Colorado Loop Layout Build: 2x3 Foot N Scale Model Railroad Tutorial

[@MrTommy001]

I have been wanting to get back into model railroading but lacked the room for a decent HO layout. I never gave any thought to N scale back in the 60's when I was doing HO stuff. Nothing was ever completed, and when I got married and lived in an apartment there was NO room for a layout. Now that I'm retired I stumbled back onto N scale and think I could do this kind of a layout. What inspired me was a video about building a layout on a foam core door (available at Home Depot). I DO have room in my garage for something like this. Then just now I found THIS video. Really a nice compact but cool layout. Your scenery skills are amazing. You've given me hope! Thaaank you!

[@Tank_Facts]

It has been more than a decade since I've even THOUGHT about model trains. Dug up my old lionel for christmas, found this channel, and now I'm back in it.

[@StevesTrains]

Nice!

[@cglaurer]

A LOT of great tips packed into this short video. This may be the year I “finish” my own layout…

[@bigskypeach406]

What I really like about this video is it is a real-life demonstration of, it didn't go exactly as planned and it still turned out great. This is a great help to modelers who have problems with perfectionism. That being said, even though you had to deviate from your original plan it came out fantastic and I would be genuinely very happy if I produced this layout

[@MikeWeiner]

That's a great point as I was thinking earlier today "Nothing ever goes as planned!" :D

[@Hereford98]

Holy cow! A complete scenery book done in a 26 minute video 📹. Awesome! Dudes a scenery wizard 🧙‍♂️ Of course when I saw the Penn State cup 🥤 Ah ha, that's why he's so good :-)

[@StevesTrains]

We are!

[@tonyhammer3588]

So glad I found this channel.

[@StevesTrains]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@erwinstang70studiosk64]

I think you are the best scenery model on KZbin. I've been watching for years.

[@MOREENGINEERING]

Holy SHoneT Steve, awesome! I once got half way through a HO gauge build until my wife wanted the spare bedroom back in the house. Down hill after that!! Now I thinking my grandson(he is 2) has a fascination for trains at the moment. And he and I sat there for almost an hour just watching a couple of Thomas the tank engine and Co. engines run around in a small circle. Then I thought humm, why not build him small layout that is compact and simple. Next move go to KZbin and search N gauge....... What do I find "STEVES TRAINS"! And I'm hooked again!! My wife can't deny our grandson his first proper trainset!! Thanks Steve. Loved the Video. Plenty of detail and extremely interesting. Thanks Steve(have I said that already). Peter (Australia)

[@HaiAtterson]

What I really like about this video is it is a real-life demonstration of, it didn't go exactly as planned and it still turned out great. This is a great help to modelers who have problems with perfectionism. That being said, even though you had to deviate from your original plan it came out fantastic and I would be genuinely very happy if I produced this layout

[@jacksonpeters8421]

Great work and an inspiring build . That guy must have the Toughest Knees in the world .

[@jonlisbon3977]

Thanks!

[@StevesTrains]

Thank you!

[@rushwingate]

My wife just bought me my first starter train set this Christmas. Watching this video taught me an incredible amount about layout building. Definitely an A+ video and you have a new subscriber.

[@StevesTrains]

Thanks!

[@pesto12601]

Thanks for sharing.. this is the type of layout that "Everyman" would be able to accomplish... not a photorealistic, there is not way that is not real sort that takes 3 years and $3000 to do.. but the sort of model that gets done in a month for $300.

[@sergioarroyoguerrero5434]

N scale layout 2'×3'. Kato tracks and remote switch. I used Atlas tracks and nails for fixed in my layout. Good work my friend.

[@gatoreye2000]

WE ARE.............PENN STATE!! 😀 Steve......you need a work bench! Your back and knees will thank you later in life. Awesome build...........keep up the good work.

[@StevesTrains]

Hope we beat Utah today!

[@emloray1]

Enjoyed video I'm doing "Z" scale in a suitcase and wanted to do hills/mountains such as yours so I learned a lot ..Thanks !

[@StevesTrains]

I’ll have a video on building a small Z scale layout Tuesday July 18th and have a video today that shows the layout.

[@TripleAAA53]

UNBELIEVABLE TALENT !!!!

[@wilburr1316]

Get this man a work bench!

[@jacksonpeters8421]

Yazzah , Couple of Black&Decker Workmates

[@sherlock1895]

Steve, this is a great layout. I have the Kato Orient Express train. I’ve wanted a snowy mountain scene resembling the movie. This would be perfect without the building and all snow. Cheers!

[@sergioarroyoguerrero5434]

Cool . Orient Express train. Murded passengers in the coach .

[@mrcpu9999]

breaks my heart to see all these machinist blocks being thrashed... :)

[@jeffjacobson4578]

It would take me 30 years to accomplish this. Fantastic job !

[@mgamga9476]

Same here. It is real. Not edited to say it all came out perfect first shot. We learn from mistakes so showing mistakes helps everyone learn. In the end it looks awsome, and that is all that matters. Great video.

[@clark456456]

Hi Steve, I hope you get this message I just bought my very first in scale transit I bought just the train to the cars I still have to buy the track and all that but watching your videos has given me great confidence that I’m going to enjoy this new hobby.

[@billregan1981]

Really cool layout. My daughter is loving your “how to” videos on modeling.

[@keithmorris1259]

Just ordered a kato starter set and I would love to build something small like this . At the beginning it didn’t look like much but got better and better and better as you went along awesome work

[@sergioarroyoguerrero5434]

Good job in the N scale layout 2'×3' . Kato tracks and remote switch . I used Atlas tracks and nails for fixed.

[@Trainsaregreat365]

Steve This has been a huge inspiration of mine while getting into the hobby

[@dlsimes]

Very nice layout. I’ve been watching tons of videos trying to find the kind of layout that appeals to me. The N scale is definitely the scale I’m going to build due to space restrictions. Really enjoyed your video. It proves that a small layout can look good. Thank you!

[@steveblixt9437]

Great design incorporating many details into one small area, very nice. You must be in good physical shape because you built the whole thing on your knees on a concreter floor. If I attempted that I would end up in the hospital. You've got to get a bench, at least for the smaller layouts.Thanks for a great tutorial.

[@StevesTrains]

I'm a black belt in TKD and am used to breaking things with knees and elbows and hands and what not which helps a lot. I actually find it very comfortable to kneel on the floor oddly enough.

[@steveblixt9437]

@@StevesTrains Ah I see. So if anyone makes fun of your layouts you can just kick em' in the head. Excellent.

[@StevesTrains]

A friend from of mine that has trained at the same TKD school took up yoga for a while. The instructor asked him why he was taking yoga and what he wanted to get out of it and he told the instructor he was taking it so he would be flexible enough to to kick tall people in the head. Lol.

[@davidfuentes1038]

I built an N scale and HO scale layout 10x12 space. Thanks for your ideas

[@PeterNGloor]

Dunking your trees in diluted white glue works just as well as with matte medium but it is a lot cheaper. Thanks for making this nice video

[@yachtabaco]

Steve This is awesome! Thank you!! About to start an N scale. Maybe even the train room I ve been pondering for years..

[@riazhamiid8844]

This is great work Steve, I'm a firm believer that less is more and this wasn't overly complicated yet you managed a Stella project. I'm embarking on journey and have come realize through your work that planning is key and maintaining that course is crucial..😂

[@frerecampbell9291]

Thanks for sharing such complicated procedures, I'm glad I'm only interested, and not fully committed to buying yet.

[@TheFrogfeeder]

I watched too many of his videos over the lockdown... finally pulled the trigger on a layout-just started my Durango and Silverton “Highline” diorama in N scale. I have most of the craft supplies i need already, it can get expensive the first go round with buying all the detail craft stuff, but if you conserve materials you can have enough for 2 or 3 layouts depending on size of course. So far, I’m in this particular project $30 for some track pieces I needed. I also replace a lot of craft materials and supplies with comparable products that aren’t from expensive train stores... this can totally be done on a budget, as far as the actual layout...

[@TheFrogfeeder]

I love this. I have a small train set that is just boring old track and train. I’m gonna make like 3 or 4 of these models, make them stackable and attachable with track, so it’s basically a modular train model set. You have given me many ideas here friend, thank you.

[@bigsparky65]

Fantastic little layout, liked how you used nails in the foam

[@gusgustavo6055]

Thank Steve, you make it look so good!

[@rickdee67]

Magnificent little layout! But working on the floor? Omg kudos friend

[@electrician-bn7gr]

My back and knees hurt watching this

[@StevesTrains]

Sorry about that! I know one day I won’t be able to do that anymore.

[@electrician-bn7gr]

@@StevesTrains lol I’m at that point 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@joshuapinter]

You just blew my mind. Great attention to detail. People and their hobbies. I love it!

[@brucejohnston8510]

Nice little n scale layout great job cheers from Bruce.blenheim south island new Zealand

[@Huntington12345678]

Those rock faces have crazy detail, and they don't look like mush. They look like hard rock. Very well done!

[@kenfolstad1346]

That’s genius Steve!!!!!

[@sergioarroyoguerrero5434]

I love the N scale layout 2'×3'. Kato tracks and remote switch.

[@mikeread5132]

Thanks for sharing your techniques, Steve - fab video. But where are all the tiny passengers, workers and most importantly, forest critters?

[@StevesTrains]

They are all quarantined at the moment because of the Roni Rona.

[@corgi19721972]

Excellent piece of work.

[@DebOfAvondale]

I'm doing research for my first train layout (Holiday theme) and found your video. Thank you for the details. I agree that the best part is that you leave in changes in plans and show how to roll with the punches. The second best part is the cup you used for your epoxy. WE ARE!! :)

[@bmwlane8834]

Wow! You're a true visionary!

[@whiskeysmokeleather9469]

Great Job, all your videos are very helpful! Looking at getting into yhe train world, currently doing all my research.

[@StevesTrains]

Great! Enjoy the journey!

[@normanrowe2831]

Hi, a lot of effort went into this. In the end it was worth it. The layout came out looking great. Thanks. See ya next time. Oh.....please get yourself a workbench to get yourself up off the floor. My knees, hips, and lower back were all screaming watching you work. Lol.

[@davidsheriff8989]

Dedicated modelling..lots of patience and attention to detail on an amzing small layout..

[@jamesa702]

N scale art. Thanks for your creativity,,,

[@stewshore5508]

Thx, gave me lots of ideas for my Coffee Table layout. Too bad I won’t be able to work at your speed and finish the layout in 30 minutes. Just kidding if it takes more time so be it, part of enjoyment of the hobby!

[@jefwisse1957]

I enjoyed watching this, beautifull presented and it shows what you can achieve on a very small surface. It also thought me some new tricks. I'm just another amateur who tries to built a model railway by watching and learning from builders who are more experienced. I love the work of Luke Towan but I don't own as many tools as he's got and I think he's sponsored by a number of companies who fabricate stuff for modeling model railways. My budget doesn't allow me to spend I lot of money on expensive tools and model scenery items. So I try to make as much myself as possible. I loved the way you managed to create realistic pine trees. I'm gonna watch more of your tutorials if there are any available. Have a great 2022, Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@coxsj]

I need you to get a work table Steve!!! ;-) All those sequences of you working on the concrete garage floor make my knees ache just watching it!!! Another great build and excellent video. Thanks for sharing.

[@StevesTrains]

One day I'll get the garage reorganized to where I can have a fold-down table on one wall. I have a small work desk in there, but I can't have a larger one and still get both cars in the garage.

[@coxsj]

@@StevesTrains All good Mate! ;-)

[@stump182]

I think Steve must have been a baseball catcher in another life.

[@StevesTrains]

@@stump182 Did little league for a while...but all my knee, feet, and hand calluses are mainly from doing Taekwondo

[@chrisfinn4172]

Superb video full of helpful information. I'm planning on building a 4 x 2 layout soon. Subscribed

[@ME-zi6vi]

Thank you, I am making my first n scale layout and this video will help me!

[@bennettdickmann1602]

Nice. Nice work. My tastes are different. I prefer seeing more of the train.

[@chuckmaddison2924]

You should try the Australian Nullarbor track. All you need is a long straight and a bucket of sand. And a Neville for ambience.

[@RudiVDS]

I like this small layout nicely build.

[@terencebennison6275]

Great job Steve! My back and knees ached in sympathy with you!

[@vancecalvin4042]

Great workmanship..

[@daveyJ213]

Very nice work, sir. My layout is also N scale, but a walk-in 12'x8'. I'll be using that same mining kit on mine, so I was very glad to find this video, which provided many good ideas. Thanks for posting.

[@jtmonsman]

This is awesome. I grew up with HO scale. I have a 3x5 space in my basement that is kinda just a waste. This gives so much inspiration that I’m gonna have to make the downsized upgrade! Thanks for sharing.

[@fredwolf7515]

Looks like you attended the John Allen School of model railroad scenery!

[@socalrail4729]

Its so good for such a small layout

[@kenshores9900]

Lots of good techniques shown and shared. I appreciate it and have learned quite a bit. Realize I have much to high of expectations in doing layouts and scenery. Again thanks.

[@geoffreyhampson3993]

Another well crafted and informative production. It was so simple, but slightly angling the loop so it is not parallel to the layout edge really makes a great difference. Very inspirational. Thank you.

[@sergioarroyoguerrero5434]

Excellent job in the N scale layout. Kato tracks and remote switch. Atlas and Bachmann tracks in my layout. Life Like 93/4" curve. Peco manual switch insulfrog #8. Code 80 the tracks. DC locomotives.

[@Rhodeislander]

Clicked on a stormshelter, ended up watching trains...Great work on the video and the train. Not sure how you do all that on the floor? i was talking to the screen saying put that thing on a bench and get off the floor. If im on my knees for more than 2 minutes, i cant get up! LOL

[@upnick1]

I have a layout & bought one of the Glacier gravel kits already built too a good standard but cant get it too sit correctly or how im happy with it ..... you have given me ideas how i could use it Steve ;)

[@patrickmurphy6775]

Terrific work! I enjoyed watching this video!

[@StevesTrains]

Thank you!

[@bobbyjames4300]

Just wonderful to watch. Thank you.😊

[@davebnsfnscale4433]

Nice little layout, you make it look easy

[@surgemeister01]

Can't figure out the 54 people who gave it a thumbs down. Nice work on the layout.

[@tommurphy4307]

imagine what THEIR layouts look like!

[@rangerjones5531]

And now the down button doesn't work

[@cranerigging3604]

Well done and I love it ! 👍 Been looking at some N scale sets and like the smaller layout options as we ain't got any more room in the house ... LOL 😁

[@mcekim2]

Wonderful layout! As usual, you do an excellent job of showing us the construction process!

[@glenaleksis4589]

Awesome job!! Im just starting out with this hobby and really appreciate videos like this. Keep up the great work!!

[@OgaugeTrainsplusslotCars]

Nice little layout.

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Enjoy it thanks.Hope more to come.

[@theangelsmodellingandrailways]

Smashing lil layout Steve. Some great modelling tips too, made some notes, top notch. Look forward to more of these uploads. All the best. Brian

[@StevesTrains]

Thanks!

[@timothydemarco3525]

@@StevesTrains Hey Steve I'm new to your KZbin channel so I subscribed for you?

[@gmac6104]

That's a good looking layout.a lot of detail in such a small space. Great job

[@funkyterrance]

Excellent video and a really spectacular finished product. Nicely done!

[@shawnpowell5876]

You do ABSOLUTELY AMAZING layouts and you'd think w it being an N scale that it wouldn't. But I have to say I enjoy watching your videos and it's just AMAZING what you can do w a small area. Thanks for sharing your videos and I'm viewing this from the 1st state of DELAWARE.

[@gregoryfox7551]

Went to a lot of extra work on the base. Could have just sprayed it with satin or semi gloss paint. Also on building the mountains I have found that paper towels or newspaper strips soaked in plaster spread over shaped foam or lath/chicken wire works well and is less expensive. Your project looks good and if you’re happy with it then that’s all that really matters.

[@StevesTrains]

Per the paint, that is true, but I just used what I had on hand. I used to use the plaster with towels/cloths method, but I much prefer using sculptamold now. It gives a very natural rock texture without any carving or casting needed. Rock casting will still provide a more realistic rock texture, but straight up sculptamold looks pretty good by itself. It is only about $2.50/lb when buying in bulk, and I probably only used maybe 6-8 lbs on this layout, so less than $20 worth. Obviously if you are doing a large layout it makes sense to use cheaper methods since there might be a meaningful cost savings. But, since I work about 60-70 hours a week and have a family, I always pick time saving methods over cost saving methods for most projects, especially since almost all of these projects are built for clients and not myself.

[@mt.trainrestorations5931]

Very Cool....... Nice Work....

[@wellhausen]

Very nice! It doesn't always have to be big! Thanks for the video!

[@UnknownIdaho]

Thank you for your good explanations without taking too much time on the details- details will differ for other’s layouts. I am working on a design for an O scale mini trolley layout.

[@clevelandexplorer2221]

This is awesome!! I love it, though a hell of a lot of avoidable plastic as you mentioned and seemingly wasted scenic stuff in the vacuum. The scenery looks professional, proper, people would buy it-shop grade. I love the new (for me) techniques too, like the cotton buds as agressive water

[@jakeelwood4344]

Great video you need a work bench my friend. Im looking into doing a train layout for the first time thanks for the inspiration.

[@charlesballard5251]

A DAMN FINE JOB!!!!!

[@briancollins6543]

I would love to build something like this. It would be a great help if you could list the track parts on your videos so your many followers can emulate your designs. Keep up the great work!

[@StevesTrains]

There are track plans and parts lists in the website for most projects steves-trains.com

[@ICrailroadprod.2007]

I've seen plenty of small layouts but they were not always the best, this is one cool layout and when I go to college I'm making something like this for my dorm

[@blcdad]

Great job! You deserve a workbench so you don't have to crawl around on your knees.

[@PeterPete]

maybe he could make one in a video!!! I wouldn't want to have his knees when he's older!!!

[@David_Musicpro]

Nice work! So glad I found your channel

[@joewoodchuck3824]

Great project and outcome.

[@cammacgregor9354]

Absolutely incredible craftsmanship---!!!

[@StevesTrains]

Thanks!

[@chucksmith155]

Great job as always Steve I’m like you I have no plans I know I’m my head what I want to do and I do it great job looking forward to next build you get a 10 star out of a 5 star selection

[@davidergle9320]

Great small model. I have a n scale oval track with 9 3/4” radius and two straight sections on each side. I want to connect the two sides with another oval using right and a left turnout but I dont know what radius to use for the turnouts. I would appreciate any help.

[@StevesTrains]

So, if the main loop has 9 3/4” radius curves and you use the Kato #6 turnouts, then to make the connection inside the main oval you need two more 9 3/4” radius curves, one full 8.5” radius curve track and one 15 degree 8.5” radius curved track. You connect one 9 3/4” radius curve track to each turnout and then put the full and 15 degree curved sections of 8.5” radius curved track in the middle to finish the connection and it should work perfectly. If you aren’t using Kato track but have Bachmann track or something like that, the curve on the standard turnouts is usually 9 3/4” radius and so you probably can just use three more 9 3/4” radius curved sections to complete the connection.

[@billsines55]

Next time I'd spend a little time constructing a table to work on. Otherwise, that was awesome!