Realistic Operations - BAD TRACK and Branch Lines in HO Scale

[@traindrivernick]

As a train driver in Australia, I love this. Heaps of our sidings are like this, I'd be surprised if there were any good ties left underneath in most sidings!

[@planebois]

Dude, have you ever seen Metra? Look at some of my Metra videos, and look at the ties. Some of the rail is from '52, and the ties are covered in diesel and have so many cracks.

[@Lillstisse661]

@@planebois the mainline going through our village has rails from 1929 and another line not too far from here has rails from 1895.

[@planebois]

@@Lillstisse661 wow.

[@Lillstisse661]

@@planebois but the line still holds 70 km/per hour average

[@planebois]

@@Lillstisse661 wow.

[@ronaldjoyce7374]

Your “Not maintained” tracks look amazingly real, GREAT JOB, on probably a very tedious task. All looks great, Ron

[@wjsj69]

Your whole production is so impressive, especially the sound effects; that can't be easy to sync-up!

[@RailroadScannerMan15]

Josh takes his take to surely put together some awesome stuff.

[@normanrowe2831]

Home for the holidays? It’s great to see trains running on this great layout again. I hope you and your family enjoy the season. Take care.

[@nsmodeler24]

Not quite yet, but will be soon. It's been a busy year, but glad to finally have a bit more time to be sharing it all with you guys again. Merry Christmas, Josh

[@pennsylvanianrailfan]

glad to see you posting sgain

[@stagergamer4172]

it's so cute seeing these little trains operate like their big brother counterparts do

[@oldgoat142]

I'm sure you've been told this a great many times, but each time I come by I'm always learning something new. That, and just the sheer enjoyment of watching ops. It's actually quite soothing. Thank you for the post.

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks! Really appreciate the kinds words. - Josh

[@Ralph2]

Most realistic! I can't imagine the hours it's taken to get your layout to this level.

[@flossyorc6654]

more like years to make it this good

[@fhowland]

Loved this! I always struggled to recreate bad track but not have it cause derailments. Love your layout.

[@STho205]

I've been laying bad model track for decades. Never knew I was a master modeller.

[@205004gs]

Extremely realistic op-session on bad track! Great job 👍✌️

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks Gene!

[@cuebj]

I saw something like this last year and made similar comment. In my year before university, I worked in an office before spending the summer working at Blue Star Camps for Boys and Girls outside Hendersonville, NC, and visited Ashville a couple of times to watch some bands, Edgar Winter was one, iirc. That was summer 1973 - possibly the near the lowest era for railways in USA (and nearly so in UK). I well remember the ting-ting of trains as they inched their way along track that was bent, up and down, and the train straightened out the track as they moved along it. It looked like all the track was in bad condition! I took the bus - it looked safer. Long time ago and fond memories. I guess that modelling the straightening out effect would need very light grade metal for the tracks, loose ties to sleepers or sleepers not glued to base, and a lot of added weight to the engines and carriages and trucks.

[@toolsteel8482]

Very nice. The wood chip hoppers were nicely weathered too. The sound effects really make for a convincing scene.

[@steffenrosmus9177]

40 years ago when I built my Hon3 layout all the spurs to the mines were built with kinks and bends. I told my wife then I need an exoensive brass Shay to serve this spurs😅😅 Same worked 10 year ago with the Sn3 layout.

[@wasatchrangerailway6921]

One nice video! As for me, I have never had anyone to help me! My dad died when I was 15, he thought trains were for kids! He was a big football jock, and believed he was the toughest that ever lived so I have had to do this on my own! I'm just now learning the things that you know as a youngster, and I am 60!

[@jwrailve3615]

I’m almost 26 and have only had one friend ever in life that liked trains now he runs a sd40 in a storage yard and doesn’t do any of the model trains, so I’ve never had anyone to help me out or enjoy the hobby with me so I’ve had to learn so much on my own and channels like this one have meant the world to me. Building a three deck layout like I am by myself with funds that are only there at times means it’ll likely take me years before it’s even close to finished but we as modelers are all in this together!

[@tomclark4654]

This is Tom, ... Josh's dad ... and I'm 60 and love sharing this hobby with Josh, and many other guys (and a few gals). Let me encourage everyone to share this hobby with anyone from the younger generation, or really any generation. I find the sharing is as much fun and enjoyable as the hobby itself! Truly! Merry Christmas to all !!! And please, ... Share this wonderful hobby! You will find that not only do you get to give a gift, you receive one as well! 😉

[@wasatchrangerailway6921]

@@jwrailve3615 My layout is also three levels, and like you, the money is sporadic! I started it when we moved in in 2003, but when my wife died of cancer the work on the railroad came to a screeching halt!!!! Now I live alone, and have only me to spend my money on so I am full blast back on the model railroad---needing to put more track down to accommodate the rolling stock that I have collected over the years! During the time off, I went to electronics school (really fun) so I designed my control system, the signal system, and the sound system,---you should hear the sound system (sounds like EMD coming through the living room) WOW!!!!!!!!! I have wanted to put some stuff on the tube, but I can't do both!!! It's either the railroad or YT.. I have developed (invented) some really neat stuff that controls the railroad! It is a system that is programmed with hardware vs software. It is a belt like on a belt sander, but it turns very slowly. There are copper strips that are adhered to the belt with contacts that ride the copper strips as it rotates. When electrical contact is broken (masking tape on the strip) the motor, or a relay stops! If it is a DP/DT Relay, the polarity reverses, and a motor will reverse direction. I can speed trains up, I can slow them down, or do anything I want as this belt is turning painfully slow!!!!! If there is something that I have a hard time with, or something that would consume hours, and hours, learning, I just find a different way to do it---- it is really, really neat how I have learned how to get around things! When I have the time to get on YT myself, I will share this stuff with all of you!!! Have a hell of a good time with this hobby everybody--- it has become an obsession for me!!!!

[@monmixer]

DCC sure made this stuff so much more realistic. Sound is everything in an industry like this.

[@BarRJRanch58]

Exceptional layout! Exceptional production! 10+!

[@SouthDown]

Stunning cinematography. Well done!

[@sambray1486]

I like the little cobweb string on the flashers at 4:45

[@rbmnrailfan2102]

I would love to learn how you made that bad track! It would be pretty helpful since I model early Conrail lol

[@tomatkinson6996]

Did u work for Conrail? I did and it was a great RR til NS got a hold of the portion l worked for. Those older guys that l remember are probably rolling outta their wheelchairs to see what's become of it.

[@rbmnrailfan2102]

@@tomatkinson6996 unfortunately I never lived to see any Conrail, I'm only 15. I am fascinated with conrails history and predecessors though, specifically the Reading and Pennsy. At least we still got CSAO and the many former Conrail engines on NS and CSX.

[@tomatkinson6996]

@@rbmnrailfan2102 Yeah Conrail was a great road. NS are a strange outfit for sure. So what make of engines were that Geep-60, you didn't say???

[@YardLimit]

Great stuff! You ought to do a video about how you do all the sound such as scanner chatter and coupling noises.

[@SkywiseStormwolf]

I haven't watched one of your videos in a while, and wasn't disappointed with these last two. Your layout is one of the best.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Great video Josh! Did you do a video on how you made the bad track? This is giving me lots of ideas for my new layout. Also did you use C100 or C83 track? Thanks! 😃 - Jason

[@alainaarrhodge5900]

What can I say except that you nailed it, Derek!!

[@patricknoveski6409]

This is a work of art. Beautiful.

[@ajmottet5636]

Hi love your videos

[@disturbed1954]

Another extremely great video Josh! I saw Santa and told him to bring me the same train stuff you and Tom were getting, hope you both have been good as I got all the coal I can stand!

[@roadmonkeytj]

Start grinding it up and filling open hoppers!

[@multicolorfilms]

This is AWESOME! I’ve been attempting to model a switching area on my CSX layout. Your realistic operations and scenery has been an inspiration for me! Thanks, Merry Christmas! Christian M.

[@robby062]

This is an amazing video to watch. The scenery is so well done and the locos and rolling stock are so well detailed and then the addition of the radios and real motive power sound just take it to another level.

[@titusrider7948]

Your level of detail is amazing; #7148 rust and chipped fuel tank, deformed track, yard signaling...

[@leesonmorrison28]

This channel and Central Los Andes have the best ambience and sound effects ever. Congratulations.

[@CraigLYoung]

Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@railhunterproductions]

These videos are great! I know you've touched on it a few times, but could you do a video focused on your dispatching system?

[@nsmodeler24]

Yes, it is on the to-do list! thanks! - Josh

[@ryankruchowski1951]

Outstanding operation. Keep up the good work. We need more freight ops.

[@jamesmungovan9954]

Been watching your videos for a long time. One of the main reasons I became a railman was because of this channel. Glad you're still making videos.

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks James! Really appreciate the kind words. it means a lot. - Josh

[@BAS19.6]

I have a few similar sections on my layout with poor maintenance track work inspired by what you did. I have it for a paper mill and a chip factory. You really have to move slowly or the train will derail. Just makes me admire the skills of real railroaders

[@daylightdave9405]

Very nice professionally done video and thxs for the rough track tip.... Im gonna steal that cool tip!! 😜 David Happy Holidays to you and your family!!

[@rickyarger1169]

Outstanding video...Had I not known it was a model I really would have thought it was real...love the modeling abilities

[@geepop57]

I really enjoy your narration and sound effects Thankyou

[@scottkew6278]

I used no rail joints. I made sure the inside heads ALWAYS lined up properly. Each section had it s own drop. It is then easy to vertically stress each joint until you get the desired level. I am now doing this on a section of On3 section. I used it all over my HO layout which is GONE now but NOT due to bad track work. My mainline was 450 feet so you can tell I had a lot of joints...never used railjoiners on it.

[@dewey70]

This is the most immersive model railroad experience I've ever seen.

[@tracynation2820]

An excellent video. Hello from the Tracy Mountain Railway in Colorado. 💙 T.E.N.

[@robertfish6617]

Simply an excellent video. Outstanding model.

[@rayinpau.s.a.6351]

Great scenery and love all the rail sounds coming from the engines and cars !

[@MLWQC]

Great switching, amazing layout and excellent video. Well done.

[@grahamsawyer831]

really very impressive! easy to forget how small this scale actually is. outstanding work. ALSO must say I like the idea of real sounds over scale films, really brings it all to life

[@williambryant5946]

On my list you have one of the top 5 layouts I've watched on youtube. The damaged track is great. Awesome video. 👍

[@jimkammerer8028]

AWESOME GOOD VIDEO nice video and great work a cool layout looks awesome beautiful thank you for your enthusiasm and your very cool video

[@calumbrubacher7352]

Hey! No track is bad track, as long as it runs trains!

[@RFMCabooseNP1713]

Great job. This is as real as it gets. Can't wait for the next one.

[@edwinavil7867]

Always love these layout videos. Keep up the good work!

[@spartan7042]

That's a incredible ho layout EXTREMELY REALISTIC

[@jimkammerer8028]

NORFOLK SOUTHERN RULES THE RAILS VERY GOOD JOB INDEED THANKS FOR SHARING THIS WITH YOUR SUBSCRIBERS. THANKS AGAIN JIM KAMMERER OF PHILADELPHIA PA

[@jwrailve3615]

I JUST NOTICED YOUR CONSIST HAS THE HOSES CONNECTED TOGETHER AND IVE NEVER SEEN ANYONE ACTUALLY DO THAT. as for your bad track industry siding I’m taking notes as I have a 7 foot section of an abandoned line and really want to bend and slant the track at the end as it dies off with only ties remaining at the end. Always learn something when watching your videos thank you for uploads this month!

[@Panzermeister36]

I've seen a set of HO hoses that have tiny magnets at the ends. But I believe they were air hoses, not MU.

[@jwrailve3615]

@@Panzermeister36 by chance do you know which manufactures have those? I really would like to do that with my double diesel consist

[@johnniewelbornjr.8940]

Very, very nicely done (both the layout and the video editing). The distressed track looks great and would certainly take more than a little care to create while keeping cars off the ground. Sound reeeeally makes the operations convincing, for one can almost sense the weight in motion. Prototypical speeds and the decoder programming are all part of this, of course (I've never played with today's command control, for it was still MRC throttles and very basic "momentum" settings when I still had time and space to model lol). I still love shots of the signal system, as well as the grade crossing lights... The flashing rate and the "slow" on/off of the lights looks great compared to the "immediate" on/off of leds (if they are leds, they're programmed perfectly). Always nice to stop in and spend a few minutes here when I get a chance. :)

[@JNXT_Railroad]

Nice work! I really liked the "bad track" treatment, very realistic and interesting to watch.

[@pimpdaddygary]

Car Knocker here, one thing you missed.... Going on the main line, you either need a red flag or fred on the last car of the consist. After that, (and a class 1 air test) I can give you the high ball. Cheers.

[@charliestraindepot3117]

My eyes popped out in amazement 👀

[@geraldhague6170]

I like the details of everything great job

[@williamschlenger1518]

Great video & great layout.👍

[@tonydavey3741]

Love this brilliant layout and the scale speeds you run at

[@maxstirnersego]

For whatever reason I was expecting this to be a Penn Central layout. Very well done regardless!

[@maquetedoalto]

Fantastic layout and trains❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@daf827]

Brilliant modeling and videography.

[@gradycain6399]

Once again, fantastic video and audio editing creating an extremely realistic experience (well except for that huge cobweb on the signal at 4:45! 🤣) Love your narratives as well - awesome man! Happy Holidays to you and your family...

[@tomclark4654]

Obviously, Josh needs to get his signal maintainer (me) to stop slacking off when he's in school. I'll hustle down there and get back to work! 🥴🥴🥴 LOL .... 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@michaelbragg6903]

Beautiful work

[@klyddkross]

Outstanding! Keep it up.

[@ajknaup3530]

Sweet video, Dude: Thanks!

[@thomasaustin316]

Superb! Your modeling and layout are inspiring.

[@jaybird111207]

Very realistic!! Gave me some ideas for some of my industries. Thanks for sharing and stay safe. Happy modeling!! -Jason

[@codyrapp7253]

That's just cool that you guys use real sound effects for you ho trains

[@RonStanek]

Merry Christmas! 🎅🎄 Josh! To you and yours!

[@eazy-enwa2555]

nice weathering on the locomotives

[@Longshadowsmodeltrees]

Like Always......Another great Video from Josh. Merry Christmas!!! Bob

[@nsmodeler24]

Thanks Bob! Merry Christmas to you and your family as well! - Josh

[@planebois]

This track reminds me of some of the industries up on Northside Chicago, such as the tribune, bloomers chocolate, and alpha baking.

[@davidkoehler136]

I did about 30' of track like that on my NG logging branch line in 0n30 hand laid and tricky for steam loco's well done

[@zepledfan413]

Awesome videos. Always well done but always super interesting!

[@keithdenner9441]

Great video! Love the scenery!

[@lukenoble3319]

The distressed track work is insane! I'd love to give that stuff a go

[@pkilznah5353]

Such a pimp layout! Play on player!🚂💨🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥✊

[@hunterprowsemrereviews9141]

Awesome realistic layout! Did anyone else notice the cob web stringing off the crossing light in the town of Asheville section lol?

[@ekrwy2]

Awesome work! You need to have a steam special show up once they get PTC installed on them in the modern times.

[@Xxalphawolf590xX]

I’m actually picking up a load in Asheville NC tomorrow!

[@rardiehl2302]

Thank you, very much.

[@enjoyingrailroading1013]

As usual, well done! A Blessed Holiday Season to you and your Family!!

[@LemartesLogistics]

I love your videos man always top quality. The engine sounds around 2:25 are thet added in post recording, because that bass thrum was a lovely tone.

[@jmcfarlandjr]

That really looks good.

[@MrBsHiawathalandRails]

What can I say? Another awesome video. You do that so well.

[@ehcatsfaneric2211]

Really great video well done thanks

[@DimensionMachine]

Great video as always!

[@albertofranchi6408]

Super beautiful

[@lottaaction8072]

Love it!

[@MrRusty-fm4gb]

You have one of the best layouts I’ve ever seen. And your diesels are top notch. I’ve seen a lot of your other videos! 👍 ...but there is one thing your layout is missing since it’s a modern layout, and that is homeless tweaker camps. I’ve thought about making my own little modern diorama using gold medal photo etched bicycles, like a a bunch of them piled up, and then little plastic tents, pallets, stolen cars, and a lot of trash and litter. 😎

[@DadaPoopoo]

Truly remarkable. Bravo!

[@Bobrogers99]

The realism is incredible. If I were the appropriate size I could move right in. I wonder if the railroad is hiring?

[@xela-nw8eh]

This layout must be really fun to operate

[@tomclark4654]

You know, ... it actually is, ... but it's more fun sharing it with others!

[@kcgrailgilbert8466]

Nice layout Josh

[@JasonTrew2018]

The next time I build another layout, I'll make sure my spurs get that treatment and with the help of a belt sander

[@gunsaway1]

This was super!

[@DetroitLove4U]

I personally like rotating roller bearings. But it's a hell of a layout!!!