What I really like about this video is it is a real-life demonstration of, it didn't go exactly as planned and it still turned out great. This is a great help to modelers who have problems with perfectionism. That being said, even though you had to deviate from your original plan it came out fantastic and I would be genuinely very happy if I produced this layout
It has been more than a decade since I've even THOUGHT about model trains. Dug up my old lionel for christmas, found this channel, and now I'm back in it.
I have been wanting to get back into model railroading but lacked the room for a decent HO layout. I never gave any thought to N scale back in the 60's when I was doing HO stuff. Nothing was ever completed, and when I got married and lived in an apartment there was NO room for a layout. Now that I'm retired I stumbled back onto N scale and think I could do this kind of a layout. What inspired me was a video about building a layout on a foam core door (available at Home Depot). I DO have room in my garage for something like this. Then just now I found THIS video. Really a nice compact but cool layout. Your scenery skills are amazing. You've given me hope! Thaaank you!
My wife just bought me my first starter train set this Christmas. Watching this video taught me an incredible amount about layout building. Definitely an A+ video and you have a new subscriber.
Hi Steve, I hope you get this message I just bought my very first in scale transit I bought just the train to the cars I still have to buy the track and all that but watching your videos has given me great confidence that I’m going to enjoy this new hobby.
Thanks for sharing.. this is the type of layout that "Everyman" would be able to accomplish... not a photorealistic, there is not way that is not real sort that takes 3 years and $3000 to do.. but the sort of model that gets done in a month for $300.
Same here. It is real. Not edited to say it all came out perfect first shot. We learn from mistakes so showing mistakes helps everyone learn. In the end it looks awsome, and that is all that matters. Great video.
Very nice layout. I’ve been watching tons of videos trying to find the kind of layout that appeals to me. The N scale is definitely the scale I’m going to build due to space restrictions. Really enjoyed your video. It proves that a small layout can look good. Thank you!
Excellent job in the N scale layout. Kato tracks and remote switch. Atlas and Bachmann tracks in my layout. Life Like 93/4" curve. Peco manual switch insulfrog #8. Code 80 the tracks. DC locomotives.
I love this. I have a small train set that is just boring old track and train. I’m gonna make like 3 or 4 of these models, make them stackable and attachable with track, so it’s basically a modular train model set. You have given me many ideas here friend, thank you.
I watched too many of his videos over the lockdown... finally pulled the trigger on a layout-just started my Durango and Silverton “Highline” diorama in N scale. I have most of the craft supplies i need already, it can get expensive the first go round with buying all the detail craft stuff, but if you conserve materials you can have enough for 2 or 3 layouts depending on size of course. So far, I’m in this particular project $30 for some track pieces I needed. I also replace a lot of craft materials and supplies with comparable products that aren’t from expensive train stores... this can totally be done on a budget, as far as the actual layout...
Steve, this is a great layout. I have the Kato Orient Express train. I’ve wanted a snowy mountain scene resembling the movie. This would be perfect without the building and all snow. Cheers!
Holy cow! A complete scenery book done in a 26 minute video 📹. Awesome! Dudes a scenery wizard 🧙♂️ Of course when I saw the Penn State cup 🥤 Ah ha, that's why he's so good :-)
This is great work Steve, I'm a firm believer that less is more and this wasn't overly complicated yet you managed a Stella project. I'm embarking on journey and have come realize through your work that planning is key and maintaining that course is crucial..😂
This is awesome. I grew up with HO scale. I have a 3x5 space in my basement that is kinda just a waste. This gives so much inspiration that I’m gonna have to make the downsized upgrade! Thanks for sharing.
Hi, a lot of effort went into this. In the end it was worth it. The layout came out looking great. Thanks. See ya next time. Oh.....please get yourself a workbench to get yourself up off the floor. My knees, hips, and lower back were all screaming watching you work. Lol.
I'm doing research for my first train layout (Holiday theme) and found your video. Thank you for the details. I agree that the best part is that you leave in changes in plans and show how to roll with the punches. The second best part is the cup you used for your epoxy. WE ARE!! :)
Holy SHoneT Steve, awesome! I once got half way through a HO gauge build until my wife wanted the spare bedroom back in the house. Down hill after that!! Now I thinking my grandson(he is 2) has a fascination for trains at the moment. And he and I sat there for almost an hour just watching a couple of Thomas the tank engine and Co. engines run around in a small circle. Then I thought humm, why not build him small layout that is compact and simple. Next move go to RUclips and search N gauge....... What do I find "STEVES TRAINS"! And I'm hooked again!! My wife can't deny our grandson his first proper trainset!! Thanks Steve. Loved the Video. Plenty of detail and extremely interesting. Thanks Steve(have I said that already). Peter (Australia)
Lots of good techniques shown and shared. I appreciate it and have learned quite a bit. Realize I have much to high of expectations in doing layouts and scenery. Again thanks.
Thx, gave me lots of ideas for my Coffee Table layout. Too bad I won’t be able to work at your speed and finish the layout in 30 minutes. Just kidding if it takes more time so be it, part of enjoyment of the hobby!
WE ARE.............PENN STATE!! 😀 Steve......you need a work bench! Your back and knees will thank you later in life. Awesome build...........keep up the good work.
Another well crafted and informative production. It was so simple, but slightly angling the loop so it is not parallel to the layout edge really makes a great difference. Very inspirational. Thank you.
Went to a lot of extra work on the base. Could have just sprayed it with satin or semi gloss paint. Also on building the mountains I have found that paper towels or newspaper strips soaked in plaster spread over shaped foam or lath/chicken wire works well and is less expensive. Your project looks good and if you’re happy with it then that’s all that really matters.
Per the paint, that is true, but I just used what I had on hand. I used to use the plaster with towels/cloths method, but I much prefer using sculptamold now. It gives a very natural rock texture without any carving or casting needed. Rock casting will still provide a more realistic rock texture, but straight up sculptamold looks pretty good by itself. It is only about $2.50/lb when buying in bulk, and I probably only used maybe 6-8 lbs on this layout, so less than $20 worth. Obviously if you are doing a large layout it makes sense to use cheaper methods since there might be a meaningful cost savings. But, since I work about 60-70 hours a week and have a family, I always pick time saving methods over cost saving methods for most projects, especially since almost all of these projects are built for clients and not myself.
Thank you for your good explanations without taking too much time on the details- details will differ for other’s layouts. I am working on a design for an O scale mini trolley layout.
Great design incorporating many details into one small area, very nice. You must be in good physical shape because you built the whole thing on your knees on a concreter floor. If I attempted that I would end up in the hospital. You've got to get a bench, at least for the smaller layouts.Thanks for a great tutorial.
I'm a black belt in TKD and am used to breaking things with knees and elbows and hands and what not which helps a lot. I actually find it very comfortable to kneel on the floor oddly enough.
A friend from of mine that has trained at the same TKD school took up yoga for a while. The instructor asked him why he was taking yoga and what he wanted to get out of it and he told the instructor he was taking it so he would be flexible enough to to kick tall people in the head. Lol.
I've seen plenty of small layouts but they were not always the best, this is one cool layout and when I go to college I'm making something like this for my dorm
Very nice work, sir. My layout is also N scale, but a walk-in 12'x8'. I'll be using that same mining kit on mine, so I was very glad to find this video, which provided many good ideas. Thanks for posting.
I enjoyed watching this, beautifull presented and it shows what you can achieve on a very small surface. It also thought me some new tricks. I'm just another amateur who tries to built a model railway by watching and learning from builders who are more experienced. I love the work of Luke Towan but I don't own as many tools as he's got and I think he's sponsored by a number of companies who fabricate stuff for modeling model railways. My budget doesn't allow me to spend I lot of money on expensive tools and model scenery items. So I try to make as much myself as possible. I loved the way you managed to create realistic pine trees. I'm gonna watch more of your tutorials if there are any available. Have a great 2022, Greetings from the Netherlands.
![FNAF Into the Pit has A LOT of Unused Graphics | LOST BITS [TetraBitGaming]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/6YhZCRdipl4/mqdefault.jpg)
What I really like about this video is it is a real-life demonstration of, it didn't go exactly as planned and it still turned out great. This is a great help to modelers who have problems with perfectionism. That being said, even though you had to deviate from your original plan it came out fantastic and I would be genuinely very happy if I produced this layout
It has been more than a decade since I've even THOUGHT about model trains. Dug up my old lionel for christmas, found this channel, and now I'm back in it.
Nice!
A LOT of great tips packed into this short video. This may be the year I “finish” my own layout…
I have been wanting to get back into model railroading but lacked the room for a decent HO layout. I never gave any thought to N scale back in the 60's when I was doing HO stuff. Nothing was ever completed, and when I got married and lived in an apartment there was NO room for a layout. Now that I'm retired I stumbled back onto N scale and think I could do this kind of a layout. What inspired me was a video about building a layout on a foam core door (available at Home Depot). I DO have room in my garage for something like this. Then just now I found THIS video. Really a nice compact but cool layout. Your scenery skills are amazing. You've given me hope! Thaaank you!
My wife just bought me my first starter train set this Christmas. Watching this video taught me an incredible amount about layout building. Definitely an A+ video and you have a new subscriber.
Thanks!
Get this man a work bench!
I think you are the best scenery model on RUclips. I've been watching for years.
You should try the Australian Nullarbor track. All you need is a long straight and a bucket of sand.
And a Neville for ambience.
Steve This has been a huge inspiration of mine while getting into the hobby
Hi Steve, I hope you get this message I just bought my very first in scale transit I bought just the train to the cars I still have to buy the track and all that but watching your videos has given me great confidence that I’m going to enjoy this new hobby.
Thanks for sharing.. this is the type of layout that "Everyman" would be able to accomplish... not a photorealistic, there is not way that is not real sort that takes 3 years and $3000 to do.. but the sort of model that gets done in a month for $300.
Enjoyed video I'm doing "Z" scale in a suitcase and wanted to do hills/mountains such as yours so I learned a lot ..Thanks !
I’ll have a video on building a small Z scale layout Tuesday July 18th and have a video today that shows the layout.
Same here. It is real. Not edited to say it all came out perfect first shot. We learn from mistakes so showing mistakes helps everyone learn. In the end it looks awsome, and that is all that matters.
Great video.
It would take me 30 years to accomplish this. Fantastic job !
Very nice layout. I’ve been watching tons of videos trying to find the kind of layout that appeals to me. The N scale is definitely the scale I’m going to build due to space restrictions. Really enjoyed your video. It proves that a small layout can look good. Thank you!
Good job in the N scale layout 2'×3' .
Kato tracks and remote switch .
I used Atlas tracks and nails for fixed.
Well done and I love it ! 👍 Been looking at some N scale sets and like the smaller layout options as we ain't got any more room in the house ... LOL 😁
I love the N scale layout 2'×3'.
Kato tracks and remote switch.
Nice work! So glad I found your channel
You just blew my mind. Great attention to detail. People and their hobbies. I love it!
N scale layout 2'×3'.
Kato tracks and remote switch.
I used Atlas tracks and nails for fixed in my layout.
Good work my friend.
I built an N scale and HO scale layout 10x12 space. Thanks for your ideas
Can't figure out the 54 people who gave it a thumbs down. Nice work on the layout.
imagine what THEIR layouts look like!
And now the down button doesn't work
Really cool layout. My daughter is loving your “how to” videos on modeling.
So glad I found this channel.
Thanks for stopping by!
Excellent job in the N scale layout.
Kato tracks and remote switch.
Atlas and Bachmann tracks in my layout.
Life Like 93/4" curve.
Peco manual switch insulfrog #8.
Code 80 the tracks.
DC locomotives.
outstanding.....
I love this. I have a small train set that is just boring old track and train. I’m gonna make like 3 or 4 of these models, make them stackable and attachable with track, so it’s basically a modular train model set. You have given me many ideas here friend, thank you.
Recessing controller box is really clever
Thanks for sharing such complicated procedures, I'm glad I'm only interested, and not fully committed to buying yet.
I watched too many of his videos over the lockdown... finally pulled the trigger on a layout-just started my Durango and Silverton “Highline” diorama in N scale. I have most of the craft supplies i need already, it can get expensive the first go round with buying all the detail craft stuff, but if you conserve materials you can have enough for 2 or 3 layouts depending on size of course. So far, I’m in this particular project $30 for some track pieces I needed. I also replace a lot of craft materials and supplies with comparable products that aren’t from expensive train stores... this can totally be done on a budget, as far as the actual layout...
Steve, this is a great layout. I have the Kato Orient Express train. I’ve wanted a snowy mountain scene resembling the movie. This would be perfect without the building and all snow. Cheers!
Cool .
Orient Express train.
Murded passengers in the coach .
I'm learning
Holy cow! A complete scenery book done in a 26 minute video 📹. Awesome! Dudes a scenery wizard 🧙♂️ Of course when I saw the Penn State cup 🥤 Ah ha, that's why he's so good :-)
We are!
Thanks
This is great work Steve, I'm a firm believer that less is more and this wasn't overly complicated yet you managed a Stella project.
I'm embarking on journey and have come realize through your work that planning is key and maintaining that course is crucial..😂
Dunking your trees in diluted white glue works just as well as with matte medium but it is a lot cheaper. Thanks for making this nice video
Steve This is awesome! Thank you!! About to start an N scale. Maybe even the train room I ve been pondering for years..
This is awesome. I grew up with HO scale. I have a 3x5 space in my basement that is kinda just a waste. This gives so much inspiration that I’m gonna have to make the downsized upgrade! Thanks for sharing.
Great Show. Thanks for the video.
My back and knees hurt watching this
Sorry about that! I know one day I won’t be able to do that anymore.
@@StevesTrains lol I’m at that point 👍🏻🇺🇸
Thanks!
Thank you!
Ticket center coat hanger and put it in your soldering iron instead of your soldering tip then you can use it to cut through the foam
Good ideal. I’ll have to try that.
Hi, a lot of effort went into this. In the end it was worth it. The layout came out looking great. Thanks. See ya next time. Oh.....please get yourself a workbench to get yourself up off the floor. My knees, hips, and lower back were all screaming watching you work. Lol.
UNBELIEVABLE TALENT !!!!
Nice job!!!! Your very artistic !!
I'm doing research for my first train layout (Holiday theme) and found your video. Thank you for the details. I agree that the best part is that you leave in changes in plans and show how to roll with the punches. The second best part is the cup you used for your epoxy. WE ARE!! :)
Dedicated modelling..lots of patience and attention to detail on an amzing small layout..
Top model make
Holy SHoneT Steve, awesome! I once got half way through a HO gauge build until my wife wanted the spare bedroom back in the house. Down hill after that!! Now I thinking my grandson(he is 2) has a fascination for trains at the moment. And he and I sat there for almost an hour just watching a couple of Thomas the tank engine and Co. engines run around in a small circle. Then I thought humm, why not build him small layout that is compact and simple. Next move go to RUclips and search N gauge....... What do I find "STEVES TRAINS"! And I'm hooked again!! My wife can't deny our grandson his first proper trainset!! Thanks Steve.
Loved the Video. Plenty of detail and extremely interesting. Thanks Steve(have I said that already). Peter (Australia)
Cool!
Great Job, all your videos are very helpful! Looking at getting into yhe train world, currently doing all my research.
Great! Enjoy the journey!
Lots of good techniques shown and shared. I appreciate it and have learned quite a bit. Realize I have much to high of expectations in doing layouts and scenery. Again thanks.
Thx, gave me lots of ideas for my Coffee Table layout. Too bad I won’t be able to work at your speed and finish the layout in 30 minutes. Just kidding if it takes more time so be it, part of enjoyment of the hobby!
breaks my heart to see all these machinist blocks being thrashed... :)
Great job Steve! My back and knees ached in sympathy with you!
WE ARE.............PENN STATE!! 😀
Steve......you need a work bench! Your back and knees will thank you later in life.
Awesome build...........keep up the good work.
Hope we beat Utah today!
Fantastic little layout, liked how you used nails in the foam
Great job! You deserve a workbench so you don't have to crawl around on your knees.
maybe he could make one in a video!!! I wouldn't want to have his knees when he's older!!!
Thank Steve, you make it look so good!
Those rock faces have crazy detail, and they don't look like mush. They look like hard rock. Very well done!
Another well crafted and informative production. It was so simple, but slightly angling the loop so it is not parallel to the layout edge really makes a great difference. Very inspirational. Thank you.
Nice
Its so good for such a small layout
That's a lot of work for a tiny little lap of track.
7:30 all hail the dry brush
Went to a lot of extra work on the base. Could have just sprayed it with satin or semi gloss paint. Also on building the mountains I have found that paper towels or newspaper strips soaked in plaster spread over shaped foam or lath/chicken wire works well and is less expensive. Your project looks good and if you’re happy with it then that’s all that really matters.
Per the paint, that is true, but I just used what I had on hand. I used to use the plaster with towels/cloths method, but I much prefer using sculptamold now. It gives a very natural rock texture without any carving or casting needed. Rock casting will still provide a more realistic rock texture, but straight up sculptamold looks pretty good by itself. It is only about $2.50/lb when buying in bulk, and I probably only used maybe 6-8 lbs on this layout, so less than $20 worth. Obviously if you are doing a large layout it makes sense to use cheaper methods since there might be a meaningful cost savings. But, since I work about 60-70 hours a week and have a family, I always pick time saving methods over cost saving methods for most projects, especially since almost all of these projects are built for clients and not myself.
Foam board is great to work with to build a layout.
Great project and outcome.
This is awesome! This gives me hope as I get into the hobby with extremely limited space for now.
N scale art. Thanks for your creativity,,,
Thank you for your good explanations without taking too much time on the details- details will differ for other’s layouts.
I am working on a design for an O scale mini trolley layout.
Great design incorporating many details into one small area, very nice. You must be in good physical shape because you built the whole thing on your knees on a concreter floor. If I attempted that I would end up in the hospital. You've got to get a bench, at least for the smaller layouts.Thanks for a great tutorial.
I'm a black belt in TKD and am used to breaking things with knees and elbows and hands and what not which helps a lot. I actually find it very comfortable to kneel on the floor oddly enough.
@@StevesTrains Ah I see. So if anyone makes fun of your layouts you can just kick em' in the head. Excellent.
A friend from of mine that has trained at the same TKD school took up yoga for a while. The instructor asked him why he was taking yoga and what he wanted to get out of it and he told the instructor he was taking it so he would be flexible enough to to kick tall people in the head. Lol.
Thank you, I am making my first n scale layout and this video will help me!
Great workmanship..
I've seen plenty of small layouts but they were not always the best, this is one cool layout and when I go to college I'm making something like this for my dorm
Thanks for sharing your techniques, Steve - fab video. But where are all the tiny passengers, workers and most importantly, forest critters?
They are all quarantined at the moment because of the Roni Rona.
Very nice work, sir. My layout is also N scale, but a walk-in 12'x8'. I'll be using that same mining kit on mine, so I was very glad to find this video, which provided many good ideas. Thanks for posting.
Wonderful layout! As usual, you do an excellent job of showing us the construction process!
9:23 that’s my place holder so I can do that to my track
Very nice! It doesn't always have to be big! Thanks for the video!
Excellent piece of work.
Nice. Nice work. My tastes are different. I prefer seeing more of the train.
nice
That's a good looking layout.a lot of detail in such a small space. Great job
FYI when you wire through 4 or 6 inches put in a plastic straw and the wire will go through that easy
I can't get down on my knees, working on a workbench is much better for me
I’ve actually shown that technique in a video before. We just don’t always have straws in the house when I need one.
Awesome job!! Im just starting out with this hobby and really appreciate videos like this. Keep up the great work!!
Wow! You're a true visionary!
Cool
Amazing what can be done with a little imagination...
Absolutely incredible craftsmanship---!!!
Thanks!
Magnificent little layout! But working on the floor? Omg kudos friend
I enjoyed watching this, beautifull presented and it shows what you can achieve on a very small surface. It also thought me some new tricks. I'm just another amateur who tries to built a model railway by watching and learning from builders who are more experienced. I love the work of Luke Towan but I don't own as many tools as he's got and I think he's sponsored by a number of companies who fabricate stuff for modeling model railways. My budget doesn't allow me to spend I lot of money on expensive tools and model scenery items. So I try to make as much myself as possible. I loved the way you managed to create realistic pine trees. I'm gonna watch more of your tutorials if there are any available. Have a great 2022, Greetings from the Netherlands.
Nice job! You need a workbench to make things easier for your model and layout building. Thanks
Superb video full of helpful information. I'm planning on building a 4 x 2 layout soon. Subscribed
That’s genius Steve!!!!!
Absolutely fascinating. I don't think I would have the patience or the knowhow to do something like this.
Nice little layout, you make it look easy
Enjoy it thanks.Hope more to come.
Great video!
THANKS FOR SHARING