ULTIMATE LAYOUT TIPS for a Great Model Train Room

[@Quince828]

You are so right about the imperfections and the little slip ups. Sometimes all I want to do is watch the trains go round and not sweat the details of how it “should” look. As an aside I’m a musician and there’s lots of times we make mistakes and screw up. The secret is in how we hide them and keep on going. My railway is the same.

[@tzor]

Absolutely agree on the nitpicking. Unless you are a museum, or you are really into the "historical" (the model railroad in the basement of the Freshman dormitory of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute was supposed to be a historical recreation of the Hudson River line) getting the "feel" is the most important part. Even then, that's different from the actual point of running the trains.

[@vikingofengland]

Rule 1 applies: It's my layout and I do what I want.

[@jacqueso8424]

Also agreeing on the nitpicking issue, if one cant do a better layout without critisizing some one else's, move on past. Hobby is about having joy, and also providing it to other,

[@jacqueso8424]

In

[@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569]

DJ, thanks for showing us more of this breath-taking club layout. I'm hoping to go see it myself next year. Also, thanks for sharing your thoughts about the hobby itself. Model railroading definitely is for fun. There is no place for judgment, criticism, or rebuke in the hobby. ...Roy

[@djstrains]

I’m hoping to see you next year, my friend

[@KutWrite]

DJ introduced me to your layout and channel, too!

[@jeffreymcconnell6794]

Thanks for shutting down the whiny nitpickers! You do your thing, I’ll do mine. If something makes you happy, that’s all that matters. It’s a freaking hobby. It’s not a contest! We can all appreciate super detailing but we can also support those who just enjoy running trains. We’re a “family” with all of its eccentricities and varying tastes. If something isn’t your cup of tea, just move on without badmouthing someone else’s work. Thanks, DJ, for always being a positive force for the hobby. Stay safe out there!

[@GregAtwell-iu8ud]

I always enjoy your insight as someone who actually works as an Engineer. Keep up the GREAT work! One other tip from me...make sure to include your kids or grandkids as much as possible.

[@djstrains]

Exactly

[@anthonysmithson4496]

Thank you so much DJ. This is such a good thing to hear more often with in this Modelling association enthusiasts. I agree, there is so much negative reaction to posts on "that's not photo typical", "That's not the same era", "Thats not the way run", "That's not even from the same country". Yes, those comments are perfectly fine when judging a layout in a competition. In general, "Model Railway", is what you make it. Its your layout, its your hobby, you can run what you what, when you want, how you want to what makes you happy. Thank you again for your video, tips, ideas, and interviews. Keep up the great work and the solid remarks on the hobby. Anthony S.

[@viktortoghia6066]

I totally agree. Modeling is all about fun and the extent of your imagination. I have a layout 12 x20 in a shed that I'm building. And I have nothing but fun. From watching the trains run to building the scenery to messing up and making mistakes. It is a great escape from reality and all the concerns of today's rush rush world. Injoyed your video and I hope to make one one day as well.

[@djstrains]

Sounds great!

[@sparkythedetroitdoggo8281]

Love your videos and how to tips ! When I run my trains I have so much fun ! That's what its all about !

[@rickmiller4202]

Another great addition. And thanks to Steve for answering my question. Don't worry about the haters DJ, jealousy has an ugly heart. A1 stuff.

[@melkitson]

I loved the rant. It is so important to stress that this is for fun and enjoyment. DIY and Digital has similar rants and both of you create some amazing stuff. What you showcased today is beautiful and very comprehensive.

[@djstrains]

He is one of my favorites too

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

That's the right attitude. We should all just want to have fun... not spoil the fun for others.

[@djstrains]

Ditto

[@jasonminier6782]

Basement inspiration. I agree with you on the nitpicking stuff, I see it on other people's channels too, and I've experienced it in Facebook groups as well. IMHO, there is little place for it unless criticism is asked for.

[@Christiane069]

You are very right. It is all bout FUN. period.

[@chicagolandrailroader]

I love how a lot of the tips reguard the space around the layout. I had a larger layout, but downsized and made it into a smarter design so i have more free room otherwise. Great video!

[@djstrains]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chadportenga7858]

Rant? What rant?!? You were just being honest (and it's very much appreciated!). For someone that's just doing this "to have fun", you do a fantastic job with the videos & editing and also with your layouts and proto shots. Every time I watch one of your videos, I find more tips and info that I want to incorporate into my layout. Luckily, I'm just at the planning stage. I have my benchwork underway (I'm pretty much committed to my footprint), but I keep redrawing it over and over to utilize my newfound knowledge. Thanks (I think LOL) for all the great ideas! Keep it on the rails!

[@djstrains]

more coming soon!

[@pbjlinemodelrailroad]

One thing I have learned over the years of model railroad modeling is that some of my skills are better than others that I have seen, and I look at this layout and I know I still have a lot more to learn. DJ, your videos are fantastic, both on the modeling side, as well as the real talk. I am planning my largest N Scale layout build as I transition into retirement and your videos are a great help.

[@djstrains]

Awesome!

[@philhamsher3977]

Thanks so much for sharing. Model railroading should be nothing if not fun.....

[@djstrains]

Agree

[@wolfpack4694]

Amen on the “No nitpick” message! To me modeling is about creating the illusion of something. Stimulating an idea. A representation of something. An idea! Have fun! And pull that whistle cord when kids give you the please pull it sign! 😁

[@djstrains]

Well said!

[@robertbraeuner2031]

Wow. That is amazing. Realism over the top and pretty awesome info from retired road foreman.

[@djstrains]

We agree!

[@TwoRailfans]

Totally agree on the nitpicking. If you are having fun that’s all that is important.

[@TrashMan2008]

Love you DJ, haters are going to hate, but the ones who are willing to learn u help US not to get frustrated and keep moving. Keep it going. Thanks.

[@fivetenflasher]

I loved this whole vid! Thanks for getting on your soapbox at the end. You are correct about the nitpicking!

[@GaryGP40]

What a totally amazing design and execution this is! Many thanks for sharing this with us! Beautiful work all around!

[@djstrains]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@williamj3843]

What an amazing model railroad. I have a young grandson who lives near the Phillipsburg scene that I will have to take to an open house. "For him", of course. I am familiar with the area modelled and recognized many of the scenes. Truly inspirational. Sometimes we see things on film/video that escape us in real life. As a model railroad owner we might notice a piece of rolling stock with a serious lean or a spot of track that always causes a lurch when trains pass. I agree with your closing remarks. If all a visitor takes away are the few nits they might want to find a new hobby. Or join the club and offer to work on fixing them.

[@realwildman]

I agree with everything in this video. I do mean everything, wide aisles, foreground scenery, curved track, non railroad building, wireless control, faceca, labels, digram, and yes, even the rant. It is a hobby, let's have fun, not tear each other down. Happy railroading all.

[@theknickerbocker5808]

I did a op till you drop session on this layout many years ago. My son and i had a great time. I only wish i lived closer so i could join. I have had the opportunity to operate on some large layouts like this and some home layouts across the country if the owner asks for some input i will happily share. I have a tried a true saying about the nitpickicking type. If you dont like it, build one yourself. Very few people will take you up on that challange😊

[@kenbock3453]

Keep doing what youre doing. Our builds are a pleasure for ourselves. Knit pickers belong in museums. Our hobby is for our enjoyment.

[@patleclerc7227]

Love your videos DJ, always fun to watch. One way I look at my layout (building it or operations) there's no right or wrong way to do it....just my way and so far it served me well 🙂

[@johnpadams8079]

I would love to meet Bill in person. He seems like a very competent confident guy yet humble in a wonderful way ! He s probably a really good friend to those he is in relationship with.

[@wesfletcher5465]

This is great. Keep them coming. My father built a model railroad when I was a child. Brings back some great memories.

[@djstrains]

Although I stopped making videos last week, I have nearly 400 for you to watch. If you like this, please check out my channel homepage for PLAYLIST: layout tours

[@kenamosjr.bo_51]

Nit picking is for a..es, trains are for fun. My thoughts are it’s my railroad and I’ll run what I want, not doing this for anyone but me and if I’m happy then I care less of the negative comments. Beautiful layout and thanks for sharing DJ.

[@djstrains]

Agree

[@garyvs.carsmore4607]

Great rant!

[@richgreene7043]

DJ, I enjoy everything about your videos. You make model railroading extremely interesting and FUN. I have a cross between a toy railroad and a model railroad. It was made to entertain people of all ages. It is extreme fun to operate. Thank you for your time and effort. BTW: I live about 25 minutes from Bethlehem and have been to this model railroad many times. It is fantastic and it's almost unbelievable what they have done. Rich - Egypt, PA

[@djstrains]

Awesome, Rich!

[@LyfovRyan51]

What an amazing layout. I could loose the best part of a day in there. Fantastic scenery

[@djstrains]

It really is!

[@michaelpfister1283]

Keep it coming, DJ! Love the tips and that is an awesome layout! Great ideas!

[@djstrains]

Thanks! Will do!

[@JoeyBPhotography]

Great tips as always. I love modeling the "unexciting" buildings, I find them fun to model because our towns/cities are full of them, and seeing them on a layout would just make the scenes that much more realistic. Towns are not filled with only railroad stations, gotta have those "ho-hum" looking structures in there! Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@anthonyborden2513]

Excellent layout DJ 👌 thanks for your insight 👍

[@duanesforkandspoonrr10]

Good content....awesome looking club layout...

[@djstrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@maxwilson7001]

Dude how do you make so many videos. The content never seems to end. I’ve tried to make regular KZbin videos and failed every time. It’s admirable to watch you do so well for so long. Good job!

[@djstrains]

I sometimes work on these either very late or very early in the day

[@gcorriveau6864]

I love your positive spirit as always! A Fun Time! Thanks, DJ

[@simonetaormina7080]

Very nice DJ but hey most people’s layout is same size or smaller then there main yard. I do agree with everything you’re saying. Facia board made my layout look so much better, also you can make higher areas to your outer parts of the layout like they have. But that layout it just leaves you in awe, it’s truly amazing. I need to go back. I would love to operate a secession with them.

[@trapdriver7006]

I always enjoy your videos which are informative with great modelling tips, also I subscibe to rule number one to enjoy it!!!

[@klsc8510]

Hey, we all have our ideas on how things can be improved. The best people have that knack of doing it in a positive way. Those are the people to listen to. The others are just unwanted noise.

[@patrickhawes5007]

Another great video DJ. All good stuff. And yes, we all have derailments. I just run a fairly small DC layout set in the early fifties. But sometimes you see a BNSF locomotive pulling a load of M1A2 tanks to destinations unknown. Cheers 🍻

[@mikehowey4869]

Nice video,lots of helpful info and tips.

[@HondoLayne]

Thank you so much and I’m getting ready to build my first layout and found this video it changed my entire blueprints

[@djstrains]

Glad I could help!

[@HondoLayne]

@@djstrains yeah I’ll try to get you a pic

[@manamoth]

I have not built a set yet but have a bunch of building and train I inherited. The most helpful tip to me is the foreground making it look more realistic. Some of that track right up against the plexiglass looked a bit barren. If you have the fore ground scenery, I'm not sure you need the plexiglass anymore.

[@hyuga571]

this is a very cool video, It gives me an idea to build a model train layout based on the area I Iive in and where I go, and add the towns and land I saw while living here

[@djstrains]

I feel that modeling what inspires you as a kid or what feels like home, will keep you motivated

[@dholton11]

Hi DJ, I love and enjoy watching your videos! They are great!

[@djstrains]

Awe Thanks!!! That made me smile

[@TRXperienced]

FUN IS ALWAYS WHAT IT’S BEEN ABOUT!!!! Thank You for you great videos. God Bless!!!!

[@djstrains]

I hope you have a fantastic year!

[@tedfisk1211]

It is a fun hobby and should be approached that way. Another great video

[@djstrains]

It sure is

[@HenrikSweden1]

that sure is a great layout and you really can feel the love for the area and its railroads. Keep up the good work !

[@djstrains]

Thanks, will do!

[@KraigSickels]

What a beautiful layout 😊 !!! No knit picking from me 👍👍😍 !!

[@mikehumphrey7413]

Thanks, DJ, this is a great Layout with details everyone would like with a home base layout. Thanks for sharing this layout with us. Mike HO from Australia

[@djstrains]

Very welcome

[@georgehasler142]

Thanks so very much for sharing this information with all of us please keep on posting new videos and as always work safely

[@djstrains]

Thank you, I will

[@ptitrainrouge]

great video DJ .great tips and what a layout ! thx for showing it

[@garychestnut6380]

Great video thanks for sharing.

[@djstrains]

Thanks for watching

[@davidlakatosh9456]

loved the video and the rant, some people have to find a problem with everything

[@AllenCNW441]

Your World - Your Railroad - Your Rules ….

[@jeremyragan4897]

Great video DJ. I always love your vids. You've always helped me out with tips and tricks for when i do finally start on my Delaware & Hudson layout soon.

[@djstrains]

Glad to help

[@georgiasunbelt]

Awesome layout and tips...I try to follow all of them as much as I can

[@djstrains]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@FeelingLucky246]

im very fortunate to have what i have, but i wish i had the time or skill to make something that looks half as good as that, im young though so i got that going for me too. great layout great video. ill make a permanment layout one of these days

[@markturner9272]

Love your positive attitude. Great advice. Thank you.

[@stephenjohnson26]

DJ could sell ice cubes to Eskimos, he is just that likeable!

[@wayneeschbank2895]

Great work DJ love your videos and have learnt a lot from them and others on you tube, Keep up the good work.

[@djstrains]

Thanks, will do!

[@kathleenpatterson3963]

DJ. This was great…keep bringing it. Arlin in Michigan

[@scottwellington1969]

That's an amazing layout!!!! Thanks for the video!!

[@djstrains]

Glad you like it!

[@quasimotoson]

AWESOME Video, super tips and very good advice at the end!!! Just stumbled on your channel today (the 1" mountain backdrop scene that you created for your layout is inspirational). Thanks for the videos and advice. Just starting an HO layout in a spare bedroom for me and the grandkids and I have found your videos very helpful!

[@djstrains]

On my KZbin homepage look for PLAYLISTS: I organized all them so you can find them easier. Enjoy

[@patterrana1581]

Thanks for this video DJ. I know you have a ton of subscribers, and will likely not even get a chance to read this with all that you do, but you said exactly what i needed to hear. Ive been stalled on my next build (layout 2) because of not being able to come up with the perfect track plan due to the struggle of what i want and what is prototypical. I need to just focus on the fun aspect and stop being my own worst critic. Did THAT logging railroad run a switchback in THAT town? No, but dang it, i want a switchback, so im building one! Keep doing what you do!

[@djstrains]

The struggle is real! Steel mill railroads I model don’t lend themselves to easy track planning in n scale! I used to go through tablets of hand drawn track plans and have analysis paralysis. I finally said “close enough” no one cares but me, and I’m gonna design it to fit my space, even if I use creative liberties

[@railwayjade]

Thanks for showing us even more of this fantastic layout, it has been some years since I've had an ops session

[@stephenjohnson26]

I try to have 2 op sessions per month at my home layout. It may seem like a ton of work and it is, but the fun and comradery throughout the day makes it worthwhile

[@railwayjade]

@@stephenjohnson26 for myself, I grew older and started working so lost contact with my regular club. Now I just don't have time or even a layout. But hope to get back to it someday. Your points are all correct and exactly what makes it fun. :)

[@stephenjohnson26]

Thank you, I hope you are able to get back into it soon.

[@pattipilot]

thanks for sharing your informative video. what a beautiful layout! keep up the great work!

[@djstrains]

Thank you so much!

[@Stormbergrail]

Such a cool video, loved the interview. What a cool friendly guy.

[@djstrains]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@eliabraham6918]

Great video. I really like that layout it's realistic

[@philliproe204]

Enjoyed all five of those videos!!! Some day I hope to have a permanent layout not just my yearly temporary 2x4 foot n scale Christmas layout( I really am enjoying setting it up though). Thanks for all your videos!!! Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, DJ!

[@djstrains]

Thanks for watching and I hope you get started on a nice permanent layout in 2024. Merry Christmas

[@johnfloyd838]

I definitely enjoyed seeing your video and thanks for sharing this with me I appreciate it very much ❤️😎👍

[@djstrains]

Glad you enjoyed it Have a great day

[@Madonsteamrailways]

What a gorgeous layout!! My club has a somewhat smaller layout. But there again, we’re in England, not America!!

[@bobspeer6774]

I was hoping to catch Bills last name but was mentioned. He said he worked for Conrail. My brother in-law was a boss there so I was going to ask Larry about bill. I love your train layout and find your videos very informative. Thanks from Bob.

[@djstrains]

I have 3 video interviews with him: Locomotive Engineer Bill, Part 3: RAN THE FASTEST TRAINS IN THE WORLD kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnrcaXh3f6qggMU

[@stephenjohnson26]

Bill's last name is Broadus

[@alancoleman4370]

Great video with excellent suggestions for all model railroad clubs.

[@djstrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kevinguthrie5495]

Congrats DJ on making the NMRA Turntable with this video!

[@djstrains]

WOW! AWESOME!!!!!

[@tedheinbuch3285]

Great video

[@Dirk-jx7yq]

That's a nice layout that's cool

[@barrygibson8704]

Enjoyed seeing some URR activity.

[@djstrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@boogermeister1]

love that layout, trains looked good too! I could belong to that club,

[@stephenjohnson26]

you should become a member

[@boogermeister1]

I would, but St. Louis is a bit far to go to play with trains!@@stephenjohnson26

[@dougcostello9064]

Very cool layout. 👍

[@jacko9759]

Some great ideas, thank😊

[@djstrains]

Thanks for watching

[@johnyvico]

This is great If you have that kinda room I’m doing a 4x8. Hard to both sides and run 2 trains

[@djstrains]

I understand

[@randydobson1863]

hello dj it's is randy and i like yours video is cool thanks dj friends randy

[@KutWrite]

I enjoyed it, DJ!

[@djstrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@KutWrite]

@@djstrains: Always!

[@CSXOhioRailFanPlus752]

Nice Video

[@caniscuriosum3386]

Thanks for keeping it real DJ?

[@djstrains]

Always

[@dirkmontgomery5983]

Cool stuff

[@bmcaboose]

Very nice layout! Do you by any chance know the manufacturer or the type of product used to make the “trees” along the backdrop? They look great and it was well done.

[@djstrains]

Ask Steve, he’s a current member kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZTWiaCwpt-AbNksi=_-TVnVwE93lAbjHu

[@bmcaboose]

@@djstrains I wasn’t able to figure out how to contact him through the link. Is there another way to contact him? Thanks

[@djstrains]

Facebook Steve Johnson (Fredrick, Md)

[@nature_greencool8017]

Can you offer some suggestions for enthusiasts who hope to work with someone 1:1, are there classes to learn how to make landscapes or is it too broad of an area of interest because people do things based on preference?

[@djstrains]

I have 400 videos organized into playlists on my KZbin channel. Playlists include layout and scenery. Enjoy

[@EnjoyFirefighting]

the way the overall layout is designed in model railroads in the US is very very different from what you'd see in Europe

[@WildAcresFarms]

I would very much be interested in hearing more about this. Can you expand on this comment, or link to some European videos?

[@EnjoyFirefighting]

@@WildAcresFarms sure. Many layouts from the US show layouts which are long-stretched alongside the walls, sometimes with a spit of land reaching into the middle of the room but in between the track going in and out there's again a wall as background scenery, to give the impression of single and long rail line winding through the landscape. European layouts are usually ... I'd say more compact. You often have like one large layout with e.g. two stations which are rather close together but the tracks go all over the place, and with ramps, bridges and tunnels the track distance between the two stations seems way longer than it actually is. This short video is a perfect example. The woman looks at track plans in a 50 year old book, but it still shows how the layouts are made today: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKCUen-Qfq2FoK8 This video shows a rather large and modern layout which is still under construction, but you can see the scale and how the tracks are layed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6bUlIiYg9V6rqc A good example a modern and compact layout: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpi2e6uobb17h80 I guess it really stands out how very different the layouts here and there are designed.

[@chrisbarr1359]

Hey DJ. One quick question Why did you choose to use Kato uni track?

[@djstrains]

Over the years I have used atlas flex track and peco switches . Track laying is my weak point. I had so many derailments with atlas switches and dead spots with peco. Kato has been nearly flawless for me and that frees me up to focus on scenery which I love.

[@bernarddiangelo9240]

Hey DJ the fast track hand made switches will smooth your running tremendously seams exposure at first but depending on number of switches you have it pays for itself. And buy the fixture for your most abundant switch to help speed up the process. The rest use the free paper templates. Worth it and it takes your layout to the next level. Sorry for the length,and thank you for all you do for the community. Keep it up

[@bernarddiangelo9240]

Sorry that was supposed to say expensive not exposure lol

[@atshinkansen7439]

Really good tips! I wanted to ask, have you considered exploring prototype railroad practice in other countries, and how it compares to the US? (I personally model Japanese railways.)

[@djstrains]

It’s a great idea, and I have had some interesting discussions with railroaders overseas, but haven’t decided to pursue that as a video.

[@mariebcfhs9491]

A very wise railroad modeler once said: "I keep a bucket of rivets in the back just in case ya'll wanna count 'em, but count 'em in the bucket not on my layout"

[@BattleshipOrion]

I'm expecting to be a "floor hog" for the next decade or so, but if current situation changes, I might be able to have a actual layout room. I haven't actually war-gamed the possible track plans yet, because of variations in the possibilities, but a single deck, fully detailed(geologically, economically, and environmentally) N scale layout is what I want if so...using my current collection, and whatever I gain from my proposed 2026 layout configuration(which has 8 industries, and a proposed 6 track staging area)...maybe I can give the engine facilities a bit more breathing room in those two proposals than it will have in the 2026 configuration...My engine facilities are a combination of a fueling track for steam & diesel, and a 8 stall roundhouse (to meet the roster of my proposed engine collection), and that's excluding the shared MoW/coal tower loading track...doesn't help that my first steam engine is going to be from/result of The War To End All Wars(WW1)...

[@CM-ARM]

Dj I didn't see anything wrong with this video other than you showed what happens on every layout

[@JettaCity]

Thanks for the advice! Ugh another redesign 🤭

[@djstrains]

Lol

[@ScottTaipaleRail]

I need Plexiglas to keep me from knocking the layout with my gut. My kids are way more delicate!

[@djstrains]

Haha, I feel your pain

[@ralphmitchell9762]

I'm sure every prototype had equipment and procedures we weren't aware of.