One of the finest and most famous model railroad layouts in the United States in HO scale

If you’re asking model railroaders and railway enthusiasts in the United States, where to find one of the most outstanding model railroad layouts, they will probably answer, this is the “Piermont Division” made by Howard Zane. In fact, the “Piermont Division” is a superb HO scale permanent display layout, constructed to museum quality. Howard Zane’s 2,850 square foot model railroad layout, showcasing his artistry in model railroad building and rail modeling, is acclaimed as one of the finest and largest private layouts.
There are over 22 scale miles of track, historically accurate architecture, overwhelming landscapes and of course America’s greatest steam locomotives. Although fictional, the “Piermont Division” is filled with scenes and structures you would swear you have seen before. For decades, rail modeler Howard Zane has produced scratch built, custom structures of all kinds in HO scale and O scale for model railroads.
Apart from Howard Zane’s Piermont Division, there are many other beautiful layouts in our little world of model trains. Pilentum Television would like to visit every single layout and record on video, but a trip from Germany, where Pilentum Television is based, to the US is far too expensive. Therefore, Forrest Nace, a videographer from the US, provided Pilentum Television with some exquisite video footage. Forrest made a documentary about the “Piermont Division”, which is available on nacesvideograp.... In this movie we see some short video sequences from his documentary.

[@pilentum]

Are you looking for pictures? » www.pilentum-television.com

[@patricefauvette1651]

Je ne cherche pas de photos. J'admire les magnifiques réseaux de train miniatures américains vraiment très réalistes à mon goût !

[@jaymieharris7936]

realistic but I never see Graffiti on the train cars like in real life...……….

[@jackbeam56]

@@jaymieharris7936 In the old days there was no graffiti on trains i supposed.

[@jaymieharris7936]

@@jackbeam56 I'm talking about trains that appear to be somewhat modern like a 1970's train spray painted with graffiti in the opening theme of the show Welcome back Kotter typr trains...……..it's realistic rather you believe it's not a good thing. I see graffiti on ancient rocks in New Mexico and it's protected and called Native art. But it is just a Indian 200 years ago doing graffiti on the rock.

[@howardzane5453]

Fair statement. Graffiti became popular with the advent of the spray can. There was rather little graffiti during the period depicted her 40'-50's.

[@DadsLloyd]

For me, the features that set this video apart from other great model train layout videos are 1) the realistic sounds, 2) the simultaneous running of 2-3 trains at one time, and 3) the mixing of steam engine trains with diesel engine trains, each with a different sound signature. Magnificent!!

[@samsrailventures1961]

The layout is superb. But I will take a moment to give proper credit to the cameraman, Mr. Nace. Would be videographers take note. There are basically two types of shots here: 1) "locked down" shots, where the camera is absolutely still, with little or no zooming. Watch most model videos. Waaaay too much needless camera movement. But here, the videographer has resisted the urge to constantly "look" around with the camera. Rather, he chooses a spot, and stays there, allowing the train to move through the scene. 2) Pan shots. Where the camera does move, it is a "pan" shot, where the camera tracks right alongside the locomotive, in a very smooth motion. The very first scene opens with a very high quality pan shot. The end result of all this is that the viewer is able to enjoy the scene unfolding, without the distraction of unnecessary camera movement. Perfect video!

[@pilentum]

If the trip to this model train layout would not be so complicated and expensive, I would have filmed it myself. But flying from Frankfurt, Germany, to the US (with all the camera equipment) is very expensive.

[@nacesvideographyllc9075]

Thank you for your compliments, greatly appreciated. Yes, I basically limit myself to three types of shots, similar to what one would capture if videoing real trains as you described above, with the cameras always mounted on tripods, boom arms, slide rails, or sometimes a train on a parallel track. I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@stmichaelshill7421]

Very good point! A lot I can learn from as will all videographers!

[@sreenivasnyayapati]

@@pilentum kindly make videos in PAN mode

[@grooveduststudio]

enjoy watching these videos of trains. the only thing i don't enjoy is the artificial train noise that is repetitive and distracts from the actual work that goes into these amazing sets congrats to the camera work.

[@judyhobday4760]

I was born in 1940 in a very small town with a railroad a few blocks from home. It was taken out right after WW11. But i remember when a troop train came through and hearing men on the train singing as they passed. My mother told me the men were headed home. Now my home town is huge and i no longer live there but watching this video of the wonderful layout brought back those early memories. thank you so much.

[@nacesvideographyllc9075]

Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed this preview of Howard Zane’s incredible masterpiece. I offer a complete 2 hour documentary with choreographed train movements to a story line, an in depth interview with Howard not only about trains but his life, a full panoramic overview of the entire layout, and other specialty segments. Please visit www.nacesvideography.com for this and other award-winning model railroad programs.

[@kevinjasper6620]

It looks so real ! A few times I forgot it was a model set.

[@larrymoeller4086]

Howard Zane, you are a true artist. Thank you for sharing.

[@jeremyhargest2390]

A few years ago, I had the privilege of seeing this layout in person. It’s absolutely marvelous, and even more amazing in person. Excellent video!

[@justawitness4963]

This layout has a really nice nostalgic feel to it. It almost makes you feel like shrinking yourself down to that scale so you could walk around in it. Thanks for sharing it.

[@DrummingWriterTrekfan84]

Just the opening shot of the main steam engine chugging along, and the sound to go with it, was absolutley Gorgeous!

[@jimlambrick3248]

Wow, the level of detail and realism is insane! I would so much love to see that in person.

[@terrellhoward5231]

You really have to be there. Howard's layout is most amazing and breath taken layouts I have every seen, it big and beautiful.

[@pilentum]

I would like to be there! Who pays me the travel expenses?

[@fernandobarrichelo6488]

That to me is an amazing work of art. I keep asking myself. What kind of people can click unlike on a video like this. Unbelievable.

[@jtandme-ot9cl]

Those who can, do - those who can't, click "unlike" is what it amounts to.

[@atoz4233]

Oh yeah, this is what we called a perfect & realistic train model. Fantastic job guys....loved it..!!

[@lowrangemaniac5326]

5:38 WOOOOOOW!!!! I've never seen a triple mallet model before!!! Wooohooow!!! 😀😀😀

[@michaelramsey82]

Very few were built in real life, and only by two railroads - the Erie and the Virginian. They were known as Triplexes. They were built to haul extremely long, heavy coal trains up steep grades at very slow speeds (the one in the video is moving faster than any of the real ones probably did in their entire lives). Sadly, they were all eventually cut up for scrap.

[@vascombvanzeller]

I´m driven to tears w/ this overwelming artistry me having been as a young boy presented w/ a Markling train and tracks which entertained me for many years and at 73 these models still make my heart pound madly!!!!Lovely footage,many thanks V v Z

[@pilentum]

Thank you.

[@billyreynolds4749]

+PILENTUM - Yes! I concur 100 percent! Absolutely stunning layout...reeks of authenticity! Of course...the videography was equally impressive!! Overall...extremely well done!!

[@jmeyer3rn]

Only thing lacking is smoke and steam!!! Beautiful layout.

[@randydandy7571]

Wow! How could anyone give this a dislike?!

[@erkanyalcinkaya172]

Those ppl cured Lol

[@iambjcincle3991]

Because they are either extremely jealous or the anus of a skunk, one or the other. There is absolutely no other reason somebody could "dislike" something as incredible as this.

[@MK-he8xm]

I had to leave a comment altho its been 4yrs since this video posted! Growing up in Pittsburgh, Pa(Edgewood)it looks just like what I saw & heard several times a day&night. I loved hearing the trains at night in bed even tho we lived a few blocks away! The faded wine colored cars especially & the buildings & houses & the BabyRuth sign really did the trick!

[@toddmo1]

Unbelievable! The detail is mindblowing!

[@josephpaige3614]

Best model train STEAM LOCOMOTIVE video I've ever seen. Great scenery and Great sound. Unlike many other videos, I Had to watch the whole video.

[@nacesvideographyllc9075]

Thank you Joseph, please check out my 2+ hour programs available at www.nacesvideography.com, Forrest Nace - Videographer & Producer

[@elleryparsons5766]

This is the #1 Reason I love to model Railroad.

[@stukaman1162]

I am particularly impressed with the subtle, yet visible weathering and shading applied to the freight cars and engines. Great job of not overdoing it. I guess this layout depicts a time before graffiti was considered a legitimate art form.

[@craiggybear1807]

I normally turn off Steam videos right away but the modelling here is just incredible. On a scale of 1 to 10 - it's a WOW!

[@pilentum]

A big WOW :-)

[@th3_purpl3_p3n9]

Why would u turn off steam videos?

[@tonyromano6220]

Heresy!

[@tonyromano6220]

@@th3_purpl3_p3n9 I know right?

[@SuperAWaC]

@@tonyromano6220 probably likes tin boxes on wheels

[@trainroomgary]

Excellent model railroad footage in Full HD. Great structures & sounds. • Cheers from The Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂

[@BootsShamrock]

Wonderful. Nice treat to see some American railroad. Some of the old engines were quite spectacular! 🙂

[@AndrewSzekely]

I could get lost in this layout for hours....absolutely superb detailing!

[@nacesvideographyllc9075]

Thank you Andrew. I do offer a 2 hour video showing all scenes of this 2,850 square foot model railroad, as well as interviews and other specialty segments. Please visit my site at www.nacesvideography.com, thank you, Forrest Nace - Videographer

[@keithewing501]

That is the nicest lay out I even seen. Beautiful.

[@georgeorwell4534]

Magnificent. Thanks for bringing this.

[@stevenspaziani9159]

Truly amazing layout, the scenery and attention to detail is incredible.

[@johns3106]

Impressive slow, steady, realistic movement on all the locos.

[@jeralddunn3782]

I love the old steam engines. I'm old enough at 71 to remember big engines like that running through Carbondale on the Illinois central line. I was young tike though but they made an impression on me. Not meaning to criticize but I wish they had smoke and steam buffing out of them. That would really add to the thrill of watching them. I know it can be done.

[@u2mister17]

My very first memory was standing on the huge wooden platform in Pittsburgh with my Mother watching a steam engine pulling up. Mom said I was 16 months old at that moment.

[@henryszubielski8601]

Mr. Zane's work is amazing! I still have the Model Railroader magazine from many years ago with his layout featured and on the cover!

[@8kenjacob]

I agree with all the very complimentary comments made here. Another thing I liked was the contrast of city, country, and rural scenes which made it always interesting and refreshing. A truly exceptional and extraordinary layout.

[@lamportnholt9509]

Even if you are not a model enthusiast.......that is truly amazing...the work?

[@douglaskirk2543]

Exceptional and FANTASTIC video. Thought I was seeing, and hearing the REAL Loco's. The Steam Giant's sounded like how I REMEMBER. Thank You for this view of what was . . .

[@tomkjr1]

Your collection of extraordinary, beautiful, highly detailed steam engines is second to none! The layout and the camera angles shot from make this video one of the very best I know of! Simply Incredible Workmanship.

[@azmike1]

Inspiring. I love to see the work of other artists so I can steal ideas. Model Railroading is an art. Absolutely.

[@pilentum]

Don't say "steal ideas"... better "get inspiration" :-)

[@inaciobrito8259]

AMAZING AND WONDERFUL REALLY GOD KNOWS WHOSE WORKS TO BEAUTIFUL THINGS

[@elleryparsons5766]

This layout is Beyond trophy'

[@javanbirdbluerusselling5285]

Incredible photography of an incredible layout!!!!

[@larrypacman8511]

Thank you so much Mr zane.

[@bill091086]

That is just goddamn magnificent!!!! I would think it would take 10 guys years to design and build a layout like that! Soooooo realistic! Sure humbles my flat 12’ x 24’ layout.

[@williamsantangelo]

My Goodness such a great Layout at a loss for words Thanks for sharing Billy Prtjeff LI N.Y. A picture is worth a thousand words!!

[@larryfisher5796]

Wow what a beautiful layout takes my back to when I was a kid and trains like that were real 😁 GREAT job

[@manda60]

The Erie is my favorite railroad to model. Mr Zane has done it so well here. A showcase of craftsmanship and brass! That procession of Erie boxcars at 7:15 is art!

[@patriciajrs46]

This looks real! They do not look like a model railroad. Good job to the engineer! Way too expensive, too.

[@dannystewart5964]

I love the addition of the early diesels. It would be nice to see some GP7s or GP9s. Great layout.

[@kenyork1107]

This has to be the best way to spend a weekend and a cold day outside , thanks for sharing I love it .

[@joestrainworldvideos3977]

You are right. A wonderful layout. Thank you for sharing. Joe

[@highflyingnote]

First, I have to say I love the sound effects. I also want to say I find this very relaxing to watch. Of course it is amazing!

[@nacesvideographyllc9075]

Thank you very much. All sound effects are dubbed over, and I use ESU/Loksound for the steam & diesel locomotive sounds plus some railroad sounds, and actual recordings for many of the other sounds in the program such as the turntable spinning. I do offer a 2 hour video showing all scenes of this 2,850 square foot model railroad, as well as interviews and other specialty segments. Please visit my site at www.nacesvideography.com, thank you, Forrest Nace - Videographer

[@2manyspruces]

A Van Gogh of model railroading, a true masterpiece!

[@titanbrew8493]

Truly inspiring for the modeler and your camera work makes the layout look great, thank you!

[@nacesvideographyllc9075]

Thank you.

[@captbosco]

The layout itself is awesome....The camera work is spectacular....and the sound effects is the icing on the cake.

[@nacesvideographyllc9075]

Thank you! I use ESU/Loksound for the steam & diesel locomotive sounds plus some railroad sounds, and actual recordings for many of the other sounds in the program such as the turntable spinning. I do offer a 2 hour video showing all scenes of this 2,850 square foot model railroad, as well as interviews and other specialty segments. Please visit my site at www.nacesvideography.com, thank you, Forrest Nace - Videographer

[@carvinlambert6899]

Outstanding Work. really enjoyed watching!

[@navinbabji]

Superb video, the layout is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for uploading Pilentum. 👍👍👍

[@pilentum]

Thanks for watching!

[@colingee6687]

The good old days when there was no graffiti spray painted on the box cars.

[@paradisepipeco]

Amen. And cabooses.

[@hitthebricks5502]

Yes!!!!!

[@toddpnewton]

@@hitthebricks5502 But they were full of hobos.

[@hitthebricks5502]

Todd Newton lol true

[@chrisrobinson3494]

3:55 Why are those people just standing there like statues?

[@citadinman]

Amazing layout! ! Absolutely beautiful and real!

[@larryloveless2967]

The realism is incredible.

[@johnallen2771]

Everything seems so real especially the trees, bushes, weeds and grass. It looks just like some of the trainyards I used to see in northern Ohio back in the day. Even cracks in the big cut-stone blocks they used to put as supports next to places where you drove under the train tracks (they were limestone where I lived). In my small hometown you saw mostly B&O and coal haulers. We had mills so there were at least 6 railroad tracks coming into town. My granmpa was the stationmaster and we kids used to hang out there a lot.

[@pacore007]

Amazing display, beautiful work, and great photography!

[@salfordladcraigedeane2356]

I've watched a few of those excellent model towns etc, n this is #1, best one ever, ,,

[@nacesvideographyllc9075]

Thank you for your compliments, it is truly a masterpiece. I spent 22 days on site to fully document this incredible work of art.

[@alterzausel2774]

Wer hier mit "Daumen runter" bewertet, sorry, aber der hat nicht mehr alle Latten am Zaun. Sensationelle Anlage. Chapeau!!!

[@mikep.541]

RS-3. My all time favorite diesel.

[@johnbrown7858]

What a great layout. Like watching real trains! Tremendous!

[@forrestnace2589]

Hello John, the layout is 2,850 square feet and we ran 80 different trains. It is in a private home (basement) in Columbia MD. It is not open to the public, and that is why I have begun to professionally document these incredible works of art. Please visit my web site at www.nacesvideography.com for information on the now award winning 2 hour documentary I have available. Thank you, Forrest Nace - videographer

[@stevenklinkhamer9069]

Magnificent!!! The only difference between men & boys is the price of their toys it has been said. An awesome layout.

[@MosriteCharlie]

Amazing Howard, truly amazing.

[@johncann100]

Great layout, I really enjoy the roads you have represented on the layout. I grew up around most of the railroads we see running on the layout. Wonderful scenery and structures as well . Thanks for the video.

[@SteveH-TN]

Thanks for sharing this fantastic layout video. Much appreciated series of videos.

[@TrainLordJC]

Absolutely impressed with the quality of not only this amazing layout with its spectacular scenery and locomotives with superb sound but also in the way it was filmed. Much food for thought for us who have our own layouts or are members of club layouts.

[@nacesvideographyllc9075]

Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed this preview of Howard Zane’s incredible masterpiece. I offer a complete 2 hour documentary with choreographed train movements to a story line, an in depth interview with Howard not only about trains but his life, a full panoramic overview of the entire layout, and other specialty segments. Please visit www.nacesvideography.com for this and other award-winning model railroad programs.

[@anthonyrosa5006]

Terrific. It is certainly among the finest I have seen.

[@Hornhausen]

Wonderful layout, very nice Video.

[@patricknoveski6409]

That was insane. So real looking. Weather master!

[@elnabjelland-hughes8172]

A beautiful and realistic layout ! Thank you for sharing this awesome video 😁👍💕💕

[@claiborneeastjr4129]

Incredible trains, locos, sound effects, and scenery!

[@PMeredith]

The weathering is spot on.

[@1JUSTGOTLUCKY1]

Beautiful layout...great video!! Thank you for the post!

[@Tyler-xe1es]

Brings ya back to a time when things were built to last, Not break !!

[@patrock4878]

Le niveau de detail est tout simplement fabuleux. Merci pour cette vidéo

[@godbluffvdgg]

The detail is so profound...I love the camera angle....The perspective and movement through the setup is perfect...Thanks so much for the upload!

[@nacesvideographyllc9075]

Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed this preview of Howard Zane’s incredible masterpiece. I offer a complete 2 hour documentary with choreographed train movements to a story line, an in depth interview with Howard not only about trains but his life, a full panoramic overview of the entire layout, and other specialty segments. Please visit www.nacesvideography.com for this and other award-winning model railroad programs.

[@steamie3]

JUST BEAUTIFUL, AND 99% DIESEL FREE. JUST LOVE IT.

[@jamlym4974]

I used to be really into trains as a kid and always wanted to build a model railroad. Now that I'm grown, I kind of want to get back into it and fulfill my childhood dream.

[@mountainman5292]

Amazing and creative, that is beautiful artwork and skill on display.

[@gregssap]

Beautiful layout!

[@johnpandolfino8663]

Truly stunning.....

[@martinmakarick1957]

Amazing model railroading

[@RicArmstrong]

The scenery looks a lot like old Pittsburgh Pennsylvania where I live.

[@ronaldryerson2303]

That lavout is amazing . .

[@danbytp]

4:38 WWHHHAAAAAT!?! 3 trains in one shot and one of them going backwards! This makes my year!!!!

[@forrestnace2589]

Hi Tim, thank you for your enthusiastic comments. Yes, I want "big time" railroad action captured in my programs, but still keeping it realistic to actual railroad operations. There are several sequences in the 2 hour program I offer that required Howard, myself, and sometimes one of Howard's friends operating the trains, while I still ran the cameras. Many of these scenes needed filmed 3, 4, or 5 times to get all of the choreographed train movements correct for the "final cut". Please visit www.nacesvideography.com for more information on my programs available, thank you. Forrest Nace - Videographer

[@danbytp]

@@forrestnace2589 It's great to such attention to detail both in the layout and the videos.Great job all around!!!

[@donnebes9421]

This layout is a work of art! Thanks for the video. Incredible!

[@testtest-lc4xz]

This is so relaxing to watch. What a fantastic layout.

[@tonyromano6220]

Unreal! What a collection of steam locos!

[@dannydai1]

perfect! looks pretty real! wanna go back to 60's

[@nice2everyone]

I can't understand, not a single train stopped to pick me up! Loved it!

[@reggagnier460]

AWSOME, not much more I can say, speechless and enjoy watching video.

[@nacesvideographyllc9075]

Thank you Reg, I do offer a 2 hour video showing all scenes of this 2,850 square foot model railroad, as well as interviews and other specialty segments. Please visit my site at www.nacesvideography.com, thank you, Forrest Nace - Videographer

[@died4us590]

Parts of this remind me of a show I hated as a kid called mr rogers neighborhood. The train's are nice, and much of this looks realistic, thank you.

[@nacesvideographyllc9075]

Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed this preview of Howard Zane’s incredible masterpiece. I offer a complete 2 hour documentary with choreographed train movements to a story line, an in depth interview with Howard not only about trains but his life, a full panoramic overview of the entire layout, and other specialty segments. Please visit www.nacesvideography.com for this and other award-winning model railroad programs.

[@ronnronn55]

Amazing study in rock formations.

[@TrainsandDioramas]

What an incredible layout! Awesome videography as well to show the great details. I think this layout busts the myth that to make a superb layout you’ll have to follow a prototype. Inspiring stuff. Cheers! Kaustav

[@markbailey7943]

Something that Howard has told me before when it comes to modeling, goes a little like this. "If you can think it (the real railroads), they probably did it at one time." This pertains to rolling stock, locomotives, buildings, industries, and so on.

[@nacesvideographyllc9075]

Greatly appreciate your compliments, thank you.

[@mdoyle1981]

Honey, I swear, it hardly cost a thing!

[@beltfed4624]

:::belly laugh::: We've all used that line before, it's part of the model railroaders code. And if that doesn't work, the next step is saying you traded some of your old stuff for it, or so-and-so gave me that... The same rules apply for motorcycles and tools. 👍😁

[@twaters4827]

Oh.....this is just too funny. All this time I was speaking railroader code and never knew it!!! Just too funny how you learn to develop a story. Got to say though this hobby is an expensive one!

[@hitthebricks5502]

Lol :)

[@richarddrum9970]

Tell your wife that your considering taking up flying, she will acquiesce to the model railroading😀 I suggested that because my brother in law is a pilot, his monthly fuel bill costs more than anything I buy for the model railroad layout, my wife just smiles😀

[@cathiekahle9514]

Lol

[@RJansen27]

Einfach toll; nicht nur die Anlage sondern auch endlich mal in einer vernünftigen Geschwindigkeit und nicht so „ gerast“ wie auf einer Carrera-Bahn👍👍

[@liamskopal7516]

I have nothing to say but wow. That's beautiful.