Video 3: Risers, Roadbed and The Big Mistake

[@schekyn6104]

I love these videos that are by real people not trying to make a buck. You’d think by now people wouldn’t take 3 minutes of video telling me to like and subscribe.

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

I agree. I document my train building stuff just for fun and if others can benefit from it, so much the better. But for me, it's all about the fun of the hobby. Thanks for your comment!

[@JaysTrain08]

I gotta agree with this. I left the hobby for about 5 years and on my return I learned that lots of model channels are sell outs or sponsored. Highly disappointing

[@KandWRailroader]

@@JaysTrain08 Just for for my own research...I currently have a channel similar to this one, no promotion or anything, but have considered benefiting from the ads that I have no control over anyway, and then using those funds to help support the layout. Would you consider this "selling out?" It won't do me any good to build a following so I can earn money for the layout, and then lose half of it because of more ads during my videos. (I have no idea if there will even be more ads). I'm definitely not going to have paid subscriptions for my channel...I don't want the pressure of having to do fancy production to make paid subscriptions worth the monthly fee.

[@Eclipse1988]

Still an inspiration! Reason being, it shows you can make a mistake and fix it without ruining the whole layout! Looks great, by the way!

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

Thanks, that is exactly why I did that part of the video. Just to remind folks, especially those doing their first layout, not to be discouraged when you mess up. We are bound to make mistakes, but it's OK, that's how we learn. I can tell you - I never made that roadbed mistake again! Thanks for watching and also for your comment.

[@swiv99]

upside down roadbed, im gonna use that excuse next time wife ask me not to spend so much time in train room😚...Nice layout nonetheless, glad ya sorted it out.

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

LOL, thanks for the comment!

[@schadowolf]

Thanks for sharing and identifying 'oops' items, will help others as well in the future. Part of the hobby is learning because stuff happens :)

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

Very true!

[@mjtunstall1976]

looks good nobody is perfect we all make mistakes! thanks for the tip about the plaster cloth, i just brought one just now i didnt know we need it as well i was concerned about what is the easiest way but that is perfect

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

Matthew, I'm glad you found the video helpful. That's one mistake I won't be making again! Thanks for the comment!

[@tomasgimenez4592]

It was very reassuring to see that you made a mistake!

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

LOL, you have no idea how many mistakes I've made on this layout! But, that's part of the fun in the hobby, always learning! Thanks for the comment!

[@markhayes789]

Adult beverages, the source AND solution to most mistakes.

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

LOL, you are so right! Thanks for watching!

[@KandWRailroader]

This...

[@garypatterson9593]

With the upside down roadbed did you consider laying new roadbed directly on top? Aside from cost it would have saved time, and possible a few adjustments where the inclines change. Hope all going well!

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

Hi Gary, I guess I could have just added the new roadbed on top but doing so would have caused several other issues relating to track height/ to scale and ballasting that I was not prepared to work around. It was a lot of extra work but in hindsight, I'm glad I made the correction by just pulling out the old and reinstalling the new. Thanks for the comment, hope you enjoyed the video! Ben.

[@garypatterson9593]

@@bensmodelrailroadworkshop I did wonder what the knock on effect might be. I'm starting a new N scale layout using Kato Unitrack and building all on ridge foam boards which allows me the choice on laying roadbed or not. I'll probably forego. Thanks for the video your layout looks great. Appears to be a dog bone? Cheers

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

Yes, basic dog bone layout for all 3 lines. Good luck with your N scale layout, sounds like fun!

[@davidcurtis5398]

That would not be a good idea.

[@duanegraham9442]

A couple questions did you solder each section of track and are just running DC power. right now my track is flat, but want to put in risers. I have a lot of brass track with some dating back to 1958 when I got my 1st HO set. The current track down is grey power-loc, I have some steel and silver nickel, I inherated my old trains from my younger brother just before he passed away from cancer, plus what he added.

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

Hello, I am running DC only. I found that when running DC, and you have long runs and want to add grades (risers) to the run, it is not necessary to solder feeders every 3 feet PROVIDED you do the following 3 things: 1) Have 2 terminal tracks on each line, space them out, one at the beginning and the other at the half-way point of the track run. 2) Use 18 Gauge wire to run power from the transformers to the terminal tracks. This heavier gauge of wire carries more power to the track.3) The size and type of transformer used also makes a significant difference in how much power is getting to each terminal track. I use MRC TECH 7 ampac 780 transformers. As for the track, everyone told me not to re-purpose the old brass track. I did anyway, and aside from having to clean it more often than the Nickle track, I have had no problems whatsoever. As you have probably discovered, most of the "old" stuff was built to last! If you clean up the old track you have from 1958, chances are it will still give you many years of dependable use. Thank you for the questions, I hope my answers are helpful. Good luck!

[@davidcurtis5398]

Plaster cloth is all the same basic product so find the cheapest and use that, it's all basically the same... You made a mistake so why not edit it out and re-shoot???

[@bensmodelrailroadworkshop]

Thanks for your comments, David. I agree, for the most part all plaster cloth is the same. Regarding the mistake I highlighted in the video, many people have sent me messages describing how easily you can get discouraged when making mistakes while learning this hobby. I purposely left the mistake in the video to make the point that we all make mistakes, and when we do, don't get discouraged, just keep pushing on. Thanks again for watching and for your comments, I appreciate it!