This hobby makes us amateur woodworkers, electricians and quasi contractors. Sometimes the best part is the actual build. Have a great weekend my friend
Woodworking is one of the trades I'd love to experience, perfection and beauty in wood. But I'm an electrician, I enjoy the challenges of a wiring project. This opens up a new concept to me of building a strong "finished" table. Also gives an excuse to buy more tool now.
Always an excuse to buy more tools, haha! I am more of a wiring person myself. This is why I was so grateful to have Lawrence's help. Thanks for watching!
As a much better than average wood worker, I have been admiring the structure under your layout, thinking to myself that even from the tracks down, this layout is a masterpiece. Thanks for the tour of its' building. And, I am relieved to know that the beautiful looking fireplace was already not usable.
A education in planning and craftsmanship, Chris! Lawrence is a master and you were fortunate to have his help. Thanks for sharing this fascinating look at the construction of a great layout table!
Beautiful craftsmanship, very interesting to see how a professional builds the table structure. Thank you Lawrence for sharing your expertise with this community.
Fantastic! Thank you very much for showing me how to design the layout based on an actual set up. I learned soooo much. This is what RUclips is all about!
I have more time to express how happy and honor to see your RUclips videos. Most of all seeing young guys like you and your friends in the hobby. It’s been around over a 100 years and still people enjoy it. I know the cost can be high but what hobby is not expensive. The thing I look at if I get to old I can always sell them. It’s an investment for the future. I do wish one day I could meet you guys and hey maybe come out west . Your always invited to my home. Keep up the great work on everything stay healthy and safe to
It’s always fun to see how other folks layouts come together! Your process for benchwork couldn’t be anymore different then how I did mine. Always fun! Thanks for sharing.
I love it!” Thank you Chris! A lot of people I know want a train layout, but have no idea on how to get started with a table or the size. By showing them this video, now they know just how much work go’s into making a table for the trains. Great video!
This was an incredible video Chris. Loved seeing the transformation. I have been a woodworker as a hobby for many years and I can tell you that what your friend did was not an easy task especially the radius parts he is truly gifted and you got the benefit of it hopefully you took care of him what a great friend
Thanks for all the time required to present this information. Your videos are always educational, fun, inspirational, and honest. Every model railroader knows the great effort it takes to create and maintain a functional miniature world. And, most of the time it takes a village to get it done!
Great video Chris. Great craftsmanship and you are so lucky to have a friend that is so talented. I have always wanted to see how large train tables were constructed. I'm holding on to your video for future reference. You have a beautiful layout and it's very strong and sturdy. I have always wanted to make sure that all of the wiring underneath the layout was not only hooked up correctly but that all of the electrical connections and wiring would be clean and not one wire on top of another wire causing Mass confusion. I love your videos Chris and your enthusiasm.. you would make a great friend and you're a great person. Wish I lived closer to you but I'm all the way here in SoCal. So your videos mean a lot to me. I learned so much from you. Please keep your videos coming along with all of the things that you tell us about the engines cars prices and more. Thanks again Chris.
Good afternoon Chris, It’s Dennis from England I’ve been watching your channel for a few months now this video was fantastic really enjoyed watching how you built your benchwork keep the good work up Dennis
I am so grateful that you posted this video. I am in the process of finishing a much larger (15' x 35') space in my house for a bigger layout that will require all new benchwork. I have always marveled at the professional finish of your benchwork, especially the smoothly curved table edges and finely shaped legs. I will try to duplicate this technique on mine as well.
As a fellow woodworker when I started watching your videos the first thing my eyes went to was the bench work. It was simple and clean in design. It gave me some ideas for my own layout but, sadly I have the little issue of no space to make one. One day I will have the space and start the project. One day.
I have such an appreciation for the woodworking hobby after seeing how this came together. I bet you can build some amazing things as well since you are into the woodworking side of things as well! Thanks for watching
This was great. I always thought those legs were solid pine or something. 35 of those would have cost a ton, making them out of plywood was a great idea. The 5-10 HO layout I once had in our upstairs game room was built using all-plywood construction except for the legs, that is a great way to go to avoid humidity issues like you said. One day I'll have that 15x17 foot game room back to put trains in, but for now it has been taken over by my son's drum kit and all of his other percussion gear.
New to the channel. Love it! Getting back into the hobby. I just watched this video. I know enough about woodworking to know that's one badass setup. Nice work!
I am in the very early stage of design, I am going to build a N-Scale on an 40 X 80 inch platform. My engine of procivity is a KATO 4884 BIGBOY so the radius of the corners I want to be as prototypical as possible, so it looks the part...alway enjoy your energy and all the cool stuff you share. Thank you!
Amazing work Chris! Your friend Lawrence is an outstanding woodworker. Very informative thank you for sharing. Particularly interesting was the build up of the table legs. Way more sophisticated than using 2x4’s. Thanks 👍
Thanks for sharing. Great video and so much work to make it look great. I just received some of my RCS track and switches as I am replacing my tubular track. My wife wants me to rebuild another layout so she can replace the flooring first. That is an ouch factor but when the wife asks for something you do not question her.
Amazing bench work in 60 hours. Many don’t know how much time is put in to our layouts. You just kicked the tip off the iceberg. Great explanation on the real world of building the bench work of a layout. Hats off to you.. 🚂😊👍
Lawrence is a master! Heck when my brother built his benchwork for his O scale layout I don't even think he used a miter box, lol. I'm interested to know why were the legs composite built out of the plywood? Would a 4x4 solid piece of lumber have been subject to the warping you were trying to avoid?
That is some awesome bench work Chris. I wish my bench work was that nice. You have given me several ideas because I am getting ready to expand my layout. Love all the work that you put into the channel.
Chris Once again another amazing and informative video!!! Benchwork construction is incredible. I always wondered how you created the track design and after seeing this it’s clear that it was done the old school way!!
Wow, that was absolutely amazing! I’ve been kicking around Several ideas for a layout and this was definitely a video I needed to see! Very very impressive, very talented! Thanks for sharing another great video Chris!
you have elaborate legs..lol..... Pretty cool to see the whole build process. i did a small 4x8 "cookie cutter" design once..Just used pine and 2x4's...it worked. Sadly no room for anything larger...Beautiful layout and very tidy..Be hard for me to allow my kids to run around there..if i had any...haha.....bad enough with cats chasing everything....thanks for sharing that.
Amazing video, what a work of art. It does look really sturdy!! The CAD rendering was cool to see how much thought was put into the project. Congrats on many years of running those trains. You say at the end it was 60 hours of work?! Wow it seems like more than that. Lawrence is the friend we all need!! What a guy :)
Great overview of the construction process, Chris! That is some fine benchwork that created a wonderful foundation for your railroad. You and Lawrence did a beautiful job! Bill B.
Fantastic construction. As someone who used some recycled materials and minimal supplies, I love the attention to detail on this design. I wish I had the patience for this furniture like construction, maybe on the next layout. Thanks for sharing!
Great video as usual. I’m impressed you had all them old photos to put this story together. Your layout room always looks neat and organized. I’m impressed you haven’t had to add curtains around your layout to hide storage. When I built my current layout I was inspired by your layout and other layouts to make it a woodworking project so it looks like it belongs in the house versus something that doesn’t look like it belongs where it is. Glad you made this video. Please tell your friend Lawrence us u tubers are impressed with his work.
Great video and an absolutely beautiful finished product. I'll be building an O scale layout soon and will need solid (and professional-looking benchwork). I have no woodworking skills nor do I have the tools to execute the project as flawlessly as Lawrence did. I think maybe hiring a professional carpenter/woodworker would save me a ton of time, money, and hassle. Very inspirational. Thanks.
The benchwork is great!! Very impressive!! My previous layouts were plywood table sections of course but the legs were just 2x4's. Not nearly the level of patience and care that you guys did. Lawrence's work demonstrates great patience. I've been thinking about a new layout but one employing open grid construction rather than plywood table type construction. As I get older, open grid is becoming more and more appealing as I can stand up and work (and reach) just about anything instead of old experiences of crawling down under the layout, getting my hands to hold onto some wiring or table work or bolts and only then realize that the much needed tool(s) are on top of the tables. - AAAAGGGHH! This happened to me lots of times. (Grid construction would eliminate this experience) 😁Back to your benchwork though, I love the wood work under your layout. It's almost a shame to cover it with a layout because so much patience, love, pride and care went into it. On those outer curves though, have you considered a plexiglass band around the outer perimeter? So nothing falls and hits the floor of course.
I hear you on being able to reach everything! I may install something in the future but I have not had any problems yet with any trains falling. Plus, the barrier would impact my video camera angles. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for doing what you do, it is always a great pleasure watching your video's. I particularly enjoyed the film of your making the wooden layout surface it was fascinating. My favourite has to be the 'Battle of the Giants', the detail on both trains is fantastic, Long may you make more and more video's showing us your fantastic set up and models. You have created a very highly polished, smart easy on the eye layout, my congratulations to you and your helpers. I only discovered your video's today so I have a lot to catch up on, and lots to find out and learn about how it all started. Thanks again.
What I learned today is everyone needs a Lawrence in their lives XD Hopefully when I move into my "forever home" I can find a Lawrence to help me make a train table that lists til 'death do us part'.
Really cool table and layout! I am about the same age as you but my back was tore up pretty back in the military (80 percent disabled) and it hurts to squat down for too long, my back can’t take it, been trying to find a place that will make the table for me. Can’t wait to finally get that done. I am also kinda wanting to wait because I am having my house built on my farm here in Kentucky, I have 500 acres around Georgetown KY and once the house is built I want to build a separate train building beside the house.
It’s great looking benchwork, Chris. I’m amazed that you have built your layout (including scenery and structures) in about 2 years. My layout is over 20 years old and it’s still not scenicked :-(
Very nice. I like using 3/4" cabinet grade plywood for the support members as well. Much straighter than 1x4's or 2x4's and will stay straight. When you said it took 6 hours to level all the tables I thought that's pretty good. It took me 3 hours to level 3 tables.
This hobby makes us amateur woodworkers, electricians and quasi contractors. Sometimes the best part is the actual build. Have a great weekend my friend
Agree! The build was my favorite part.
Woodworking is one of the trades I'd love to experience, perfection and beauty in wood. But I'm an electrician, I enjoy the challenges of a wiring project. This opens up a new concept to me of building a strong "finished" table. Also gives an excuse to buy more tool now.
Always an excuse to buy more tools, haha! I am more of a wiring person myself. This is why I was so grateful to have Lawrence's help. Thanks for watching!
When I'm in the hardware store after I get the article I came in for I always walk around looking for something I didn't know I needed!
Lawrence was a great carpenter, wasn’t he. Thanks for showing me how to build a train table Chris!
As a much better than average wood worker, I have been admiring the structure under your layout, thinking to myself that even from the tracks down, this layout is a masterpiece. Thanks for the tour of its' building. And, I am relieved to know that the beautiful looking fireplace was already not usable.
Lawrence is a true craftsman!!!
Your friend Lawrence is a genuine craftsman!!! Outstanding job ! He's 60.00 pr hour guy for sure.
Thanks for sharing. Lawrence definitely is a craftsman.
A education in planning and craftsmanship, Chris! Lawrence is a master and you were fortunate to have his help. Thanks for sharing this fascinating look at the construction of a great layout table!
Beautiful craftsmanship, very interesting to see how a professional builds the table structure. Thank you Lawrence for sharing your expertise with this community.
Fantastic! Thank you very much for showing me how to design the layout based on an actual set up. I learned soooo much. This is what RUclips is all about!
What a job . Fantastic ..I remember laying some plywood on horses
as a kid . Those structures must be heavy .
RBP perfection. Those ahead of me says it all. 👍
Thanks for sharing bro! Incredible detail and wood working skills!
Thanks Ben!
I have more time to express how happy and honor to see your RUclips videos. Most of all seeing young guys like you and your friends in the hobby. It’s been around over a 100 years and still people enjoy it. I know the cost can be high but what hobby is not expensive. The thing I look at if I get to old I can always sell them. It’s an investment for the future. I do wish one day I could meet you guys and hey maybe come out west . Your always invited to my home. Keep up the great work on everything stay healthy and safe to
Thanks Mark! Hope to catch you at a train show one of these days
Fantastic - informative and entertaining.
Thank you Robert!
Chris your video was very informative, Lawrence is quite talented, you were fortunate to have him. Thanks for sharing!
Lawrence definitely did a professional job building the bench work for your layout! Very nice!
Looks great, very nice bench work. Something to be proud of.
Love the way the legs were made! They look so solid. Definitely going to use that method for my layout.
Wow, saw things I Never though about. I'm still waiting till I can buy my equipment and rail supplies. So interesting thanks
Great job. I always wanted to see this video.
Thanks for sharing.
Incredible woodwork! Thanks Chris.
It’s always fun to see how other folks layouts come together! Your process for benchwork couldn’t be anymore different then how I did mine. Always fun! Thanks for sharing.
I love it!” Thank you Chris! A lot of people I know want a train layout, but have no idea on how to get started with a table or the size. By showing them this video, now they know just how much work go’s into making a table for the trains. Great video!
This was an incredible video Chris. Loved seeing the transformation. I have been a woodworker as a hobby for many years and I can tell you that what your friend did was not an easy task especially the radius parts he is truly gifted and you got the benefit of it hopefully you took care of him what a great friend
Chris this was the best video ever. Great job as well as great layout. Thanks for the information on how you built your bench/s A+++++
Thank you James!
Watching Videos like this I love Watching you can Build this At Any Scales.
Great video. I am not a carpenter, and love to see what masters can do with wood. Thanks for the great video.
Little train layout... some assembly required. Really informative video, thanks Chris!
Thanks for all the time required to present this information. Your videos are always educational, fun, inspirational, and honest. Every model railroader knows the great effort it takes to create and maintain a functional miniature world. And, most of the time it takes a village to get it done!
Great job well done many,many Thanks for your great friend who has helped you out happy steaming Dave Crawford Clackamas,oregon
Nice job
Great video Chris. Great craftsmanship and you are so lucky to have a friend that is so talented. I have always wanted to see how large train tables were constructed. I'm holding on to your video for future reference. You have a beautiful layout and it's very strong and sturdy. I have always wanted to make sure that all of the wiring underneath the layout was not only hooked up correctly but that all of the electrical connections and wiring would be clean and not one wire on top of another wire causing Mass confusion. I love your videos Chris and your enthusiasm.. you would make a great friend and you're a great person. Wish I lived closer to you but I'm all the way here in SoCal. So your videos mean a lot to me. I learned so much from you. Please keep your videos coming along with all of the things that you tell us about the engines cars prices and more. Thanks again Chris.
Thank YOU Robert! If you ever make your way out East, let me know. We will have to run some trains!
@@RBPTrains thank you Chris. That would be wonderful. I think you are one awesome guy. 👍
Good afternoon Chris,
It’s Dennis from England I’ve been watching your channel for a few months now this video was fantastic really enjoyed watching how you built your benchwork keep the good work up Dennis
Thank you Dennis!
Love this episode! A great documentary.
Thanks EAL!
I absolutely love your layout.
Very impressive.You had a master wood worker.Great video.
Super Job nice and neat looks like many years of fun
AWESOME!!! Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work.
Great video, Chris! You produce the best videos of all!! The woodwork is fantastic, I love when things are done right!! You are an inspiration!
Thank you Brad! Your support is an inspiration for me!
I am so grateful that you posted this video. I am in the process of finishing a much larger (15' x 35') space in my house for a bigger layout that will require all new benchwork. I have always marveled at the professional finish of your benchwork, especially the smoothly curved table edges and finely shaped legs. I will try to duplicate this technique on mine as well.
what are the minimum radii of your main line curves?
That is really a work of art!
As a fellow woodworker when I started watching your videos the first thing my eyes went to was the bench work. It was simple and clean in design. It gave me some ideas for my own layout but, sadly I have the little issue of no space to make one. One day I will have the space and start the project. One day.
I have such an appreciation for the woodworking hobby after seeing how this came together. I bet you can build some amazing things as well since you are into the woodworking side of things as well! Thanks for watching
This was great. I always thought those legs were solid pine or something. 35 of those would have cost a ton, making them out of plywood was a great idea. The 5-10 HO layout I once had in our upstairs game room was built using all-plywood construction except for the legs, that is a great way to go to avoid humidity issues like you said. One day I'll have that 15x17 foot game room back to put trains in, but for now it has been taken over by my son's drum kit and all of his other percussion gear.
very sharp layout
New to the channel. Love it! Getting back into the hobby. I just watched this video. I know enough about woodworking to know that's one badass setup. Nice work!
Beautiful job Chris!
Beautiful craftsmanship!
Looks extremely well built! Great job!
Wow.
This was an interesting video.
Thanks for sharing it Chris!
Awesome benchwork... thanks for sharing
Thanks Chris. Fantastic idea on how to build a layout of this scale
Nice layout wish I could get plans to make one. I plan on building a layout as soon as I move to my new house.
Beautiful tablework. I wish you would do another video that featured the work required for the elevated track
The elevated track was a bit of a rush and I did not get any good photos or video of that process unfortunately. Thanks for watching!
I am in the very early stage of design, I am going to build a N-Scale on an 40 X 80 inch platform. My engine of procivity is a KATO 4884 BIGBOY so the radius of the corners I want to be as prototypical as possible, so it looks the part...alway enjoy your energy and all the cool stuff you share. Thank you!
Excellent video and a beautiful layout.
Very nice job .looks great .very good craftsman.would like to see video on wiring and landscaping.enjoy your videos.
Thanks Jim! Here is a link to the video I did on the layout wiring: ruclips.net/video/j6l_mbleCrU/видео.html
Amazing work Chris! Your friend Lawrence is an outstanding woodworker. Very informative thank you for sharing. Particularly interesting was the build up of the table legs. Way more sophisticated than using 2x4’s. Thanks 👍
What a great tutorial on your bench work it really looks like a piece of furniture
I had grand plans to store some boxes under it but after it was built I did not want to conceal the supports, haha! Thanks for watching Dan!
I’m in love with your videos!!
Wow the benchwork looks like a finished table (that was my wife's comment - and I agree).
Very high detailed layout
Very, very nice!
Thanks for sharing. Great video and so much work to make it look great. I just received some of my RCS track and switches as I am replacing my tubular track. My wife wants me to rebuild another layout so she can replace the flooring first. That is an ouch factor but when the wife asks for something you do not question her.
You are a smart man! :) I do not question my wife either, haha!
Love it!
Amazing bench work in 60 hours. Many don’t know how much time is put in to our layouts. You just kicked the tip off the iceberg. Great explanation on the real world of building the bench work of a layout. Hats off to you.. 🚂😊👍
Great video and very informational, thank you for sharing!
Thanks Neil!
@@RBPTrains You know, we still need to chat...
I did enjoy this video Chris, you and your "carpenter" are very talented. Thanks for an instructive video.
Lawrence is a master! Heck when my brother built his benchwork for his O scale layout I don't even think he used a miter box, lol. I'm interested to know why were the legs composite built out of the plywood? Would a 4x4 solid piece of lumber have been subject to the warping you were trying to avoid?
That is some awesome bench work Chris. I wish my bench work was that nice. You have given me several ideas because I am getting ready to expand my layout. Love all the work that you put into the channel.
Sounds like you have a fun project ahead of you Barry!
Very Cool
Awesome job!
Wow that's impressive benchwork! Also good use the space you available!
That’s some awesome bench work your friend does nice work awesome layout 👍😎
Chris
Once again another amazing and informative video!!! Benchwork construction is incredible. I always wondered how you created the track design and after seeing this it’s clear that it was done the old school way!!
You bet! I did not invest in track design software until after I had laid out the track. Good old trial and error
Very nice benchwork 😊
That was super cool!
Wow, that was absolutely amazing! I’ve been kicking around Several ideas for a layout and this was definitely a video I needed to see! Very very impressive, very talented! Thanks for sharing another great video Chris!
Thank you Wayne!
You did a fantastic job on your layout Chris!
Your layout is Fine Furniture. Mine is a HOBO shack......but built stronge and holds me when I have to climb on it. Nice work!
Wow! That’s a whole lot of woodwork! Great and detailed description of how you made your layout!
you have elaborate legs..lol..... Pretty cool to see the whole build process. i did a small 4x8 "cookie cutter" design once..Just used pine and 2x4's...it worked. Sadly no room for anything larger...Beautiful layout and very tidy..Be hard for me to allow my kids to run around there..if i had any...haha.....bad enough with cats chasing everything....thanks for sharing that.
Benchwork looks almost furniture grade. Thanks for posting.
Watching your video for ideas with my slot car track layout table
Great & very informative video mate!
Amazing!
Amazing video, what a work of art. It does look really sturdy!! The CAD rendering was cool to see how much thought was put into the project. Congrats on many years of running those trains. You say at the end it was 60 hours of work?! Wow it seems like more than that. Lawrence is the friend we all need!! What a guy :)
I still can not believe he finished it within 60 hours. He was committed, haha! Thank you for watching!
Professional Work!!! :)
Great overview of the construction process, Chris! That is some fine benchwork that created a wonderful foundation for your railroad. You and Lawrence did a beautiful job! Bill B.
Thanks Bill!
Fantastic construction. As someone who used some recycled materials and minimal supplies, I love the attention to detail on this design. I wish I had the patience for this furniture like construction, maybe on the next layout. Thanks for sharing!
Great video as usual. I’m impressed you had all them old photos to put this story together. Your layout room always looks neat and organized. I’m impressed you haven’t had to add curtains around your layout to hide storage. When I built my current layout I was inspired by your layout and other layouts to make it a woodworking project so it looks like it belongs in the house versus something that doesn’t look like it belongs where it is. Glad you made this video. Please tell your friend Lawrence us u tubers are impressed with his work.
I will be sure to tell him. Thanks for watching!
Great video and an absolutely beautiful finished product. I'll be building an O scale layout soon and will need solid (and professional-looking benchwork). I have no woodworking skills nor do I have the tools to execute the project as flawlessly as Lawrence did. I think maybe hiring a professional carpenter/woodworker would save me a ton of time, money, and hassle. Very inspirational. Thanks.
all i can say is AWESOME,keep up the good work:)
this is awesome bro
The benchwork is great!! Very impressive!! My previous layouts were plywood table sections of course but the legs were just 2x4's. Not nearly the level of patience and care that you guys did. Lawrence's work demonstrates great patience. I've been thinking about a new layout but one employing open grid construction rather than plywood table type construction. As I get older, open grid is becoming more and more appealing as I can stand up and work (and reach) just about anything instead of old experiences of crawling down under the layout, getting my hands to hold onto some wiring or table work or bolts and only then realize that the much needed tool(s) are on top of the tables. - AAAAGGGHH! This happened to me lots of times. (Grid construction would eliminate this experience) 😁Back to your benchwork though, I love the wood work under your layout. It's almost a shame to cover it with a layout because so much patience, love, pride and care went into it. On those outer curves though, have you considered a plexiglass band around the outer perimeter? So nothing falls and hits the floor of course.
I hear you on being able to reach everything! I may install something in the future but I have not had any problems yet with any trains falling. Plus, the barrier would impact my video camera angles. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for doing what you do, it is always a great pleasure watching your video's. I particularly enjoyed the film of your making the wooden layout surface it was fascinating. My favourite has to be the 'Battle of the Giants', the detail on both trains is fantastic, Long may you make more and more video's showing us your fantastic set up and models. You have created a very highly polished, smart easy on the eye layout, my congratulations to you and your helpers. I only discovered your video's today so I have a lot to catch up on, and lots to find out and learn about how it all started. Thanks again.
Thank you Andrew and welcome aboard!
What I learned today is everyone needs a Lawrence in their lives XD
Hopefully when I move into my "forever home" I can find a Lawrence to help me make a train table that lists til 'death do us part'.
Agree!
Really cool table and layout! I am about the same age as you but my back was tore up pretty back in the military (80 percent disabled) and it hurts to squat down for too long, my back can’t take it, been trying to find a place that will make the table for me. Can’t wait to finally get that done. I am also kinda wanting to wait because I am having my house built on my farm here in Kentucky, I have 500 acres around Georgetown KY and once the house is built I want to build a separate train building beside the house.
A jOB WELL DONE BROTHERMAN!!AAAAAAAAAAAA😊😊😛👍👍👍👍
It’s great looking benchwork, Chris. I’m amazed that you have built your layout (including scenery and structures) in about 2 years. My layout is over 20 years old and it’s still not scenicked :-(
Very nice. I like using 3/4" cabinet grade plywood for the support members as well. Much straighter than 1x4's or 2x4's and will stay straight. When you said it took 6 hours to level all the tables I thought that's pretty good. It took me 3 hours to level 3 tables.
Leveling was so tedious! I think have two of us helped. I can only imagine doing the leveling by yourself.