Realistic Operations - Local Freight & Switching Industry in HO Scale

In this video, we take a look at local operations on the NS Asheville District and follow P89 - a train that serves multiple industries along the S-line.
Thanks for watching!
- Josh

[@radio645]

Nice to see someone operating at scale speeds and not running the trains at 200 mph like most model railroaders are in the habit of doing. Professionally done layout, superb detail, signal and crossing lights add to the authenticity and realism. This layout sets the standard and elevates "model trains" to a higher art form, this is how it's done. Well produced video and narration as well.

[@MattsTrainsTractors]

Talk about some realistic operations - the layout doesn’t have one “artificial” looking angle, and the added crew talk sounds so cool! Loving it

[@axeman0073]

I agree, awesome for a train layout operations... Imagine the railways blocking a crossing for 2hrs today for a shunt???? Railway crew would be shot and strung up!!

[@kishascape]

@@axeman0073 nah that happens regularly in some industrial areas.

[@JeffreyBarkdull]

What's an “artificial” looking angle?

[@MattsTrainsTractors]

@@JeffreyBarkdull artificial meaning an angle that would immediately give it away that the trains are a model. The angles in this video are very well thought out to make the whole scene look real.

[@blatendcrude7570]

Yes, and also the low speed of the trains. The chatter is great...! (And the graffitti !!)

[@disturbed1954]

Thanks Josh for another operations video on this amazing layout, the crew talk and the cars groaning after they have been setting awhile is so real its unbelievable. Can't wait to see what Santa brings you!

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks David! Hope you are doing well! - Josh

[@titusrider7948]

Extraordinary layout, details and realistic features. Your videography, POV, Point Of View and story line are outstanding too! Loved your framing and depth-of-field choices.

[@garyfaison3924]

Man I would love to see more of these I love how it explains how it works especially with the radio and sounds etc

[@ratdog3055]

One of the best HO videos I have seen!

[@robmaciver5093]

Amazing layout, perfect operations! Thanks so much!

[@beerlinemodeler]

Great video as always. I like how you keep your camera angles more oriented to ground level. And the layout and modeling are top notch as well.

[@bryanmeyer-cunningham3171]

I remember when I went to the train yard and watched the trains go by and then wonder "what's that tall boxcar thing without doors?" and you finally gave me a answer "WOODCHIP FREIGHT CARS"

[@R4baDader]

dude, this one of the best insights ive ever seen into how freight roads actually operate. incredible stuff dude!

[@warwickroadmodelrailway]

Thanks for sharing. From the UK and very new to the American Railroad scene. Great to see how operations are conducted, really interesting.

[@scottkew6278]

Love the photo backdrops....too cool.

[@MLWQC]

Your video quality and camera angle, and the weathering, scenery and layout is excellent. Explanation of operation is great as well. I have book mark this video. Well done

[@TheMCClellanSpotter]

Loved the video I love doing switching and local runs on my N scale layout! And I loved that UP consist with 1989 leading

[@emailsender2634]

Nice layout. Informative dialogue spoken in a reasonable and subtle non irritating tone. Perfect level of information and terms without redundancy or over explanation yet clear enough to make sense and seem worthwhile. Not too much music. A very well done production.

[@thomasnativo6491]

I like this Realistic layout and Back round noises with Norfolk Southern

[@thomasnativo6491]

How did you do Back round noises with The Locomotives and Freight cars themselves music sounds awesome

[@truthsayers8725]

absolutely amazing. there must be $15k wrapped up in just what we saw there (including the locos sitting in the yard) based on a quick estimate at what rolling stock and locomotive cost now-days. never mind the track, turnouts, scenery etc... very good job all the way around!

[@tomclark4654]

Yes, but it's been 14 years in the making!

[@owenthetrainman7219]

You do an amazing job. Love that open door on 7148

[@michaelsmodelrailroading7665]

I missed the open door on NS 7148, but I did catch an open bifold door on UP 7348, the 3rd unit on the arriving through freight. The prime mover is visible inside, a nifty bit of modelling. Open doors are sometimes seen on prototype power.

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks!

[@maybesomeday2596]

I love that you subtly weather even the underframe of the locos…not many modelers take it that far but it really makes a difference with those low camera angles; very nice. One small nit-pick: that crew would likely cut the crossing to keep the road open. In rural, mountainous areas there’s probably not a parallel route anywhere close that traffic could use to go around and the 15-20 minutes they tied up the crossing would pose a threat to local emergency response.

[@nsmodeler24]

Hey Chris, Thanks! They definitely would! I just didn't include it in the video. Good catch. - Josh

[@capt3662]

Thanks for sharing this great video!

[@jimkammerer8028]

Just enjoyed seeing your video ANY ONE WILL ADMIT YOUR LAYOUT IS AWESOME AND JUST DONE VERY GOOD THIS HAS A LOT TO DO WITH YOU AND YOUR FATHER YOU WILL LOOK BACK AT THIS TIME WITH THIS AND IT WILL BE AN INTERESTING TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY I APPRECIATE YOU AND YOUR TIME THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS WITH YOUR SUBSCRIBERS VERY INTERESTING AND IMPRESSIVE THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR VIDEO. JIM KAMMERER OF PHILADELPHIA PA NORFOLK SOUTHERN RULES..

[@jerrykinnin7941]

Very nice. I'm an intermodal trucker So I'm familiar with the railroad lingo. There is a Spur line down in KY on the river. They have 2 chemical plants a powerplant 2 steel Mills several gas plants (argon hydrogen oxygen etc)a gypsum board plant. And a finish slit steel picking plant. A byproduct of coal fired power plants is synthetic gypsum. The smoke scrubbers make it. Fly ash is also made they use that in concrete mix.

[@hollispurn]

Beautiful railroad operation. I like very much. Because I am also a "little NS fan". Unfortunately, it is not so common in our country to "play" with US models. But we get to buy it. And that's good.💪👍 Greetings Holger from the Altmark / Germany

[@dabulphilly]

The trucks on that rio grande are beautiful 🤩

[@EntirelyTrains]

Awesome locomotives! Beautifully detailed.. If somebody posts a vid of railfanning model trains people will think its irl!

[@christopherholmes273]

Love your layout!!super awesome

[@valchavez9163]

I rather watch switching operations than watching trains go by....Great video Josh.....!

[@valchavez9163]

Loved that Rio Grande horn..also u did a nice weathering job on the UPac6000...

[@NERRP2017]

This is giving me ideas for my model railroad that is in the works

[@kenfolstad1346]

This layout is incredible!!!!

[@Eric-sn4qz]

Wow. Very realistic. Great job.Love the vid and close up’s.

[@newjerseyray]

well that separates the men from the boys. nicely done. thanks for sharing.

[@Crookedriverandeasternrr]

I always enjoy watching your layout videos. So well done

[@timregan1005]

fantastic layout and video skills as well

[@bonanzadriver7261]

Incredibly well done!

[@christophercarran4164]

Amazingly done! I'm a trainee LE in New Zealand and this is very similar to some jobs we do in the lower north island. 👌

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks!!

[@DH2906PRODUCTIONS]

Nice video. Up 1989 has really good sound. And I love the crew talk in their

[@JosephMusgrove]

Excellent camera shots!

[@MissouriRails]

Very nice! Love the Local Power!

[@lnproductions3227]

As always amazing video Josh!

[@bnsfrailfan5241]

Great Video as always 👍

[@sstrainvideos1869]

Very cool video!!! NICE WORK!!!!👍

[@205004gs]

Absolutely incredible op-session!👍

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks Gene! - Josh

[@HoboHeaven]

Awesome. Greetings from Hamburg/ Germany.

[@mattmaz2]

Fantastic video 😁 looking forward to the next installment ! 👌👍

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks Matt!

[@Flying4Film]

This is amazing.

[@markmead2813]

Nicely done.

[@fostoriadistrictrailfan3907]

Ooooohhh my day just got so much better.

[@garryhulshof4383]

Awesome stuff.

[@jasonellis4139]

Good stuff as always man. Love the detail work. Excellent stuff 😊

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks Jason!

[@BAS19.6]

I love how the subtitles always call the locomotive sounds music

[@jaystanley5351]

GREAT WORK.

[@giulius7176]

Nice video Josh!!

[@seal_agera1161]

Could you make a video detailing the track work of the cement plant? I’d love to know how you made the track so bad and how many attempts it took to make it so nothing derailed

[@neanderthal88]

I'm an ex yardmaster...this video could be shown to new employees....very enjoyable.

[@nsmodeler24]

That means a lot. Thanks! - Josh

[@emanz805]

I use these kinds of videos for inspiration to make routes on trainz android

[@gunsaway1]

You have lot of great sound effects.

[@ditchpatcher]

NS E19 is my favorite local

[@chrissillyhillbilly1683]

Nice layout I would like to start my own

[@DomQuartuccio]

Great work, where did the larger signal at 11:10 come from?

[@RobertCoggins9]

Merry Christmas

[@kleetus92]

You guys do a really nice job of your videos. I just wonder how many full scale trains you had to video to get enough sound clips to make it match the models!

[@Mudpaws]

Just out of curiosity what are the dimensions of your layout/room thanks !

[@redcoockie01]

I like trains ✨️

[@HayFatYT]

At first, I thought those NS locomotives might have been the same as mine but first mine is a BNSF EMD GP40 I don't know what yours are but they're cool, a bit of weathering would have looked nice keep up the good small work, get it small? Because HO is small

[@Daniellopez-tx5xq]

Wow there's even graphiti on the side of the cars

[@wildandwackywade]

I think this is very cool a d would like to know what kind of models are used.

[@nsmodeler24]

Hey Wade, these 2 are overland GP60 / GP59s, but most of the others on the layout are made by either Athearn or Scaletrains.

[@DimensionMachine]

Very interesting how you modeled the doors of the 7348 in the open position. How did you manage to model the interior equipment and still have room for the mechanics of the unit? Is it powered, or is it perhaps a lighted dummy motor?

[@tomclark4654]

It is a full running and powered locomotive. It is a brass Overland model and Josh strategically picked a door to open where there is just a drive shaft so he had room to put the "machinery" inside the door. And then he applied his "weathering magic" to make it look like most older U.P. engines. Tom

[@DimensionMachine]

@@tomclark4654 Incredibly impressive, but I am not surprised!

[@charltonswingle3651]

Is the UP heritage unit yours? Love the videos

[@nsmodeler24]

I wish! That was a unit by Arthur Bradley that was visiting the layout. Thanks! - Josh

[@pleiku887]

How come ditch lights were not on on first engine?

[@gronmic]

Do you have problems with cars rolling down the mountain while the local switches the wood chip facility? Also, wouldn't the crews be obligated to clear the roadway and raise the crossing gates while switching on the opposite side? We have a similar prototype roadway crossing scenario at the Home Depot warehouse nearby. Love your videos!

[@25mfd]

as far as you comment about blocking the crossing... there is a rule in the rulebook that SUGGESTS not to block crossings for more than 10 minutes... but for sure the engrs HATE to be stopped in the middle of the crossing because that's where ALL the bad glances and death stares are pointed right at him... i worked with an engr he'd "scrunch" down (his words🤣) in the seat so from the ground looking up into the cab all you'd see is hands on the control stand he said it was folks ready to leap outta their cars and tackle him 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@RavennaRailfan4070]

Man this thing is detailed! How did you make those dispatch clips?

[@nsmodeler24]

Those were recorded from one of our operating sessions!

[@sgtdebones]

You get micro LEDs for gate lights

[@nsmodeler24]

I have them, just havent installed them yet. Hopefully soon!!

[@maxwilson7001]

I *really* like this music. Where is it from?

[@edwinavil7867]

I second this, I would really be interested in what the music in this video was.

[@TM-gm6zk]

Awesome video! I miss running my locos being sent off to college, just curious, those hoppers at 5:30 are spring mill depot hoppers right? I see a lot of prototypes of them at an industry near me and wanna order some

[@nsmodeler24]

Yes, they are! Great cars and we see a lot of them at cement plants around here as well. - Josh

[@daniellucas6573]

Peace! Question: how did you get the see-through effects on each of your locomotive trucks?

[@nsmodeler24]

These are overland models, which come from the factory that way. I'm still waiting for plastic modes to have that feature! (Tower 55 models are plastic and have them, but unfortunately they went out of business... might still be able to find them on Ebay.

[@somerandomdude8024]

The most realistic model railroad and operations I have ever seen on here. Love how you explained what's going on. And the realistic sounds you added to the video tops it. Awesome video!

[@bobbitchin4310]

Amazing realism, weathering, sounds of train movement, radio chatter, scenery, everything, very nice!

[@1940limited]

I'm speechless at the level of detail, videography and sound effects used here. It's amazing how talented so many of the model railroaders are out there. Thanks for your positive contribution to the hobby.

[@pinball1968]

Is this real? Is this a model? Sometimes, you really cannot tell. Such an amazingly detailed layout and equipment! Well done!

[@CadeTrigon]

I find it hilarious that at 24 I'm getting back into model trains after loving them when I was a little kid.

[@joeydoherty368]

Nothing strange about it. I’m 24 and a train lover as well just starting on a layout of sorts, though it will never be remotely as elaborate as this. I just like a few trains running around on the room floor. Lol if anything we’re too young. When I’m in the train stores it’s mostly old men in there.

[@carebloodlaevathein6732]

Absolutely nothing hilarious about it, man. I'm 22 and I'm still trying to make room in my house so I can finally set up the 3m×1.5m plate, that my grandpa gave me when I was 8. And I'm still always hunkered down in the H0-Scale train rooms of both my cousin and my grandpa most of the time whenever my fam's visiting them~

[@Kukenheimer35]

I’m 26 and doing the exact same thing! It’s a fun hobby for sure.

[@kleenkarzautodetailingllc3733]

@@Kukenheimer35 25 and 26 lol try being 50 and just now wanting to get into it for the first time lol.... I've literally spent close to $1800 TO GET STARTED on the Garden layout that I'm building, and I don't have a freaking CLUE!!!! I have rc excavators-dozers-loaders-tower cranes-dump trucks-load outs-cranes-4 slot car tracks-a 40' slot car drag track-buildings-houses-restaurants-Replica of Bristol Motor Speedway and so much more.... My cousin and I have wanted to do something like this for 35 years back when we were kids. Life took over.... getting married, kids, buying houses and we didn't have the extra money... 35 years later I have no debt of any kind, and I own a successful Mobile Detailing and Commercial Pressure Washing Business so I'm making a cool place at my house to hang out and relive my youth....

[@GMTX-kg8ep]

The fabulous Josh dude is back at it again!!!! Watching this layout NEVER gets old!

[@laxk3107]

AM I THE ONLY TEEN THAY LOVES THIS HOBBY, I AM MAKING MY OWN LAYOUT NOW!

[@generalmoonstone]

This is an absolutley fantastic display. From the radio chatter, to the realistic engine sounds, to the scenery. The music is a nice touch as well. Very good job.

[@nsmodeler24]

Thank you! - Josh

[@jamesscofield6308]

Excellant scenery and modeling. Camera placement is superb! As a modeler and prototype railman and as a retired professional TV videographer your videos give the viewer a true railman experience. Well Done!!

[@BarRJRanch58]

Exceptional production and soundtrack! Well done! Give us more!

[@amessman]

All your locomotives are beautifully detailed!

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks Adam!

[@gcorriveau6864]

These realistic motions (momentum effects, smooth low-speeds etc) and sounds are great. Did you add the track squeals, clacks, coupling mechanism noises, radio chatter, etc.. later to the video - or are they part of your actual operation? Very impressive.

[@gcorriveau6864]

I also enjoy your explanations. As a boy (oh so many years ago) I had the pleasure of accompanying my dad to a day's work - which was a similar operation to this video, but with a single SW1200? locomotive and the system that existed circa 1960. It's interesting now to see how things have updated along the years, incorporating "aviation style" tower/center controlers, VHF radios, etc...

[@THE_IRON_HORSE]

Although seeing this layout for years it still amazing the work weather ext you put on to .make this incredible scenery in layout also love those UP consist on the NS

[@TheTrainFreak]

Great session Josh! The camera angles is what makes this video look so real. What camera are you using if you don't mind me asking? - Jason

[@nsmodeler24]

Hey Jason, thanks! All of this (and my other videos) are shot on an iPhone 12. - Josh

[@TheTrainFreak]

@@nsmodeler24 thanks for the response! Very helpful as I have been using my Galaxy S10+ but debating on using my GoPro Hero 8 as well. Thanks again! 😃

[@nsmodeler24]

@@TheTrainFreak Sure thing!

[@beeble2003]

@@nsmodeler24 It takes great video! I wonder if the lens is dirty, though -- that line of light you get from every LED that points straight into the camera is often caused by a finger print across the lens.

[@Lakeside1943]

This is real railroading ! Everything perfect : scenery, details, operating speed, weathering, even the viewing angles , camerawork and editing ! My respect !

[@GevoJoe]

The realism on this layout is insane.

[@tommythomason6187]

Haven't seen one of your NS vids in a while, but yours might be the very best model railroad I've seen on You Tube - and I love them all. The sound effects of the thundering prime movers and the creaking of slowly moving cars, are incredible. Great camera angles and clear narration, which helps someone, like me, with hearing loss.

[@dshack4689]

Beautifully realistic, and I love the additional audio elements to finish it off. Wow some freight cars even had graffiti - I hadn't considered that as something that would ever enhance a video but it works! Amazing work.

[@warrenholmar1129]

He does have videos showing how he added it.

[@haroldalexis4200]

That it is, very realistic! Even the sound of the freight cars making that beautiful metal wheels sound on the rails super awesome !👌👍😀

[@happyjack880]

If I had this setup I'd never get anything else done! It makes Microsoft Train Simulator look like a coloring book. Nicely done!

[@thomream1888]

Josh, the audio portion is just as good (or maybe even better!) than the visual part. You take great pains to match the sounds to the action, and rival any proto video I've ever seen. Great job, believable action, spot-on narration. Have you done a recent "how-to' on your video production? If not, you really need to let us in on your secrets! Do you record your own audio? Where can you get train sounds on-line? And your years of railfanning really show with your realistic dialog. Even being from Cali (with different RRs and habits) I can tell you know what is going on. Hope school is going well - how much longer before we start calling you Dr. Josh?!!?

[@Bruno.Trains]

One of the most realistic layout i ever seen, i love it, thanks for sharing !

[@TheDalhuck]

I forgot I was watching a model railroad, keep up the good work!

[@matth5241]

Wonderful video with great scenery and sound about how trains actually work! Tremendously helpful for the design of my layout plan. This type of content is difficult to find (at least for me. :)).