back. You have been missed. I am looking forward this new layout. Thank you for identifying in detail the dimensions and building components as will as you track specifications. Also, thank you for labeling your videos with the episode sequence.

[@TopRailroad]

I appreciate it!

[@TheDrDollar]

Glad you are back. Inspiring as always

[@DannyBTalks]

Looking forward to watching the full progress of your build, man.

[@TopRailroad]

I appreciate it!

[@diecast_MikeEspo]

Awesome , just super awesome. Mike .

[@SpheroJr3289]

Love the new layout! Hope to see more Progress from you soon! :D

[@irenecraggs6123]

looks great looking to see more keep up the great work

[@carmenbaylines190]

Good video as always

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you!

[@In2-Tech]

Always enjoy seeing people start over or just beginning. Should be a lot of new content in the future. Good luck!

[@TopRailroad]

Definitely a lot of content coming!

[@trevorgwelch7412]

You could go threw the wall and loop back around - Great Layout

[@maptheplanet]

Watched all of your videos from start. Now I see you are back! I've learned a lot from you and hope to continue growing. Thank you for posting and hope you have a great day

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you and you have a great day as well!

[@australianmodelrailway]

Just discovered this channel! Your work looks great, looking forward to watching this new build 👍👍

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you!

[@pkilznah5353]

Great video looking forward to the build RESPECT ✊ 🚂🔥🔥🔥

[@Aberdude8]

Great to see you again TR! Can't wait to see what you create this series. I just got my Thomas Saves Santa Claus set and I'm going to use it in a Christmas tree layout. Basically a simple circle cut in half. Gonna use your techniques for the scenery, but winterize it. 😉🌲⛄❄🚂🎅

[@TopRailroad]

I love Thomas! And Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year so thats double awesome haha

[@Jokersadventure]

Finally another railroader in the Denver metro !!! Great video.

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you! Cool to hear from people in the same state!

[@Jokersadventure]

@@TopRailroad centennial co here. I’ll be posting videos here soon as a beginner to help others learn as I do.

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Great to see you back mate. Awesome progress on the new layout! It’s certainly going to be a good one. Best of luck with the new layout build. - Nicholas.

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you Nicholas!

[@brandondurka105]

Man I miss walking into local hobby shops like that and looking at all the train goodies . All of my local shops I used to go to buy tracks and supplies closed down ,there's practically no place local to buy model railroad stuff anymore . I've been out of the hobby for almost 10 years I still have a part of my old layout and my rolling stock but I got the bug again and I'm thinking about building another one. i'll probably just get my track plan down and then slowly build up the scenery over the next few years building the track isn't too bad but all the scenery and everything else is where it gets expensive. Thinking about building a nice little set up based around a coal fired energy plant with some other industries Great video and happy railroading great video!

[@TopRailroad]

Same here all the ones I used to go to shut down sadly and I used to go to them all the time for stuff. You should for sure get the layout going again, it’s good more the brain to have a hobby on the side. It is really expensive once you think of all the stuff you want, thank you for watching and for the nice comment!

[@acrranscaleandlifejourney4330]

Can’t wait!! Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@a6asics993]

Welcome back! Hope you had a great summer, we are looking forward to seeing your progress :)

[@TopRailroad]

Thanks! Hope you had a great summer as well!

[@carlsawicki8197]

Welcome back! Enjoy your videos very much! I learn a lot. Thanks!

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you!

[@Boilermaker-Rick]

Looks like you have a good start

[@SSM-M]

Great video… can’t wait for more!

[@TouchoftheBrushModelWeathering]

A great video to start your new journey. Being a full time railroader, let me suggest a few tips and ideas. Make sure you have a small yard and an interchange with another railroad. This will bring more interest and fun operations if you choose to have op sessions. Also look into switching track plans so that you can have one in your 2ft space. There are a few you can do that will fit and you can modify the track plans. Also pick some industries that require different kinds of rolling stock. You can have 2 major industries on both ends of the layout or one side have multiple industries. Create your industries to have operating interests like car spots and proper spotting of cars. Make sure you have a runaround track. The short sides of your layout can be the mainline in between your two towns. I really like the space and you give me some ideas for my next project. I also have a weathering business. If you have any questions let me know anytime. Keep it up. Awesome start!- Joey

[@TopRailroad]

I appreciate your well thought out comment! Very good information, I’ll definitely take some of this into consideration

[@larrydee8859]

These are very nice ideas for my own new HO layout, that I plan to build as a modular shelf type. (I'm combining my love for NYC Elevated, and subway, with Yards for each div... Along with NY Central, and New Haven yards in The Bronx). Thanks again!

[@BNSF1458]

Glad to see you're back and at it with a new and awesome plan! I can't wait to see the way this new awesome layout looks when completed, its going to be so fun watching you make progress again!

[@TopRailroad]

I’m glad to be back at it too, it was a long 2 months haha. Thanks again :)

[@BNSF1458]

@@TopRailroad Random question - have you considered reaching out to any model RR dealers and seeing if they'd sponsor you? You could prob get free stuff. I know I would sponsor you if I was one lol.

[@TopRailroad]

I haven’t but that would be cool. I don’t feel like I’m good enough yet to do that yet though 😂😂😂

[@BNSF1458]

@@TopRailroad Maybe in a few months when you're bigger

[@NukaOrQuantum...]

The new plan looks good. I'm glad that you are back to making more videos. The Athearn Genesis railcar looks really good, especially for the price. I think spending more is worth it for the detail. ExactRail and ScaleTrains does have some very nice products as well.

[@TopRailroad]

I agree, if you like realistic details it’s definitely worth it

[@ryanzakclips8818]

Nice work man , I appreciate the video!

[@stuartuhlhorn5324]

Planning has really paid off for you.

[@TopRailroad]

100%

[@justeliashere]

Looks like an amazing start. can't wait to watch this series grow from my college dorm

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you!

[@danielpowell4045]

I drove by the old sugar factory the other day and thought when you would reveal the new layout. Awesome job. Can’t wait to see more

[@TopRailroad]

That’s cool! I drive by it all the time and I immediately think of layout building haha

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Love that Johnny Cash shirt!

[@TopRailroad]

Thanks! I love your videos btw!

[@keeganseva3975]

First off, welcome back! Second, as always, thanks for sharing your journey. Third... my Hobbytown USA should take pointers from yours.... a single wall maybe 8 ft long is all they have for model railroads....

[@twiggs24]

It would be well advised to have a double track the main with one or two crossovers. You have the space. It will be worth it long term

[@trainking7973]

Just a suggestion for the layout - for the right side of the layout, you can possibly add a passing loop if you want to run 2 trains at one time, just to add some variety

[@johncipolla8335]

I used to draw the plans out on graph paper. we didn't have software when I was a kid. that track plan is fine. was never really happy with the frogs in those switches.a lot of times the train would derail. due to not a close enough seal with the rail it set up against

[@mikes.4811]

I love watching these build video's! Cant wait to see the progress. I was thinking of getting back into Model Railroading, but after looking at prices of things (I've been out of it for a loooong time lol) and my other car hobbies, I think I'll just watch video's. 🤣 Also, 3D printers work great for making buildings and such. 🖖

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you! Yeah it is a pricey hobby to be into but that’s why you gotta be frugal sometimes! RC hobby is awesome too probably just as expensive lol

[@AbelG8781]

Glad to see you're back! A major tip I noticed from your previous layout.....please weather your track and rail! Makes a big difference!

[@TopRailroad]

Oh yeah I’ll cover that in the next episode! Looks way better!

[@trainmaster0217]

Man it must be nice to be rich and can do this kind of a thing. I used to have a Lionel layout about 60 years ago and thought about doing a small HO layout UNTIL I went to the hobby store and saw the prices! WHOA! $100 to $300 dollars or more for engines. Rolling stock $15 to $50 and higher. A box of track $12. With this inflation we are in I have to eat and pay rent so model trains will be just a dream. Good luck on your project.

[@TopRailroad]

I wish I was rich haha I had to save up for a couple of months before even thinking about starting. But yeah sadly this is another expensive hobby and everything starts to add up extremely fast. Thank you though

[@scottsnyder8840]

Looking forward to Ep. 2

[@jeremyragan4897]

Glad to see you back, i look forward to learning more from all your future videos as i am about to start my first layout.

[@TopRailroad]

That’s awesome! Building a layout is the best hobby

[@jeremyragan4897]

@@TopRailroad I binge watched all 34 of your build episodes in like 2 days at work. Learned a lot quick

[@TopRailroad]

Nice I’m glad you learned something 😁

[@rwheatley0206]

Very nice layout plan. Just subbed your channel.

[@codyrapp7253]

Good to see you again and man looking good so far.

[@schadowolf]

Great Update!

[@elleryparsons5766]

It Will Looks Even Better when Done.

[@sergioarroyoguerrero5434]

New HO scale layout. 4 modules. Good luck with you hobby. Where is you 🐱 Binx ? Scooby Doo bited the tail. Scooby Dum barked to you 🐱. You 😼 with my dog Scooby Doo.

[@mikebrown2948]

AWESOME IDEAS 👍👍👍👍

[@chriswilson9230]

Although I like N scale, you’re giving me some great ideas and input. Your layout is really great.

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you!

[@weatheringwithaj1431]

Awesome video man cant wait to see the final!

[@TopRailroad]

Thanks AJ!

[@gacj2010]

He's back ... oh,man ... I was worried you were gone into something else ... I admire your move where you halted the last project for a new start. Not many do that . Others often add on to that original to make a section the way they wanted but then it always looks somehow not cohesive... I guess you have done a lot of thinking and this will be awesome.. Cant wait to see and hear those great explained "how to " tutorials. Glad to see you , man..

[@TopRailroad]

True, sometimes it’s just better to start fresh again. Thanks for the great comments as usual!

[@RailroadJourneys]

I’m starting to build a layout myself. Will be watching and uploading too. Good luck with your build man!

[@TopRailroad]

Awesome! Nothing better then starting a new layout

[@RailroadJourneys]

@@TopRailroad absolutely. Kind of a lot to take in at first but exciting. Now I’m converting over from ez track to cork and flex track. And now with the digitrax system.

[@TopRailroad]

It can be for sure. I think you made a good choice with the cork and flex track!

[@RailroadJourneys]

@@TopRailroad that’s what all my friends are using and it’s turned out well. Seems to work for you too

[@toolguybak]

Yay…he’s back! The new layout looks great-lots of operational possibilities. Just a suggestion: in your yard or near the engine facilities, have a short spur dedicated to caboose storage. If you’re going a little more modern and not using them ignore what I said.

[@TopRailroad]

I did consider that, I might try to add one if I have room in that area. Mine is set in modern times but it would still be cool to have one

[@jackal119]

Yay a loop. Well I did see that coming but should be interesting to say the least.

[@davidparker4028]

Hey mate good to have you back👍. Looking foward to the new build your off to a good start with your design the plans are cool. I still struggle with weathering some times it works and sometimes🤯🤬🤯🤬. Anyway cool video good onya mate👍👍.

[@TopRailroad]

Thank you as always David! Yeah weathering seems to be tougher then I thought but not as bad haha

[@JohnAPrescott]

Glad to see you back!

[@anthonygermano9363]

Welcome back, Things are looking good.

[@bryceblazegamingyt9741]

Can't wait for the next episode 🙂

[@bryanmeyer-cunningham3171]

I know the feeling of a cold I got Corona just boutta get done with it too

[@TopRailroad]

I’m glad your getting better!

[@bryanmeyer-cunningham3171]

​@@TopRailroad Thank You! I hope you get better too!

[@kilrbe3]

Good to see the new video and hearing you buying more online! Though this HobbyTown seemed much more stock than your last build. Going to say again as I mentioned on your last build. Do you want Switching or Mainline? I went back and paused the video on your previous track plans in the binder to compare. You were going for a very busy track plans, with not a lot of space at end of the day once filled with your buildings and scenery. Less is more. I am still worried you not final on a plan yet for either side. I'd re-think your yard again. Two stubs, yet one is the feeder/lead for the 3 stubs you have south. So really you have 1 stub north, 1 run around and 1 lead to 3 stubs south. Sawmill right next door, but no connecting track. I'd put it not near your yard personally. Going to get busy there when scenery/town added. Your last yard was great layout, thought you enjoyed it too. Don't be scared to build city life and less tracks. When working small layouts like this you don't want too many tracks and end up like a 1950 department store Christmas layout. Also curious as to what the vision is now? Do you want to run switching ops and have a train go on the mainline as you do? Then throw into yard and switch it out and send it off? Do you want multiple industries and you supply the yard? I'd go back and take the route software suggestion and give it a whirl. If you need even more visual aid, give Trainz a try in its route builder and make your layout visually AND play with it before physically. Excited to see your progress this build. Best of luck!

[@TopRailroad]

This will be a balance of mainline running and switching. I get what your saying in the yard so I might revise but I’m pretty satisfied with what I have planned. I’m using a yard and smaller railway where I live as inspiration and all of my ideas come from that including the stub end tracks and sugar mill being right next to the small yard I’m inspired by. I’ll show those photos in next episode. Mine are very different but similar to the prototype. The small yard holds freight for the industries on this railway and is switched and ran buy a few 4 axle engines. The freight comes off a BNSF main line and are sorted in the smaller railways yard. I appreciate the help though and the well thought out comment!

[@brianlove8548]

Another good option for train supplies in CO is the Rocky Mountain Train Supply/N Scale Supply store in Arvada. They aren't just N scale anymore and have a few aisles worth of scenery, track, buildings and equipment in HO.

[@TopRailroad]

I’ll have to check it out someday! I live pretty far but when im down there I’ll stop by

[@de3bros708]

I´m so happy you posted another vid, i lituarly coudn´t wait for it

[@TopRailroad]

I’m sorry it took so long haha

[@bbtrainproductions4203]

Looks good!

[@sergioarroyoguerrero5434]

HO scale modular layout. 👌. My layout is compact. DC. Atlas and Bachmann tracks. Code 80.

[@TopRailroad]

Sounds awesome! I like the compact layouts

[@GooseinTheCabooseProductions]

So I just got to ask, why did you go for one of the most inefficient uses of the space instead of just making a shelf layout that wraps around the room. Nothing wrong with the circle but just curious what your thought process was.

[@bryceblazegamingyt9741]

Door and windows would break the loop

[@realrebelli0n]

@@bryceblazegamingyt9741 You could also make a loop in the dog bone design where on both ends you have big loops but in between the tracks are laid very close to each other. It‘s a design with many advantages and a lot of visual interest.

[@TEA_Tims_Eisenbahn_Adventure]

Very cool 🙂

[@OgaugeTrainsplusslotCars]

Looks good👍♐️

[@luvrwilliam6868]

Finally, looking forward to it

[@garyjust.johnson1436]

You ever notice how all the really cool youtubers have at least one cat?