What Make This Layout Great? - Merkiomen Branch

Train Sim: Trainz Railroad Simulator 19
Route: Merkiomen Branch
Download Location: Download Station/Content Manager
Route designer: Robert Mountenay
/ attherailyard
We’re going back to the train simulators, but we’re not here to review routes like we did before. Instead, we’re here to answer a fundamental question of train layout design. What makes a layout so much fun to play with that you don’t want to stop?
No single track plan can answer this question alone. It’s about seeing what we can discover from a variety of layouts and track plans to apply to our own world building. To do this, we examine these plans, adapt them to the simulator, and give them the ultimate test. And that means you get to try them out as well.
It’s time to find out…what makes this layout great?

[@robertmountenay295]

Thanks so much, Nick! The Merk was a blast to build and was heart breaking to scrap when I retired in July of 2020. Even though you didn’t have a chance to see it in person, you’ve captured both the concept and the look of my 3D version. Thanks so much for memorializing anole friend so beautifully!

[@NickOzorak]

You clearly put a lot of time, effort, and planning into the Merk. It's worth celebrating such a good layout.

[@geoffreylittlefield2215]

I loved seeing photos of your layout Robert, wish I could've seen it in person.

[@chrisjessee9789]

It would be great to see other layouts done in this format

[@zacharyspires2706]

This is the series we always needed but we didn't know it until right now

[@DatAssIsCash]

I grew up alongside the real life Perkiomen and North Penn branches of the reading, the layout and your rendition feel like home

[@TheBen0913]

In the intro, I saw a particular road name which makes me quite excited for this series. If I'm right, it's a layout from a model railroad club whose open houses I visited a lot when I was a kid.

[@rschambers9082]

Really nicely done! Lots of work on your part. One of the best that I’ve ever seen.

[@davidwhiting1761]

This is a new direction, but I like it. It'll be neat to see what other layouts you might decide to model in Trainz down the line.

[@AlexHoffnerTheHoff]

I really like this series here. Hope to see more!

[@Trainman3985]

Great start a new series that has a lot of potential in of itself. Great job Nick keep up the great work.

[@Mr.RailYard-LJLRailYard]

Nick, yes I would like to more of this What Make This layout Great. Great video as always LJL.

[@Trainman401]

Yes I really enjoyed this video. Can't wait for more to come out. Always loved your reviews as well.

[@DonWilde1956]

A great start... keep improving it and don't be afraid to update your YouTUBE link as you do!

[@aiforus]

Love this. Hope you continue to make this a series.

[@ryguygaming06]

This is cool! im looking forward to the series.

[@ClassicIron45]

I loved this! I think it could make for a great series

[@SheltonDCruz]

Thanks for this Nick!

[@Kermondale]

Looks great

[@adirondackcarfoundry368]

I'm blown away by this. I wish you would take my 4x8 plan and give it this sort of treatment!

[@SCL3618]

Nicely done!

[@djlangle5526]

A very cool and well made video!

[@BMMEC6000]

I really enjoyed that

[@NickOzorak]

Thanks!

[@yrunaked4]

beautiful

[@orazl.2676]

Awesome Video, would love to see the Red Wing layout. Another 4x8 but i think it offers everything.

[@Curious_Skeptic]

If I buy this game in steam, do I have access to this included, or do I need to buy something else too? I LOVE this! I'm so disappointed in most all train sims! This video is more of what I was hoping for. Love the engine, the concept and the layout!

[@NickOzorak]

You can download this route from the Download Station, which is included with all versions of Trainz.

[@spudwagon2401]

More please :)

[@Badeumus]

I like this

[@RWSBaden]

Hi Nick, Very interesting video and question. Having grown up watching both the Economy and the Bridgeville & McDonald Branches of the Penn Central railroad, I too have been fascinated by branch line railroads that seem to sneak down alley ways in small towns and through the back yards of suburban America. Being a very space deprived modeler, my passion is layouts that fit in small spaces. When I first saw Robert's layout featured in a MB Klein video, I thought it's a perfect example of a small layout built for folks who do not have room for a large layout, but want a layout that has the ambiance of a much larger layout. Another layout that I feel has also captured this ambiance is, Steve Campbell's Penn Central Hitop Secondary which is based on the Model Railroader Virginian project railroad. Also Nick if you'd like to see what I've been up to for the past decade, pop on over to my channel. I've uploaded several videos of my layout, none with the video quality of your videos, but I think you'll get a good idea of what the 24" x 80" N scale Long Valley Branch is all about. Cheers, Rich S.

[@RefillerName]

Where did you get the B&LE SD38 at 0:51 / 0:53 ?

[@camelback5924]

anyone else missing a dependencies with the switchstands

[@ShawnsTrains265]

This was awesome! How can I do this to build my dream layout?

[@fredpryde8555]

i got trainz 19 and trying to come up with a idea to build a layout is hard

[@randysrockandrollrailroad8207]

😊

[@chrisscott8934]

Have you make a layout before in trainz or is this your first time doing one for starters?

[@NickOzorak]

I've already made several, some of which you see in the intro to this video.

[@chrisscott8934]

@@NickOzorak ok I just wondering by the way love your videos keep up the good work

[@AKidNamedKenny96]

Does this mean you''ll review something like...maybe this program called Run 8 V3???

[@harleymemphis9190]

what engine is that

[@NickOzorak]

Which engine?

[@harleymemphis9190]

Hiya Nick thank you for getting back to me It was the camel back I was talking about it hit me just after I had logged from the video