Tunnel Vision: Man Builds Million Dollar Model Railway

[@Cars2930]

I would rather pay $10 to see this build/set in person than go to a movie any day. This is incredible!

[@Cars2930]

+mrtoolegittoquit2 Disrespectful........

[@mrtoolegittoquit2]

EarthWind Fire Man, you need a Michael operation, cause you making us look bad. And you got earth wind and fire as your name. Where you live? The burbs?

[@Cars2930]

+mrtoolegittoquit2 haha my picture is a youtuber named BHD, he is making you look bad then not me. I have his picture because it's funny how ridiculous he is. I'm white if it matters and earthwindfire is my name out of respect for Maurice White.

[@mrtoolegittoquit2]

EarthWind Fire Maybe BHD in his early years.....And Maurice was hella old, so a life well lived. But you still sayin' you drop a stack on this bimbo making trains....you nerdy as hell!

[@Cars2930]

+mrtoolegittoquit2 but still this train set up is cool, you have to admit that. Yea I will pay $10 dollars to look around this train place... Thing... Whatever the fuck instead of seeing some trash movie.... Money well spent in my mind. Im not a nerd, I'm a 6'7 D2 basketball player (not the best on the court), I just respect people's passion.

[@kimmyr9318]

That's not just a hobby, he's an artist! That's beautiful!

[@ruffian2952]

My dad was a model builder. Made working models for government contractors. It was art you are on target. I think it worked on his eyes...he was tied to magnifying devices.

[@grahamdrew1069]

100% agree fantastic combination of technician and artist

[@johnprice7303]

One of the good people... does his own thing, has never harmed a fellow human being, and has achieved wonders. I salute him!

[@Impetuss]

Could be a serial killer for all we know

[@warrenholmar1129]

@@Impetuss I don't think he would have the time.

[@JustForFun-mt9og]

And he has such a loving supportive wife too, to be by his side without interruption. What more could a guy ask for??

[@btjones874]

respect to the lady giving her man space to enjoy his hobby

[@emadrid89]

100% agree

[@reggiegriffin1428]

NO A

[@queenoflions6490]

+Reggie Griffin shut up she needs space

[@bhigdaddymark]

ABSOLUTELY! We ALL should be so lucky Since I've returned to the hobby in 2011 (took a 'break' from it in 1975 not long after I turned 17 to chase girls), that's been a concern. My ex-wife wouldn't have had a problem with it, nor did my last girlfriend who was fascinated by the layout at my club, but the next woman.....I wonder....

[@Dubailand1555]

Here, here!

[@vwgolfer1873]

Ive been to this layout and its even more beautiful in person. Howard is a great person i didnt know him at all i just shot him a email about trains and he offered up a invitation to see his layout so me and my Dad went and were blown away and it inspired us to build our own.

[@joel.6398]

Where is it, I would love to go... I know it's in Columbia MD. Does he have a website?

[@nathanmcnichols5897]

Can you tell me where to find his track plan? Thanks

[@gavsky23]

If I'd seen this as a child...my brain would have exploded! Even now I'm struggling...look at the detail! :-)

[@Preetpandher9]

Well he earned his retirement and he is doing great

[@Heather420]

What he has built looks beyond amazing on video I can't even imagine how it looks to see in person

[@حسنهيثم-ز6ح]

سكسيمصري

[@johnmartle7305]

looks Amazing

[@bicyclist2]

This is pure passion. When you do stuff like this it's not work. This is so cool. He never grew up. Thank you.

[@SWEPTAWAY52]

It's good to keep the little kid in all of us alive. thanks for sharing your hobby.

[@bicyclist2]

Chris King makes the best bike parts.

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

I've been to this man's house. Almost all of his trains are brass. He has a unique (sometimes dirty) sense of humor and a lot of it shows up on his railroad.

[@HowardZane]

A model railroad should have some kind of levity, or it could be somewhat boring....at least for me.

[@Zomdarati]

he's the child that survived adulthood

[@CalTrask73]

I understand your sentiment; but I don't see it that way. This artist simply found his main interest in art at age 3; not unlike a painter or illustrator, many professional athletes, dancers, or others. He just happens to work in 3D like a sculpter, architect, fashion designer, etc. 'Toy' model trains make us think childhood, but it would indeed be rare for a child to be able to create art like he does, amass a small financial fortune, be married three times, own homes, cars, etc. He is an artist, and a very impressive one. This is not a hobby; this is/and has been, his singular lifelong pursuit in: childhood, work, and retiremtent. His life has mostly been consumed in his art and his biggest passion is clearly art--the visual, images, scenery, atmosphere, expression, re-creation, historical...

[@HowardZane]

@@CalTrask73 Wow! right on. I tried many kinds of art, but finding something as multi-dimensional such as this hobby, I'm here to stay !!

[@cprtrain]

Model railroading is the World's greatest hobby. Well done Howard.

[@TheMrdesertman24]

Model railways have always fascinated me because of the level of detail people put into them. This goes above and beyond that

[@TRUMPLocalWallBuildersUnion]

howard is a master at his craft !!!

[@jamesbassett165]

That's beautiful. God bless the man he has an awesome hobby👍

[@TheFloatingSheep]

+Saatanan Saatana Well no shit Sherlock. lol imagine how one day this will be a random fact everybody knows and it would be too stupidly obvious to state it :'D I wanna live in those times

[@TheFloatingSheep]

Saatanan Saatana Yup. Oh btw, religious people that aren't able to question their faith and acknowledge the fact that they have no evidence, and that if they would be born in arabia they would be muslims but still believe the same thing, are a product of evolution. In times we used to survive in tribes, if one was born skeptic, it would've been either put to death, either expelled, either ignored by all the other individuals of the tribe. So, a moron with a low iq and no critical thinking would've had an evolutionary advantage. Therefore, religious people evolved to be religious. That's ironic, isn't it? So, through random genetic mutations we became atheists :| Amen... :|

[@trezythirdy3527]

Perkele Itse parkel itse thefloating sheep Why are you commenting about something so unrelated to the video No need to be rude he just said god bless how about just respect

[@ianmason4682]

I find it sad that you can’t give a compliment without it being shitted on

[@mikeprell2747]

Not to mention ability, knowledge and imagination! Wowzer!

[@cecedavis6155]

I am a lady who greatly enjoys this hobby as well as railfanning. I feel like a kid again with it; especially after seeing Big Boy. Very blessed to have a man who has big interests in these areas as well! Someday we hope to see this stunning, unbelievable layout!!👋👋💯😊♥🚂❗

[@TheFloatingSheep]

3:42 left corner

[@twelvelookslike]

Hahahahaha

[@kyleind8062]

+Popaturdout Mcfartswell lol

[@twelvelookslike]

and the wording right at that moment " and although his railway might expand in the future" haha

[@TheFloatingSheep]

Popaturdout Mcfartswell "the size doesn't matter" xD

[@twelvelookslike]

+TheFloatingSheep hahaha I'm pretty sure this was all on purpose by the editor

[@jayhunthuntcreative]

Magnificent. A dream to live in every day. Hat's off to your lovely wife who understands your passion.

[@just-passin-thru]

We are ALL young at Heart!!

[@soicysanrocc]

Damn that AMAZING wish I could see that in person

[@lrburns4]

My Dad just started building one as a hobby, it honestly is one of the most stress free hobbies there is.

[@craigroaring]

I love these model railways, but i find it's the scenery, trees, buildings, landscape etc that i appreciate the most. The trains provide the perfect moving part for the display.

[@bhigdaddymark]

MORE 'steam' (I don't recall seeing any diesels in the vid) power to Howard! Good for him, and a true inspiration!

[@donwat91]

What a work of art you have. Some people see a museum of something old , I see this as a museum art that needs to be seen by everyone that's Intrested in railroading. Thank you for allowing me to see your love of art , model railroading . I didn't want to see the video to end.

[@lillianclark1230]

It's so nice how his wife fully supports him. It's so cute.

[@xlostlovex]

This man see the sun rise on a field with train and track.. See the city and mountain with train and track in his mind.. this man just love natural and nostalgic with either what he felt before or what he would like to have as life.. it's beautiful.

[@discgolftrainnut]

Would be nice to have the space. His `basement' is twice the size of my house.

[@tomkjr1]

I loved trains from when I was a 5 yr old boy right up to now. My body has aged but when it comes to the train addiction, I still have the 5 yr. old in here somewhere! Hobbies like this keep the spirit young.

[@xadilx4hm3d]

I'd love to see a gopro on a train and see what it looks like going through the whole track

[@bronwynansara2049]

This is really nice because I'm into modeling like him and when ever I tell my friends they bully me but that will never stop me I love building a world that is mine just the way I want it but I hope I'm like him and stick to my hobby

[@EdmundYongPlus]

this just blew my mind... from the thumbnail i thought it was real. Salute! What a man with an enormous passion!

[@unapro3]

Whenever I see someone that is into something like this, I think of the song "Whatever gets you through the night, is alright..." and that is what is is all about, you need something to focus on that you enjoy to get you through life. And as long as it doesn't negatively impact others, go for it. The cherry on top is when you have a partner that understands and allows you to follow your dreams.....it doesn't get any better.

[@jamesmandas639]

It consumes him with pleasure and that's what he'd rather be doing than anything else in the world. People seek this feeling all their lives and never get to this point. How wonderful for him!

[@tatianadenver6046]

this is so amazing.

[@yamstar1johnson991]

3:42 Gotta love the name on the tanker in the left corner of the frame.

[@callofdutyxbox7337]

yamstar1 johnson XD 🤣😆

[@karag6556]

Ironically as the narrator says "size isn't everything" yikes!

[@eliotvideos2009]

yamstar1 johnson lol 😂

[@Chazd1949]

The detail and realism is just fantastic. Hollywood can do no better. Awesome job, Howard. You are a true craftsman.

[@jefwisse1957]

This is mind-blowing. I hope he (and his wife) can enjoy his hobby for many years to come. I wish I had his skills. Greetings from an amateur model builder in the Netherlands.

[@hempopotamusloudspeakershe9793]

......................I hope this man lives forever..........

[@eoinpkav152]

The Whalens Pittsfield!!! Have you ever seen the Housatonic

[@airborne2767]

+The Whalens that could be said about anything.

[@Crewsy]

I’ve been lucky enough to see this incredible layout several times with the first time being about 30 years ago before each of the 2 large additions he made to the basement. Since he added on to the basement he also added on to the upper part of the house each time too. The layout as I last saw it was about 4 times the size of the original. If you ever do get to see it yourself keep your eyes open for all the “hidden humor” that Howard built into many different scenes.

[@jc6565]

Great the see he has a lot of ERIE RR trains and cars. My grandfather worked on the the ERIE as an electrician. Also the tracks for the RR where only 50yards from the home I grew up in.

[@petrofilmeurope]

Far away from modern stress and rumble...oh to be in that place when the spring his there!! WOW!!

[@jonstark9032]

Im only 25 but i love how you can watch great quality content like this love this.

[@henryboleszny359]

what an amazing talent and eye for detail... and what an amazing wife to support him like that

[@michaelscott231]

It’s not just the amazing size it’s the level of detail that is incredible.

[@robertfarrell8364]

This is a true model railroader and he is very blessed to have a wife that 'understands' what he is doing. I too would love to see his layout in person or at least a full run around the layout with the onboard camera. Bob

[@HowardZane]

Actually I'm not a true model railroader as I suck at electronics and have little interest in modeling a prototype railroad with prototype operation. I see myself as a diorama builder with a love of trains and the classical era of steam railroading and architecture.

[@benhogan6482]

You have to meet Howard in person. One of the nicest guys in the hobby. Very personable and willing to talk to you. Same with his wife. Very nice folks all the way around. Stop by the Great Scale Model Train Show in Timonium, MD and look him up.

[@meintingles4396]

C5 Vette in the driveway and a 2 million dollar model railroad exhibit in the basement. I like this guy.

[@pressstart1490]

Pls make a museum/exposition/convention in his honour with this amazing layout when he had to left this world.

[@SammyBFilms]

I really need to visit this guys railway!!! :-D I'm so pleased he found someone who gets it too. :-D Good on you fella!

[@step2191]

wow that layout is beautiful. the guy even installed lights under overpasses so trains wouldnt have shadows! now thats foresight!

[@ajxcamera6446]

He should open a museum! I would totally want to see that in real life and all the details omg

[@motley331]

Simply stated .... there are amazing people in this world. This gentleman is one of them.

[@FrankELembo]

A true artist with deep passion in his work. Simply beautiful !!

[@andrewschettino8104]

I met them both at a Train Show and have visited the layout!

[@emdmanSpaziani]

You have a great hobby an incredible railroad and an awesome wife, you truly are a lucky man.

[@II-ev2te]

Man I wish I was born to that couple, I could admire the marvel that is that train set for hours

[@markfortin421]

WoW!! This video could easily be 5 or 6 times longer than it is...and still not be long enough! All we've seen is a teaser, or preview of something we'll never see again. But thanks for posting it, as an inspiration to those of us who also model...(so thats what I could have if I worked on it 28 hrs. a day for 20 years...hmmm, wheres my 5 hour energy?) 🤣😂🎅

[@impishmisconception7762]

Wow, it looks great. This should be a museum for people to walk through.

[@wilsocn]

I wish I could find that one lifelong obsession instead of constantly jumping from one thing to the next as a means of occupying my time. What a gift that is.

[@gordonpreete3019]

As a kid I had few train sets. My father build a track on a 8x4 sheet of plywood which had a bridge. But never got into this But over the years seeing photos of real train hobbies on their details was outstanding.

[@ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΣΚΑΛΑΝΤΖΑΚΗΣ]

Well through my heart The spark and the spirit are transmitted A tear from me that I will never manage to connect even two lines of train again bravo. ....

[@burdizdawurd1516Official]

So this is a prototype-based model? Wow. That's dedication. AND he makes other scratchbuilt models for a business? That is true railfan dedication. Now if I could get the G&U layout going that would be great.

[@suelinerr]

Spectacular railroad. Thanks for sharing.

[@MrFathead]

I don't know anything about model trains, but you have to give him credit everything here is really beautiful. Even the bits in his living room and all look so professional. You see a lot of the big collectors like this and it is just ends up looking like a big hoarder mess, this is all quality and it really makes it so much more impressive.

[@RichardDuinmayer]

It's bigger than the real rail network in America...

[@macandrewes]

I know this has already been mentioned in the comments here, but to say this is just a hobby is to undervalue the work itself. The man is a gifted artist. If he's a hobbyist, then so was Van Gogh.

[@jeanimariep]

Howard sees life through a kaleidoscope... it's brilliant that his partner can see that. Kudos to the both of you!

[@fizisautoart2774]

I'm not really a train guy but that is awesome, cracking open a beer and chilling in there would be just right

[@Trouba315]

He's built his own world and there he lives now. Living inside big model world, WOW, very nice and peacefull place to be :-)

[@aussiedrifter]

Just absolutely stunning, what a layout & I love the minute attention to detail. The way he has finished the layout up the back wall with the greenery & trees is the best finish I have ever seen it blends so well back into the wall it gives you a feeling that it just continues on. He is also running my personal favorite steam engines, I think they look way better than a modern railway setup & they dont look odd or out of place when they run slow up a grade, it gives you the time to wonder at all the moving parts & imagine it all in the real world. Anyway I could ramble on for hours over this brief look at what in my opinion is better than Wonderland in Germany. Well done Mate it is a credit to you & your highly skilled passion. Best Regards, Steve.

[@robinthurston3382]

People act like the money spent on a hobby is ridiculous but often overlook the fact we spend way too much money on new cars and addictions. His third wife made a good point it keeps him out of the pubs. She always knew where he was. Trains, electric trucking and ham radio kept me home as a kid too.

[@MrDiamondbus]

Votre réseau est tout simplement magnifique, merci de nous faire partager votre passion. Salutations de France.

[@williamschlenger1518]

Yes it's amazing &beautiful.Love the steam era.More class &excitement than today.My aunt Helen used to take me to an under pass in Long Branch N.Jnear Deal line &watch steam engines heading to town.

[@Cluless02]

Incredible! Impressive, realistic and very picturesque!! How cool indeed!

[@willrothfuss8470]

Howard is a legend in the model train community, and rightly so.

[@Globovoyeur]

My uncle, Bob Ryder, had a very extensive and detailed HO gauge layout in the basement of his home. But it wouldn't have surpassed this one. He was also known for building and running a miniature train ride for kids at a park in Hagerstown, Maryland.

[@ratroddiesels1981]

this train layout is a portal to an alter universe and dimension it is a place of warmth ,love ,and happiness.

[@howardzane5453]

I love this comment as your words capture the essence of what I am building....Thank you for understanding.

[@captainkirk9879]

That's UNBELIEVABLE..very AWESOME..great job..best I've ever seen..I.❤❤❤❤ train and slot car tracks ..takes me back to my childhood 😊

[@13thBear]

Great layout, Howard! I've seen some of your layout in Model Railroader magazine and it's fantastic. Obviously you are a "master" model railroader. I don't know for sure but I think you may be on the same level if not a notch above John Allan. He sure would enjoy seeing your work!

[@malecat76]

13thBear, I agree, possibly on par with George Sellios (sp?) too??

[@christophertaylor4394]

Wow! Everything is amazing! Your layout, your workshop and your third wife's understanding. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@Scorpeus]

MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT TO BOTH OF YOU! You guys give me hope!

[@antonbruce1241]

I find it interesting that Mrs. Zane has my wife's attitude toward my railroading...at least she knows where I am when she can't find me, and she knows I'm behaving!!! AND HAVING A LOT OF FUN AS WELL!!!! I really would like to meet Mr. Zane!!!

[@patriciaschuster9111]

Loved this. As a child, Isaw Roadside America, in eastern Pa.,a model village. Pittsburgh Pa has it's own display at the Science Center, that is a model of early city. I have always been fascinated by model railroads, including the city under our very own Christmas tree. I love these sites. Thanks.

[@davidlarson9125]

Really well done at such a massive scale. Love the detail and attention to quality.

[@bigfootbillunknown9511]

That last shot was the coolest of all. It was like being a passenger, on the train... maybe a small boy, with his head out the window. Watching in wonderment, as the train goes into the dark tunnel. Wondering, what he'll see inside? As the walls feel close, the only thing he sees is his own shadow. Made by the lights inside the car, on the tunnel wall. Ahead, the Engine's light floods the darkness and the clattering of steel wheels on a steel rails, bounce off the walls. Closing his eyes, he imagines the Singing Brakeman, strumming his guitar. Suddenly the voice of Jimmie Rodgers, fills the air as he sings..."Ridin' on an eastbound freight train, speeding through the night. Hobo Bill, the railroad Bum..." Ah! Just once again? To take a long train ride in a Pullman Car, from the 1950's that's lavish looking and gets Room Service. Being pulled by a Period Steam Engine. What a dream! That's what these trains represent.

[@davidpaddock362]

Best in America? Ha that’d have to be a real contender for World!! My hat of too you Sir....Absolutely beautiful 🚂

[@gabrielbecker3164]

I'm glad he found something he loved and just made it into this unbelievable master piece

[@thecarpetman7687]

The detail on those steam engines is unreal…top of the line

[@leonidbier]

This shouldn't be in his basement, but in a public building !!!! Amazing lay out !!!!!!!!

[@wisdom_wellness365]

Awesome work! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@reefranger38]

What beautiful work! The detail in the scenery is outstanding.

[@richardgerlach5156]

Magnificent! It would take me a century to do that! Maybe two!

[@HyperActive7]

The wife really cracks me up for being so understanding of our hobby.. LOL!!!

[@leecrow3k1]

This model railroad is nothing short of a masterpiece. If it were a painting, it would be hanging in the Louvre.

[@cmf1965]

Mr Zane, is an inspirational Model Railroad Guru...Thank-You Howard! :)

[@quintoflyer]

what a fantastic railway, you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed my garden railway

[@kakigrol]

2:18 hey what a nice shot there!

[@Jeebuus]

Maybe he could open it up to the public. I'd pay to see this. If I wasn't building in O scale and had the time to build such a beautiful layout I would.

[@shmuelgoldstein2740]

Almost speechless. What is it about trains that are so cool?