That 70's Layout: Restoring a half century old vintage model train layout.

Follow along as we rebuild and update a classic layout you'd find in the pages of a 1970's modeling magazine. After almost 50 years of it living in a garage, it was disintegrating, and needed some TLC.
This video is dedicated in memory of Mr. Potter, one of the kindest people I've ever had the fortune to work along side. A deep thanks to Mrs. Potter for being such a wonderfully kind and generous soul as well. My heart goes out to you both.

[@jeffgoldenberg9579]

Wow. Was not expecting that ending. At least Mr. Potter had a chance to rekindle memories of what was and what might have been. Condolences.

[@Tristan_S346]

I'm just a young guy but this video made me see myself in Mr. Potters shoes someday down the line, and now I have tears in my eyes. I'm happy he got to spend some quality time near the end revisiting a loved hobby.

[@GustavSvard]

This video made me sad. Had me near tears. Having Mrs Potter run the last train was indeed the right thing to do. Looked like a nice layout, both the original version, and the plans you had. Spending some of the last time in life getting back to an old hobby one loves, that must be one of the best ways to spend that time.

[@johnjohnston9661]

A bittersweet journey, indeed. It sounds like you helped Mr. Potter gain some final enjoyment with his layout before he passed. Kudos for your kindness to the family in dismantling the layout (no small task) and helping dispose/sell usable rolling stock, etc.

[@InterurbanEra]

It's a memory I'll cherish forever. Mr & Mrs. Potter remain some of the best humans I've ever known. Hopefully I'll be able to help other families like them enjoy building layout in the future.

[@sammisworkshops3762]

I worked for many years on a fellows layout in SF before he passed away as well. we had a blast, Sadly his family wan not into trains and nothing remains, except the good memories of time well spent together working on it and an early track plan sketch. . great video, and a nice tribute

[@bobbyggare8364]

so many emotions in such a short video. I'm glad that the build gave both of you yoy.

[@Coreyt1976]

The ending was a shock ☹️ I’m glad he got to enjoy some of it.

[@_steffinwolf_]

What a great story, and having Mrs. Potter make the final run - sweet.

[@ChristopherBrown-mq1lg]

What a great layout that must have been 50 years ago ! Thanks for the great video👍

[@AvinZarlez]

This video was beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to make it and telling the story.

[@JH-qi7fz]

Darn, this would have been amazing to see completed. Well done given the tragic circumstances.

[@rvninnorthcarolina3377]

So when I in 1972 (I was 11) my Dad, Grandfather and myself built what I thought was a very elaborate model railroad that was based on a layout in the Atlas HO scale plan book...it was a 10 x 13 sized layout. We used Atlas track, switches, control switches, etc and it was a two block controlled layout. Most of the track was nickle with some brass mixed in (kept it on budget). That layout was modified and improved up until I moved out of the house when I was 19. One day, when I was in my early 30's, my Dad called me and said he wanted to deconstruct the layout and use the space for a home office. He took it all down, boxed up the building, rolling stock, track, switches and everything an put it in a closet where is sat for a very long time. It was a sad time in that I remember some of my best childhood days when we were working on and playing with that layout. 10 years ago my Mom asked if I wanted the 'train stuff" which I happily took off her hands. By today's standards, this is considered outdated vintage gear with older Bluebox Athern, AHM and Tyco rolling stock of the DC era of model railroading. But here is the thing, most was in good or restorable condition, I already owned it, and this came from a happy time in my life so it brought back good memories. The other fun thing is I could buy this DC era gear all over the internet for cheap if I wanted to expand it. I enjoy the building...the modeling and scenery fabrication. I am not out to build a layout that typifies the latest in realistic DCC operation. I am an Audio engineer by trade, so the sound that comes from these DCC trains to me is so unrealistic it bothers me and really I only need one train running at one time. I really do not plan to do complex switching operations building consists so my needs are simple. I now have a 16 x 16 L shaped layout made from used gear I had or purchased used on ebay. Yes I have some newer models from Walthers and I also bought some newer rolling stock that simple did not exist in my early years. All said my goal was to have fun and share this with my grandsons...I imagine that my late Dad and Grandfather are watching over us having fun with the gear they once used with me.

[@InterurbanEra]

I'm so deeply pleased you reached out to write this. One of the greatest things in this hobby is being able to build memories with others, and better still to be able to span generations while doing it. I also use lots of vintage models from the 1940's forward on my own layout, because sometimes it's exactly the right model to use. Honestly there's a lot of joy to be had with simple DC operation. You only need the literal "bells & whistles" if you're really going for something specific. As you're an audio engineer, I'd be curious to know what your take on Broadway Limited's "Rolling Thunder" sound system is like from an acoustic standpoint. Thanks again for writing this, these are the kinds of comments I love reading.

[@Mike-pj1kv]

It was kind of a shock to hear 3/4 the way through what happened! 😢 Glad he could enjoy time spent until then.

[@Emily-mf3il]

Wow, I'm sure his last days were filled with great memories of his old layout

[@newjerseydiesel8962]

This made me emotional on the last half man. I’m starting my build now to try n feel closer to my dad if that makes sense

[@InterurbanEra]

Absolutely makes sense! A lot of people reconnect with their hobby through things they built with their parents, friends, or relatives.

[@MilesModelWorks]

I'm not crying I just have some dust in my eye😢

[@oakrail8100]

Ngl the ending got me by surprised.

[@MrJack-uk2hp]

Wow, this is a good video! Keep up the good work!

[@Midwest_Urbanist]

oh man, my dad has a few of those NP blue box passenger cars. I don't think I've seen them anywhere else before! And while he didn't get to see the end goal, I'm sure seeing his beloved railroad get some TLC brought him tons of joy.

[@greenslider]

My layout is running largely on old 70's stock. Still using old h&m controllers Love this setup. Very touching story.

[@linkscarlet9094]

The Potter family's little MD&K scheme wasn't half bad. A little un inspired, but a cute, simple scheme that brought the family together. I hope they can cherish the memories it holds.

[@WhiteCamry]

That's right; kick me in the feels.

[@DeerbrookSouthernRR]

Did something similar with my grandfathers layout. He built it in the early 70s and passed in 2002. The final train was run about 10 years later before dismantling.

[@InterurbanEra]

I'm glad you also did a ceremonial "last run" I think it's an important part of any layout, especially if a loved one built it.

[@user-tr3py5nz2j]

Oh, what a shame. So very sad. Reminds me I need to get my layout rebuilt and functioning before I have my final “run.”

[@InterurbanEra]

Yes, I implore anybody either wanting to hire me to build a layout with them, or by themselves, so get going ASAP. My other client passed away in his early 60's, so no time like the present to bring joy to your life with a functional model railroad.

[@michaelkirschner7471]

The volume is real low. Can you boost it a bit?

[@irenecraggs6123]

so sad to bad the layout was not passed on to some one else who could have enjoyed it like mister potter did

[@InterurbanEra]

I agree. Sadly the layout wasn't in a sturdy state to transport it to someone new, but I'd have loved to have given it to someone to enjoy for more years to come. The track was salvaged, and DOES in fact live on in two layouts now, so in a way his memory lives on. The rolling stock was given to family members, and I have some as well, which I cherish.

[@Brianrockrailfan]

so sad 😢😭

[@johnschutt9187]

All my volumes have been turned up, and I can't hear what you're saying. Can you increase the master volumes?

[@InterurbanEra]

I need to remaster this, so yes! I'll comment here once it's redone in a month or two

[@newjerseydiesel8962]

Wish you showed your techniques. I just got a 1982 Marklin Display board and i don’t know where to start

[@InterurbanEra]

In order: see if the roadbed is ok, replace if not. Then see how well the track works after a good polish. Fix any wiring issues next. Then consider updating the scenery to 21st century standards and add in new structures, figures & vehicles! My ALTA II series goes into more detail on techniques.

[@newjerseydiesel8962]

@@InterurbanEra thanks i appreciate the help. Almost done freshening up the scenery and finished cleaning and polishing the tracks. Still need to sort through the wiring, all switches and accessories work when i test them one by one but when all hooked up the buttons do nothing at all “ one or two buzz”

[@InterurbanEra]

@@newjerseydiesel8962 sounds like there's a short between the switches and the buttons causing the buttons to fail. Inspect and replace wiring/buttons and you'll be good to go!

[@newjerseydiesel8962]

@@InterurbanEra thanks! I already have replacement buttons just need to set up some horses so i can get to the wiring and start coming through that. I guess test the transformers too

[@kimrok1]

I commend your work, but I would have just started fresh.

[@InterurbanEra]

I offered to do exactly that, but he enjoyed the process of the full remodel. I could have easily done a "new build" in one afternoon, but that's not the path he wanted to take, and I admire that.

[@kimrok1]

@@InterurbanEra excellent, well sir , you did a good job, and although you guys may have not accomplished what you set out to do, you made the man happy. Well done.

[@TheCombatartist]

Why didn’t you just start over? Ludicrous to try to rehab this.

[@InterurbanEra]

I offered to rebuild the whole thing in one afternoon with new lumber, but he wanted to restore what he'd made decades ago. It's this project where I was taught its about the process, not the result. It provided deeply meaningful therapy for him and his wife and brought joy to them to have me around helping with it. I suppose that's the most important thing.

[@tonyromano6220]

Christ…..

[@InterurbanEra]

I know, it's still so sad.