O Gauge Layout Update 2: Trains Are Running!

[@dennisford5913]

The evolution of your new layout is really coming along. I like the new design with the upper-level track section.

[@The_Duggler25]

Glad to see how it's coming along It looks great!

[@51Kmh]

Looks great can't wait to see more layout updates

[@GGSRailways]

I love that your dog "helps" , I get lots of "help" from time to time from mine too ... Totally quiet until the camera starts and then they decide to be vocal .... Loving the vibe of the layout and your video , great job !

[@rj.trains]

Thanks! Glad someone understand my pain when it comes to barking

[@Coreyt1976]

Great update RJ, you are really making progress. I love going to Nassau Hobby, they always have great prices. Chris is a great guy. Looking forward to the Stepney video.

[@rj.trains]

Thanks 👍

[@joegabuzda976]

Nice progress. Always enjoy your vids. You are going gung ho on the new layout. Liked seeing your redoes on those bridges. Helps us with our layouts.

[@TwistedMacGyversTrains]

Great update RJ! Looks good so far with your progress.

[@rj.trains]

Thank you!

[@rogerstrate5727]

Very nice RJ, you've done some beautiful work. This is a very impressive layout.

[@rj.trains]

Thank you!

[@northpennvalleysteamrailroad]

Awesome video! I can tell this layout is gonna be better!

[@ozarkmidlandsouthernrailway]

Great episode, RJ! Wow, you really have made some wonderful progress. It is neat to see you taking your time to do things right. I enjoy your explaining the various steps you take in the course of the build. Keep up the great work! I feel lucky to have been able to see Stepney in person. Keep up the great work RJ! Bill B.

[@rj.trains]

Thank you bill b!

[@mckinleyminer]

Just a suggestion, not a criticism: To fill the gaps, use foam board adhesive (comes in caulk like tubes at Home Despot) as it acts like foam but doesn't expand or non-expanding spray foam in a can (also available from HD). Spackling dries hard and won't flex during expansion and contraction letting it crack and break into pieces and probably fall out of the gaps.

[@joeDeLude]

You have made some great progress. Different levels is one thing I do miss from my old layout.

[@rj.trains]

Thanks!

[@TexasSpecial91]

Packing tape works just even better. No curing time, and nearly smooth surface.

[@rj.trains]

I would be afraid of it peeling up

[@TexasSpecial91]

@@rj.trains trust me it doesn't.

[@oscarso-gaugetrains]

Nice update!!! reminds me of mine during the begin stages.

[@johnmalmgren4604]

Looking good, love the process of making the upper level structurally sound. Also enjoyed the mini tour of Long Island. Great place to live even way beach traffic.

[@rj.trains]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@texaseagletrains]

Great video RJ! Thanks for showing all your trial and tribulations in building this new layout. Hearing and seeing that kind of stuff makes it much less intimidating to try. Looking forward to seeing it all come together! Maple is an awesome dog and Stepney is a cool little train! ~Ricky

[@rj.trains]

Thank you!

[@mr.shadestrains6033]

Looks amazing great job

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Wow! When Maple wants some attention she wants it NOW! And will NOT be ignored! 🤣 Nice work RJ! And it looks like you're doing what I advie all new layout builders to do, get the trains up and running as soon as you can! Everything else can wait. Getting trains running will give you the builder a real sense of accomplishment and get you motivated for the next phase. Oh yeah, I've had issues with Lowes and lack of cashiers and / or the inability of self check-outs to take cash. Honestly I only go to Lowes when I have to, there's a local outfit (Pleasant's Hardware) a mile and a half away and I prefer to give them the business. Thanks for posting, and I'm REALLY looking forward to "The Stepney Story!"

[@johnandrus3901]

I'll second that on layout building. Have a plan, get the track laid down, the trains running and suss out the details as you move along. I'm on the third layout in my house, where I've lived for almost twenty years and my seventh, overall. At 66, I'd rather get the trains running and worry about the rest as I have the time.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@johnandrus3901 I look at it this way, the trains are the "actors" and the layout is the "stage." Good actors can give a great performance on a bare stage but the best-dressed stage is useless without the actors. Which is why I say get those actors busy ASAP!

[@rj.trains]

Thanks Wayne!

[@fairestofthemalllocomotive4802]

Glad to see the layout is coming along dude!

[@rj.trains]

Thanks!

[@joegennari395]

Coming along. Keep us posted.

[@PeterVanCampenhout-h6o]

I like how the layout is coming along! One thing I would urge you to do is solder a power wire to every piece of track and/or solder the rail joints. I didn't do that on my first layout and learned the hard way that scenery glue works great as an insulator in the rail joiners. On my second layout I did attach a power wire to every piece of track and am happy to say that I haven't had any power issues on my layout. Keep up the great work!

[@rj.trains]

Great idea, too much work, have several feeders so I will play it by chance here

[@stephenlatus7712]

I didn't know that Nassau Hobbies had a parking lot in the back. When I was there I had to hunt for street parking. Good to know. Great job on your progress. I've been working on mine for about 8 months and I'm about to put together the 1st table :(. I'm actually building at my Dad's old hose, and I only get up there once a month, I guess you can relate to that.

[@rj.trains]

Yes I can very much relate to that. It isn't a competition how quickly it gets done, as long as you're having fun

[@ironhorsehistorian9871]

The pink foam reminds me of one of the earlier Eric Trains layout updates. Cheers 🥂 and happy modeling!

[@rj.trains]

Thanks, you too!

[@johnandrus3901]

Very nice! Everything is coming along in good order. The upper level is a great addition and adds a new dimension to the layout. Long bridges like yours are always somewhat of a challenge. Your 'woofer' is a riot! I'm in the process of revamping my layout. I reversed the town and the industrial area. to make the town a bit bigger, with a better trolley line. My layout is an L. I put the industry at the long end and the town at the slightly shorter, but two foot wider end and I extended the industrial loop, to make a third main.. Now the scenery and wiring can commence. Caleb Easter offered his advice and input on scenery, which I'm not too good at. I use tubular, so I like to wire and do the drops after the track is laid. It is easier, really. Either way, your new layout is quite excellent. I'm looking forward to the next update. An excellent video, as always.

[@rj.trains]

Sounds like you have an interesting layout! I wish you good luck with the revamp!

[@johnandrus3901]

@@rj.trains Thanks! It's decent, but pales next to Jason, Eric, Chris and Chris, among others. I'll probably upload some videos, when it gets further along. It will be fun to watch your progress. Stay well.

[@johnandrus3901]

BTW, you’ve met me casually. I’m the person who gave the NS stuff to Jason at York in April.

[@intheengineroom]

Off to a great start there RJ!

[@rj.trains]

Thanks!

[@RixArtWorks]

Also, I used wood glue to affix Scenic Express girders to plywood and it held just fine. I clamped it every 6 inches or so until it dried.

[@davevan8864]

Good progress!!!

[@rj.trains]

Thanks!

[@jeffheins6624]

Love the Dapol Terrier😊

[@rj.trains]

Thanks!

[@TheNorthwestWind]

awesome layout

[@rj.trains]

Glad you think so!

[@johnhartz21779]

Just a thought, Old rail bridges often had the railroad's name on them. Maybe cover up the screws with a railroad's name on a sign plate. Also, maybe vegetation to cover them.

[@rj.trains]

Yes that is the plan.

[@joeystrains.9316]

Awesome!

[@dantiel4179]

Great video RJ I like going along for the whole redo of the layout and store trips where did you get the sign caution model railroader at work ?

[@rj.trains]

I got that sign at the Steamtown museum gift shop about 15 years ago haha

[@mslickstrains]

Someone get this man his pink foam

[@rj.trains]

Please, it is so expensive and I always need more

[@michael2229]

Good doggie

[@brandonfuzi3436]

Fret progress rj. Question I have is how did you anchor down the 2x4 support beams

[@rj.trains]

Screws into the plywood table top.

[@dathanpoole871]

Looking great. Your flex girder.... who makes it?

[@rj.trains]

Scenic Express

[@dathanpoole871]

🤦‍♂️ if only i finished watching before i asked. I just hear you say it in the video and came to delete my comment. Anyway thank you. I'm wondering if some Loctite behind the girders would have affixed them to the bridge without putting screws in it

[@chrisricciardi1566]

How is the sound transmission with the one-inch foam and the vinyl under the solid rail Atlas track going? What's your take on it? Does it really cut down on the "noise"? Oh...and...as always...Let's Go Mets!

[@rj.trains]

The point of the foam is not to quiet the trains. People use it for that but personally I use it as a base for scenery. The foam more easily allows me to make holes and what not.

[@chrisricciardi1566]

@@rj.trains Ok - thanks. I was just curious regarding the combination of foam/vinyl and the solid rails...as noise is a big issue for my household and as I get ready to build my layout, I'm trying to incorporate as many sound-deadening pieces as possible. I was thinking carpet tiles on the floor, homasote, one-inch foam, vinyl roadbed, and solid rail (atlas). If that doesn't do the trick, I'm not sure what will.

[@chrisricciardi1566]

P.S. Thanks for the reply and keep the videos coming!

[@WillsLioneltrains]

Who makes the flexible bridge girder.

[@rj.trains]

Scenic Express

[@mr.shadestrains6033]

The self check out is more popular to stores unfortunately Many people don’t show up for work or don’t want to work Self check out will be the future. It sucks

[@genemanno1533]

I’m attempting to picture your project completed. Can’t vision how your gonna see trains running under that big sheet of plywood. Seems trains will be totally hidden. What about derails access under there? Actual viewing area for lower level appears too limited.

[@rj.trains]

There is an access panel so I can get underneath the second level to fix a derailed train but the point of the tunnel is so I don’t see the train…. It makes the train looks like it goes somewhere

[@williamkolina3988]

What is that Stepney train?Who makes it

[@rj.trains]

Video coming soon, hopefully next week

[@austint918]

Who makes the lbsc terrier

[@rj.trains]

Dapol. Video coming soon

[@RABSTRAINS]

I like the video and you taking us along to pick up your supplies👍👍

[@RaysTrains]

I thought you were zooming in on that RS-3 for me but no shout out 🫠

[@rj.trains]

Not everything is about you Ray...

[@RaysTrains]

@@rj.trains could my mom have been wrong lol