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

[@oldstudbuck3583]

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

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@donaldbonilla9774]

LOVE WATCHING THESE VIDEOS. Better than stuff on TV

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@sledge57a]

Couldn't agree more...

[@neooooo6127]

tv is garbage nowadays anyway..

[@JonBanquer]

You learn much more as well. Even about chocolate! LOL

[@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

[@SnowHarp]

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

[@Bassotronics]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@KutWrite]

Good work! Those are the most intriguing model bridges I've ever seen.

[@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.

[@timstoys1]

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

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@jrb6434]

Exactly my thought as well

[@ethanmcdowell9677]

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

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for watching!

[@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.

[@darkbasic86]

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

[@Scotty923]

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.

[@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.

[@SD45-ET44AC]

I’ve followed your suggestions for my 2nd layout and will again on my 3rd layout (in progress) although my layout is much smaller so I’ve only used 14ga for my bus. I’ve followed a lot of other tips and you have made my construction (& hence my railroading life) much easier, so, Thank You!

[@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...

[@rpm412]

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

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@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

[@rudyvalentin1789]

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

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you kindly!

[@randyslikkers1667]

Thanks for operating your trains at realistic speeds. Especially the very slow order over the high trestle!

[@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!

[@integermedia8660]

Rc what a great job. The great thing about your videos is the "time lapps" photography. I cannot tell you how boring videos get watching guys lay every single piece of ballast or do the same things over and over. Great job.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks glad you enjoyed it!

[@richardmchale12345]

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

[@jhoodfysh]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@robertrapp1595]

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

[@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.

[@tiptoerick]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@karenhumes1513]

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

[@ajones2308]

My first time viewing Greg. Must say awesome JOB ON EVERYTHING PERTAINING TO THE LAYOUT ON THE TRAIN MODEL AND EQUIPMENT ELECTRIC AND ETC. LAID OUT AND Spoke on spot about how all would enter act. AMAZING video. Thanks for the update. As for the treat at the end special and cool my Brother. Will keep watching . BLESSINGS TO YOU GREG AND YOUR WIFE AND FAMILY. PEACE THE GREAT CREATOR KEEP EACH OF YOU.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Same to you and yours!

[@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.

[@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 ✌️👍

[@Romin.777]

That space you have is awesome.

[@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.

[@paulsthemarksman]

Mate i do not have any of the skills you have shown ,but i must say love your vlogs and the way you explain things thank you Paul

[@soulsurvivorla]

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

[@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

[@dabulphilly]

Layout coming along beautifully! Great vid

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@jesscneal]

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

[@philippebaudon]

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

[@rcgrabbag]

More to come!

[@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!

[@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!

[@cprtrain]

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

[@choro1981]

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

[@ralphmiller2620]

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

[@williedavismckennie5334]

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

[@bartoncessna1]

One of the most impressive model railroad builds I've seen on YT! Keep up the great work.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@dennisgembutis6228]

I’m a G scale guy but you do great work everything is very clean and precise

[@rcgrabbag]

Big thanks

[@edgar9651]

Nice. The WAGO connectors work perfectly with stranded and solid wire. There is no need for solder.

[@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

[@timryley5704]

Thank you! Fabulous layout and super helpful

[@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!

[@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!

[@HumancityJunction]

I am a big fan of lever nuts. Layout is really coming together nicely.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@noelguyau0571]

Great videos....I’m reliving my childhood with this build

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@edwardmortimer2150]

Cool seeing this layout progress 👍

[@rcgrabbag]

More to come!

[@garyvs.carsmore4607]

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

[@briannorman952]

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

[@lachlanscott3933]

Looking fantastic, really enjoying the progress, thank you from Melbourne, Australia

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for watching!

[@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!

[@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!

[@donaldrodenhizer6993]

Wonderful idea's for layouts Thanks for sharing

[@lanceotto9569]

At the rate this layout is being built I wouldn’t be surprised if I see it in one of next years model railroader magazines! Keep up the good work man!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@southernrailwayfan1338]

I....I.....I have never been more impressed by a single person in my life you look like you have done this thousands of times and this is nothing because it would take me a year to get that far

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you! And you can do it!

[@southernrailwayfan1338]

@@rcgrabbag maybe one day in the future but for now just collect

[@Bassotronics]

Depending on the situation, you can also reuse zip ties by poking a thin screwdriver underneath the locking mechanism in the head of the zip tie.

[@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!

[@e020443]

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

[@stevepower69]

Really fun watching your progress. Your videos are really well done, too! Credit all around.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks so much!

[@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

[@brucekratky7993]

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

[@bear1245]

Probably going to be one of the best setups in the *World* Truly amazing work 👌🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@TobiasL1000]

Wow! That’s a big layout! Amazing!Honestly I like the American steam locomotives much more are the modern ones. The modern one look all so similar.

[@lonewolfe31619]

I really love this layout your building keep up the great work I hope to see more soon.

[@rcgrabbag]

I will have another video out before the end of this month.

[@RIPMYFRIENDMISSINGYOUEVERYDAY]

Your videos are very thorough and well done thank you enjoy watching you build your dream

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@NobbyFowler]

That's truly amazing I'm a beginner just getting started I wish I could do all that. Very good 🎉

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you so much!

[@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.

[@JonBanquer]

@@rcgrabbag Will signal lights be on DCC or LCC or old school double pole double throw switches? What will control the servo motors you purchased for turnouts?

[@darkridge]

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

[@rcgrabbag]

Mind power, Swede, mind power.

[@adrianniemiec8669]

Lot of effort , beautiful outcome !

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@bertiewooster3326]

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

[@mikeg4611]

Great job and excellent explanation.

[@TheEMD710]

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

[@johnkulpowich5260]

Great job. Good explanations. Good craftsmanship

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@rd4902]

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

[@randomsomeone1617]

Not sure what I was doing last year pre covid, but this Saturday I went to get tested for covid and they rushed me to Mass General hospital via ambulance 🚑 Found out today I'm here till Friday at least. Yay 😐 That said this video was just what I needed to break up the stress of this whole mess. Thanks man, Keep up the good work!

[@rcgrabbag]

Wow, so sorry to hear! I hope you recover quickly and fully so you can enjoy the remainder of the season and many more. Thanks for watch and I'm glad it took away some stress!

[@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!

[@cruza1289]

with elevating the edge of the track, can that only be achieved with flexi track? or can you use your normal fixed curve track?

[@michaeltrufitt5477]

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

[@stevebonczyk3795]

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

[@tony791999]

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

[@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!

[@PeterPan-my7nb]

Fantastic build! Big thanks for sharing!

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you like it!

[@HornetVF103]

Everyone needs to watch this until about 1/2 through as your wiring is full of great ideas. I am making plans for a home layout and this would be a huge improvement over a typical solder direct to Bus Wire method. Thank you!

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you found it helpful. Keep in mind you might get some flak for the Scotchlok connectors. I just got done with a comment exchange with a viewer who claims they fail more than not. I simply don't believe it nor has my personal experience shown this to be true. And, I'll just say that the electronics world is rife with "splice" type connectors, from Scotchloks, to telephone and network plugs, to ribbon cable connectors, you name it, and they don't fail more often than not. I (and many others) have used Scotchlok connectors for years and years with NO issues, but decide for yourself. They are one of those hotly debated topics in model railroading, but I find a lot of the naysayers only provide anecdotal opinion, like "don't use them they suck"..."why?"..."because they suck!".

[@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!