(Super?) Detailing suggestion(s)… Add green and red lights to your truck docks. Think of a traffic light without a yellow light. Blinking green-Ok to move trailer (dock available, loading/unloading complete). Blinking red-Do not move trailer (loading/unloading in process). These lights are mounted so truck driver sees them in driver’s side (left) mirror. Lights are mounted so they are level with semi-truck mirror height. Add blinking tail lights on tractor (semi-truck) you had done previously. Yellow poles here and there to keep trucks from hitting stuff…near stairs to shipping door, along tracks, near piping for tank cars, corners of buildings, etc… (having been a truck driver, you’d be amazed what can happen :P). Otherwise, thank you for encouraging me to get stuff done on my own layout!
Tim Wright thanks! I have actually been planning those lights on the Docks! I am working on a code for Arduinos where using an IR sensor the lights will automatically change from Red to Green depending on if a trailer is in position. I have also slowly been placing concrete posts as I make them. Thanks for the comment!
I like your switching layout very much. You have a real talent for modelling with super weathering, structures, and rolling stock. Thanks for taking the time to share it on RUclips. My own tabletop switching layout was set in 1962 in NW Indiana, a remnant of a fictional interurban, the Michiana Traction Company. It's put away now, but I'm almost inspired to get it out and work on the ground cover scenery, which never got done. I wish I had sound-equipped locos!
Thank you very much Andrew. I enjoyed the hobby via RUclips/Magazines for almost 10 years before I finally took the plunge on something where I can try everything I have learned from so many amazing modelers. I believe RUclips has really United so many people in a hobby where we drive off of people’s work. Thanks again.
Nice work, great overall effect of a large industry in a relatively small space. I also grew up in New Jersey, watched Conrail in my hometown of Middlesex in the late 80s/early 90s and as much as I love all things transportation related, I too wound up becoming a pilot. Small world. I'm looking to get back into the hobby after many years away from it and you've given me inspiration to start small and go from there. Can't wait to see what you do next. Thanks for the great videos!
@@RailserveJohn I graduated high school in 1992, and didn't railfan much in my later high school years but prior to that Bound Brook was one of our prime train watching spots! I worked at Kupper Airport in Manville (which became Central Jersey Regional) while attending the Mercer County College aviation program prior to transferring to ERAU's DAB campus. Good to know there are other 'transportation hobby nerds' out there! BTW - I had a break in aviation from 2012-2014 and ran a '79 Kenworth cabover with a 48' flatbed. Love what you did with the Pete & 53' van trailer lighting...very cool effect, little things like that bring a lot of realism into a scene.
Very cool! I took lessons out of Princeton and flew into there several times. I moved to Vero Beach after college to finish my ratings. Ended up staying down here and was lucky enough to find a flying account that is commutable. Nice Rig! I really like the challenge of 1:87 vehicles. I built a pretty cool Mack Heavy Hauler in my last video.
@@RailserveJohn What I like about what you're doing is that it is small enough to be manageable and that you can see results quickly, as well as super detail things and make it look very realistic. People with huge plywood empires often don't get around to your level of detail for years. I used to enjoy building small dioramas that I would try to make look as realistic as possible and try to fool the camera; you've done an excellent job of that. I'm following the MRH/Trainmasters.tv TOMA series closely and believe this is the approach I am going to take when I dive in. I just got the nod from UAL, and am waiting on a class date, so I probably won't get serious until after the new year once I'm through class and IOE. From your RUclips profile pic, it looks like you might fly a CL300/350 for Vista. I used to fly CL601s/604s and miss the cockpit & cabin space. We actually used to do a lot of VRB turns when I flew the Challengers. Right now I'm at Gama on the WUP contract as a check airman and supervisor on the B350...no APU, no single point lav (read that as having to pull the honey pot) and it's going to be HOT again this summer! C'mon UAL...get those classes going!
Just wanted to say thanks for these vids, your layout has been a huge inspiration as I plan my own switching layout. I too like the types of cars these sorts of facilities get, and I am planning a layout based on a sweetener products facility in Vernon, California on the LA Junction. Looking forward to more of you vids.
Thanks Ben! That's great to hear! As I've said in the past, I have this layout and no friends nearby in the hobby or any one to share it with. Making these videos allows so many people to "visit" and hopefully become inspired. If you need any help or have any questions feel free to message me.
On location #1. Break up the hoses from one long bank to individual spots. Make it look like they have a reason to spot a specific car to a certain spot. Prototypical and adds alot of switching. Nothing pisses you off more on a switch job when a customer says specific cars to specific spots. But it is understandable from the customers side. Some stuff takes longer to unload or maybe they are putting this car in storage as opposed to in the production line. This can also lead to maybe all the cars needing to spotted to one place. So that means multiple switches in a single day.
Great advise! I hope to finally put together some switch lists soon. I have a smaller pipe on the first spot to simulate a different grade of syrup. Basically out of the 3 spots at that location there can be 3 of the same grade cars, 2 of one grade and 1 of another in the first spot, or even an occasional box can in the last spot. This may its not always the same move shoving 3 cars in and out all of the time.
The prototype of your corn syrup transload is in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Surprised you didn't notice that, as it's fairly clear on the web page you linked.
Thank You for the update and video! As always your attention to detail, even the little things is amazing! Thank you also for explaining your layout. Looks like itll be alot of fun to operate on once you figure out a system to use!
Awesome! It’s definitely not a detailed kit and a bit sloppy on the moldings but I am currently in the middle of building it. Will look great from a few feet back lol
Soft drinks dont really move by rail. But booze does. Might think about that as a customer to give you some finished product to handle. And with any customer who gets that much inbound product. A track scale might make sense. Just ideas. Love your layout
Thanks. With the layout being so small i was focusing on smaller rail cars (corn syrup cars) with that being the common type of car I decided on a transfer facility and a beverage facility. Although I was considering a Brewery they seem to be pretty common on layouts. Since this inst modeled after any particular location, I wanted to try out different building and scenery techniques. One day when i build my permanent layout it will be a bit more prototypical. Thanks again for the comment.
On car routing. As simple and straight forward of an operation as you have there. Im sure the crew would just work off the interchange list they got from the connecting carrier. Does not seem you would respot cars much. But to give yourself more work institute an rule where cars longest onsite need to be spotted first. The can be a black hole of time as you have to put cars in chronological order so cars dont dwell to long at any one place. Also give yourself two connecting carriers. Lets say NS on left side of your layout and CSX on the right side of maybe using spot #5. This could give you alot more work to do if you had two in bound cuts and two outbound. Also the adm transload could be used for temp car storage by adm. adm might have a plant somewhere that has low track space. So they send a car or two to you to hold for a day or so. Would be a good excuse to get diff equipment types on the layout.
Wow thanks for that info! As I say in most of my videos I’d like all the advise I can get as I have no experience in the industry. I am actually in the planning phase of another removable extension that will be a larger interchange track. This will give more room for cars to be moved around.
LOVE the layout! Playing with the idea of a small switching layout and your ADM CORN SYRUP TRANSFER station interest me. Do you by chance have a picture of the track side of the structure? THX!
hi John... i like the idea of modeling one place rather than doing the entire sub...if i were to re-do my layout it would be of one area from east to west & north to south...any how great over view & explanation of your layout...thx for sharing... vinny/cuz
Thanks Vinny! Yea I just don’t have the space to really get the feel for mainline running in HO. Maybe one day I will take on the challenge to highly detail an N scale layout and get some longer trains running. Thanks again!
Hi John, hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. All your videos are very inspirational. Your track plan would be a very good test track for me. What's the layout size?
Thank you. Merry Christmas. The main section is 8 feet long by 18 inches wide. The small extension lead under the display case is an additional 3 feet.
The program is called “Switchlist” and is a free download on Mac. There is a google forum group too. John Flann also has a good system using playing cards and a sorting rack on the front fascia of his layout that could potentially work for you
Don’t take it too serious. Prototypically, RSSX switches what the mainline doesn’t wanna bother with. So essentially a outbound and inbound for your industries are needed. Like I said don’t take it too serious just have fun with it.
Good video once again , also the rear older building looks like some industrail buildings I see near where I live. Also what 3d printer are you using. I am looking to make a purchase in the future for when I detail my N scale layout. ..thx
Thanks! I am currently using Shapeways to print. As I am printing more I know it would be more cost efficient to purchase my own. I was looking into a resign printer but am not a fan of the chemicals, mess and smell in my apartment. That will have to wait until I move into a house next year.
Very cool video, how do you model the road/concrete in front of the distribution center. I am currently working on a small layout and would love to add that detail. Thanks
Looks really good John. Before I expanded my railroad i tried a couple methods of car forwarding. I started with a chart i made up with 6 options for each car spot and then rolled a six sided die from a board game and rolled for each spot. I don't recall the categories exactly but it was something like 1-2 hold car. 3-4 spot new car and pull existing if occupied. 5-6 pull existing car if occupied. Using the results from that you could fill out a simple paper switch list template with the car numbers etc. Here is another example from a you tube channel i follow. ruclips.net/video/XZqYHIcEWH0/видео.html Scott
(Super?) Detailing suggestion(s)…
Add green and red lights to your truck docks. Think of a traffic light without a yellow light.
Blinking green-Ok to move trailer (dock available, loading/unloading complete).
Blinking red-Do not move trailer (loading/unloading in process).
These lights are mounted so truck driver sees them in driver’s side (left) mirror.
Lights are mounted so they are level with semi-truck mirror height.
Add blinking tail lights on tractor (semi-truck) you had done previously.
Yellow poles here and there to keep trucks from hitting stuff…near stairs to shipping door, along tracks, near piping for tank cars, corners of buildings, etc… (having been a truck driver, you’d be amazed what can happen :P).
Otherwise, thank you for encouraging me to get stuff done on my own layout!
Tim Wright thanks! I have actually been planning those lights on the Docks! I am working on a code for Arduinos where using an IR sensor the lights will automatically change from Red to Green depending on if a trailer is in position. I have also slowly been placing concrete posts as I make them. Thanks for the comment!
You layout does a fantastic job of capturing the feel of the real thing by not going over the top. Very nice and inspirational!
I like your switching layout very much. You have a real talent for modelling with super weathering, structures, and rolling stock. Thanks for taking the time to share it on RUclips. My own tabletop switching layout was set in 1962 in NW Indiana, a remnant of a fictional interurban, the Michiana Traction Company. It's put away now, but I'm almost inspired to get it out and work on the ground cover scenery, which never got done. I wish I had sound-equipped locos!
Thank you very much Andrew. I enjoyed the hobby via RUclips/Magazines for almost 10 years before I finally took the plunge on something where I can try everything I have learned from so many amazing modelers. I believe RUclips has really United so many people in a hobby where we drive off of people’s work. Thanks again.
I like this a lot. I'm trying to get a shelf layout and this is helpful. I work in aviation too so I get the scheduling difficulties.
Nice work, great overall effect of a large industry in a relatively small space. I also grew up in New Jersey, watched Conrail in my hometown of Middlesex in the late 80s/early 90s and as much as I love all things transportation related, I too wound up becoming a pilot. Small world. I'm looking to get back into the hobby after many years away from it and you've given me inspiration to start small and go from there. Can't wait to see what you do next. Thanks for the great videos!
Small world! I grew up in Somerset right off 287 during the same time. Watched Conrail pass through Bound Brook my whole childhood.
@@RailserveJohn I graduated high school in 1992, and didn't railfan much in my later high school years but prior to that Bound Brook was one of our prime train watching spots! I worked at Kupper Airport in Manville (which became Central Jersey Regional) while attending the Mercer County College aviation program prior to transferring to ERAU's DAB campus. Good to know there are other 'transportation hobby nerds' out there! BTW - I had a break in aviation from 2012-2014 and ran a '79 Kenworth cabover with a 48' flatbed. Love what you did with the Pete & 53' van trailer lighting...very cool effect, little things like that bring a lot of realism into a scene.
Very cool! I took lessons out of Princeton and flew into there several times. I moved to Vero Beach after college to finish my ratings. Ended up staying down here and was lucky enough to find a flying account that is commutable. Nice Rig! I really like the challenge of 1:87 vehicles. I built a pretty cool Mack Heavy Hauler in my last video.
@@RailserveJohn What I like about what you're doing is that it is small enough to be manageable and that you can see results quickly, as well as super detail things and make it look very realistic. People with huge plywood empires often don't get around to your level of detail for years. I used to enjoy building small dioramas that I would try to make look as realistic as possible and try to fool the camera; you've done an excellent job of that. I'm following the MRH/Trainmasters.tv TOMA series closely and believe this is the approach I am going to take when I dive in. I just got the nod from UAL, and am waiting on a class date, so I probably won't get serious until after the new year once I'm through class and IOE. From your RUclips profile pic, it looks like you might fly a CL300/350 for Vista. I used to fly CL601s/604s and miss the cockpit & cabin space. We actually used to do a lot of VRB turns when I flew the Challengers. Right now I'm at Gama on the WUP contract as a check airman and supervisor on the B350...no APU, no single point lav (read that as having to pull the honey pot) and it's going to be HOT again this summer! C'mon UAL...get those classes going!
Just wanted to say thanks for these vids, your layout has been a huge inspiration as I plan my own switching layout. I too like the types of cars these sorts of facilities get, and I am planning a layout based on a sweetener products facility in Vernon, California on the LA Junction. Looking forward to more of you vids.
Thanks Ben! That's great to hear! As I've said in the past, I have this layout and no friends nearby in the hobby or any one to share it with. Making these videos allows so many people to "visit" and hopefully become inspired. If you need any help or have any questions feel free to message me.
Amazing what you can do with the space given here.Switching is my favorite part of running trains. Good work!
On location #1. Break up the hoses from one long bank to individual spots. Make it look like they have a reason to spot a specific car to a certain spot. Prototypical and adds alot of switching. Nothing pisses you off more on a switch job when a customer says specific cars to specific spots. But it is understandable from the customers side. Some stuff takes longer to unload or maybe they are putting this car in storage as opposed to in the production line. This can also lead to maybe all the cars needing to spotted to one place. So that means multiple switches in a single day.
Great advise! I hope to finally put together some switch lists soon. I have a smaller pipe on the first spot to simulate a different grade of syrup. Basically out of the 3 spots at that location there can be 3 of the same grade cars, 2 of one grade and 1 of another in the first spot, or even an occasional box can in the last spot. This may its not always the same move shoving 3 cars in and out all of the time.
The prototype of your corn syrup transload is in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Surprised you didn't notice that, as it's fairly clear on the web page you linked.
Thank You for the update and video! As always your attention to detail, even the little things is amazing! Thank you also for explaining your layout. Looks like itll be alot of fun to operate on once you figure out a system to use!
Thank you Chad, I appreciate that.
Very nice. Love the Mack dump truck. Drove one myself back in the day
Awesome! It’s definitely not a detailed kit and a bit sloppy on the moldings but I am currently in the middle of building it. Will look great from a few feet back lol
Soft drinks dont really move by rail. But booze does. Might think about that as a customer to give you some finished product to handle. And with any customer who gets that much inbound product. A track scale might make sense. Just ideas. Love your layout
Thanks. With the layout being so small i was focusing on smaller rail cars (corn syrup cars) with that being the common type of car I decided on a transfer facility and a beverage facility. Although I was considering a Brewery they seem to be pretty common on layouts. Since this inst modeled after any particular location, I wanted to try out different building and scenery techniques. One day when i build my permanent layout it will be a bit more prototypical. Thanks again for the comment.
Great switching layout. Your weathering and scenery are top notch. I would like to see a segment of some actual switching.
Thanks Randy. I have a couple of switching videos up on my channel.
On car routing. As simple and straight forward of an operation as you have there. Im sure the crew would just work off the interchange list they got from the connecting carrier. Does not seem you would respot cars much. But to give yourself more work institute an rule where cars longest onsite need to be spotted first. The can be a black hole of time as you have to put cars in chronological order so cars dont dwell to long at any one place. Also give yourself two connecting carriers. Lets say NS on left side of your layout and CSX on the right side of maybe using spot #5. This could give you alot more work to do if you had two in bound cuts and two outbound. Also the adm transload could be used for temp car storage by adm. adm might have a plant somewhere that has low track space. So they send a car or two to you to hold for a day or so. Would be a good excuse to get diff equipment types on the layout.
Wow thanks for that info! As I say in most of my videos I’d like all the advise I can get as I have no experience in the industry. I am actually in the planning phase of another removable extension that will be a larger interchange track. This will give more room for cars to be moved around.
LOVE the layout! Playing with the idea of a small switching layout and your ADM CORN SYRUP TRANSFER station interest me.
Do you by chance have a picture of the track side of the structure? THX!
Very nice job man, weathering looks nice .
Thanks Dennis
Fantastic job
Well done, more please! Subbed
hi John... i like the idea of modeling one place rather than doing the entire sub...if i were to re-do my layout it would be of one area from east to west & north to south...any how great over view & explanation of your layout...thx for sharing... vinny/cuz
Thanks Vinny! Yea I just don’t have the space to really get the feel for mainline running in HO. Maybe one day I will take on the challenge to highly detail an N scale layout and get some longer trains running. Thanks again!
Check out Lance Mindheim... How to Operate a Modern Era Switching layout. Good primer plus shows a balance between reality and our modeling
Thanks Anthony. I need to pick that up!
Very Cool!
Could you share the dimensions of the truck door you made on the ADM building? Thanks!
Nice! What did you use for gravel surface around adm building
Thanks! Its Arizona Rock and Mineral Gravel Driveway.
Hi John, hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. All your videos are very inspirational. Your track plan would be a very good test track for me. What's the layout size?
Thank you. Merry Christmas. The main section is 8 feet long by 18 inches wide. The small extension lead under the display case is an additional 3 feet.
I have a small layout and use “switchlist” on my Mac computer to generate my traffic. It works well for me. You might want to check it out.
Which program are you using? Excel?
The program is called “Switchlist” and is a free download on Mac. There is a google forum group too. John Flann also has a good system using playing cards and a sorting rack on the front fascia of his layout that could potentially work for you
Awesome. I appreciate the info.
Don’t take it too serious. Prototypically, RSSX switches what the mainline doesn’t wanna bother with. So essentially a outbound and inbound for your industries are needed. Like I said don’t take it too serious just have fun with it.
Love your layout! What fencing did you use or scratchbuilt? Awesome job.
Thanks Kevin. I used the Walthers fence kit however just switched to Alkem etched metal fencing. I will show it in my next video. Thanks for watching
Good video once again , also the rear older building looks like some industrail buildings I see near where I live. Also what 3d printer are you using. I am looking to make a purchase in the future for when I detail my N scale layout. ..thx
Thanks! I am currently using Shapeways to print. As I am printing more I know it would be more cost efficient to purchase my own. I was looking into a resign printer but am not a fan of the chemicals, mess and smell in my apartment. That will have to wait until I move into a house next year.
Very cool video, how do you model the road/concrete in front of the distribution center. I am currently working on a small layout and would love to add that detail. Thanks
Its basically tinted lightweight spackle. In my last video I showed the exact type and tints I used. Thanks for the comment.
Ok, no problem
Hi how are you? how long and wide is your layout. greetings from Argentina
Hello! The layout in 18 inches deep and 8 feet long. The extension lead below my display case is 3 feet long.
Hello! The layout in 18 inches deep and 8 feet long. The extension lead below my display case is 3 feet long.
@@RailserveJohn tks 😄😄😄
How did you hide the seam of the photo backdrop?
I had the backdrop made with minimal sky. I then carefully cut out the buildings and trees. The backdrop is from Larc Products. Very good quality.
Looks really good John. Before I expanded my railroad i tried a couple methods of car forwarding. I started with a chart i made up with 6 options for each car spot and then rolled a six sided die from a board game and rolled for each spot. I don't recall the categories exactly but it was something like 1-2 hold car. 3-4 spot new car and pull existing if occupied. 5-6 pull existing car if occupied. Using the results from that you could fill out a simple paper switch list template with the car numbers etc. Here is another example from a you tube channel i follow. ruclips.net/video/XZqYHIcEWH0/видео.html
Scott
What a great idea! I’ll be looking into this. Thank you