The use of the “conductor” is truly well done. So often in videos figures just stand here and don’t move. Vehicles on a road are just parked and don’t move. This was great to watch and see what the boss-guy was gonna do next. Super vid!
Hi, Thanks for your comments. I like to use the conductor figure so that viewers can see what a real conductor would be doing during the switching operations.-Tom
Hey Tom.. after watching all your videos on the big screen tv.. I take back what I said.. they look freakin awesome can't get anymore real then that.. thanks for sharing and keep up the great work... Lance 🚂👍👍👍
Hi Lance, Thanks again for your comments. I enjoy capturing the little details that make operations and scenery more realistic, which is much easier on a small layout. Good luck with designing your layout, less is actually more when it comes to realism.-Tom
Thomas; I must have missed this video update... been traveling. Great job as usual. You have a great layout and your videos are really inspiring...Thanks, Cameron
Hi Mike, Thanks for your comments. I like using the conductor figure to remind viewers what a real train crew would be doing. Be sure to check out my website at www.thomasklimoski.com to see more about my layout and operations.-Tom
Lovely work Tom! A lot of work has gone into that layout and the scenery and buildings are first rate! Nice switch op's as well, that must have taken a while to shoot but well worth it. Cheers Gregg.
Hi Gregg, Thanks for your comments. It does take awhile to shoot the video but the editing takes much longer. I am glad you enjoyed the video and I appreciate your recognition of all my work on the layout.-Tom
Hi Tom - Wow ............ another excellent video that has been very professionally shot and edited. The operating hinged derail is a nice addition. You did a beautiful job on the Argos Cement Plant and the detail in the office interior is superb. You do a great job with the switching operations; very smooth and realistic. Thank you for the enjoyable experience. Mike
Hi Mike, Thanks for your very complimentary comments. I used a new video editing program for this video and the learning curve was a little steep, but I finally got it figured out. I look forward to seeing more videos (maybe a switching video of one of your locals?) of your excellent layout.-Tom
Hi Pat, I strive to operate as realistically as possible and appreciate your comments on my operations and layout. Thanks for watching and commenting.-Tom
Awesome job Tom! I really like how you have the cement plant laid out and the unloading ramp looks prototypical for unloading bricks. Now all you need to do is add a bunch of cement dust under the unloading shed and between the rails past the pit and it would be spot on! Tim
Hi Tim, Thanks for your comments. I did add a little cement dust but it "washed out" when I glued it down and did not show up well in the video, I will have to add some more. I got a few brick pallets yesterday and they look great on the loading ramp, thanks again for the prototype information on North GA Brick.-Tom
Thanks so much for your comments. I wish you well on your new layout and hope that you'll post some videos of your progress. If you have any questions please contact me at tklimoski@gmail.com and I'll be glad to help you .-Tom
Wow... Tom your layout is outstanding.. hope I can do something like that.. just got a new house and I took over the one bedroom at 11' by 11'.. thanks for sharing and keep up the great work.. Lance 🚂👍👍👍
Hi Lance, Thanks for your comments. Good luck on your new layout, a 11 X 11 foot room is a good size for a model railroad. My layout highlights that you don't need a huge basement sized layout to have a nice operating session. I look forward to following your progress. If you have any questions I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me at tklimoski@gmail.com. -Tom
Thanks for your comments. Each railroad and crew does things a little differently, but I try to show in my videos the common procedures that are taken for modern era switching operations. I hope you got some information that you can apply to your next ops session.-Tom
Excellent modeling! Excellent video photography and editing! You keep the modeling bar high ... thanks for the motivation and inspiration! Jim Talbott Canton, MI
Tom, I came across your channel some months ago and went back and watched all your videos chronologically until I got caught up. I think your layout is an outstanding example of taking a prototype railroad and selectively compressing it to fit an available space. It is an inspiration to myself as well as others. You have done an outstanding job with the track plan , and scenery. I have just finished adding a 10' X 24' room addition to my house and will start soon to build my layout in it. Your videos really help to motivate me. Question: your conductor figure you use in your videos? Is that a Prieser figure ? In searching various sources I find the figure but not in that pose (talking on radio). Is he modified, or was that an earlier release that is no longer available. I have seen this same figure in videos on one other layout. Thanks for the great work and look forward to future videos.
Hi RAPaul, Thank you so much for your comments on my layout and track plan. It is a tough balancing act to get all the structures in when you have very limited space. One of the most important things when designing a layout is not to cram too much into the space you have. You need to leave a little room between the buildings for roads and scenic breaks, which makes the layout look more realistic. The Conductor figure I use is part of a set from Preiser #590-10420 Modern Workmen with warning vests (six workmen in various poses). The last time I checked Walthers had them in stock. All the figures in the set are usable and are some of the best looking modern era figures I have seen. Congratulations on your new layout room and good luck on your layout. If you have any questions as you design or build your layout please feel free to contact me at tklimoski@gmail.com and I'll try to answer them.-Tom
Your videos are awesome. I love how you actually "do" something with your trains. I'm currently waiting on some pieces to get my very first layout going. Once it is set up I'd love to run things like you do.
Hi Aaron, Thanks for your comments. Switching operations are what really interest me and you don't need a large layout to replicate what the prototype does. Check out my website at www.thomasklimoski.com to read more about my operations and prototype based switch lists. Good luck on your layout. If you have any questions as you develop and build your layout please contact me at klimoski@gmail.com.-Tom
Another great update! The cement facilty looks great. It has given me ideas for my own switching layout, for which I am finalizing my plan and hopefully start construction soon. Always love your operating videos, nice realistic speeds and operation which I will be also doing with my layout. What program do you use for your switchlists? I am looking at using something similar or maybe a car card system.
Hi JC, Thanks for your comments. I am glad that you have gotten some ideas for your layout from watching my videos. As you can see you don't need a large layout to enjoy operations. My switch lists are done on an Excel spread sheet designed after the ones used by the GNRR. I can send you a copy if you like. Please e-mail me at tklimoski@gmail.com and I'll send them to you and then you can modify them to suit your needs. I much prefer switch lists over car cards and if you model the modern era they are more prototypical. Thanks again for your very positive comments.-Tom
Hi Warren, Thanks for your comments. I bought the cement trucks several years ago at a train show. I believe they are made by Walthers. Be sure to check out my website at www.thomasklimoski.com to see more about my layout and subscribe to my blog.-Tom
Great video and switching ops. The level of detail on your layout is awesome. Inspirational work! I'm currently building a new small switching layout and hope to post a new video soon. Mal
Hi Alcanman, Thanks for your comments. I have watched all your videos and you have an excellent switching layout. I am still amazed how much operations I can have on a relatively small layout. I look forward to seeing your next video, keep up the good work.-Tom
Great video, thank you very much for sharing! The insight on operations was very helpful, and the modeling is absolutely fantastic. One day I'd really like to pick your brain (if you're willing) about how you selectively compressed the prototype into a relatively small space. I'm trying to figure out how to do the same for my favorite short line (Farmrail in western Oklahoma) so that I get a good amount of my favorite scenes and interesting operations into a spare bedroom.
Hi Alex, Thanks for your comments. I'll be glad to help you with your layout planning and selective compression. Please contact me at tklimoski@gmail.com and we can discuss your layout plans in greater detail.-Tom
Hi John, Thanks for your comments. The conductor is one of six figures in Preiser set #10420 Workers wearing safety vests. They were available thru Walthers and are some of the best modern era figures on the market. That little conductor has been the "star" of many of my videos.-Tom
Hi Luke, Thanks for your comments. You can see how I made my operating derail in this video: ruclips.net/video/ArUu6HEl28k/видео.html In addition, Scott Thornton makes a very nice operating derail. You can purchase them through his online store at: www.scottysmodelshop.com I recently purchased some of Scott's derails and really like them.-Tom
Hi Mike, Thanks for your comments. I "had" to detail the office interior because the windows are so large and the structure is close to the isle which allows visitors to easily see inside. It just did not look right being empty. Eventually I plan to light the interior so that it will really stand out.-Tom
Hi, I use .060 styrene for all my roads and parking lots. I cut and paint the styrene and then use decals for the stripes. Once they are weathered I install them on the layout. You can check out my new website for more layout pictures and information. www.thomasklimoski.com/ Tom
Hi, I am using mostly KaDee scale couplers. I still have more cars to upgrade as I weather them, changing out couplers that are not KaDee. I spend a fair amount of time adjusting them to work flawlessly, a bit of graphite on the knuckle really helps.-Tom
Hi Ryan, The flags are easy to make. I used a piece of .020 wire bent into an upside down W with a long upright leg for the flag to be glued to. The flag material is made from the plastic marking ribbon used to mark property lines. I cut a piece 18 HO scale inches square and glued it to the wire with CA. The wire drops into the coupler and hooks to the knuckle with the flag sticking up above the coupler. If you have more questions contact me at tklimoski@aol.com and I'll be glad to help.-Tom
Hi Cody, The turnouts are #6 code 70 MicroEngineering as well as the track is all code 70 MicroEngineering. The turnouts have a centering spring to keep the points against the stock rail and are all hand thrown. The switch stands are the ones that come with the MicroEngineering turnouts. If you have any more questions you can contact me at tklimoski@gmail.com -Tom
Great video of switching. Hope this doesn't sound critical, but if I was switching this industry, I would have pulled the entire train into the siding, and than run around on the main. The reason for this is less walking for the conductor. Instead of having to "fan" two switches, he only has to do one. This eliminates whole move as you pull the empty cars using the train as a handle. Just an observation for someone who worked the ground.
Hi Craig, Thanks for the great information, that's exactly why I let my ops crews figure out the switch moves for themselves. Many times there is a better way than how I see the sequence of movements so I can always learn something. You make a very good point on making less moves and walking. The next time I switch the industry I'll try it the way you described. The reason why I entered the industry siding "engine light" to pull the cars was that I was told by my GNRR Conductor friend that's the way the GNRR prefers to operate. I know each railroad and crew can have a preferred method of operation. I appreciate your honest comments and professional observations. Thanks again.-Tom
ThomasKlimoski The best switch crews I worked with where the laziest. This means they let the locomotive do the walking, instead of them. Does that make sense? Great video and scale speed is well highlighted. I'm not sure how or why a railroad would require a light engine to go pull an industry, but if its a rule, its a rule.
Hi Craig, I understand completely about the "lazy crews", the less walking the better. I try to think the same way when I switch but don't have the years of experience that really helps to think the moves all the way through. I don't know that it is a "rule" on the GNRR, just how this one crew prefers to operate. Probably there is a good story there on why they prefer to work that way, like whoops we'll never do that again as you hear the crunch of metal. Thanks again for your excellent comments.-Tom
The use of the “conductor” is truly well done. So often in videos figures just stand here and don’t move. Vehicles on a road are just parked and don’t move. This was great to watch and see what the boss-guy was gonna do next. Super vid!
Hi, Thanks for your comments. I like to use the conductor figure so that viewers can see what a real conductor would be doing during the switching operations.-Tom
Hey Tom.. after watching all your videos on the big screen tv.. I take back what I said.. they look freakin awesome can't get anymore real then that.. thanks for sharing and keep up the great work... Lance 🚂👍👍👍
Hi Lance, Thanks again for your comments. I enjoy capturing the little details that make operations and scenery more realistic, which is much easier on a small layout. Good luck with designing your layout, less is actually more when it comes to realism.-Tom
Thomas; I must have missed this video update... been traveling. Great job as usual. You have a great layout and your videos are really inspiring...Thanks, Cameron
Hi Cameron, Thanks for your comments. I hope to have a new video out later this month.-Tom
Nice!..love the conductor guy simulation. Never seen anyone do that before. Great realistic train movements.
Hi Mike, Thanks for your comments. I like using the conductor figure to remind viewers what a real train crew would be doing. Be sure to check out my website at www.thomasklimoski.com to see more about my layout and operations.-Tom
ThomasKlimoski I will be sure to check it out!
Lovely work Tom! A lot of work has gone into that layout and the scenery and buildings are first rate! Nice switch op's as well, that must have taken a while to shoot but well worth it.
Cheers Gregg.
Hi Gregg, Thanks for your comments. It does take awhile to shoot the video but the editing takes much longer. I am glad you enjoyed the video and I appreciate your recognition of all my work on the layout.-Tom
Hi Tom - Wow ............ another excellent video that has been very professionally shot and edited. The operating hinged derail is a nice addition. You did a beautiful job on the Argos Cement Plant and the detail in the office interior is superb. You do a great job with the switching operations; very smooth and realistic. Thank you for the enjoyable experience. Mike
Hi Mike, Thanks for your very complimentary comments. I used a new video editing program for this video and the learning curve was a little steep, but I finally got it figured out. I look forward to seeing more videos (maybe a switching video of one of your locals?) of your excellent layout.-Tom
Good vid. Well done scenery, great realistic train movements, nice and slow and prototypical.
Hi Pat, I strive to operate as realistically as possible and appreciate your comments on my operations and layout. Thanks for watching and commenting.-Tom
Awesome job Tom! I really like how you have the cement plant laid out and the unloading ramp looks prototypical for unloading bricks. Now all you need to do is add a bunch of cement dust under the unloading shed and between the rails past the pit and it would be spot on! Tim
Hi Tim, Thanks for your comments. I did add a little cement dust but it "washed out" when I glued it down and did not show up well in the video, I will have to add some more. I got a few brick pallets yesterday and they look great on the loading ramp, thanks again for the prototype information on North GA Brick.-Tom
Another great video of an awesome layout, inspiration for my own that I will be starting soon. Thanks Tom
Thanks so much for your comments. I wish you well on your new layout and hope that you'll post some videos of your progress. If you have any questions please contact me at tklimoski@gmail.com and I'll be glad to help you .-Tom
Wow... Tom your layout is outstanding.. hope I can do something like that.. just got a new house and I took over the one bedroom at 11' by 11'.. thanks for sharing and keep up the great work.. Lance 🚂👍👍👍
Hi Lance, Thanks for your comments. Good luck on your new layout, a 11 X 11 foot room is a good size for a model railroad. My layout highlights that you don't need a huge basement sized layout to have a nice operating session. I look forward to following your progress. If you have any questions I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me at tklimoski@gmail.com. -Tom
Just have to pay attention to detail !! Thanks my new friend..
Great video, I like the explanation of what's happening. I find it very useful for the operation of my layout.
Thanks for your comments. Each railroad and crew does things a little differently, but I try to show in my videos the common procedures that are taken for modern era switching operations. I hope you got some information that you can apply to your next ops session.-Tom
Excellent modeling! Excellent video photography and editing! You keep the modeling bar high ... thanks for the motivation and inspiration!
Jim Talbott
Canton, MI
Hi Jim, Thanks for your most gracious comments.-Tom
I can only aspire to such excellence in both the layout and the video.
Thank you for your comments.-Tom
Excellent update Tom! Really impressive. Thank you for sharing and inspiring us!
Hi Joe, Thanks for your comments.-Tom
Tom, I came across your channel some months ago and went back and watched all your videos chronologically until I got caught up. I think your layout is an outstanding example of taking a prototype railroad and selectively compressing it to fit an available space. It is an inspiration to myself as well as others. You have done an outstanding job with the track plan , and scenery. I have just finished adding a 10' X 24' room addition to my house and will start soon to build my layout in it. Your videos really help to motivate me.
Question: your conductor figure you use in your videos? Is that a Prieser figure ? In searching various sources I find the figure but not in that pose (talking on radio). Is he modified, or was that an earlier release that is no longer available. I have seen this same figure in videos on one other layout. Thanks for the great work and look forward to future videos.
Hi RAPaul, Thank you so much for your comments on my layout and track plan. It is a tough balancing act to get all the structures in when you have very limited space. One of the most important things when designing a layout is not to cram too much into the space you have. You need to leave a little room between the buildings for roads and scenic breaks, which makes the layout look more realistic. The Conductor figure I use is part of a set from Preiser #590-10420 Modern Workmen with warning vests (six workmen in various poses). The last time I checked Walthers had them in stock. All the figures in the set are usable and are some of the best looking modern era figures I have seen. Congratulations on your new layout room and good luck on your layout. If you have any questions as you design or build your layout please feel free to contact me at tklimoski@gmail.com and I'll try to answer them.-Tom
Your videos are awesome. I love how you actually "do" something with your trains. I'm currently waiting on some pieces to get my very first layout going. Once it is set up I'd love to run things like you do.
Hi Aaron, Thanks for your comments. Switching operations are what really interest me and you don't need a large layout to replicate what the prototype does. Check out my website at www.thomasklimoski.com to read more about my operations and prototype based switch lists. Good luck on your layout. If you have any questions as you develop and build your layout please contact me at klimoski@gmail.com.-Tom
Another great update! The cement facilty looks great. It has given me ideas for my own switching layout, for which I am finalizing my plan and hopefully start construction soon.
Always love your operating videos, nice realistic speeds and operation which I will be also doing with my layout.
What program do you use for your switchlists? I am looking at using something similar or maybe a car card system.
Hi JC, Thanks for your comments. I am glad that you have gotten some ideas for your layout from watching my videos. As you can see you don't need a large layout to enjoy operations.
My switch lists are done on an Excel spread sheet designed after the ones used by the GNRR. I can send you a copy if you like. Please e-mail me at tklimoski@gmail.com and I'll send them to you and then you can modify them to suit your needs. I much prefer switch lists over car cards and if you model the modern era they are more prototypical. Thanks again for your very positive comments.-Tom
love your videos and LOVE those concrete trucks... where did you get them if you remember. thanks you have been an inspiration to my layout ideas !
Hi Warren, Thanks for your comments. I bought the cement trucks several years ago at a train show. I believe they are made by Walthers. Be sure to check out my website at www.thomasklimoski.com to see more about my layout and subscribe to my blog.-Tom
Very nice video! Cement plant looks great!
Thank you for your comments. I am very pleased how the cement facility worked out and the Walthers Blue Star Ready MIx is very nice kit.-Tom
Great video and switching ops. The level of detail on your layout is awesome. Inspirational work! I'm currently building a new small switching layout and hope to post a new video soon. Mal
Hi Alcanman, Thanks for your comments. I have watched all your videos and you have an excellent switching layout. I am still amazed how much operations I can have on a relatively small layout. I look forward to seeing your next video, keep up the good work.-Tom
Thanks Tom. Your comments are much appreciated.
Great video, thank you very much for sharing! The insight on operations was very helpful, and the modeling is absolutely fantastic. One day I'd really like to pick your brain (if you're willing) about how you selectively compressed the prototype into a relatively small space. I'm trying to figure out how to do the same for my favorite short line (Farmrail in western Oklahoma) so that I get a good amount of my favorite scenes and interesting operations into a spare bedroom.
Hi Alex, Thanks for your comments. I'll be glad to help you with your layout planning and selective compression. Please contact me at tklimoski@gmail.com and we can discuss your layout plans in greater detail.-Tom
Nice work...Great operations layout.
Thanks for your comments. I really enjoy prototype operations and this layout has worked perfect for me.-Tom
Fantastic!
where did you get the "conductor" that looks like he's talking on the radio?
Hi John, Thanks for your comments. The conductor is one of six figures in Preiser set #10420 Workers wearing safety vests. They were available thru Walthers and are some of the best modern era figures on the market. That little conductor has been the "star" of many of my videos.-Tom
Great operation demonstration. Where did you get that nice derail on hinge?
Hi Luke, Thanks for your comments. You can see how I made my operating derail in this video:
ruclips.net/video/ArUu6HEl28k/видео.html
In addition, Scott Thornton makes a very nice operating derail. You can purchase them through his online store at:
www.scottysmodelshop.com
I recently purchased some of Scott's derails and really like them.-Tom
@@ThomasKlimoski Merci Thomas, I ordered 4 to Scott ! (It comes by 2)
Very cool video and layout. Thumbs up and subbed , thanks for sharing , Dave .
Hi Dave, Thanks for your comments and subscribing.-Tom
Nice video! Like the cement plant especially the office interior!
Hi Mike, Thanks for your comments. I "had" to detail the office interior because the windows are so large and the structure is close to the isle which allows visitors to easily see inside. It just did not look right being empty. Eventually I plan to light the interior so that it will really stand out.-Tom
Enjoyed watching, Thanks for sharing. Ed.
Hi Ed, Thanks for your comments.-Tom
Do you use plaster or styrene for your pavement?
Hi, I use .060 styrene for all my roads and parking lots. I cut and paint the styrene and then use decals for the stripes. Once they are weathered I install them on the layout. You can check out my new website for more layout pictures and information.
www.thomasklimoski.com/
Tom
Awesome. Thank you!
enjoyed watching, thanks for posting.
Thanks for your comments.-Tom
What couplers are you using?
Hi, I am using mostly KaDee scale couplers. I still have more cars to upgrade as I weather them, changing out couplers that are not KaDee. I spend a fair amount of time adjusting them to work flawlessly, a bit of graphite on the knuckle really helps.-Tom
Thank you for the reply.
Could you do a tutorial on how you made the flags for the rear end of the trains?
Hi Ryan, The flags are easy to make. I used a piece of .020 wire bent into an upside down W with a long upright leg for the flag to be glued to. The flag material is made from the plastic marking ribbon used to mark property lines. I cut a piece 18 HO scale inches square and glued it to the wire with CA. The wire drops into the coupler and hooks to the knuckle with the flag sticking up above the coupler. If you have more questions contact me at tklimoski@aol.com and I'll be glad to help.-Tom
Are those hand laid switches?
Hi Cody, The turnouts are #6 code 70 MicroEngineering as well as the track is all code 70 MicroEngineering. The turnouts have a centering spring to keep the points against the stock rail and are all hand thrown. The switch stands are the ones that come with the MicroEngineering turnouts. If you have any more questions you can contact me at tklimoski@gmail.com -Tom
Your locomotive sounds good
nice job! I like the derail.
Thanks for your comments. The derail adds a prototypical step for the crews and not something seen on many model railroads. -Tom
Excellent!
Hi Murray, Thanks for your comments.-Tom
great vid Thomas like your operations been working on mine again be e-mailing you soon
Hi Lee, Thanks for your comments. I look forward to hearing from you soon and the progress on your layout.-Tom
Great video of switching. Hope this doesn't sound critical, but if I was switching this industry, I would have pulled the entire train into the siding, and than run around on the main. The reason for this is less walking for the conductor. Instead of having to "fan" two switches, he only has to do one. This eliminates whole move as you pull the empty cars using the train as a handle. Just an observation for someone who worked the ground.
Hi Craig, Thanks for the great information, that's exactly why I let my ops crews figure out the switch moves for themselves. Many times there is a better way than how I see the sequence of movements so I can always learn something. You make a very good point on making less moves and walking. The next time I switch the industry I'll try it the way you described. The reason why I entered the industry siding "engine light" to pull the cars was that I was told by my GNRR Conductor friend that's the way the GNRR prefers to operate. I know each railroad and crew can have a preferred method of operation. I appreciate your honest comments and professional observations. Thanks again.-Tom
ThomasKlimoski The best switch crews I worked with where the laziest. This means they let the locomotive do the walking, instead of them. Does that make sense? Great video and scale speed is well highlighted.
I'm not sure how or why a railroad would require a light engine to go pull an industry, but if its a rule, its a rule.
Hi Craig, I understand completely about the "lazy crews", the less walking the better. I try to think the same way when I switch but don't have the years of experience that really helps to think the moves all the way through.
I don't know that it is a "rule" on the GNRR, just how this one crew prefers to operate. Probably there is a good story there on why they prefer to work that way, like whoops we'll never do that again as you hear the crunch of metal.
Thanks again for your excellent comments.-Tom
great opp session layout looks great,i just subscribe to your channel check out some of my videos you might like them thanks for sharing.
Hi, Thanks for your comments. I look forward to seeing progress on your layout.-Tom