Erie railroad Mahoning Division N scale on a hollow core door.

Sorry for the popping sounds, stupid phone. Haven't done much to the layout in a year, just did the usual clean the rails and run a train. You can read all about building it starting here: www.therailwir...

[@othmarbrunner9639]

Beautiful layout it looks so much bigger than a door you must be an artist

[@stephen5548]

Nicely proportioned large space compacted in such a small space. Well done!

[@franklopresti2870]

What I really enjoyed seeing was the A-B-B-A lash-up . . . very 1950s! The Erie came into Chicago by way of the Chicago & Western Indiana, and I spent many happy hours as a kid, watching those beautiful black and yellow diesels from the vantage point of the 103rd Street bridge. Such happy memories, so sad that the good ol' Erie is just another "fallen flag". Great job of modeling!

[@trainknut]

I've been having my doubts about making a layout on a door because it's so limited in space, but this video proves that despite small dimensions, a layout still can be big. Very nice. I think I'm gonna save this video to a playlist for future reference.

[@ihategigglegigglesucks3081]

You can always splice on a part or a whole second door if you have the room, either to make it longer, or an L just use the same brand.

[@donsob]

By far one of the best small railroads I have ever seen. Great job!!!

[@baronjutter]

one of the finest door layouts I've ever seen

[@billb.9876]

Amazing split-scenery views of a northeastern railroad. Really impressive that this much depth could be achieved on a door! This is probably the most convincing and expansive an N-scale layout as I've ever seen built on a door. Congratulations! You aced it.

[@joelmarksbury4376]

I love of the drum soundtrack. Neat.

[@jerrysmith1929]

This layout is exquisite! It takes hollow core door layouts to a whole different level than nearly all. The only thing I see missing is people.

[@johnpetrovitz935]

GREAT layout! Super modeling. Your ‘transitions’ into the backdrop are very well done! Enjoyed it very much. Liked how you gave us close ups and panned away. Thanks so much for sharing! From another DC’er.

[@SalvatorePerla]

Excellent. Terrific detail. Two separate scenes. Realistic. Packs a lot onto a door, but doesn't feel compromised at all. A+

[@SteveJohnson-SD70MAC-747]

Really nice layout. Great detail and a really good mix of scenery and buildings. Looks very realistic.

[@espeemike3698]

Outstanding layout! Excellent craftsmanship! Well done. Mike

[@g.w.7893]

Brilliant use of space and so nicely finished as well.

[@Leesion73]

Just GORGEOUS work, wonderful example of how amazing a door can be in model railroading

[@ZFRANK59]

Great scenery! Transision from front to rear scene is nicely done.

[@trainknut]

Transition*

[@drifterman319]

This is a prime example for me that for model railroading with a layout on a door "less is more".

[@carlosbernasconi4965]

Very strategically placed scenic dividers. They make this excellent layout look larger than it is and allow longer trains. kudos ❤

[@RB.1595]

Absolutely stunning. Thank you for taking the time to film and share with everyone. Much appreciated. This layout has inspired me to build a small n scale layout myself. I've just ordered components to start soon. Thanks and kind regards, Richard.

[@scottyhotty111]

Amazed at how much you have packed into a layout on a door, I'm feeling inspired to create one on a door as well 😱

[@robtman9199]

Awesome layout, so real looking. A lot in a small area without looking crowded. Thumbs up!!!!!

[@HobbiesRfun]

Hollow core door layouts look like they make good beginner layouts. They have just enough space to allow quite a bit of operation, and scenery detail, but are small enough, and simple enough not to overwhelm a new modeler. I'm hoping to build one myself soon. I'm still deciding on three themes, which would be good for a small layout. All three would represent small fictional short line railroads. I just ordered two n scale undecorated engines from Ebay, a Lifelike GP18, and Lifelike GP20, which would be perfect for this kind of railroad. I remember as a child seeing a lot of freelance model railroads looking through my late father's Model Railroader magazines from the seventies, and early eighties, and enjoyed the pics of legendary layouts like the V&O, the Alleghany Midland, the Sunset Valley, the Utah Belt, and the Ohio Southern. Creating my own road name, and paint scheme looks like it could be a lot of fun, if I do it right. Painting, and detailing my own engines, and caboose may be a bit of a learning curve for a new modeler, but I figure if I stay with a simple paint scheme, and have the right painting tools, I should be fine. Plus I have a small fleet of engines from Kato, and Atlas already painted from the factory that I can use, until I work up the courage to paint my own. I'm just deciding weather I want to do an urban industrial, Midwest grain hauler, or a Pacific Northwest lumber hauler. I got the AnyRail program, and have track plans for all three that look nice for a beginner layout. They have just enough track for switching, and operation, but I've been careful not to over do it with the track, and switches, so I have plenty of room for scenery, and not get things too complicated, which I learned from model railroad books, magazines, KZbin, and from designing my own track plans on AnyRail. I noticed it can be addicting adding track, and switches, and how easy it can be for a beginner to go crazy, and create a frustrating mess, even in a small space. I'll be using Kato Unitrak, which will let me try out my different track plans, and rearrange them to see which one is the best, before I glue the tracks down, and start scenery.

[@marktaylor8659]

I agree with what others have said. Just a beautiful layout with great detail. You've taken advantage of N-Scale size and it looks and feels like a class 1 railroad. Just love the coal facility. Thanks for sharing.

[@d7a7s7]

one beautiful little layout - you have certainly maximized the use of space , to its absolute fullest - wonderfully well crafted .

[@Hereford98]

Haven't seen many layouts with a view divider down the middle like this, looks awesome! Like having 2 layouts in 1 very nice :-)

[@derricksmith4710]

The inspiration I get from this layout I'm an N scale modeler novice enthusiast great work

[@samwheland7966]

I've been watching this from the beginning on TRW, An Outstanding Layout.

[@StevesTrains]

Great looking layout! Really well done. I plan to eventually get a 36x80" N scale door layout built as well...of course I've been saying that for 2-3 years now!

[@giulius7176]

Nice layout...the scenic divide makes it look so much larger ...

[@Rhinexing]

Absolutely amazing layout! The detail work is unsurpassed.

[@coxsj]

Beautifully done. Excellent illusion of depth. Thanks for sharing!

[@nscalefun]

AWESOME, EXCELLENT and PERFECT LAYOUT!!!!! Keep up the good work.

[@xfiles-thetruthisoutthere8038]

You got yourself a nice layout ! Be ‘proud’ and enjoy ! 👽

[@waltersobchek2465]

A lot of modeling detail and train running action in a small space! I love the forced perspective of distance with the background buildings (z scale?) The elevation variety is a nice touch also. Looks amazing, lots of detail!!

[@andrewwilliams4130]

Fabulous work

[@chrisrobinson5874]

That’s an impressive set up nice job 👍

[@BurningtunaDC]

Wonderful layout. Thanks for shooting and sharing.

[@Bagooda]

Awesome, I really need to get going on my layout.

[@dumptruckdave423]

Very Nice Layout!!! 👍

[@conecuhvalleyttrak]

Impressive! Nicely done.

[@sierravalleyandharborjunction]

well done. hard to tell scale which is a great achievement.

[@OmegaManJon]

Love the view at 2:27. I want to replicate this on my layout now.

[@stevegordon2428]

Coulda fooled me. that is a lot on a hollow door. WOW

[@Superseanbarry]

SWEET!!! Well done layout.

[@CreativeRails]

Absolutely fantastic!! Great work! I am your newest follower!! -Ben

[@tonykane8866]

Well great now I have small layout envy.

[@dennisbrowder6316]

Excellent work looks great

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing. Very nice.

[@ihategigglegigglesucks3081]

I am building a similar steam era layout based in the late 1930's or early 1940's in Virginia, my home state near the New River Valley. I hope it turns out half as nice as yours. I am using a 36X80 and a 32X80 to form an L shape in the den

[@ShelbyDude1]

AWESOME...!!!

[@pascalfranceschi1577]

Very nice layout, thanks

[@PHelm]

Very nice and well done!!!

[@elleryparsons5766]

My Door project is on the slow side will get finished and my wife will Love it.

[@brettany_renee_blatchley]

😊❤😊❤😊❤😊

[@fritzluve]

Wow!!!! Hey what type locomotive is that? The one thats pulling the American Railroad Express? And brand? Kato...Bachmann etc.....???? And type of track used and code? Is your layout controlled by dc or dcc ???? Thanks! Great job 👌

[@Schmuck804]

That is a Walthers RS2. The track is Micro Engineering code 55 with hand laid turnouts. I just use DC.

[@fritzluve]

Yeah DCC looks too complicated from what I've seen on other videos! I'm going to go with DC, old school! Do you know of any websits that offers free different online Ho & N scale layout track plans you can choose from and with complete step by step wiring? Thanks again! 👍

[@fritzluve]

Yeah DCC looks too complicated from what I've seen on other videos! I'm going to go with DC, old school! Do you know of any websits that offers free different online Ho & N scale layout track plans you can choose from and with complete step by step wiring? Thanks again! 👍

[@jamesyoung1127]

hi there love this little layout here. what code of track did you use, and what size and what kind of turnouts. i am thinking of building one like this to maybe sell or keep. i also have a large layout but i feel like i want to build a small one. also you said that it was on a door did you use foam board on top to cut down and get the depression for your coal off loading facility? it really is a nice little layout wit a lot of detail on it. thank you for sharing this with us jim

[@Schmuck804]

Thanks. The track is all code 55, the turnout are hand laid, but most are #5's. There is a 2" thick slab of foam down on the door. If you follow the link in the description you can see the whole thing built from the start.

[@badge764]

Didn't know you did trains....also your charger is up on my vids. Just finished it

[@theoldar]

Very nice.

[@tobygoodguy4032]

Well done.

[@willrothfuss8470]

Fantastic!

[@bluedoris88]

Cool...magnificent,Geoff,U.k.

[@andrewthomas9777]

Thanks! So how did you construct the Masonite board there? Is it 2 pieces where the service track disappears

[@thomasabramson100]

Great layout are the crossovers reverse wired ? and is this from the atlas track plan?

[@Schmuck804]

It is all old school block control. Here is the trackplan: photos.app.goo.gl/ftBbfHF6Btf5G7W16

[@thomasabramson100]

@@Schmuck804 THANKS

[@glennfenton4992]

Awesome layout, I am in the starting stage of a door layout. what type/brand track did you use?

[@Schmuck804]

It is Micro Engineering code 55 flex track and code 55 handlaid turnouts.

[@andrewthomas9777]

What LARC products did you use for the backdrop?

[@andrewthomas9777]

Can you describe how you constructed the backdrop on the left side where you have the siding disappear

[@Schmuck804]

The tracks just end at the backdrop. The idea was to park cars on the interchange and be able to use it as another industry: photos.app.goo.gl/g95sByw2Le5sG5JFA

[@Schmuck804]

This is before the backdrop was installed: photos.app.goo.gl/A1T1BWG1zRc3Ee6SA

[@elleryparsons5766]

Is there A Model Railroad Club That Displays their Layouts OnHollow Core Doors?

[@jonathangreenlees4772]

Nice coal trestle for the fuel dealership. Do you mind if I make a similar structure for my HO scale railroad? Also, how does the dealership get the fuel and oil delivered to it?

[@Schmuck804]

I've seen a bunch or coal trestle photos with tankcars on them. Gravity will unload them. Here is the real trestle goo.gl/photos/eFzXokgq3ra35eJx6

[@Schmuck804]

www.google.com/maps/@41.1052494,-80.6586146,3a,60y,36.38h,88.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sjcZGLwwqsn3EG97k1m0KLg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

[@jonathangreenlees4772]

@@Schmuck804 Thank you for the reference info. I assume that they attached hoses to the tankcars to unload them while they were on the trestle?

[@Schmuck804]

I'd imagine that is how it's done www.shorpy.com/node/4058?size=_original#caption

[@In2-Tech]

How wide are your roads and are they painted? If so, what kind of paint, or material? Great layout.

[@Schmuck804]

They vary in width. Made from large styrene sheets and painted with various shades of grey from spray cans. The lines are colored pencil. You will have to weed through all of this, but I posted how the road were made here: www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=32219.0

[@Schmuck804]

before: photos.app.goo.gl/vVWK4KqtBojFL0342 and after: photos.app.goo.gl/vswmCdE1oW6bSE8a2

[@andrewthomas9777]

Can you describe to me what you used for the bridge piers that were uses for the river brdiges? Chooch? 1 piece or 2? Thanks!

[@Schmuck804]

The piers are Chooch 9830, abutments were made from Chooch 8310 cut up and re-arranged.

[@andrewthomas9777]

Hi, what did you use for the flat buildings attached to the backdrop, the ones in the background that are slightly faded? What was your resource?

[@andrewthomas9777]

Hi, i'm planning a door layout, can you share your final track plan?

[@Schmuck804]

Link in description goes to the build thread. Trackplan is on page one.

[@kenriches7403]

Nice

[@andrewthomas9777]

What did you use for the bridge underpass on the far left side (Erie)

[@Schmuck804]

Atlas 2080 girders only photos.app.goo.gl/f9ZLLQfJDKAV51p5A

[@Schmuck804]

Lots of photos here: photos.app.goo.gl/9t4C9B3ggtbKjtVd2

[@andrewthomas9777]

Can you tell me what angle the abutments are for the bridge over the river?

[@Schmuck804]

About 45 degrees photos.app.goo.gl/VWqzpG1RezFuLJ5z5

[@andrewthomas9777]

Hey Chris, Did you use a double track Atlas code55 bridge for the right hand corner overpass?

[@Schmuck804]

The one by the coal trestle? Those are newer Atlas girders, but I made my own base for a ballasted deck.

[@andrewthomas9777]

Yes

[@Schmuck804]

@@andrewthomas9777 Here is an early photo of the bridge: photos.app.goo.gl/rxrxxn7KSrfb6qzV7

[@andrewthomas9777]

Can you describe specifically what you used for bridge piers and abutments for the river bridges?

[@Schmuck804]

The piers are from Chooch and the abutments were made from a resin stone wall that was cut up and re-arranged. All of the layout abutments are custom made to fit. Sometimes even the Chooch flexible wall stuck to balsa sheets and cut to shape.

[@andrewthomas9777]

Thanks! one more question - at what angle did you cut abutments?

[@Schmuck804]

@@andrewthomas9777 About 45 degrees, but used the step of the blocks as a guide: photos.app.goo.gl/uDWZEyqnu7Huhare7

[@Schmuck804]

photos.app.goo.gl/q2PSiiFhQr1AzTCU8

[@Schmuck804]

photos.app.goo.gl/vAhjprfAgnfp2ZC57

[@subsailor1445]

Very nice layout. Somebody shot the guy at the gas station. Add a couple hundred people and then shoot another video, please. The mill is very impressive, great job.

[@andrewthomas9777]

At what angle did you did you cut the sides of the abutments?

[@andrewthomas9777]

Chris, how long are your bridges and what brand are they?

[@Schmuck804]

They are Micro Engineering girders, 80' long I believe. With Kato bridge shoes that I cast in resin. The short bridge over the road is a newer Atlas bridge (girders only).

[@andrewthomas9777]

How tall did you cut the backdrop where the city bridge is located?

[@Schmuck804]

I used the bridge as a guide and cut the backdrop so I couldn't see the edge at eye level. All of my equipment goes through it, but it is a little shorter than the NMRA gauge. Here is the bridge without the backdrop: photos.app.goo.gl/TkLo5SdhFqbxP8L37

[@Schmuck804]

And a closeup after: photos.app.goo.gl/LfKJWcABTcSo6RPr8

[@andrewthomas9777]

@@Schmuck804 Thanks! So how did you construct the Masonite board there? Is it 2 pieces where the service track disappears

[@Schmuck804]

Just one piece of Masonite backed with 1x2's at the edge. You can see the pencil marks where the 3/4" Melamine backdrop will go forming a T shape for the whole backdrop.

[@andrewthomas9777]

@@Schmuck804 Okay it looks like it is attached on the side and then runs up and over the surface of the layout. Not sure how you did that. Is it that you cut the opening there to allow this to happen?

[@andrewthomas9777]

what material did you use for the dividing backdrop?

[@Schmuck804]

It is a 3/4" thick piece of Melamine. The edge at the end of the layout was rounded. Could have been anything though. The far end it just 1/4" Masonite. So the whole backdrop is a T shape.

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

I'm also working on a layout on a HCD. This gives me inspiration!

[@andrewthomas9777]

How tall is the divider piece? is it just a Masonite board?

[@Schmuck804]

It is 16" tall 3/4" thick melamine. Could be Masonite though. I couldn't go taller because the layout is mounted about 3" lower than eye level and the backdrop is about 1/2" from the ceiling.

[@andrewthomas9777]

@@Schmuck804 Thanks and how did you fasten it to the layout? did you cut a groove in the foam core?

[@Schmuck804]

@@andrewthomas9777 The whole backdrop is actually a T shape. The end is Masonite that is 36" wide. I just put a few screws through it and into the end of the melamine board. This keeps it from falling, but I did add a small cleat that is hidden in a building. You can see it here: photos.app.goo.gl/uuEZpfyp9SGyySZy6

[@Schmuck804]

You could cut a groove in the foam and stick 1/8" Masonite in it for a simpler approach.

[@Schmuck804]

Also the seen edge of the melamine board is capped with a half round dowel to make the edge look better. This is the end: photos.app.goo.gl/s5Hb5xkCPCcCJ5wW6

[@xanadujohn79]

# of Door's or that is one big door....

[@Schmuck804]

One door 36'x 80"

[@hhc19avn]

Very nicely done. What size door did you use?

[@Schmuck804]

Door was 36x80", but I added 6" to the length so 36x86" whole layout.

[@andrewthomas9777]

What LARC products did you use for the backdrop?

[@J2NscaleModelTrains]

Who makes that caboose?