My MTH O Scale Model Train Layout 3

[gdahl2]

Very Nice!!! Your layout looks very realistic..

[mgjb747200]

@gdahl2 Thanks very much. I appreciate it. Mario.

[boto53]

so very nice! i thought i had it bad with only 31X21 Ha Ha...........

yours is so very real

cheers

charles

[mgjb747200]

@boto53 In train layouts I always believed that smaller is better because it forces you to get creative in a small space. Thanks - Mario

[sweetener231]

im ready to pay any amount

[sweetener231]

i want to buy such a train set.

[mgjb747200]

@sweetener231 Something like this is not commercially available. The only way is to contract with a layout builder and have them build you one to you specs. All the best - Mario

[salz0723]

Mario, Thank you. I will try your formula and making my track's look more realistic. I see you have a silver Borden's Milk tank at 6:42. What manufacture and store was it purchased ?

I've been trying to find another tank with the logo "Sunoco" but haven't had any luck.

Again, thank you for all of your help,

Sal

[venusflytrap99]

i was wondering how big of a area or bored do u need for a standard o scale layout i have a 6x4 foot model ho reg layout

[mgjb747200]

@venusflytrap99 Well a 4x8 works well. More space doesn't always mean more fun. The fun comes in trying to fit things into a smaller space and make it look convincing. I'd go for the 4x8 but if you can do a shelf around the room that would be my preference.

Have fun. All the best to you. Mario

[venusflytrap99]

@mgjb747200 ok thank you very much and do you think that a 4x6 is too small compared to the 4x8

[venusflytrap99]

holy crud that looks real

[mgjb747200]

@venusflytrap99 Thanks. I really appreciate it. All the best to you. Mario

[mgjb747200]

@venusflytrap99 Many Thanks. Mario.

[salz0723]

Mario, Please tell me about the buildings and landscaping you've chosen.

You have done a Great Job !

Thank you,

Sal

[mgjb747200]

@salz0723 The buildings are from O Gauge RR magazine. Their just fronts that I painted and weathered. The landscaping is simple ground foam with some Lichen. Thanks. Best Wishes - Mario

[salz0723]

mgjb747200, Is this Lionel track ? I was wondering how you have yellow sides of the track?

Is this custom painted ? Congratulation !.

[mgjb747200]

@salz0723 It's MTH realtrax. I hand painted the rail sides with Floquil paint. 2 parts reefer orange mixed with 1/2 part roof brown. Thanks Mario

[Lavalk9]

Great job! I'll have to look at your other videos.

[mgjb747200]

@Lavalk9 Thanks. I appreciate it. Mario

[0001Virus1000]

I'm jealous/10

[mgjb747200]

@0001Virus1000 Don't Be! You can do the same thing I did. It's a very small layout. I also used only basic scenery. Take your time and have fun with it. Best Wishes, Mario.

[mgjb747200]

@0001Virus1000 I really enjoy this hobby and I hope you do also. Thanks, Mario.

[2010windmill]

Resolution and composition of your shots are excellent. Kudos, you don't run too fast. Would you share with me and the world what camera you use, the software for editing, and the compression you use to submit to YouTube. These are long videos. I was recommended to use CD-ROM compression instead of Mp4 with my iMovie software. My camera is a Canon PowerShot A1100 IS and I can go 640x480 30fps resolution, but the videos still get fuzzy and are limited in size. What can you tell me? Thanks

[mgjb747200]

@2010windmill Thanks I appreciate it. First of all the camera I used for the video was the Canon S1 IS. The videos were shot at 640x480 30fps! Editing was done with MS Movie Maker and saved as windows media.

Thanks again, Mario.

[LongIslandGuy18]

Where'd you get all those people?

[mgjb747200]

@LongIslandGuy18 local hobby supply.

[777CarFan]

nice man

[mgjb747200]

@777CarFan Thanks. I appreciate it. Mario

[drumkid330]

KEEP THE TRAINS ROLLIN AWESOME!!!!!!

[mgjb747200]

@drumkid330 Thanks. Mario

[Mechknight73]

Well done on the layout, but why do you have third rail track?

[mgjb747200]

@Mechknight73 There several types of O scale track & equipment. 2 rail; 3 rail inside; 3 rail outside. The most popular and available is the 3 rail inside 3rd rail. I preferred MTH because of their quality. I could have modeled in 2 rail, but again MTH DCS command control was a major deciding factor. I'd rather see a center 3rd rail have have MTH DCS than to have 2 rial and deal with DCC. Thanks Mario

[tpvalley]

@mgjb747200 everything looks real apart from the track, the rails are waaay to tall and the corners to sharp.

[mgjb747200]

@csx5861 The shelves are 12 inches wide. Only in the corners are the a little deeper because I diagonally filled in each corner. I used 1x4 pine boards to build a frame work and covered it with 1/2 inch plywood. The room is really an enclosed back porch about 51/2 feet x 12 feet. I started the frame work by attaching a 1x4 board to the perimeter with drywall screws. Then I used 12 inches pieces of 1x4 to come out 12 inches from that. Finally I framed the outside with 1x4. No brackets are used.

[abm92296]

That looks very real. If you don't mind me asking, where did you get the sounds? Is it in your set or does the train just naturally make that sound?

[mgjb747200]

@abm92296 The sounds you hear are produced from the trains themselves controlled by the user with the MTH proto 2.0 using the DCS command control system.

Mario

[TheRattler51]

@mgjb747200 Nice layout. Well done !!!

[vinnievincent85]

hi iam new to this. i have actualy tonight started to think that this is realy cool. i have watched what this hobby costs, and it seems extremely expensive :( lets say i wanna would smething like what you have, how much should i have to accept to pay? in dollars.

[mgjb747200]

@vinnievincent85 Your right that it can be expensive. The small layout you see in the video is roughly $3,000 worth of trains; track; scenery; benchwork and electronics. I wish I could tell you it wasn't so expensive but it is.

Mario

[vinnievincent85]

@mgjb747200 wow ..well that's way to much for me at the moment. iam also into high end stereo/cinema sound and that is bassicly eating all the money. on top of that i play video games and have a crappy car hehe.. so.. yeah.. money is gone before i even get 'em :)

[bunthum]

best quality HD train vid i have ever seen

well done!

congradulations on your effort

dave z

[mgjb747200]

@bunthum Thanks I really appreciate it. Happy New Year. Best Wishes Mario

[L3G0LA597]

Watching the first two videos, I didn't even realize that the layout was on a shelf until I read the descriptions. Great job! I also see you really like New York Central ^_^

[mgjb747200]

@L3G0LA597 Yep! It's only a shelf mostly 12 inches wide. I love the NYC. Best Wishes and Happy New Year. Mario

[DELAX22]

Awsome layout, were did you get and how much was the NYC loco at the start of the video? if you dont mind me asking

[mgjb747200]

@DELAX22 That's an MTH Rail King Berkshire from Trainland in Lynbrook, NY. Paid about $225 five years ago.

Thanks and best wishes.

Mario

[Emporerking27]

wow...great layout. btw how did u get that amount of smoke to get out of the beau nycentral? ive been trying with different smoke liquids. at ( 4:09 )?

[MackenzieMelemed]

The layout gets better and better looks as real as a model layout can get.great job ,your friends Mac & Dom Worc Ma

[Thbfan401]

how big is the layout

[mgjb747200]

@Thbfan401 It's a shelf approx 12 inches wide around a room that is 6ft x 11ft.

[tornado7738]

Love every aspect of this video! How big is your layout?

[mgjb747200]

@tornado7738 It's a shelf approx 12 inches wide around a room that is 6ft x 11ft.

[tornado7738]

i love the RS3. Awesome footage. How big if your layout?

[jambf750]

awesome vid

[mgjb747200]

@jambf750 Thanks.

[barronmp]

very very nice, congrats on a fine layout.

[mgjb747200]

@barronmp Thanks. I appreciate it. Best Wishes, Mario

[mgjb747200]

@barronmp Thanks. I really appreciate it. Best Wishes, Mario

[mgjb747200]

@barronmp Sincere thanks.

[jonnyspeed]

You have really done a fantastic job with very litte space. I am amazed at how good you have made realtrax look. What did you use to paint the rails? This is a great hirail layout. Semi-scale trains have never looked so good :)

[mgjb747200]

@jonnyspeed Thanks. I appreciate it. This was my first attempt at a "Hi-Rail" layout. I've modeled in HO and N scale.

I painted the rails with Floquil reefer orange and roof brown. 2.5 orange to 1 brown. I used a brush. Also black chalk weathering.

I didn't want to "count rivets" with this layout but many scenery and detail ideas from scale modeling came in this layout. Anyway, I've had a blast with it. Hope your having as much fun with this great hobby!

Best Wishes and thanks again.

Mario

[Gustavflyer]

@mgjb747200 Could you demonstrate your painting technique? Great job here!!!

[trainman551]

i have a recomdation for a new engine, a mth 2009 2-10-0 prr decapod.

[1991conrail]

is this layout still up today, i really like it =)

[mgjb747200]

@1991conrail Yes. The layout is still operating. I enjoy running the trains as often as I can.

Best Wishes and Thanks

Mario

[hammerfister]

Wow - that PRR train is sharp.

[mgjb747200]

@hammerfister Thank You. I'm happy with the results. Best Wishes Mario

[mjpjnj]

Awesome!!!! Amazing layout!!!

[mgjb747200]

@mjpjnj Thanks Best Wishes Mario

[KwayTV]

wow that layout is amazing. exelelent work!

[mgjb747200]

@KwayTV Thanks I appreciate it. Best Wishes Mario

[mgjb747200]

@modnarm the gravel is Woodland Scenics Ballast. It comes in a variety of colors and is not expensive. I've used it for many model railroad layouts. I 've seen other modelers use real gravel, fish tank gravel, cat litter, dirt and anything else that resembles rocks. It' is held together using a white glue mixture. thanks Mario

[SIMPLEPLANROCKS22]

i have a gateman  thing and when i turn the transformer on the gate man comes out and the train is not over the track part to make him come out im not sure how to fix it to make it come out when train goes over track

[tomwendel1957]

excellent

[snickpickle]

I like your use of still photos interspersed with the action! While I would perhaps cut the stills by a second or two (just for pacing), the advantage of what you did is that you can see some details -- and the details are AMAZING! Bravo for a MARVELOUS-looking layout! :-) My favorites are the night shots -- stunning!

[SIMPLEPLANROCKS22]

can you make a video of the whole shelf like from what you see when you go in there

[mgjb747200]

@SIMPLEPLANROCKS22 send me an email and I can send you some photos showing the layout from a different perspective. Mario

[MTHTrainFanatic]

Could you make more videos! I love this layout too much and I could use some more for my own. 1000000/5 *********.

[chevroletman90]

nice layout

[forhobbesfans]

I am saving for a premeir steam engine ! my dad says he'll pay half if i save 400 dollars! Its hard to earn money... LOL

[captainmorgan757]

Mario, Mario, Mario!!! You shame us all by your excellent lay-out!! BRAVO!

[mgjb747200]

Thanks very much for your kind comments. I'm just a regular joe who happens to love model rr. It came from my childhood. I try to do the best I can with the resources I have and what I have learned over the years from looking at other model railroaders.

Thanks again.

Best Wishes

Mario

[tanel985]

I'm impressed... excellent piece of work!!

[mgjb747200]

Thanks. I really appreciate it. It's actually a very small layout. I tried to build and photograph it in such a way as to make it appear to be much larger. Anyway, I really enjoy this great hobby as I'm sure you and many others do.

Best wishes

Mario

[weatherboy518]

What did you use for the roads and you should join the NMRA (National Model Railroad Asociation).I am a member you will get magizens and a calender.

[mgjb747200]

I used light weight spackle. It's available at home centers like home depot.

Thanks

Mario

[sanr01011]

Very Impressive..Great job Mario..

[mgjb747200]

Thank you. I sincerely appreciate it. I had fun building it and now operating it.

Merry Christmas

Mario

[holtrax2009]

that is so cool.

[mgjb747200]

Thanks

Best Wishes

Mario

[flmtrain1]

Great layout, everyone is correct, you did a wonderful job. The video is great too. I have built many "O" gauge layouts in my 41 years but never a shelf layout. Now that I moved, I want to build a shelf layout in my first floor home office, but the shelf will have to be at a height above the door frame. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Also, can you post some side shot video and overview of your layout? I know you want to film the layout to look real but it would help. Thanks, Frank

[FamousNateNat138]

Very nice layout. I was thinking of creating my own. I do wanna try making a model town with some street running(k-line street trax) and a spur or 2. any tips?

[bluecomet390]

This is one great layout and your editing and video are superb. Thanks for sharing.

[mgjb747200]

Thanks. I really appreciate it.

Best Wishes

Mario

[205stacy]

Hi, I love the layout.  You have done a fantastic job. I am just starting in the hobby. Is your track MTH realtracks with the built in roadbead? You have done great making them look more lifelike. What is the demention of your layout?

Chuck

[mgjb747200]

Hi Chuck:

Yes I used MTH realtrax. I weathered the track with black chalk and also added ballast at the edges of the plastic roadbed. The layout is small. It's only 12 inches wide in most places and is built like a shelf around my enclosed back porch. The porch is 7 ft x 11 ft.

Thanks for checking out the layout. Enjoy this greatest of all hobbies.

Best wishes

Mario

[MTHTrainFanatic]

Will you do more on this layout? It's awesome!

[mgjb747200]

I'm trying to put together another video with footage taken from an onboard camera. I should have it posted sometime this summer.

I'm glad you like the layout, thanks.

Mario

[mgjb747200]

Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.

Mario

[michaelmohrmann]

Great video of a great layout! And though I model in a different scale, you've still provided me with plenty of inspiration for my own model railroad project. Thank you.

[ay76]

Very nice.

[mgjb747200]

Thanks I appreciate it.

Mario

[Doubledig]

Awesome!

[mgjb747200]

Sincere thanks

Mario

[MartyLJ57]

Very nice!

What paints did you uese to piant the rails?

[mgjb747200]

Thanks. I painted the rails with Floquil RR colors. 4:1 reefer orange and roof brown.

Mario

[thaiman1111]

you know, im trying to make something like that but it is much bigger, just imagine a 1/6th scale city. one person would be 12" tall

but itll take a long long time to make but it will be fun

[abrownyo]

It is pretty easy accually. First tacked down foam roadbed then the track: perminentily. Then all you do is sprinkle the stones down....Then spray a mixture of one part soap 3 part water to prevent clumping when you put glue on. The you water down simple Elmer's glue and fill it into the roadbed it gives it a nice apperance and then clean all the metal surfaces with a rubber track cleaner.

[TRAINMAN714]

NICELY DETAILED I LIKE THE WEATHERING

[mgjb747200]

Thanks

[Tommybot4000]

very nice layout, i will be building a similar layout in the spring and i will post a video of my bnsf sd60m and sd70ace running on it along with a k-line plymouth switcher hauling ingot buggies and iron ore cars

[mgjb747200]

Thanks. I appreciate your comments. I know your going to have a lot of fun building your layout. Please post when your ready, I'd love to see it.

Thanks again.

Best Wishes

Mario

[ilovehobbies]

Is there any way you could post a picture of the layout from afar. I love the way your layout looks on video but I am just having trouble picturing it from afar. I am planning my first permanent layout and the shelf around the room idea is really intriguing me.

[wafflebowl]

Another great video Mario. Thank you for sharing your layout and love of trains with everyone. I'm sure you have inspired a lot of people(myself included). I can only imagine the hearts, minds and imaginations that you've touched. Thank you again, God bless.

David

[buzzduddy123]

I love your layout...it is amazing and inspired me to make one a little bit smaller,fastrack,and for bnsf. also can you tell me how you made those buildings in the background the ones on the wall because that is a great idea

[mgjb747200]

Thanks so much. I really appreciate your kind response. I'm glad to hear you want to build a layout too! Go for it. Lionel fastrack is great and will work well. BNSF a is a powerful road! As for the buildings, they are O Gauge RR Ameri-towne building fronts. Try different colors of paint and decorating ideas from magazines. You can make signs for the buildings on you computer using colored labels or injet printed color. Have fun and enjoy the hobby!

Thanks again.

Best Wishes!

Mario

[buzzduddy123]

Thank-you, and does that Ameri-towne have a web site

[FelthamProductions]

superb layout mario! o gauge as well do you need another house!!! i have an oo gauge layout still improving it getting a live steam falcon on monday!

[mgjb747200]

Thanks for checking out the layout. I appreciate your feedback. I get a lot of comments that seem to indicate many people find this to be a large layout. In fact it barely measures 7 feet x 11 feet and is only a 12 inch wide shelf. Creative photography! It occupies a space in what used to be an enclosed back porch.

Anyway, I love model trains of all kinds. I chose O scale for this layout to relive my "lionel" youth.

You're modeling OO. Wow! sounds like fun!

Enjoy the trains.

Thanks again

Mario

[mgjb747200]

Thanks Jeff, I really appreciate you comments.

I've loved model trains, and creative things since childhood. Now that I'm a 56 year old kid, I can afford to do what was only a dream as a child. The layout itself is very simple. Just an oval with a few sidings. I tried to make it as realistic as possible. Also, I wanted to capture it in stills and video as well as possible. Enjoy the hobby.

Best wishes to you, your son and family.

Thanks again

Mario

[Shakesmaster]

Been watching youtube videos for couple of years, Never created an account until viewing this video (wanted to post a comment). My 3yo son and I watched this and found it to be outstanding. Thanks so much for the time you took to create this. Will now be watching the others! Jeff

[BinkyBoat]

Very well done.

[mgjb747200]

Thanks. It's really a very simple layout and not very big. I tried to use the videos to show that even a small layout such as mine can look big. I love model railroading and I'm sure you do also.

Enjoy the hobby.

Thanks

Mario

[BinkyBoat]

Mario

I have a small layout also. I had a friend come over and record it. He put it on youtube. If you want to see it just search PHIL1234. I think its kinda cool. The layout is 7X13.

[gravdgr20]

Wow, great videos and would like to see a track plan somehow. Good job, keep the videos coming!

[mgjb747200]

Thanks for checking out the trains. The layout is a two tier layout. the bottom or "country scene" is two loops with no turnouts at all. The inside has 42 inch radius curves and the outside has 54 inch radius curves.

The upper level or "city scene" is just an 072 oval with 5 sidings. If I get a chance I'll draw the track plan using rrtrack planing software and post it when it's ready.

Thanks again for checking out the trains. I appreciate it.

Best wishes

Mario

[rrtimetables]

Mario,

Please draw the track plan! I have a shed that is 10 x 20 and your shelf layout would be a great concept for me to try before launching a larger layout! Thanks!

[mgjb747200]

I've been so busy lately, but I'll try and get you a track plan.

Thanks

Mario

[micahthatrocks]

how did you guys get your track to look like it was real? it looks rusty but i don't know?

[mgjb747200]

I painted the rails by brush with floquil RR paint. Reefer orange and roof brown. (4:1) Then I used black chalk and finished it it with dullcoat. Thats it.

Thanks

Mario

[micahthatrocks]

oh ok. thanks. i didnt know you could do thhat>?

[lionelguy8]

kool layout its very nicely run and detailed but how big is it

[mgjb747200]

Thanks. The layout is built shelf style. It is rectangular in shape. The shelf is only 12 inches wide. It's 11 feet on the long sides and 6 feet on the short sides.

Thanks again for checking out the trains.

Mario

[mgjb747200]

O scale is "big trains for little hands" as Johnny Cash would say in some old lionel ad's.

Sure, O scale would be fine for a three year old.

best wishes

Mario

[upnscale34]

Very good layout. Most realistic layout besides my old uncle's layout. I liked that, who ever was driving the engines, didn't push the engines past its realistic speed.

Gr8 layout

[mgjb747200]

Thanks. I try to operate the trains at scale speeds. The trains look better at scale speeds. I'll bet your uncle's layout was really nice.

Thanks again

Merry Christmas

Mario

[upnscale34]

Yeah, th engines do. I remember, when I wus younger, that he had a Big Boy steam engine. Surprisingly, he let me drive it when I was four. Do you recomened O scale for a three year old?

[mgjb747200]

The layout is built on a 12 inch wide shelf around a room about 7 feet x 11 feet. The corners are about 18 inches deep. So it's a small area actually. It's great fun trying to get as much "stuff" onto this small space. I love model railroading and have built all kinds of layouts over the years. The 3 rail O scale I'm doing now is very enjoyable. It combines the fun of toy trains with the weathering and scenery of HO. Have fun, and enjoy the hobby.

Thanks

Mario

[micahthatrocks]

really nice set, how big?

[BinkyBoat]

I like what you said about small layouts forcing you to be creative. Mine doesn't have the detail you have. I did try to make it interesting though. I guess it is 7x12. If you search the name phil1234 you can see my layout. I had to take it up when we got new windows put in. I will fix it back soon.

[cozzibrian]

your layout is awsome now it makes me want to collect again. lol

[mgjb747200]

Thank you. I love model trains and I'm really enjoying working with the 3 rail equipment. Remeber this layout is very small. I think small layouts force the builder to be very creative by putting more into a given space. You should get into it again. Like they say it's "the worlds greatest hobby".

Thanks again and best wishes.

Mario

[BinkyBoat]

well done

[ripjump12]

how did you weather the track

[mgjb747200]

I painted the rails by brush with floquil RR paint. Reefer orange and roof brown. (4:1) Then I used black chalk and finished it it with dullcoat. Also used woodland scenics ballast.

[ilovehobbies]

I would love it if you could post an instructional video showing the process for a piece of track.. I had pretty much written off tracks that came with roadbed (e.g. Realtrax and Fast Track) but after seeing what you have done with it, they are back in the running.

[Portagegill]

Really well done. I especially appreciated the night action and the passenger trains

[1drawde2]

nicely done

[DouglasVector]

Really nice videos! I especially like your use of Realtrax with weathering and scenery. Do you have any plans for switches on your layout? I'd like to see some Realtrax switches in action.

[ohiosouthern]

Very nice. I like that everything is weathered and has scenery. u don't c alot of o gauge layouts like that.

[coasterb]

Mario,

Great work. Do you have any pictures posted anywhere? I would really like to see some panoramic views. Not sure if my first message got through so I'm posting here also.

Thanks,

Phil

[ilovemthtrains]

your right Steve! "Gese I need his skills" !!

[mgjb747200]

I'm glad you like the layout. It's nice to hear what fellow modelers think. I appreciate your input.

Thanks again

Mario

[OSCALETRAINGUY]

Another fantastic Video..i

really enjoy the attention

to detail on bldg painting

and scenery A+ ..Steve

[mgjb747200]

Thanks Steve. I'm very happy to hear people enjoy the layout. I look at some of the great layouts online and feel like I have along way to go. I'm happy with the results so far and want to keep on learning and getting better at building model train layouts.

Thanks again

Mario