S1: E5: Tracklaying, Wiring, DCC and More!

In this video I put down the cork roadbed, track, hand-made crossovers and turnouts, and I piece together my DCC systems and make it operational. And finally, video of running trains!
Follow me: / rcgrabbag
Links to items used in this video:
Loctite Power Grab adhesive:
amzn.to/2Kr2RCS
3m double-sided transfer tape:
amzn.to/3qQAsaa
Scotchlok 562 "Suitcase" connector:
amzn.to/3qQAtLg
Wago 2-Conductor Splicing Connectors:
amzn.to/38408rl
Terminal strips:
amzn.to/3nlPpPl
amzn.to/2Wiuvom
Cable clips/organizer (zip-tie substitute):
amzn.to/2KnseWu
RJ12 (and others) crimping tool (for Loconet cables)
amzn.to/2LBodhI
Flat 6-wire telephone cable (for Loconet cables)
amzn.to/382D0to
RJ12 Phone Plug: (for Loconet cables)
amzn.to/37hxbJe
Evergreen styrene strips (for track superelevation):
amzn.to/2KJPxd4
Meanwell power supplies:
www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/...
Fastracks (DIY turnouts, crossovers and other track-related resources)
www.handlaidtrack.com/
Digitrax Components at your hobby retailer:
DCS240 Command Station
DB220 Dual Booster
SE8C Signal Decoder
BXP88 Block detection/circuit breaker module
Tam Valley Depot (servo switch machines and other accessories)
www.tamvalleydepot.com/
Deck the Halls B by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
We Wish You A Merry Xmas by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: audionautix.com/

[@ForYourConsideration]

As I watch this I just thought of my father who, 55 years ago, spent his evenings gluing together Plasticville buildings to help Santa. Some of the surviving building and trains are on display year-round and are especially meaningful to me this time of year.

[@rcgrabbag]

Great story! All the best...

[@lottaaction8072]

With everything going on in the world, this is a great escape from chaos and uncertainty. Thank you

[@johnkulpowich5260]

I wish I said that

[@rcgrabbag]

Very nice of you to say! I'm glad I was able to provide a distraction.

[@johnkulpowich5260]

@@rcgrabbag you bring out the kid that's in us. A pure a innocent time

[@elleryparsons2433]

This Is What I do As Well And I Love It.

[@timothyjacobs4529]

Just nice watching people who know what they are doing, do it!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@MrDavil43]

And seeing people do something they love and not for commercial reasons is often inspiring. Walking around the paddock at club level motor sport events gives me the same vibe as I get from watching videos like this

[@donaldbonilla9774]

LOVE WATCHING THESE VIDEOS. Better than stuff on TV

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@sledge57a]

Couldn't agree more...

[@neooooo6127]

tv is garbage nowadays anyway..

[@SnowHarp]

You are extremely fortunate to have this large above ground space for your passion. It is a treat to see it come together.

[@blueXRPdynamite.]

Rich man

[@Bassotronics]

What about us G-Scale guys? The train is designed for outdoors. 👍🏻

[@DunnyRail]

I have had one of those Crimping Tools that you made up the Loconet Cables with for years, going back to around Year 2000 without a clue what it was and how to use it. Now that I do thanks to your as ever instructive build, I wish I had had that knowledge back before 2013 when my now sadly deceased friend was building his line and needed Loconet Cables that he had made for him for lots of money. At least I now know what to do if the need arises for me or anyone I know in the future.

[@karenhumes1513]

This layout is going too be awesome! I can't wait too see it when its completed. Greg

[@jesscneal]

Thank you for sharing. It's pretty cool to see an entire layout built up from scratch 👍👍

[@garyvs.carsmore4607]

Amazing work. The planning is unreal for a project of this magnitude. Well executed! Gary

[@oldstudbuck3583]

I like that detail swinging the power supply and modules out of the way. Well executed.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@robertrapp1595]

That train layout is perfection. The trestle bridge is magnificent. Great Job on you passion.

[@ethanmcdowell9677]

17:25, the P&E lives!!! I grew up near the Peoria & Eastern west of Indianapolis. Thanks for this.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for watching!

[@bertiewooster3326]

Cor blimey what a layout can I come and stay !!

[@JediTim28]

So glad I found your videos. This is absolutely a dream of mine but likely will never have this much room. Really appreciate your documenting your journey...it is a pleasure to watch. You have some serious skills.

[@ericrickert3045]

The last set up I made was in 1992. The latest then was the powered turnouts and I had a nice layout with two N-gauge mainlines on one 4x8 sheet of plywood. This wiring is exciting to think about with the newest technology. I am nearly ready to retire and want to start this up now that I have space and will have time (and enough resources to do it). Thanks for documenting this great project!

[@ianmheathcote]

I am not a railway modeller but am so impressed with your design, engineering and presentation, brilliant.

[@rcgrabbag]

Very kind of you to say! Thanks for tuning in!

[@richardmchale12345]

You're "next level" dude! Nice work on the layout and explaining things for the beginner! Thanks!

[@mrossainz]

When I see layouts this big my hopes of seeing high speed trains in all their splendour grow big, then I see steam locos and wooden bridges... lol.! Still an amazing work there!

[@rcgrabbag]

Had a friend up here yesterday that drives the real thing for Amtrak. He brought is HO scale Acela up here so don't count out high speed runs just yet. I'll just need to keep the wood trestle out of the shot ;-)

[@Stefan_Boerjesson]

Really long trains are more interesting then speed. No matter how large the railroad is, speed will look terrible when the straight track must go into curves. Mini racing cars are more suitable for speed. The control system used here is iTrain, made buy a Dutch guy. It contains and uses speed calibration for each locomotive. Speed can be mesured all over the DCC, or MFM range. Ror example the heavy iron ore trains from Kiruna to Narvik don't run faster then 50 km/h, 31 mph due to the stress on the rails in the curves, and 50 scale km/h looks like driving wirh dignity.

[@davevan8864]

My favorite Christmas movie........You are a lucky man!

[@soulsurvivorla]

OMG! This is so awesome!!! I can't wait to see the finished layout!

[@mikeggg5671]

I could world daily on my layout and not have a tenth of your ease and skill. I am awe stricken. I am able to wire track to feeders, and feeders to bus, and bus to a single DCC module. Beyond that, I am confused and lost as to power districts and microchips and whatnot that you describe. Very nice.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for your kind words! The DCC stuff can be a bit daunting.

[@TheShorebird]

Wow. So much work, and expertly being done! Really nice, can't wait to see how you do the scenery.

[@getube9]

Need to get the kids off their devices and back into model railroading! Think of all the skills one learns: carpentry, math, electrical, electronics, painting, etc!

[@N511HJ-Flights]

Yeah, I just started my first layout maybe 3 months ago still working on it. I’m only 17. I’ve been playing with model trains since I was a kid. My grandpa has a whole bunch of Lionel O gauge trains from when he built his first layout of course he’s old now so he doesn’t have it set up anymore but would let me put the track together and run the trains on it. Never was fully into it but always had fun playing with them. Then about 3 months ago I had a hard breakup with the girl I was dating at the time. I needed something to clear my head and that’s when I decided to start my layout and man has it been a blast I’m not even done yet and I’ve had so much fun building it.

[@toadtickleflash]

I have a 4x10 foot ho scale layout

[@mylovinglifequotes5934]

I have have a 10 by 6 layout but it is very expensive

[@Indianarailproductions]

​@@mylovinglifequotes5934I wish..

[@billkraemer4710]

Model train sets of even diminutive size art part art and part science. Wheel sets are made of needle bearings and pizza cutters. Very low drag.

[@e020443]

Huge scale with no expense spared -- very nice -- excellent video production as well. Looking forward to the next installment.

[@HaroldAlexis-bb8sd]

This layout is fantastic. All those wooden girder structures. My most facinstimg is the highest point with that girder work trestles 😮 . This goes back to old time New York City. There was The Ninth Avenue El. later becoming part of the IRT that later opened the Subway system in 1904. The highest in point was near Central park North nicknamed Suicide curve. From there onto 125th Street & 8th Avenue further north onto The Polo Grounds Stadium 🏟️. All of this all gone. Our other high structures back to the IRT BROADWAY line in Manhattan is at West 125TH STREET Harlem A short span then in both directions go back underground, Another highest structure is The IND in Brooklyn Smith & 9th Street ( Gowanus & CARROLL GARDENS) & 4th Avenue on the F & G trains another short span construction built in the 1920's opened in 1931. The IRT Manhattan structure construction late 1890's opened in around 1904. Your layout is a masterpiece. I have been watching your train videos since 2020. This video is a winner by all means & deserves a 🏆 💯 & ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Great video, Well done. 👍🎥

[@rcgrabbag]

Great history lesson! Thanks for watching!

[@briannorman952]

Been watching the whole process of this layout. Absolutely awesome. Thanks for posting. What a room!

[@JamesPetts]

It's very satisfying to get the wiring done enough to be able to run trains - I am still part way through my wiring, having started in about October last year. It is interesting to see this develop.

[@elleryparsons2433]

Amgen That Layout is Done It is Gonna Look Awsome as Awsome can Be👍👍👍👍.

[@ralphmiller2620]

I am so envious of that room you have for your train layout, you are one lucky guy!! Your layout construction looks incredible!

[@benjaminlutz1642]

This is a amazing layout! Had a 8*4 layout as a kid that took up half my room. Thanks for sharing your talents with us. Love seeing the progress!

[@Riverrockphotos]

Me to.

[@bigsparky65]

Wow what a huge trestle, very nice

[@brucekratky7993]

That is amazing! Beautifully done and I'm sure it will only get better with time.

[@briannorman952]

This is fantastic being able to watch this from the beginning. Always look forward to the videos. Would love to have a room that big for that. Wow.

[@darkbasic86]

great to see you using "Wago Klemmen", as a german Electrician/IT I love these

[@brandonluna7842]

I've watched the layout series about 3 times over and over and love it more every time. I really like the ending clips too! I cant wait for all the updates, track layout and finished product!

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks for watching!

[@sd90mac61]

This train SET IS JUST AMAZING ☺️ BOY THATS HUGE, I LOVE IT, sure I wish I could see this in person, you poor thing, so you produced this whole layout all by yourself, my goodness, that so time consuming. I love them cars, especially those BOXCARS they make them long 87' highcube extended cars, as well as the auto carriers, deepwell cars, and coil cars, I sure like that red SP boxcar you've got👍 EXCELLENT layout🤠💯 More Please ✌️👍

[@choro1981]

Wow,great layout,looking good. Love the big black bridge.

[@Crookedriverandeasternrr]

first off, You have an awesome and massive layout. Second, I live in Cleveland and we love to visit the Christmas Story House. It is a great time. Thanks for making me smile. Merry Belated Christmas. David.

[@davidogle9247]

Thank you for making and sharing this series! What an awesome experience it is in witnessing the progress. A very fine project indeed. 👍

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@darkridge]

Your layout definitely deserves a _major award._ Just be careful; it's FRAGILE. (Must be Italian.)

[@rcgrabbag]

Mind power, Swede, mind power.

[@mandbhomestead]

The layout is coming along great. Thanks for showing us everything. Learned a few good tips and tricks. Thanks for sharing and stay safe. Ken

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@knightbob81]

Makes me wish more people would get into hobbies such as this. Watching this is making me want to get into the hobby again. The heart wants what the heart wants.

[@JohnHibbard0808]

You are an artist! What you have created is already a masterpiece in every way, even if you never added one piece of scenery. From the space you created, to the layout, the trestle, (a wonder by itself), wiring and control systems, etc., you have truly created something beyond amazing! Then to top it off your video documentation, editing and narration of the entire process would be a life's work for me! Absolutely magnificent...thank you for sharing it!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks John! Very nice of you to say and very inspiring to keep going!

[@chrisward925]

I don't even own a train set but am through enjoying this build and have to say that tressel bridge build blew me away

[@LRSX]

Great progress, and some really nice rolling stock! Take care!

[@rd4902]

First class planning on this installation, and also the stone bridge is superb.

[@stevebonczyk3795]

Great build, Enjoy the work you are doing. Really like the detail in the lumber yard @ 17:08

[@rpm412]

my tiny mind can't even begin to fathom something of this magnitude. truly awesome.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@michaeltrufitt5477]

What a great layout it is coming along really well looking forward to next instalment also the bridges look great 😀👍

[@cprtrain]

Wonderful video. You did a great job explaining how to wire any layout. Thanks.

[@danbetler408]

I can’t believe the size of your layout. This is going to be epic! Someday I’d like to make my own. Can’t wait to see further updates.

[@CFFFU]

Just too cool. When I was a kid my friend and I had a WAAAYYY smaller setup with trains and AFX slot cars and a crossing. We played with it for hours and hours and hours. That was almost 50 years ago and its like yesterday. My son (from 2nd marriage) is 3 and he loves trains. 1 comment. Youre making your life harder than it nees to be on those track bus connections. I've done this before in other projects (not trains) but Ive been doing electronics for 40+ years. Either use the 3M connectors to connect the different gauges or get a 3-Way Wago connector. Im certain they're available. Youre making 2 joints instead of 1 doubling the workload. Also, the connections will be the area of trouble (either there or at the track) My 2 c but AWESOME job man... Im wathcing the whole series + SUBSCRIBED

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed. I had A/FX set myself and spent many hours playing with them. They were so much fun. As for the wiring, the 3M connectors won't step a 12 gauge wire (bus) down to 22 (feeder), unless you are referring to some other type of 3M connector. Not sure how a three-way connector would help either. The bus wires go around the layout in long stretches (each approx. 30+ ft long to power a block). How would a three-way connector serve the purpose of tapping into the bus wire every three feet and bridging the gauge gap to from 12 to 22 gauge? I definitely don't want to cut the bus wire into a bazillion 3 foot lengths. There are other means of tapping into a bus wire but I just don't like the methods and settled on this one.

[@jeeperscreatures]

Super sweet...Love what you are doing...Big thumbs up

[@alexdean3794]

You set the bar extremely high! We just don't have many layouts on this scale here in the UK, I find the ambition and quality of US layouts absolutely fascinating. Loving it!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@TriGogglin]

Just found your site, first vid I have watched, very skillfully produced, great knowledge, and the dcc wiring tutorial was very helpful to me on my just started layout. So thank you keep up the vids , and the Christmas story house is awesome glad you got to go, everyone needs to experience that, didnt stay the night hut went bout 2 years ago. Thanks again, ill be watching more now.

[@67shelbygt500]

It's truly amazing what you're creating me and my son during this lockdown wanted to start our small build Natalie today but unfortunately never got around and to starting as my said that I wanted to build it in has not been delivered so watching this it's giving me great ideas I'm glad that we were delayed in starting

[@kennethljungberg642]

Great layout you build, really big. Thank you.

[@abccba3903]

I just found your channel and I have to say I’m impressed by your skills and dedication to your hobbies, amazing! Thanks for all the details and advice.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks so much!

[@charliedooling6207]

Looking real good RC!! Following your progress with envy!

[@dexterdog62]

There’s more wood in that layout than what’s holding up my whole house.

[@raymondleggs5508]

😀

[@Joliie]

brick house ? :)

[@dexterdog62]

@@Joliie I meant the interior framing. Duh.

[@MRBenchwork]

I'm digging the wire organizers. I'll have to give them a try.

[@jamescaliendo1030]

Its amazing how model railroading has come along from the days of the tyco train sets you'd buy at toys r us lol

[@diogenes34]

I love the Christmas Story a long time ago when I saw the leg lamp I built one, there were none for sale that I could find.👍👍👍👍😀

[@rcgrabbag]

Built your own leg lamp? Nice!!!

[@diogenes34]

It was a lot of fun and it has been a hit every Christmas.

[@MikeWilliams-yp9kl]

An amazing project, love to see it in the future, wishing I could see it for real BUT alas I'm in the UK lovely video's keep them coming 🤠👍

[@FJD333]

I'm not even interested in model railways, but I'm so envious of you having a project like this to do. Great videos that just exude enthusiasm.

[@rcgrabbag]

Why thank you! And thanks for watching even though model railways aren't your thing!

[@TheEMD710]

Truly good content! Very inspiring. I need to go back to my layout and make some corrections..... Thanks and keep it coming!

[@jimhoade9265]

Hello Sir. I did some calculations and if I knocked my house down and flattened my garden I still wouldn't have this much space. Hah. Your railroad is a truly magnificent project and I've been enjoying these videos enormously, I look forward to seeing more, thanks for sharing.

[@jimroby2k]

I’m so way out of this league. Giant layout, well organized, well edited, that is some workspace in your home your wife is letting you use to build this layout. Haven’t seen any helpers around to assist you either, smartly presented. Some just talk about the work, some show the work performed and explain each step👍👍. THANK YOU!

[@NW2300]

Looks awesome so far!! Keep us posted, cant wait to see the trains run

[@ohneMofa007]

Space is obviously not a limitation, cool and greetings from Berlin Germany 🇩🇪

[@rcgrabbag]

Love Germany, was there some years ago but I will be back someday!

[@FlashJonesTrains]

Man I like the way you did your wiring! I've often used the suitcase clamps, but never thought of the wago clamps.

[@mikeg4611]

Great job and excellent explanation.

[@timstoys1]

I could watch trains running on that forever.... very nice

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@williedavismckennie5334]

Love the end ! That's my favorite christmas movie !!!

[@tony791999]

Wow man you are building the ultimate layout. Fun to see! Keep up the good work your bridges are incredible.

[@dgb5820]

You just blow me away when you pointed out how to successfully terminate an RJ45 connection, your trick was to use flat cat cable as apposed to round Well done this hobby is absolutely amazing

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks very much!

[@shawnhayden6674]

As a young boy, I remember placing my ear on the tracks to listen to the train approach. It was a very realistic sound and the click clack noise seemed almost real. I learned basic power supply operation and simple on/off switch techniques. Later when I was 10 years old I started to study electronic theory and Boolean Algebra(Logic). I miss the trains. My brother has all those parts boxed up into suitcases. Perhaps some day I will move back to my hometown and me and my brother will unite with the time and money to break it all out and build? That would be a dream come true.

[@rcgrabbag]

Sounds like a great story. Love to see the dream come true.

[@MakeMeStop]

Love this, the anticipation of the next video is really getting to me.

[@thatclintguy]

great video! Industrial automation guy here that works at a competitor to Wago and Meanwell. Invest in some ferrules and a crimper and forget pre-tinning your wires to go into that Wago connector! It will be way faster and a better connection with a ferrule (or even bare wire) compared to the pre-tinned wires. A tinned wire is not flexible and as a result, the wire cage cannot make maximum contact with the surface of the wire. The problem becomes much worse when using a screw connector, as the tin will crack under pressure and leave the connection prone to wiggling loose over time!

[@rcgrabbag]

Hi there, thanks for the tips! I realize full contact isn't made after tinning, but for such a short run of wire from the Wagos (a few inches) I don't think the lack of full contact it makes a measurable difference, especially stepping down from 12 to 22awg wire, meaning the contact area is probably sufficient?

[@thatclintguy]

@@rcgrabbag for sure, performance here won't be an issue :) I am just so used to working with systems that vibrate and shake and experience temperature swings in dozens or even over 100 degrees! In those cases, little factors will make a difference in long-term reliability. Anyway, keep up the great work, I'm subscribing and looking forward to more!

[@bajooder5518]

this will look amazing when its complete i can tell

[@dabulphilly]

Layout coming along beautifully! Great vid

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@AussieGunzel]

I'm really enjoying this series! You should probably do live streams every now and again

[@rudyvalentin1789]

God bless you my friend. That is what I call dedication.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you kindly!

[@maxpaul11]

Your layout is absolutely amazing! Thank you for sharing! Merry Christmas!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks! You too!

[@ezragonzalez8936]

magnificent layout cant wait! I started mine 4 yrs ago have built 165 buildings from kits scratchbuilt and craftsmen sets bought 350 ft of track wood tressels no were as nice as yours and about 45 locomotives mostly brass all this was nearly 3 years ago I unfortunately completely lost interest everything is in boxes a few on display takes a lot of dedication to complete such a project my hats off to you sir! hopefully this gives me some motivation lol cheers from Park City Utah!

[@stevedonald8815]

Some good and original tips. Well done! I started using the laser level when laying roadbed, and it works really well. Good tip. I also bought a lot of straight and curved sweepsticks to help align the track. Will be interesting to see how useful they are. I was intrigued by the cable ties you are using, so I ordered a few hundred. They seem to be what I need, but they seems a bit flimsy - it looks like the little plastic ladder might rip apart with little effort. Hopefully they don't. Maybe ours are not identically made. I also got some of those Wago's to connect the droppers. Good idea. As for FastTracks, I've made a couple of dozen turnouts so far, and I only wish my first efforts were are good as the latest one. I only bought crossover fixtures and pointforms though. As a matter of fact we have chosen a lot of similar products. - DCS240 and DB220, and I use 6 MeanWell power supplies to name a few. Glad my decisions are not all weird. Not sure about running the bus wires up so high. It would make it easirer to install, but when the scenery goes on, how do you get to it for maintenance? OOps just saw the next vid. You lowered the feeders... You might just convince me to include a few extra bridges... :) Great stuff.

[@donaldkormos5529]

Great work on the layout!!! I will look into the Wago splicing connectors and cable clips for mine as I get ready for construction. And thanks for visiting us in Cleveland, Ohio!!! As a child, I remember going downtown to the Higbee's Department store to see Santa Claus and the trains running in the decorated window displays ... just as in Christmas Story movie. Hope you put a leg lamp somewhere on your layout!!! Don Kormos

[@jhoodfysh]

Thanks for an interesting description of the DCC. The visit to the "A Christmas Story" house was a great idea.

[@namelesslight3303]

Awesome video! Hand-built turnouts is hardcore. Kudos! Loved the section on wiring and Digitrax. I imagine the isolated blocks gives stable power and lets you run the trains smoothly at any speed, while offering easy (or easier) troubleshooting. Good stuff!!! Thanks.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for watching! The isolated blocks will also be used for block detection to control the train traffic with signal lights.

[@Romin.777]

That space you have is awesome.

[@indianabukidboyszutowicz3191]

That is going to be an awesome layout with the potential to having amazing landscape details. I truly hope you have the skills to create stunningly realistic landscapes. Great job. Will be following!!!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@ovethompson9611]

Very nice. I can almost smell the fresh cut lumber. Thanks for the technical power hookup session. I used to do technical training and my area of expertise has a lot of acronyms. I found it helpful, regardless of the understanding level of my students, to say what each acronym stood for. Yes, experienced know the abbreviation. But, it helps keep the interest of the others. Just do it once a session and then back to the acronym. Just a friendly suggestion. You are doing a fantastic job in all parts of these videos.

[@snakeeyes037]

This is an amazing video! Great pace and explanation of your build. Much appreciated 👍

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dmegrailways]

I just love the size of this layout, this is not a size of layout you’d typically have over here in Europe (I’ve had to switch to narrow gauge from HO because of size limitations). This is so awesome, enjoying the build videos. Thanks

[@adrianniemiec8669]

Lot of effort , beautiful outcome !

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@n4pwx]

I loved the video at the end. That looked like fun.

[@coloursmoke]

Great looking layout! Amazing stuff. Good job and good luck :-)

[@chrishiblertrains3398]

Thanks for the tour of the A Christmas Story house!

[@philippebaudon]

HI from France. Always "great" "awesome". Thank you for this good moment when I see your footage ! again please !

[@rcgrabbag]

More to come!

[@woody5109]

Not only is the level of skill impressive, but your commitment to longevity in your home. Not many people live in their homes for more then a few years, not a hobby that’s easy to relocate.