Building a New HO Train 4x8 Layout Part 2 - Model Railroading

[@mikecollins8241]

I'm glad to see someone who is younger so into the hobby, keeping it alive and encouraging new Model RR's :) And the fact you are knocking on 100k subs gives me hope that this hobby will be around for years to come. I am 57 and have been into model RRs since my childhood, on and off.. Which reminds me, it is time to pull out and dust off/ reset up my 2x4 N-scale layout I build a few years back, usually set up for display during the winter/ holiday months.. It always gets a lot of attention from guests and I find listening to the trains run very soothing ;)

[@randomrazr]

id get into it more but an apartment isnt exactly most idea for a big train set up with limited space

[@mikecollins8241]

@@randomrazr look into N scale, you can pack a lot into a small space.. my original idea with my 2'x4' layout was to build it into a coffee table with glass top, so basically not taking up any space ;) But, I have a house and plenty of room, so that hasn't happened.. you could build a switching layout on a shelf ;)

[@AstroKnight118]

​@@randomrazr You don't even need a full layout. You can just get a Kato starter set and a bunch of track so you can run them on the floor, and when you do commit to a layout, the track will do just fine.

[@jguar1984]

When I was young, my parents bought me some HO scale trains, and a starter track loop set. Fast forward 30 years, now in my 40s, I was going through some boxes and stumbled across the set. I have been going back and forth in my head, wondering if A) I want to set up just a loop again. B) What is the point of the loop, it'll be boring in 30 minutes. But... watching this video, simple things just like the incline, bridges, inside outside tracks, already is getting me excited. I knew being creative was a major point in model trains...but seeing you with that cardboard to make mountains, I can already visualize it....well, I guess what I am trying to say is thanks. I will take another shot at it. Appreciate the video!

[@diegojuarez212]

Shoot, I’m starting to find myself getting back into the model railroading hobby even tho my cars are taking up my time and money😭 love watching these videos it’s bringing my childhood back👊🏽❤️

[@SMTMainline]

I have a classic car myself, nether hobby is kind on the wallet lol

[@Gasguzlr68]

Yes to both of you.

[@-modelguy189]

I flinched when you dropped the locomotive 😭

[@SMTMainline]

If I had noticed a bit sooner maybe I would have caught it. Accidents happen but luckily I didn't loose anything this time.

[@yingli3120]

@@SMTMainline did anything break off from a part?

[@davidbozanovs1620]

Professional builder here. Good job so far. Keep it up. Tip for sealing the gaps in your foam risers - - if you can still remove your track and roadbed take used (must be used) dryer sheets and plaster (dap makes a good plaster) - - mix your plaster one to one in a large bowl - - dip your dryer sheets and apply (homemade plaster cloth - works just the same - WAY cheaper) - - don't mix more than 1 to 2 cups of plaster - it will set up some what quickly (about 10mins for 2 cups) - - if you can not remove your track use those pins you used to hold the foam down to pin non-plastered dryer sheets to the risers - then mix your plaster 1 plaster to 2 water (however 1/2cup plaster - 1 cup water) - it will be thin enough to paint on with some cheap throw away paint brush - a couple of coats will also give you a shell. Hope this helps

[@bigsby2076]

Hey SMT. Thank you for these videos. I'm building my first layout in my garage and this series has given me lots of great tips and tricks along with a ton of info. Thank you!

[@FradyGarage]

Thanks for making these videos and breaking down the steps. I was designing a very basic 4x8 layout. Now I’m feeling that so shouldn’t be afraid to add some inclines and hills.

[@SMTMainline]

Absolutely. Sometimes a bit of trial and error is involved to get it working but its worth it.

[@DixieSubdivision]

Hey, just wanted to say thank you very much for showing how to soldier the track connecters. Im working on a layout and I’ve been have connection problems and i tried everything until i saw this video. I tried what you did and everything is working. Thank you very much again for showing how you do layouts!

[@metrotechguru5863]

Your construction method of using cardboard strips to create mountains is brilliant.

[@anthonyj.adventures9736]

That's really cool. Very educational. Im blessed with craftsman hands i can build a house from foundation to roof but when it comes to my model trains i don't really have the best hand at it. So i love these kinda videos. I have 30 feet of flex track so watching how it's done will help when i get my new apartment and can set up a layout again. On another note today i get my Hershey Plymouth switcher. Seller said it runs loudly in both direction but said with a general cleaning/oiling and working it around a track a while it should come back to life. I may make short showing it off and the 11 rolling stock items i got last week on ebay as well. Yeah fug it's a vintage loco with Hershey livery im gonna go to the store to buy some chocolate bars to haul on flat cars and Hershey kisses to haul in open quad hoppers and goldolas. Loved your show Harrison have a great day.

[@DanielWarren-fv2dh]

Love the beginning stages of the layout..!! Can't wait to see the following videos...!!!

[@MMRails]

Reminds me of my old DC layout. Great job. You covered a lot of ground in one video. Can’t wait for Part 3 - Finishing the Layout. Lol

[@SMTMainline]

The mountain on the far side looks similar.

[@KaidsTrains]

I can’t wait to see the finished project. Great job so far!

[@ginaklein8964]

Enjoyed your video with your tips on pouring "water" with the details.....ground cover, grass etc. I am planning water scenery on my layout currently. Thanks for the fun video!

[@jasper_saberwolf]

Love this series! I’ve been stuck in analysis paralysis with my track design on my layout for a bit, watching these helps me feel motivated to move forward without hesitation. The kid you’re building this for will love it!

[@SMTMainline]

I’ve been there. Planning is important but there’s gotta be a point where you just start building and fix mistakes later. I can’t wait to give this layout away

[@RayBoebel]

Harrison, you are a man of many talents, KUDOS BUD!! One thing of note: That MRC pack is already protected from shorts. Thats the red light in the middle

[@Quince828]

Your project is really shaping up. You’ve made me think about changing the lake and stream on my layout.

[@antonbruce1241]

I like the way you soldered the feed wires directly to the rail from underneath. I haven't thought of doing it that way - but I will NOW. May even replace some of the soldered rail joiners I've used.

[@SMTMainline]

It works well, the only pain is if the solder breaks.

[@StaceyDawson-f4u]

Thanks for showing how to make a cool river .

[@averageguy7136]

Great Video. A Tip on DC vs DCC, I used DC for a while, when I switched to DCC, my trains ran much much smoother at slow speeds. DCC track voltage is near 12v all the time, so your trains don't stutter the way the do with DC when the track voltage drops to 3v when going slow. Also, the loco lights are always fully lit with DCC.

[@Zebrahpandacow]

Cant wait to see where this project goes!!! and now its making me itch to start a new one myself and your cause is awesome. I gave away my first 2 sets to my fathers friends kids who where just getting into it but couldnt build one them selfs

[@willamettevalleyAFtrains]

Very nice. I've been checking in regularly to see if you got back to this project. Thanks for the upload. I have had good operation with the Atlas slide A to B switches for your toggle switch / dual control solution.

[@RockyRailroadProductions_B0SS]

I've got that Tech 2 controller recently, it's a very smooth rig and your solution with the DPDT switch for toggling between one and two train operation is very clever! That foam material is incredibly handy, the river came out great, it almost seems to make rock walls etc naturally. The inner tracks avoiding the river gives nice context for why that line might've been built. Looking forward to seeing the mountains fleshed out! With the track so close to the edge, a bit more of the clear plastic material as a "guard rail" might be handy for next episode?

[@idlecrafter]

Where did u ot the UP DDX? and for how much?

[@justthatjoeguy]

Literally mainly watched the second video to see if you'd change it to get back to the putter track. Looks good

[@Funnyboy12212]

You are my favorite model railroader KZbinr

[@trainguy85]

Just nought my first starter set. Thanks for the ideas to getting me going. This is going to be fun.

[@SMTMainline]

No doubt 👍

[@smithgroove945]

I like your simplified method.

[@oskarvalance3041]

Another excellent video. Very informative. From Texas

[@Iron_Duke1847]

One simple tip to make trackwork look more realistic is by painting the sides of the rails with a sort of rusty paint, then removing the excess from the top with a track rubber. Overall it's an excellent layout :D

[@crsrdash-840b5]

SMT PLEASE listen! the Tech 2 power packs are already isolated for two train operations. You don't need a switch to go between them. What you need to do is isolate the tracks into two blocks and connect each throttle to each separated track. That's why that Atlas wiring book works well with MRC products. The book shows you how to simplify wiring by using the COMMON RAIL METHOD using block tracks. I'm scared that the 'kid' won't understand when running trains. Hope this helps.

[@BnsfPRDModeler]

I got that same atlas wiring book too an an does help with how wiring tracks an how to wire a loop back into it's self to run the train

[@SMTMainline]

I've set up electrical blocks before using the common rail method. All I was trying to accomplish was the ability to run both sets of tracks separately from each other or together when needed. I probably won't leave it wired this way because even if I changed it to the common rail method there's still a risk of a short. I will probably disable the system but leave the wiring for when he's old enough to understand how to use blocks.

[@crsrdash-840b5]

@@SMTMainline ok sorry for sounding so rough. I can get emotional over trains and model railroading. Sometimes I'm a bit too upfront with people.

[@SMTMainline]

@@crsrdash-840b5 I didn’t interpret as rough, it’s good advice. I just have something different in mind 👍

[@crabbinmoose8583]

Don't forget to solder the rail joints to make that track perform great for a long time.

[@Blur_Drone220]

Love the layout, this is what i modeled mine after.

[@sva60_cyyz59]

Bought those trees too for my N Scale Ottawa Valley Rwy! Such good value from Amazon😁😁😁

[@tomg721]

I agree that the initial layout design is only a starting point. the layout will evolve as you start construction. great job so far.

[@KontrollerPackers]

What A Video and A Put Together. If i were to put a theme on this layout I'd make it a winter village scene I love those types of layouts. Nice job HARRISON

[@mercuryoak2]

Wow that layout is coming along really good. That derailment made me jump. I remember having that happen on my layout and thankfully i had no issues. 👍 Good job

[@alanwbelcher]

“It shouldn’t be bad.” I think I’ll make that my model RRing motto from now on!

[@SMTMainline]

Haha, I like it

[@williamsantangelo]

That's gonna be one happy young fellow!!

[@pl42actherailfan]

“And people wonder why I love Athearn so much”. Agreed.

[@donnelson1441]

Man I gasped when that engine hit the floor! Ive seen that too many times growing up & running trains too fast or unattended. Lost a few good engines that way. I did laugh & am waiting for the facia board chapter! LOL You also got me with the cinnamon. Again its cheap & it works!

[@SMTMainline]

It's not the first time that's happened lol

[@BrianGriffin-jl1vg]

Great job on this teaching videos, I always wanted to build a HO scale , and you inspired me to start one w my boys, yhanks

[@tattoofreakofnature]

Found your channel by accident and glad I did! I love the knowledge and watching you build. You definitely got a new subscriber, keep this going ❤

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks, I appreciate that 👍

[@theodoreparfitt8942]

SMT! keep up the excellent work! The layouts are looking great!

[@Zebrahpandacow]

6:17 also just a suggestion you can move the "lake" into a retention pond out the back of the shop by the base of the mountain. Many large areas of development use these for water shed from all the concrete,roads, buildings and exetera to one large area to prevent flooding. So you get both! Doesnt have to be huge and your resin poor came out so well especially with your depth in color

[@Redstagwsmnp]

Can't wait to see it finished

[@geobrower3069]

Good series, just found your channel, one now of many I'm following to learn the new stuff. After being away from model railroading for 30 years I'm currently planning the layout and starting to build this year, current plan is 40' of bench-work' double layered giving me about 90' of mainline with a helix at one end or possibly the middle (the middle being a corner of the room). Time will tell. Just a note on something I see you're doing; If I'm not mistaken it looks like you're using Aquasol solder, at 95% tin this is designed for plumbing work, it has a minimum melting point of around 220°c. The correct solder for electrical wiring and electronics is 60/40 Rosin core (60%tin, 40% lead) and a melting point of 188°c. The lower temp reduces the chance of insulation and plastic ties melting and damage to electronic components. It also flows much easier. Not sure what flux you are using but if its plumbers flux it will likely be a variation of an acid based flux (this will eat into your wires leaving a green residue), you should be using rosin flux for electrical work.

[@SMTMainline]

The solder is 50/50 tin and silver. I agree that its not ideal but I only use unleaded now and I haven't had any issues with it after five years. Are you aware of a proper unleaded solder I could use?

[@raymondleggs5508]

I like the fact you tested everything before permanently laid down any tunnel portals wiring and scenery.

[@jcure]

Fun to see you work on this. That said. You should have tied the elevated bank alongside the creek to the scene and finished it, before pouring water. You got impatient dude. Lol. Also good call using the Dd40 for clearance, but !! You should also have checked your portals with double stack cars. Methinks you may come up short.😂 cheers

[@SMTMainline]

It all worked out. You're not wrong about the double stack cars but the layout was going to a kid who won't be running anything proto-typical.

[@jonathangreenlees4772]

Looking good, Harrison! One suggestion I have is, see if you can make that short tunnel hill look a bit higher because a railroad probably wouldn't put tunnel in a hill that short; they would just make a cut through it.

[@adamfranz6117]

SMT you’re the man!!! You no you’re stuff that’s for sure!!!

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@JohnMakuck-is7be]

Very informative,thank you,I will this info.

[@diamonddevincooldude0051]

It is amazing on how you making a kid a layout like this! Keep it up SMT!

[@chrisrobichaud9368]

Very nice work. Great for someone starting out wanting to build a layout. I love all your videos. Suggestion behind the two areas where the mountains are higher. I would put two removable backdrops and just paint a blue sky with a little bit of clouds and I think that would add a lot but I like it

[@atanisoftware]

I'd suggest instead of a slide switch to use some of the Atlas block selectors and splitting the layout into isolated blocks. Then it doesn't matter which cab is controlling a loco on which track since you can connect the track and throttle to the block selector

[@PapaMav]

Smallmouth bass baby ! Into it.

[@ehcatsfaneric2211]

Awesome job I would love to have something like that! All I have is a static display

[@thunderturbine8860]

I've got a very similar idea for my Marklin layout (Which is being constructed) Only that I plan to have a double tracked mainline on the outer and inner loops (High speed trains on the bottom level and steamers at the top ideally). For my Bachmann EZ track layout, I'm thinking to go either double tracked L shaped layout, or a double tracked dog bone layout. This video is a great tool for deciding for sure. Jolly good show Harrison @SMT Mainline Keep up the awesome work brother 👍

[@ronaldrondeau7870]

Great job Harrisson

[@yellowsdotlxf]

I would watch some Luke Towan, for the stuff in the river you could mount it down first by spraying isopropyl then after its wet, an isopropyl glue mix to get it all stuck down.

[@useruser-oc8xn]

I've been looking at this for a while, and I do like the dual power supply setup, but as you say, possibility of short. This would be SO useful for my layout. My homemade supply is fused with fast blow fuses, so I could get away with it. My solution: Add big fat red flashing Idiot bulbs at the switch points that are wired to Cab 2 as a reminder. Lol.

[@SMTMainline]

I was thinking about putting some automotive two amp fuses using an inline box. If it wasn't going to a kid in this case it would probably be the best option.

[@useruser-oc8xn]

@@SMTMainline Yeah kids are great aren't they? "Look! I can make it throw sparks when I do this!"

[@thisIsRC]

I wish I had a spare room or a garage! I would be sooo into this.

[@Trains-stuff]

Lookin good for the one track that needs a bridge you could make a trestle bridge

[@bryanwhat2268]

Woh that was a surprise crash landing looks good fun to watch how it done cant wait for the finish

[@NYandAtlantic]

You make it look easy

[@williamsquires3070]

Hi. Where you have the two stub-ended sidings off the inner track, if you isolate those, you can park an extra loco there when not in use. Maybe even build a small engine shed and a water/sanding/fuel stand/hoses for the engines that park there. If you’ll be using a small steam locomotive, a coal bunker or tower is called for. Many of these survived into the steam->diesel transition era, so wouldn’t be out of place for that F-unit. You can even park an otherwise junky tank car on the other track nearby and pretend it has diesel fuel. ❤

[@SMTMainline]

That's a great idea.

[@HotRodRodney25]

looking good Harrison

[@blandpaintings3701]

17:12, thanks I was stuck on a good easy way to make the mountains.

[@SMTMainline]

That's great to hear, I find this a very forgiving way of building mountains.

[@Railfantoastic]

I like the layout and the series, Keep it up! I hope that CN Dash 9 is okay...

[@SMTMainline]

The dash 9 is doing just fine 🙂

[@mikegrappone9078]

Very well done!

[@vuurvrproductions4656]

heres a good advice for the layout, put like guard rails or something like glass next to the layout so that locomotives dont fall off i hope i made sense lol

[@Waefers]

One idea I had which I think I've seen on other layouts in the mountain you could use some clear flexible vinyl sheet as a window so the kid can watch his engines run through the mountain with the engine lights illuminating the mountain. You could also put some LEDs in the mountains as if they were lamps.

[@theodoreparfitt8942]

SMT is a pure genius! On what he does.

[@smalltownMainer]

thats about the size and style layout i would like, i have some train sets plus a box or two of more track, cars, engines etc. all HO. its what we all had growing up but we lost what we had in a fire in 99. i have a den, along one wall is my old 8 bit computers, the rest of the room was supposed to be for the trains but it has yet to happen.

[@041919501]

Great work 👍👍👍👍

[@jonas2431]

Earlier in the year i won an ebay auction for an atlas turn table. Im in the process if building my layout so its gonna be a great addition

[@Fubumaa]

Holy shit that TECH II brings back so many memories of me and my father running huge lengths of track on the house floor and pissing off my mom by running metal BNSF diesels into my mother’s feet. Sometimes would buy cheap plastic engines and just ram them into one another

[@SMTMainline]

Haha, they are legendary controllers.

[@Trainguy.5771]

I was so scared when the diesel engine fell, but then you said it was an Athern. 🤣🤣

[@robertgraber9490]

Thanks for the feedback, after reading your reference I decided to order 18 gauge. I shouldn’t have any problems with that size. Thanks again for all your help! Have a good one.

[@SMTMainline]

Glad I could help :)

[@randydobson1863]

hello harrison it's is randy and i like yours video is cool thanks harrison friends randy

[@thatavationdude]

That CN locomotive tried to pull an acela on ya lol

[@northwestrailfanofficial]

I wonder if you’re CN Dash 9 picked up the Acela’s curse?

[@25439]

Exactly what I thought

[@thunderturbine8860]

I like the switches from the inner to the outer track, though for me, as a user of DCC Sound locos, I'd use the PowerCabs cables for locos (Need a 5amp booster for the Powercab to get more locomotives on the layout which I'll do eventually).

[@coltonedmonds9958]

SMT I literally jumped 5 foot high of my chair when your aethern dash 9 fell off the layout

[@SMTMainline]

Yeah, that caught me off guard.

[@airfan_trainfan006]

I can’t 7:56 wooop 😂 but at the same time locomotive are expensive now days 😭

[@randomrazr]

7:59 good catch XD

[@SMTMainline]

Close but too slow

[@garrettsubproductions8705]

Great video!!!

[@azharjawaid104]

Very nice videos to watch enjoyed so much as to compel me to make my own layout. I watched the part 1 and the part 2, and probably I missed what material you used for base board benchwork and subboard.

[@SMTMainline]

It's closed cell styrofoam :)

[@1234mallard]

Hadn’t thought of that cardboard technique. I was just going to build my mountains out of polystyrene foam.

[@SMTMainline]

Foam works well too but this method is super easy and cost effective.

[@codygeorge2025]

maybe mini cabins on the hills kinda make look like a mountain layout

[@robertgraber9490]

Hello SMT, thank you so much for all the great information and inspiration. Would like to setup my beginning HO layout with an inter and outer isolated tracks like yours. Can you please show a simple wiring diagram of how you wired them into the TECH II and the DPDT switch? Tried to follow the video but was hard to make out the connections. I appreciate your help.

[@SMTMainline]

Glad you found it helpful, I will likely produce a track diagram with wiring when it's complete. Just to clarify - The first two wires go to the mainline and to the outer poles of the switch. The second set of wires go straight to the outer polls of the switch on the opposite side. Next connect the two inner poles of the switch to the secondary line. If you have a short circuit as seen in the video, just swap the two wires going to the mainline.

[@sm4trainsshipsgaminglego]

I'm just glad that the after engine still running they are very tough like you can literally put them in like a nuclear bomb and they were still run

[@zazaranger5]

Know what’ll be really cool, if you connected the new layout to your existing layout somehow

[@cm-ek4ci]

Hobby shop with railroad supply’s maybe in the nineties but now good luck😊

[@SMTMainline]

Mine is well stocked in that regard but I've seen some bad ones.

[@michaellindsey8769]

U know what your doing don't Listen to these other people u got this. Buddy

[@michaelschultz5127]

Hey Harrison, with all that debris from your work on the river or lake it looks like boulders or large rocks to me

[@robertgraber9490]

Hello, thanks for all your help and time. Going to try and wire the two in isolation mode tomorrow. One last question, is 22 ga wire too small for the current draw? Don’t want to make a thermal resistor after all.😊

[@SMTMainline]

To tell you the truth I don't actually know what the minimum gauge wire is. Maybe this can help? www.rvandplaya.com/how-many-amps-can-a-22-gauge-wire-handle/

[@kokodin5895]

you could build in an interlocks to the switches themeselves, only this would disable 2nd cab controll without warning whenever you would connect 2 circuits with no need for fusing, you would need 1 dual relay and a sense switches or magnetic bead sensors for each turnout

[@RichardEKranz]

Excellent vid.

[@muskokamike127]

5:16 congrats on putting your shrink tubing on BEFORE you solder. I'm famous for soldering everything up then looking at my sections of shrink tubing sitting in the bench lol I built my own CNC router and the 4 stepper motors have 4 wires each with a quick connect plug at one end and the opposite connector into the housing at the other. That's 48 solder joints and I bet I did 35 of them without putting the shrink on first lol (bonehead)

[@gradnitzersl]

That UP loco going to work on the layout with the radius

[@LevelUpModelTrains]

What Everyone Actually Came here for: 7:56