Train Layout Update August 2024 - Lots of New Progress

[@1Nanerz]

Love how spread out everything is. Not too “busy”. Can’t wait to see the rest of the track plan.

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Roger. Thank you. I’m glad I have these for room for some long straight stretches of running. The prototype is pretty flat and sparsely populated…so I’m doing my best to replicate that. Thanks for tuning in! -Mike

[@mikedurhan9941]

I very much enjoy your layout videos. Additionally, whether it is your articulation, or your microphone, your audio is among the best I have ever heard on a model railroad video. It is very easy to understand what you are saying. Thank you for that also.

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Mike! I sure appreciate you tuning in. And, thank you for the kind words. I do my best to make things look and sound professional. A little secret…my “day job” is a TV and radio broadcaster, so I’ve had a little bit of practice getting it right. Haha! I do my best to carry over that production into my train videos. Thanks for staying tuned for all the layout progress! -Mike

[@MrGoodnplenty1957]

Mike, my Sedville homie. As always, your videos and the quality of what you do does not go unnoticed. Excellent work as usual.

[@MainTrack]

Hey there! Good to hear from you. Thank you…I really appreciate that! I’ve been staying busy trying to make some progress. Some months I have better luck than others. Haha! -Mike

[@Mark-z5m3e]

Did you ever consider building that section in front of your doors as a modular section on wheels. That way, you could use the doors if needed.

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Mark! That is one of the things I’ve considered. I’ve been measuring and brainstorming different options. It seems like none of them will be a perfect solution, though. I will give some more thought to the module on wheels idea. I may have to try a couple of different routes and see which one works best! -Mike

[@lightrailbo]

Great progress Mike. Layout is really looking great. Thank you for sharing.

[@MainTrack]

Thank you, Johnny! Slowly but surely. Sometimes I get antsy and want to see the finished product when I’m working on scenes. This is definitely a marathon layout and not a race. Ha! -Mike

[@ryanhull3171]

Nice to meet you at the Turkey Creek train show.

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Ryan. It was great to see you as well. It was a fun show. I’m sure I’ll see you around again sometime! -Mike

[@ajknaup3530]

Love ur SW7 & anything in Conrail blue! Rustoleum camo: I like the complexity of colors, very few natural objects are straight white, green, brown etc. & a wooden grain elevator too? rock on!

[@MainTrack]

Hello! I appreciate you watching. I love the Conrail colors as well. Funny thing is, I didn’t grow up in CR country- but the railroad seemed familiar to me because of all the Conrail patch-out units I saw running on the Katy. Great observation about the colors in the world. In our minds, bright bold colors look good in pictures. But, in reality the shades of things around us are much more muted. I try to keep that in mind!

[@chiefs1587]

Another great video! Thanks Mike!

[@MainTrack]

Thank you…I appreciate you tuning in! -Mike

[@garymartz7587]

It's great to see the progress you have made on the layout! I have a 37inch drop gate on my layout and it has operated flawlessly over the years. No regrets. I would avoid a duck under like the plague!

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Gary. Thank you for watching. I definitely understand some people need duck unders and I don’t think twice about them when visiting other people’s layouts. But, as a 6’5 guy, it would be a long way to bend up and down each day. I think I’ll save my back! Haha. -Mike

[@garymartz7587]

@@MainTrack Thanks for the reply, at 64 years old I just don't want to duck under anymore.

[@JayPassmore-p6g]

I also am a Missouri boy. I live in Fair Grove. I have been a fan for awhile now. I enjoy your videos.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! I appreciate you watching. Yes, Fair Grove isn’t too far away. I’ve passed through there many times on my way up to Sedalia. I always enjoy hearing from my fellow Missouri guys!

[@cowsgomoo4618]

The grain elevator is cool

[@MainTrack]

Thank you…I appreciate that! I have a few more little details to add. I’ll be sure to post some updates showing the progress. -Mike

[@LAPnumber4]

Nice update video. I am finally catching up on your latest posts. I was at the show in Shawnee and sorry that I missed you.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! Thank you…I am getting there day by day. It is nice to make some headway. Late nights and lots of caffeine do wonders when it comes to making progress! Ha. Yes, sorry I missed you at the show. I’m sure I’ll see you around at another one sometime soon! -Mike

[@houseofrandomness]

The progress looks great!! You did an amazing job on the grain elevator, too!!

[@MainTrack]

Thank you! I’ll still be adding a couple of green bins. I look forward to seeing how the final scene turns out! -Mike

[@dennisnorris6439]

Looking Good Mike!

[@MainTrack]

Thank you, Dennis! I’m getting there slowly but surely! -Mike

[@SpringfieldAndWestern]

Thanks for the update - this surely will become a nice layout for ops sessions!

[@MainTrack]

I appreciate that! Yes, that is my goal for sometime soon- hopefully. One industry installed, just a few more to go to give everyone something to switch! Ha. -Mike

[@andrewhayek6573]

Looking great Mike thanks for the update keep up the great work 👍

[@MainTrack]

Thanks, Andrew! Always appreciate you watching. It seems I have no shortage of layout projects to keep me busy! Ha.

[@MesquiteBelt]

Man that Mesquite Belt hopper is slick!😉 Like the progress so far Mike!

[@MainTrack]

Thanks, Devin! Yes, I’m definitely putting that hopper to use serving the new elevator! They mostly received smaller cars, so the 4427 is the perfect size.

[@JosephMusgrove]

Nice update Mike. Purchased Wehonest track signals and these look pretty decent.

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Joseph. Thank you! Yes, they’re not bad at all. I’ve thought about getting some of the Details West signal kits and using some of their parts to update the WeHonest ones a little- with things like bells, bases, etc. I sure wish we had more good signals to choose from, but these seem to fit the bill just fine for now...especially on the price. Haha. -Mike

[@JosephMusgrove]

@@MainTrack Agree on the price. If only we could find a way for our model railroads to generate actual revenue!😉

[@bernicemeade3232]

Great to be back

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Bernice! Thanks for tuning in to watch the progress. I feel I’ve got plenty to talk about now that I’m rolling along a little more! -Mike

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

Looking awesome Mike your awesome buddy my birthday is on Tuesday thank u for being My Freind for life

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Taylor…I appreciate that. I hope you have a fantastic birthday and are able to enjoy the day! -Mike

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

@@MainTrack oh yes Mike no work so pretty happy about it and besides that I get have party see u soon thank u for b day wish

[@d.a.dawson3090]

It's a great video showing your progress, and much appreciated. Looks like it will be fun to operate later and since I'm familiar with the prototype, more meaningful. Thanks for posting and hope to see you at the OMRA show.

[@MainTrack]

Thank you, Dan! It’s always nice to make some headway and see something in your head come together! Lord knows the power plant project is going to take some time and patience, but I’m looking forward to it. We will see you at the show! -Mike

[@ethannixtrainschannel8806]

Would you want to come to the October display in west plains missouri!

[@ethannixtrainschannel8806]

❤

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Ethan! I will certainly keep that date in mind and see what I can do. I’ll see you at the Springfield train show in a few weeks!

[@iantha_branch]

Wow, you're moving right along with construction. Looks good! Question/comment about your natural light situation: The little bit of natural light coming in from your windows can fade your layout and equipment over time. Do you have plans for some sort of blind over the double doors? The exterior doors at my new house have internal mini blinds in the door windows to seal off natural light, you might be able to retrofit your doors with that system. I see you already have blinds over your two main windows, but those can be a pain to operate around benchwork. I need to make another video on my layout space, but I went with cordless remote controlled blinds that will black out the room, but also raise and lower with the press of a button.

[@MainTrack]

Hi! Great questions. I have thought about the sunlight and fading issues. I do plan to put some blinds over the main doors…both to keep the sun out when I don’t want it, and for general privacy/security. As for the big windows- thankfully, the layout is high enough and cords hanging low enough that I can easily open/close them. That spot of the layout is only about 14 inches deep, so it’s an easy reach under there. I’ll definitely have to be mindful of the sun fading stuff. In front of the windows I’ll have a low backdrop. Between that and shallow depth of the benchwork, it appears most of those sections won’t get too much direct sunlight (I did a little bit of a test to see). Funny thing is, I work an evening shift at my “day job.” So, most of my layout time is later on at night, and when I get home and it’s dark. I usually keep the blinds closed during the days while I’m gone. Hopefully that helps a ton to keep anything from fading too much. I’ll be sure to let you know how the experiment goes! Ha.

[@iantha_branch]

@@MainTrack "we will watch your career with great interest" - Palpatine

[@ethannixtrainschannel8806]

I like to see you at the train show 2024 in springfield!

[@MainTrack]

Yes, I will see you there. It’ll be a great show! -Mike

[@ChrisK-LTC]

think about a swing out section vs drop down.....consider that when you drop down, anything on that section will stick out into your opening, reducing the actual walkway and potentially -putting things in harms way

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Chris. That’s certainly something I will think about in my planning. I am a little confined with where I can go. My ceiling isn’t quite tall enough for the length of lift up I would need…and my aisle of 3 feet wouldn’t fully accommodate the 3.5 section I’ll need to span the doorway. It is a good point regarding things sticking out, otherwise. I will certainly keep playing around with the plans. Thanks for tuning in! -Mike

[@laspiedrasrailroad]

Mike great progress, I'm working with Garza on N scale items.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! Very cool…he has a lot of fantastic items and is great to work with! -Mike

[@GreenRC24]

Great looking layout thus far. How did you fasten your bench work to the walls?

[@MainTrack]

I appreciate that! I was able to bolt the sections to the wall studs. I’m using relatively lightweight materials, so weight-wise it’s akin to having a shelf on the wall. I’ll have to figure out a good way to support the portion down the middle of the room once I get to that point. -Mike

[@WayneDennis-oc9jy]

Great to see the progress of the new layout. How do the new Rapido GP38’s run?

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Wayne! Thank you. The units are fantastic! Great sound, very smooth running, and really cool lighting features. I’ve been impressed. I’ve got some of Rapido’s Katy GP40s on preorder. So, I’m looking forward- even more- to getting those. -Mike

[@thetexasspecial8271]

Looking good Mike making great progress I am curious have you had the opportunity to operate on Ron Whites layout there in Springfield?

[@MainTrack]

Hi! Thank you, I appreciate it. Yes, I know Ron and have operated on his layout many times. It’s always a lot of fun! -Mike

[@IMRROcom]

leveling cement, it is like a liquid, your pour it and it self levels. You can do it at home but a place your size I would probably hire a pro. YT has videos on self leveling cement. In model railroad terms, just think of pour resin water and how it self levels.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! That’s a good idea. I’ll look into that. It has been a little bit of a pill. I assume it’s because the neighborhood/house is built on a hill. I would have never known had I not ripped up the carpet. So, it would be a non issue for the average person…I’m just the unusual one demanding a level floor to build a layout! Haha.

[@IMRROcom]

@@MainTrack If it was for a back patio or basement area the slop might be for water drainage, but a cement guy told me one time that if you see a slopped floor in most cases. The crew was too small and cement started to set before getting to the other side of the form or the cement was to dry and starting to set before making to pour and it was hard to level. We put VCT checker tile in our house and the contractor was mad about that. He had to come back and fix the floor to be level as VCT tile is like a mirror and you can see if it is not level etc. a pool ball would roll and find the low spots. Carpet and a 1/2 to 3/4 padding hides all that same as stand ceramic tiles with motor and grout.

[@kd5qgy]

Where did you get the OKKT covered hopper? I didn’t think they were released yet.

[@MainTrack]

Hey there! I actually did that one myself. I used one of ExactRail’s MKT hoppers and stripped the lettering off. Then, I simply used the OKKT decals from Circus City. Wouldn’t you know it- about a month after I got mine done, Scale Trains announced theirs. I have some of those on preorder and am looking forward to them! -Mike

[@boylesterminalshops6841]

Where’d you get the MoPac shirt?

[@MainTrack]

Hi! I got this shirt at Doc’s Caboose in Kansas City. It’s a model train store, but they also create their own train themed apparel. I have several of their shirts. They have plenty of options with most of the major railroad logos to choose from. -Mike

[@dennisarmes3473]

hello mike !!! the pike is really starting to look nice !!! also, the 3 engine consist, mkt/mkt/bn, is really slick !!! btw, will your new layout be a continuous run around the walls of the basement ? i also purchased the w. cornerstone conveyor kit for my power plant and quickly came to the realization that this kit is or will be seen on many, many layouts. i try to avoid this as much as possible with all my structures, so i opened the box and did some workbench engineering and cut/chopped/sanded and developed a system of using it "in disguise" if you will !! i noticed you said you will kind of do the same to your conveyors and the grain facility.... WAY TO GO, MIKE !!! isn't kitbashing fun ???? blessings to you my friend !!! denny p.s. we have previously discussed the chiefs and bills a ways back, if you remember. well, my bills are looking mighty sad, i figure with their tough schedule ( jets 2x/dolphins 2x/ jags/ravens/texans/chiefs/49er's/rams/lions) they could easily have 7-8 losses !!! looks like chiefs/ravens/bengals/texans for sure will be "playoff bound" !!! a lot of nfl announcers are saying to look out for the browns as well... many are also predicting the jets to take the east this year... the afc will again be a good shoot-out !!!

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Denny! Hope you had a great holiday. I'm trying to play catch up with my messages. I always do my best to reply to everyone and hadn't forgotten! I appreciate you tuning in to watch the layout progress. Yes, the layout will end up being a continuous run. Right now it is more of a point to point format. I'm too impatient to wait for the entire layout to be done before running trains! Ha. It will be around the walls with a larger peninsula with return look filling the middle. I've been trying to find a way to create a track plan for everyone to see. But, most of the software programs are for Windows, and I have a Mac. That has created some challenges, but I will figure that out and publish that!

[@dennisarmes3473]

@@MainTrack mike.... thanks for the kind reply and answer !! i was beginning to worry about you for a while !!! yes, continuous run is the way to go.... it allows for great showmanship during visits/open houses/holidays/etc, but also helps a ton when we need to provide maintenance/lubrication/etc. on our power, meaning it is easier to hear gear/drivetrain/truck tower problems running at notch 5-6 continuously right in front of us as compared to switching operations that stop and go all the time ! at my age, there have been at least 2 times when i added a switcher to a mainline consist and heard a "bad noise" and then realized the switcher was in need of a good cleaning and lube job !!! i now keep a logbook for my fleet with date of service and any other work done !!! i should have started the logbook years ago.... please keep the updates coming, mike !! you provide us all with a great model railroad service and straight-forward explanations that reach out to many folks who cannot build layouts, or even get out to watch trains, due to being home bound, handicapped, etc... many blessings to you, michael, for being so thoughtful of others !!! denny

[@MainTrack]

Today’s question: What model railroading projects have you made headway on this summer?

[@JDERailCorp]

I finished up carving foam to create the land formation! It's just been painted a dirt color and I'm about to start ballasting!

[@houseofrandomness]

I've stalled out on the shed. It needs one more bale of 15" insulation and a few rolls of 24" for the roof. My vw has taken a lot of the time and coin getting ready for the show next week. After the show it'll be game on with the shed again.

[@randydobson1863]

Hi Mike & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Mike & Friends Randy & I Order a INTERMOUNTAIN CANADIAN NATIONAL ET 44AC ( -644T) VETEANS LOCOMOTIVE 3015 & LOK SOUND

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Randy! That’s pretty cool. I’m sure that’ll be an awesome unit. I do have a CN boxcar, but that’s all I have of that railroad! -Mike

[@chrisappelhans8374]

What? china?,

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Chris. That’s correct. Actually most of the major “American” model railroad products these days are made in China and brought back to the U.S. for distribution. WeHonest simply maintains its office there. I suppose in the end, it all comes from the same place.

[@markofthenorth8918]

Awesome channel great video keep them up make sure you like and subscribe thank you for your support

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Mark! I sure appreciate you watching. Thank you for the kind words. I will check out your channel as well! -Mike