Building a 3x5 N Scale Layout From Start to Finish: Series Compilation

[@JohnEgan-y7q]

I an 82 years old, bed ridden. I Have watched the 3.5x5.5 many times. I have watched all of your videos. But The 3.5x5.5 the most. I like how you take the time to do it wright. Can't afford to join as I have many medical bills.

[@StevesTrains]

Thanks! That was certainly a fun layout project.

[@frankedgar6694]

Getting old sucks. I’m only 71 and I am also limited in what I can do. I’m glad we have KZbin videos to watch. At least we can kinda live life through the eyes of all these kids that have the time, money and talent to entertain us.

[@juliansadler6263]

I am 66 with a metal leg and now my jaw is falling to bits (there is a long waiting list for maxillofacial surgery). But nil desparandum 6ft x 3ft will fit in my place and now I am sold on 2mm scale. Not being in the USA it's Grainge & Hodder Peco and Graham Farish in my shopping basket. Your landscape material we used to call Weyroc. I must find out if it is still available.

[@frankingram3382]

Hi, Steve. I just finished watching this video of a build. I haven't had a train set in over 50 years and here lately I've been watching a few train videos on KZbin. As far as models go, this is the best I've seen yet. Thanks for sharing your passion and your hobby. God Bless my friend.

[@StevesTrains]

Thanks for the comment, glad I can help inspire you!

[@kcobb0807]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this incredible video, and thank you for taking the time to include so much detail with the wiring. So many channels just gloss over it as if everyone already knows how to do it. I picked up so many useful tips from this video, I’m sure I’ll be watching it over and over again.

[@StevesTrains]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@robmaciver5093]

I wish I could give this compilation "five stars" instead of just a "like!" An amazing resource for modelers of every experience level.

[@ozzygonzalez8350]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@minichols5472]

really?

[@idahobuckaroo8348]

The level of detail you put into this layout is amazingly impressive, especially considering the layout is N Scale. I never felt like it was too small. Very well done… 👍

[@dmays67]

Jaw drop moment when I realised you were building this masterpiece for someone else! OMG. You have re-awakened my joy of model railroading. I kinda zoned out (as is my nature) with the technical wiring stuff but I have soo enjoyed watching your creation. The finished product is a wonder. Bravo and thank you!

[@StevesTrains]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@spectrumanalyzer3093]

I have been looking for a film covers most aspects of creating N Guage scenery from start to finish and I have finally found it! Thanks for posting.

[@StevesTrains]

I’ll have a similar compilation in a couple months or less once I finish the current 2x4 N scale project layout. I’m guessing I’ll be done in January with that.

[@gusshadleythelunaticfromar7125]

Quite a railroad in a 3x5. KATO track is fantastic. The scenery is something I yet to achieve, in 20 years, still plywood plains. To build something like you have here, you need to be a artist and a civil engineer, you must be both.

[@StevesTrains]

Certainly, it is an art form to an extent. My early layouts didn’t have great scenery, but I’ve gotten a lot better in that regard during the past 10-15 years. Part of it is just finding a method that works for you as there are lots of ways to do things and there are some I just don’t do well with. Sculptamold was a game changer for me, as was using super trees/sea foam for the trees. Along with dirt and ballast made from real ground stone and static grass. I actually don’t use very many scenery materials anymore. Colors are the hardest to get looking right.

[@connormuysson4502]

Wow what a layout ! Can i ask how much something like this is worth ? And can you make a video on how to make your dirt ground cover

[@nathansmith3401]

Pre-scenery, it is fun to imagine "what could be" -all the potential.

[@Metalsuitman]

Inspiring. You’ve got talent and skill. Thanks for such a professional video.

[@user-spacrazie]

Wow! I am so impressed with your video and all of the work you put into your project. I love the water features, the night lighting and really, just everything about this train project. I’ve always wanted a train set…. Since I was a child. Now here I am, retiring in a few weeks and I already know what my hobby is going to be. I just don’t have the expertise you have with all of the electrical and constructions aspects. But you have given me a lot of incentive. Thanks again for sharing!

[@dmays67]

Do it!! I know what I'm gonna be doing as soon as I get settled in my new Aussy life :)

[@HNXMedia]

Have never owned a train in my entire life, yet found this video super relaxing and fun. The deadpan humor was a thing of beauty. Still laughing about the cup joke. Will be using some of these techniques for wargamming boards.

[@StevesTrains]

Thanks! I watch a lot of channels that focus on terrain for war or fantasy type gaming. Lots of overlap, except for the trains, of course. Although I’ve seen people try to incorporate both together.

[@SD45-ET44AC]

I apologize for not offering you a cup of coffee when I watched this but I’ll try to remember you & your channel with tomorrow’s coffee.

[@timothybales8428]

Best view is the passenger view.What great depth for such a small layout.

[@martinhall60]

What an amazing video. You have created an amazing layout, well done sir. Best wishes for 2025 from Hull in the East Riding of Yorkshire UK. 🇬🇧👍🚂🇱🇷

[@Johnny_Yuma]

Thank you for putting this video out here. I'm about to rebuild and expand my layout from a small bed room area to a custom built larger room. Since I always knew that the smaller room was temporary, I never wired, glued or applied scenery to it. Your video has inspired and educated me to no end. Again....thanks.

[@StevesTrains]

Glad it helped!

[@jtmonsman]

That ending passenger window view really shows your attention to detail. Stunning.

[@johncourtneidge]

Yes!

[@jimbrent8151]

This is awesome. My wife has wanted me to do this for 25 years after seeing trains under the Christmas tree... Haven't had enough time yet but gettig closer. The one requirement I have is that most internal door jams are 28 - 29 inches wide so for me I would never want a layout that would not fit through a doorway easily.. but nonetheless this is excellent.

[@BeardClipper]

I made a layout for under our railway. I picked up the Hornby set, just a simple loop, and then made some basic terrain for it to sit on :) it worked out really well and was not that complicated and also it's so light (I made the terrain only out of XPS) you can carry it on its side so it fits through the doors perfectly :) If you're interested hit me up and I can share a build video with you.

[@jimbrent8151]

@@BeardClipperHi, yes please let me know how to find the build video - THANK YOU :)

[@BeardClipper]

@@jimbrent8151 AHA! I found the second video with the snow: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6e9hmiufKmUg9E

[@DannyP...]

Really great inspiration! My favorite part is about an hour in when you are making trees and your beautiful Lab is laying there patiently helping! Looking into starting my first "adult" layout. Did it a lot as a kid I guess 30ish years ago. Now I want a real one. Still have a couple N scale kits from my childhood one was even my grandpas. They're probably crap compared to what is available now. Should be fun. Enjoying going to school through your videos. Merry Christmas!

[@johncourtneidge]

The excellent quality of your work is exceptionally well shown by the cab views and, especially, the passenger window side views at the end. Thank-you! Sharing!

[@johnlunnun9769]

Delightful, absolutely delightful! And yes, as a kid I also had a Dublo Duchess of Montrose, and a Bristol Castle, l loved them!

[@chillman76]

So there I was with a track plan for a 5 feet x 2 feet 6 inches using N scale Kato Unitrack then I saw this video and thought hang on that's a lot more interesting than what I was planning so back to the drawing board!!! Thanks Steve for some great inspirational videos!!!!!

[@JohnHoranzy]

Thank you for posting. I learned a lot. You do your colors just like an artist that uses base colors and washes.... except you do it in 3D and includes detailed textures.

[@debbiemilka2251]

Steve, You are a true talent. This 3 x 5 layout is well planned and a diorama delight ! All the fine details and taking the static of some details is so pleasing to observe. Well, done. An inspiration to us all..

[@StevesTrains]

Thank you!

[@KB4QAA]

I didn't expect to spend an hour watching trains, but it was great! Thanks.

[@BobLay-t9i]

Can you put this train set on top of a folding table that you could buy at Lowe’s? I enjoyed it very much.

[@StevesTrains]

Maybe, depending on the size. It should be ok as long as it is wide enough. But I would want a table at least 30” wide or it could tip over to easy.

[@iotaprime2892]

Thanks!

[@StevesTrains]

Thank you! Sorry, for the slow response, I just saw the notification for this one.

[@pvtmadmike]

thanks for the video I am thinking about getting back in the hobby I sold everything thinking I would never do it again. And you have inspired me for a retirement project I would love to try that same layout or close to it. thanks for the inspiration.

[@jasonganis4033]

Thanks for sharing. Tons of great ideas- brown paint in the plaster? Weathering powders in the ballast? Expanding foam? All brilliant. I am considering trying this plan, in the spirit of a PRR flyover without the mountain tunnels. I love the track weathering too, I use unitrack.

[@MikelMercer]

I love this video. I'm especially impressed with the working signal lights, and railroad crossings. I love how the building windows, and street lighting project in the dark. Very realistic. I am especially impressed with the cabin, and passenger views from inside the engine, and cars. The realism of the scale is incredible. Can hardly wait to build my first layout from scratch. I've been planning this for a long time. I'll take my father, another railroad enthusiast, along for the ride. Thank you very much for posting. I will be visiting your channel again. Check it Out! Ciao!!!

[@robboogers5631]

Thanks

[@StevesTrains]

For whatever reason I just saw this was a super thanks from 9 months ago. Anyway, thank you so much!

[@sherlock1895]

Steve, that was very impressive. Kudos, Gary

[@StevesTrains]

Thanks!

[@AAMGG]

Beautiful. I would recommend adding some static grass and foliage to obtain the natural look.

[@StevesTrains]

It actually does have static grass everywhere, is just a little harder to see since it is more of the burnt/dormant grass color since it is more of a mid-late fall theme.

[@AustinApologue]

Spectacular! I want to live in that little town :-) Great content, man what amazing results.

[@Sohave]

That is a really neatly designed little pretzel layout. Only critique is that those push buttons for the turnouts gave up an excellent opportunity of having a switch panel in the style of a real life Centralized Track Control. It adds to the immersion when the switches sits on top a little diagram of the yard.

[@StevesTrains]

Yeah, I had thought about doing the control panel which makes it easier to know what button to push, but I liked the more minimalist looking design.

[@Lilfarmrboy]

Just for future reference when installing a cell tower not only do you have the electrical cabinets around the base but you also have a generator and a propane tank (usually 250 or 500 gallons) to power said generator. Awesome video!

[@paulreinhardt6052]

I love your videos 👍, but please get a workbench. It makes my knees hurt every time I watch one of your videos. 😀

[@JamesUnger-g7b]

You have great vision and matching this with your talent is a gift.I will be starting a Ho scale Diarama this year and was thinking on how I would attack this! You literally gave me a hundred ideas!.thanks for sharing and keep on doing what you’re doing!…Thanks!

[@StevesTrains]

Thanks!

[@Archk1]

Mind blowing! I don’t know if I can get to this level of detail but you’ve given me a ton of great ideas. Thank you very much! Fantastic video.

[@StevesTrains]

Thank you!

[@uslanja]

Very nice! I liked the passenger window view best.

[@andreahorsch286]

Im planning an N scale layout, and this video was very helpful

[@stormbowman7148]

A tip: You can straighten the seafoam with a soldering iron. Carefully touch the trunk with the tip of the iron and bend into a straight shape. It takes a bit of practice, and it works very well.

[@StevesTrains]

Very cool. I will definitely try that next time.

[@davidrobinsonstarlightriotmke]

Hi Steve, thank you so much for this outstanding video!!! You did such a great job of explaining everything. What would be the total cost for building this table including rolling stock, transformer, scenery and time? This would be a dream layout for me to take on in the future. Thanks David from Milwaukee,WI

[@StevesTrains]

It was over $3k when I built it, but would be more now of course. That being said, I didn’t choose the cheapest way of building everything (ready made trees, some prebuilt structures, etc) because time savings was worth more than cost saving since I was selling the layout.

[@sergioarroyoguerrero5434]

Nice layout. N scale. Kato tracks. Good job in the N scale layout.

[@scotabot7826]

Wow Steve!!! You are a master at scenery and all related miniature RR things. Very much enjoyed the whole video, as there are so many things to learn from it. Thanks so, so much for taking your time to do this!! Thanks again!!

[@TrainDetailsbyGuss]

Nice job on all the details. Great little layout.

[@kennexkhong1244]

Hi Steve. Greetings from Malaysian here. What a great layout! I may build a similar one probably in 2x4. Luckily for me, Kato products are easier to find compared to other brand. Will look up more on your posts for inspiration and reference. Thanks 😄

[@larrybaughman618]

Thank you for sharing it. It was good but really enjoyed it can't wait to see more thank you.

[@lexluthermiester]

One can easily see this was a labour of love! Very nice setup!

[@don679]

Wow a lot of work here, awesome layout.

[@julesmail67]

Really enjoyed watching this. Thank you. I picked lots of ideas and tips! Best wishes from the UK.

[@neobaggins3718]

This is perfect timing for me to rewatch. I’m about to start my first layout which is going to be 3’7”x5’ (weird, I know, but it’s what fit best) I’m planning to keep it a little less vertical (it will have an over/underpass for the train, as well as a short tunnel) and my hope is to use it as a sort of a wall hanging (sans trains, naturally) I think it might look pretty cool, albeit rather large…Should also help keep dust to a minimum when not in use.

[@jamesbaconreid]

What a fun watch! Amazing work.

[@patrickmurphy6775]

I enjoy watching the construction of a layout. Your video is well done and you are very articulate. Great work!

[@StevesTrains]

Thanks!

[@renaissanceman165]

I love this video. I'm especially impressed with the working signal lights, and railroad crossings. I love how the building windows, and street lighting project in the dark. Very realistic. I am especially impressed with the cabin, and passenger views from inside the engine, and cars. The realism of the scale is incredible. Can hardly wait to build my first layout from scratch. I've been planning this for a long time. I'll take my father, another railroad enthusiast, along for the ride. Thank you very much for posting. I will be visiting your channel again. Check it Out! Ciao!!!

[@prodigaljess]

This is a really neat and interesting layout. Well done. Merry Christmas and God bless you and yours. Isaiah 9:6; John 3:16; Numbers 6:24-26.

[@StevesTrains]

Thanks!

[@ricknoah9184]

Very nice construction... wow. Probably gives away my age, but I remember making :landscape" from chicken wire and paper mache. What I would have given to have foam back then..LOL

[@StevesTrains]

I used to do that or the cardboard strips or tape over piles of newspaper. Those are still good techniques for some applications. Like if you are building large landscapes, especially in scaled larger than N scale, those can be better ways to go.

[@IgnusFast]

That is absolutely amazing! Fantastic job...

[@Tycho09]

I’m retiring my first layout, and this gave me a good idea of what I should do to rebuild! Thanks man, keep it up!

[@AlanStennett]

Love your layouts live in an RV have a n-scale train would like a small layout for my back room 3ft x 5ft under a window

[@sglee4708]

You did an awesome job I have one tip instead of drywall mud use lightweight spackle to fill the holes for the screws it dries faster and sticks a lot better

[@HVACSoldier]

How much did the layout cost you, including the power supply and electrical but not including trains, or buildings.

[@NorthCountryTrains]

Can’t wait for more TINY layouts! I’ll be building a small (18x28 inch) Z scale suitcase layout myself.

[@StevesTrains]

One of my next projects is going to be a 1x5 n scale switching layout and then I’ll likely also have a smaller micro I’ll be working on at the same time.

[@user-bm5rs4cm3e]

Fantastic layout. Been working on my 3.5' x 6.5' N scale layout for a while now.

[@rallymini7t66]

Genius. Great stuff Steve, you are a true artist.

[@ajknaup3530]

Well done, Sir; thanks for sharing.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

I wish I could get motivated to work on my little layout again. Just been in a funk as of late. I still use the layout I got from you all the time, though!

[@davidfzehr4955]

Did you say you were going to provide a wiring diagram? I really liked the way you connected your Digitrax base station up and wanted to see if I could adapt some of your techniques to my Arizona Northern layout. Again great tips.

[@user-spacrazie]

Ok, sounds good. Thank you for your reply!

[@lorettacaputo6997]

Nice workmanship. I have a box of N scale trains, track and the foam board and this could be my first N scale project. Don't know if I will copy it, but I will use some of the techniques. Thanks.

[@theinternexperience890]

Love to see my local Middletown and NJ represented great vid

[@dakel20]

Tip for cleaning great stuff off your hands, acetone dissolves it almost instantly. Downside is it'll melt all the other foam too, so ya can't use it for cleaning up on the table.

[@StevesTrains]

I recently learned that as well when trying to clean up after using some black spray foam on an outdoor water feature in the backyard. It does work really well! Thanks for sharing that tip with everyone.

[@alanyoung261]

Beyond well done, many thanks.

[@marielkfifkxjdkgkslicciard6486]

Hermosa maqueta, saludos desde Argentina.

[@classic287]

That is beautiful. Excellent job 👍 Very enjoyable

[@gusshadleythelunaticfromar7125]

Your a builder, wow, I just may consider having one built.

[@danielwarren2668]

Well Done...!!!! I love N scale....!!!!

[@gusshadleythelunaticfromar7125]

You make this look easy.

[@robertcornelius3514]

Nice work. Looking back what two things would you do differently?

[@danbytp]

Can you show how you did individual blds and scenery individual parts? Love your layout.I'm thinking of doing a layout similar to yours.You ate an inspiration!

[@TechnoNut96]

These videos are so relaxing, I appreciate you making it!

[@lordvader702]

I love this layout. I was wondering as I’m new to trains but not to modeling or any of the other skills needed for this hobby. I need to know technically wise is it possible to add a figure 8 type scenic loop in the middle for a passenger or some type of tourists shuttle. Similar to your smaller one you did is there enough room to make a continuous loop. I love the videos I’m 56 and bought my first loco N scale. It’s a life like brand I like it and I think it will look awesome after some weathering, but I guess it’s the kind you don’t want really. But I found out it can be updated to DCC I was interested in sound. Anyway thanks I’m sure I’ll asking some questions in the future. Ps website was cool too. I don’t have computer so it helps to see the plans

[@StevesTrains]

Most brands today are better than what was available in the past. Mostly the higher price for some models is because of extra detail but that comes with the disadvantage of breaking easier. But the higher priced versions do often have better motors and such and will perform well for a lot longer (will last for more miles effectively). But there is no reason to spend a lot on trains when you first start out and sometimes those cheaper ones can run a long time for you if you are careful and don’t abuse them too much (pulling long trains up steep grades and such, putting more strain on the motors and gears). There are a ton of skills to learn, but that is part of the fun of the hobby. You learn a lot of useful skills along the way. Everything from woodworking to electrical to painting.

[@jasonmyers9026]

Great video! I learned some things.

[@lennytheleopard]

Fantastic video. Love the completed layout. Thanks for sharing.

[@thomaspearce8271]

Incredible

[@nscalefun]

AWESOME!!! Keep up the good work.

[@whodgdon]

A great job as usual! You inspired me to build a 2x3 layout after watching you build your 2x3, and now this. I really don't have room for a 3x5, but I guess I could keep it in my RAV-4, since you designed it to fit in one. Anyhow, keep up the great layouts and the wonderfully instructive videos of your builds!

[@Jeffrey-yz5tq]

Good evening I'm Jeff and i just watched this awesome n gauge layout, I was asking, if possible if there are plans that I can down load, and if you really do ship, I'm only 67, and I can build this myself, but if you ship I would pay anything to have it shipped

[@Trackman80]

Nice job hopefully you will do another ho scale project

[@chriskrazmuski745]

FANTASTIC!!!

[@nuncaestardejcbass7556]

Incredible !! The best video I have seen about it! Thank you very much and congrats!

[@kittforever5645]

Amazing video. Thanks for sharing. Inspiring me to work on some small layout designs myself.

[@user-spacrazie]

Might I ask what you would charge to build a similar size N scale layout including shipping charges? Your precision is absolutely astounding.

[@StevesTrains]

It varies a lot. I’m not really taking any orders at this time since I have a backlog I’ll never be able to clear, but I will still work on projects that aren’t for someone else that I’ll sell, but I’ll announce that in a video if something like that comes up.

[@user-spacrazie]

Ok, sounds good. Thank you for your reply.

[@gvet47]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What a great layout and like the colorful fall foliage.

[@PlayfulGenie]

Beautiful work! You got a sub from me even though I'm not in modeling since my teen years in the 90's, this was a fascinating watch my friend. I was always wondering how do you guys clean these things from dust later on? I assume you can't vacuum the scenery without breaking it...

[@StevesTrains]

Thanks!

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Nice video lots of detail. Thanks for sharing.

[@jesikebiking]

Nice looking layout,very nice

[@painter662]

What was the kit you used for the hotel? Thank you.

[@FreedomSquareGardenRailway]

very nice I’m thinking of using this layout for a garden railroad set N scale can you believe that? it’s very perplexing been at it for a while but I don’t think a small loop works but I’m trying to work on the visuals any suggestions? Have a good layout for an outdoor garden put in the yard? Maybe a raised garden bed?

[@StevesTrains]

I’ve never tried garden railroading yet and not sure how to deal with all the weather related aspects of things in terms of making sure things stay reliable. Something I would like to tackle eventually, however.

[@jamesbunch9964]

really nice and inspirational. Thanks.

[@tomp2498]

great layout, thanks for sharing!