One of the largest model railroad layouts in the United States: The Lehigh & Keystone Valley Museum

After seeing many European model railroad layouts on Pilentum Television’s KZbin Channel over the past few weeks, it is time to see model trains from the United States. We do not explore a small train diorama in this video, however, but we discover one of the largest model railway layouts in the United States, namely a 5,000 square feet operating HO scale layout, consisting of about 7,000 feet of track and over 250 turnouts.
We are in the superb Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and we enjoy a cab ride on the winding railroads, along beautiful scenic displays and models of historic locations once located on the historic routes of the Lehigh Valley Railroad during the period 1950 to 1976 from West Portal to Bethlehem and north to Coxton, the Reading Railroad from Quakertown to Bethlehem and then to Harrisburg, and the Central Railroad of New Jersey from Elizabethport to Wilkes-Barre.
Spoken in metric system, the winding model railroad layout built on two levels, covers about 464 square meters on more than 2,100 meters of HO scale tracks. From the train driver’s view we can explore every inch of track and watch as model trains pass by miniature versions of historic sites from around the area, for example, depictions of areas reaching as far west as Harrisburg, as far north as upstate New York, and as far east as Elizabethport.
Anyone familiar with the geographical area will recognize plenty of local landmarks along the miniature world, such as Bethlehem Steel’s iconic stacks and furnaces, the former Allentown passenger station, Bethlehem Steel’s Coke Works, the former Huber Breaker building in Ashley, Luzerne County, the Easton railroad station and many others.
The whole railroad museum pays homage to many former Pennsylvania businesses and buildings. Therefore, all scenes are modeled from the 1960s & 1970s. Due to the historic nature of many of the landmarks included in the display, members of the Museum recreate many of the buildings and stations from scratch, relying on period photographs to do so.
But the most overwhelming is the model rail, which also uses a big helix connecting the lower and upper level. Pilentum Television estimates it would take about 15 to 20 minutes for a train to complete a full lap of the track. Originally, the Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Club formed in 1994 started to build the model railroad. In November 1996, the members purchased a building where model railroad operations continue today. So they have spent more than 20 years constructing a model railroad layout depicting the historic routes of their local railroads.
In 2006, wishing to share their miniature world with the general public, they formed the Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum. Today, members of the club operate and maintain the model railroad layout which was switched from DC to the NCE DCC system. Furthermore, a computer system was incorporated based on JMRI software to run train detection and signaling utilizing Digi Trax equipment. Finally, there is a centralized traffic control room using six computer screens that allows to operate the entire layout and to provide prototypical operation of the railroad.
Note, the Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum will be hosting events during the Christmas season. This is your opportunity to enjoy a great model railroad layout!
Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum
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NCE Digital Control System
www.ncedcc.com
Pilentum Television
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Pilentum Television Instagram
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[@pilentum]

Discover the track plans of the lower and upper level on www.pilentum-television.com/en/one-of-the-largest-model-railroad-HO-scale-layouts-in-the-united-states-the-lehigh-and-keystone-valley-museum.htm

[@JohnnySoundSTL]

Thank you! After watching the video I came to the comments specifically to request a link to the track plan.

[@PoconoMountaineer405]

@@JohnnySoundSTL this channel has done a video on northlandz right?

[@lestergillis8171]

It appears to me that there is still plans for more expansion in certain areas.

[@VDsnorkel]

As a retired locomotive engineer of 30 years I'm very impressed with the realism of this lay out. It's like I'm back in the seat. Well done.

[@BossSpringsteen69]

I''ll be your conductor in the seat across from you. Eight to go till i pull the pin. LOL

[@electricgaming9914]

Besides the instant running of a red light

[@elcajondavid1]

The only thing missing on the realism part is all the graffiti nowadays on the rail cars.

[@theluth9046]

I agree with you on the realism of the track and scenery and also I can agree with what you said. I was an agent dispatcher with the Chesapeake Western Railway and occasionally I would get on the engine or on the cab and give the conductor and discuss his orders for what his train classification would be for that day and when he went through the switch on this model in the engine kind of shook a little bit going through there, that brought back the good old days! I commend you for being an engineer for so many years I know firsthand the stress and the dangers of that and the fact that you gave your everyday service is a great service to America because that's what railroading is all about!

[@richardchamberlain8527]

Who ever laid the track knew what he was doing. Every inch of the video trip is silky and effortless.

[@alankosinki8751]

This simply brought a piece of mind to me all the things that are going on in the world today and how peaceful it was to watch this train go around this massive complex

[@michaelgarrity6090]

This is an incredible model railroad set up. A true labor of love and financial commitment by the members of this organization.

[@treavy1]

I like the no train sounds and just the cars clickty clacking over the rails so much nicer

[@jamesreilly5183]

I love the weeds!! And everything else! Thank you for sharing !

[@eviltemplesoldier_7501]

One of my parents friend is a member or something and so they’re allowed to drive their own trains on the layout and invited me with them it was so cool

[@markpalmiter8056]

This is a great trip on a scale railroad. I cannot imagine how many man hours it took to put this together. It is a fantastic job

[@louisblaukowitch540]

I myself spent 365 days per yr x 5 hr per day x 25 yrs = 45,625 hrs. Could be more. That's not including what the other 10 members did.

[@markpalmiter8056]

@@louisblaukowitch540 You all did a wonderful job.

[@Doug47]

The work that went into this layout is absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[@roseaaron2892]

I am thoroughly impressed with the complexity of this awesome layout. The tracks actually go somewhere,instead of just in a simple circle.

[@ArcadiaJunctionHobbies]

Stunning. There is a great allure to the US North Eastern rail scene of the 1960s and 70s. I live in Ireland and Leigh Valley, Reading and NYS&W all run on my HO layout.

[@burtbenz9964]

Yea good choice. My family fromm pittsburgh but we moved 2 so cal we love rr

[@jhardman4534]

The attention given to detail is amazing. In all my 89 years of model railroading I have never seen such a fantastic layout.

[@kirkcaricosr5382]

Then check out Northlandz in New Jersey will blow this out the Water 😂

[@billbest3354]

After having watched all of the cab rides out there this one is by far the most realistic. Absolutely real. Fantastic.

[@stephenchellgren1213]

Can ride in a beautiful freight train, absolutely the best feeling in my heart

[@maxwellament3419]

Amazing attention to detail, especially along the spurs and the yards. The weeds between the really add another level of realism

[@louisblaukowitch540]

I do all the scenery on this railroad, and also laid 90% of the track and switches, and built 80% of the benchwork

[@sydneymartin6941]

@@louisblaukowitch540 Absolutely outstanding Needs to be preserved

[@paulsuprono7225]

AMAZING . . . was all this constructed/accomplished, one's retirement years . . . or, was this actualized upon completion of ones employment ? 😎 🇺🇸

[@trainmanbob]

After 60 years of model railroads I thought I had seen and done it all. This is just so god it has left me speechless........ Cheers, Bob in the UK.

[@josephpatsch849]

You get to see model railroads like this until you a cam and ride.just totally 👌

[@michaelmorgan7893]

Beautiful layout. You can see the years of hours of work. And all those pole lines and working signals. Takes me back to better years of railroading.

[@bobm7275]

I couldn't find anyway to say this better, "The work that went into this layout is absolutely amazing." Thank you for sharing.

[@paktoysreview8377]

This is a great trip on a scale railroad.

[@michaelmorgan7893]

I think this is the first layout I've seen that properly uses "power poles" for power distribution, and "code line /telegraph poles" along the tracks like they once had, to control the signals. I like the fact someone got it right. And the signal system looks great, too. Nice work.

[@raybame5816]

What a huge and beautiful layout. Every bit is fun and SOOooo realistic. The track work and turnouts are all so smooth and level; I don't recall a single jump or jiggle. There is a lot of fussy workmanship in here. This video is superb and was done without members or visitors in view and chatting, laughing or generally in cam sight spoiling the effort. Thanks for this ride. Well done..

[@SteveMikre44]

Thank you Pilentum for posting this episode on Christmas. It is a wonderful gift...🎁

[@bernhardwagner9879]

Just an incredible ride for fans and newcomers. Smooth beyond belief. Thank You. It's bookmarked.

[@gashousegorillas1]

EXCELENT!!

[@DrKO2453]

I enjoy seeing the model railroads from Europe. Nice to see something different! Merry Christmas

[@pilentum]

Merry Christmas!

[@sidneybristow815]

The trees and foliage blew my mind. What an artist. You also nailed daily life in America. If I was a little kid, I’d want My little dolls to take a ride. It is simply spectacular. Your million hours of works have captivated me and I’m not alone. 💕

[@lockingfine]

my god the work it took to make this looks so good - the scale is perfect but you do not notice it until you see a full sized object like a chair or a few screws on the side of the track and then your mind is blown again -- Kudos to the masters that took the years if not decades to build this for all to enjoy.

[@roberttaylor6600]

I enjoyed the ride and I love the layout it's well constructed Rail on my friend 🚂🚃🚃🚃.

[@butchkoch1775]

Really stunning, captured so much realism of the railroads in the area, beautiful job

[@Lakeside1943]

Amazing quality, realism and detail in such a huge layout !

[@treetoppa8388]

This is mesmerizing. When this entire layout is finished I’m hoping we will see another video. Awesome realism and it takes me back to the late fifties when my dad used to take us down to the tracks in Stockton California to watch the trains. I would lay in bed at night and listen to the distant whistles. Love it.

[@AngolaAirman]

I was amazed at the faithfulness to detail and the relevance to scale that remained throughout. Thoroughly impressive, and my congratulations to those hundreds who invested the "sweat equity" In this establishment!

[@Alasdair-Morrison]

The absolute best model railroad I've ever seen! every section tells it's own story, has it's own life* even from the opposite direction. Like how you didn't fuss about showing *behind the scenes* scenery. I'd be setting up scenes from Back To The Future 3 on a side line or derailments :) Awesome video!

[@queenb3570]

I worked with Lorrel Joiner and fell in love with train layouts. His was pretty awesome too. Thanks for sharing...

[@j.dragon651]

I like trains. Once, with the kids in the car, we were going under an overpass. I got all excited and said, kids, look, look at the train. Then proceeded to run into the back of the guy in front of me who stopped to make a left turn. If I had just popped into this video without reading the title, and not being able to see the walls and the ceiling; I wonder how long it would have taken me to realize it was a model railroad. Well done.

[@lissanne9769]

Wow! This layout is super big, and super detailed. The original artwork started in the 1960's and then added more on, is exquisite. Everything, especially the details were amazing to see. These artists didn't scrimp on anything. All of the train yards, full of box cars. I recognized some of the train engines, and that was fun. Talking about the engines, I always love the cab rides. Thank you, Markus.

[@bobhoward6676]

Tens of millions spend, countless man hours on design, fabrication, installation and maintenance. Thank you for sharing this incredible creation of majestic proportion.

[@pilentum]

Thanks for watching!

[@JungleYT]

*Great attention to detail... Model Railroad clubs were quite common in the 1960s and 70s. Nice to see that legacy still preserved someplace*

[@haroldwilkes6608]

The Gorre & Dafetid was (and may still be) running in the 50s and was near perfect as to realism.

[@JungleYT]

@@haroldwilkes6608 I Googled Gorre and Daphetid... Wouldn't you know it, destroyed by a fire in 1973 - Bummer...

[@haroldwilkes6608]

@@JungleYT Thanks, didn't know that, I think there are videos (low quality) on YT. It was a beautifully, meticulously designed layout.

[@JungleYT]

@@haroldwilkes6608 Well, with the right people and money I have no doubt it could be brought back. Just a matter of finding a location. Plenty of great craftsmen would be available to volunteer or work on the project...

[@haroldwilkes6608]

@@JungleYT True, but John Allen was an artist, hard to replace him. Railrod Model Craftsman featured the G&R regularly, he photographed his dioramas beautifully. And I don't know about you but to me, the past few generations seem more interested in computer simulations than making models. Like steam engines, we may soon be history.

[@markhayes6407]

Great cabride and layout.

[@sparky5860]

Having the camera on the front of the train was the best way to showcase this wonderful work of art........ Thank you for sharing.......

[@roboftherock]

The Lehigh & Keystone Valley Museum, the place where time stands still - literally (clock 4:10 and 35:50).😀 The one unreal thing about this was - no other traffic in motion. In case anyone hasn't done the arithmetic, 7000ft of HO track is 115.34 scale miles (182.7 scale km).

[@alphagt62]

I love the camera on the engine! It’s an interesting perspective that the layout is not usually seen from.

[@davidcaro8217]

Such comfortable and easy viewing, so very relaxing, a real treat!

[@Biffo1262]

This model has to be absolutely priceless. Just how can you put a price to the love, skill, time and dedication that has been put into this layout? It is beyond words. My only query is it's accessibility and viewing points. I am at a loss as to how any members of the public actually view the upper levels other than by CCTV which isn't ideal. Working on it and derailments in parts must be a nightmare. Thank you for filming this.

[@pilentum]

Thanks for watching and commenting this!

[@chaiyawat53]

Every Details look so Amazing. Very Enjoy with Beautiful Model Trains and Surroundings.

[@coloursmoke]

What a layout! The distance is impressive. Nice details. Great work. The onboard view is rather relaxing and calming.

[@keisven1]

What an amazing layout. The scenery is fantastic. So many details to look at during the ride and the comforting sound from a rolling train. I enjoyed the ride very much. Well done. 👍🙂

[@hifijohn]

Brings back many great memories for me i was a model train fanatic when I was young I wish youtube existed back then.

[@jeffyoung1349]

EPIC, truly awesome and inspiring, a true model railroaders dream layout, amazed at the attention to detail even in areas not seen by the public or even possibly operators, one of the best, thank you 🙏 for sharing this with us all

[@barbaradee5191]

WOW ! Not only is it huge , every inch of it has been meticulously and realistically detailed

[@lawrencetalbot55]

Attention to detail on this layout is just smashing!! This video went by in seemingly no time, I enjoyed riding in the cab. Awesome stuff!!

[@Christerart]

Stunning, stunning, stunningly beautiful and realistic. Brings back the US I remember...

[@corvettesforever4619]

Absolutely incredible layout. I've never seen anything like it.

[@michaelhill7471]

Visiting this museum is at the top of my “bucket list”.

[@shawnpowell5876]

I've watched 11mins worth already and am just blown away w how realistic this is! The details throughout this layout is unbelievable and to see it from the roof of a locomotive is astonishing! Totally impressed with this layout and I'm going to finish watching the rest now! Thanks again for sharing this video and I'm viewing it from Delmar, Delaware.

[@stevenospam4216]

Superb, ladies and gentlemen! And bravo to Pilentum for creating the video. Thanks so much!

[@jonathanblair5255]

Holy crap!! How big is this building?? I’ve never seen anything like this, absolutely stunning layout!!

[@bernieleclerc9100]

That’s exactly what I was wondering

[@tonyromano6220]

Stunning.

[@stephenchellgren1213]

The best hobby in the world is model railroads

[@stephenchellgren1213]

Thank you all, model railway fans, Worldwide, it's gold baby

[@derwindhund116]

What an amazing layout, there's some awesome detail there. The cab ride was pretty good, it would've been nice to see another train passing occasionally.

[@jimari1]

the best model railroad I have seen for years, would love to see some yard ops and shunting in this layout it's fantastic.

[@Dan-ud8ob]

Best set up ive ever seen..well done !!!

[@arthurscott4467]

It was almost as if I were riding the rails ,the realism is so exact that I half expected the people to wave as the train went by. How large is this layout , and how large is the building that houses it? Very impressive !

[@custos8]

I don't know anything about model railroading, but these layouts are just amazingly great.

[@WilliamHBaird-eq2hp]

The trackwork and scenery are top notch. It is a really nice long run too!

[@machinist5828]

Wow! I think the most striking thing that kept pulling at my eye was just how straight the track was. I have laid track for several layouts over the years and appreciate fine trackwork. Second was how smooth running the locomotive was that we were riding on. From that where do you go? You could write praises as long as the ride. I imagine you could ride for hours and not travel the same set of rails more than once. Fantastic! Thanks for having us! Cheers

[@garykoller441]

No words! The detail is unbelievable. Amazing!!

[@rayinpau.s.a.6351]

The realism and scenery is stunning ! , this is my dream layout .

[@candycee8634]

I just hope the train never hops off the track. How in the world would a person service this? WOW! It's just beautiful! Hats off to all involved! ❤ If my Dad was alive, I would show this video to him! He would love it on many levels! How long has this been in progress? How long is it going to take to finish it? I can't imagine the amount of money it is taking! How many people are working on this? Enchanting! Thank you for sharing this video!

[@danielmarra2237]

I live 1.5 h from this layout and did not knew, tomorrow Sunday i go see it!

[@lukasschmidt50]

Eure Videos anzuschauen ist wie eine Sucht. Man mag nicht aufhören. 👍👍👍 Nir die Werbung zwischendurch wirkt wie ein Schlag ins Gesicht. Aber da muss man halt durch🥴

[@walterjaygould6110]

As a 30 year retired locomotive engineer (& trainmaster, and several system-wide manager jobs) I really was impressed!

[@TheKubelman]

I came for the trains and was really thrilled with the clarity of the onboard view and track noise. I left because somebody decided that the music they like was what we should all hear.

[@raymondlucero4999]

With the mind and talent of a great builder. And the heart of a child. Great build my friend. Very realistic layout. I have no doubt that you are very proud.

[@Gpunk19]

This is really awesome I know a lot of hard work went into the set up but well worth it great job I'm so impressed

[@pierredelcher2849]

merveilleux ,grandiose,un travail énorme,mes compliments👍

[@rbryanhull]

I will admit that was waay cooler than I expected

[@vgrof2315]

Astounding, the amount of track laid down on this layout! Bravo!!

[@Scrapy-ih7ob]

Going have to make this 2023 trip to visit. not far from where i live. can't wait to see it in person.

[@TheGospelQuartetParadise]

After seeing all of the positive comments on this post, I am almost embarrassed to add my 2 cents worth of constructive criticism. This is certainly a very professionally constructed layout, and I am 99.9% pleased. The one thing [my 2 cents worth] is that on the right the train is passing the buildings and scenery, but on the left the scenery is moving right along with the train. At about 3 minutes that seems to have been corrected, but does re-appear intermittently, and sometimes the side moving reverses. But, overall, I would give this layout a 9.5.

[@Trainfan1055Janathan]

I volunteered here when I was a teenager.

[@tonyobbeek8910]

There's not one thing I don't love about this layout, natural colors, a really good mix of trees and bushes very well placed and orientated, beautiful track and ballast work yes sir I want me one of those !! You guys have got the gift, keep on with your fantastic work and videos plz. Regards tones1957 (New Zealand)

[@billlindsay8321]

Wife and I have been there a few times. Having grown up in ABE area it is an awesome sight to see things and you know exactly where you are. If ever in Bethlehem it is well worth the visit!!!!

[@arlendavis]

Impressive. I love the way you put a camera in a locomotive and gave us a tour from that perspective. I watched the whole thing and could have watched more.

[@waltertyler57]

Being a former railroader this certainly brings back memories.

[@joevalentine2048]

I’ve visited this layout twice and wish I lived closer than the one plus drive to get there. I’d join in a minute. This video takes you up close and behind the scenes and is a better view than you get on the visits. Fantastic job and well worth seeing if you’re in eastern Pennsylvania.

[@pilentum]

Thanks, Joe!

[@sergiobustamante2163]

Para los que amamos el modelismo ferroviario, esto es un sueño hecho realidad. Espectacular el realismo logrado en todos los detalles de las vías, los trenes y el entorno, simplemente perfecto. Felicitaciones a sus creadores y gracias a PILENTUM por mostrarnos esta maravilla.

[@davidcarr2649]

The cameraman did an amazing job keeping the camera steady. Everyone forgets about the cameraman.

[@orringarn3779]

You almost have to pack a lunch and bring a thermos of coffee if you're riding along on this train...this is about as real as it gets!

[@lissanne9769]

You are so correct. What you committed on brings back all of the wonderful memories of going someplace special. Trains are the best form of travel.

[@myleghurts3546]

Wow! I admire your attention to details, dedication...and wallet

[@stephenchellgren1213]

❤️🎇❤️HO Scale trains,since I was 10 years old,in the year 1970....thank you all....memory lane for me🎇🌟🎇

[@nelsonr.flores9123]

I have never before seen such a beautiful Ley out. The hole set up is so awesome...👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@thomasmccaskill5197]

This is a great club been there alot and a bunch of great guys and if you're ever in New Jersey come stop by The Model Railroad Club in Union NJ were another Club that used to be 40x40 but now we expanded into our new building of 100x60 and we hand lay all of our tracks

[@anthonylauro5711]

I used to visit the the NJ layout at Christmas. I haven't been back since the expansion. I now live close to the Bethlehem layout. I really need to see this one.

[@micksbiggestfan4006]

Pre covid, Bethlehem hosts a music festival every summer. At the steel site. I went one year and found a pamphlet on my windsheild with things to do in Bethlehem. This was on it. I'm so glad I went! Thanks for the share.

[@uwekoch8054]

Que maqueta tan grande y además preciosa. Muchas gracias👍👍

[@theknickerbocker5808]

I had the chance to attend an op till you drop session many years ago. Ran one of the hump yards for 6 hours. Enjoyed myself as did my son sitting on a stool throwing switches. Incredible layout. Would love to go back for another op till you drop

[@palatinator]

Fantastisch, endlich Bahnen ohne die Pickel auf den Gleisen, Waggons die nicht gestaucht sind. Thank you!!!

[@bibo987945]

Really beautiful layout. I recall I always spent some time to look through the window on my travel.

[@ednammansfield8553]

This really was an amazing journey by rail as would be seen from the cab of a real engine. So much detail. It's a credit to all that created this layout. Well done to all and thanks to Pillentum for taking us on this journey.

[@richardfinney3179]

I lived half a block from the tracks when I grew up in Mathews beach Washington we played on the tracks every day I love the trained going by as I got older we hopped the train but the guy in the caboose would shoot us with a pellet rifle and we would jump off and scurry away it was a game we played so we would line up on one side of the train to distract the caboose man as a few guys would hop on on the other side we never got hurt but got shot once trained are still my favorite mode of traveling I would love to ride the Canadian Rockies train I watch it on utube this layout is the biggest in the world I wonder how many millions it takes to keep it all peace