Dave Vollmer's N Scale PRR Tour

[longwave2007]

Very nicely composed video and a great layout

[TheDarthEmperor]

Why so frickin wet & Tropical??

[keithLD50]

Any idea where I can get Pennsy style signals for N scale like these? Also a Pennsy style N scale signal bridge? I cant find them anywhere!

[mgrande11]

Your layout has inspired mine. I'm also building on a 36x80 door and I'm running 1 main around the door taking the widest turns possible so I can run an Amtrak superliner in addition to my CSX freight.

[Trolleymoose]

Great Pennsy RR.  Looks very real!

[tholland10]

Awsome layout, I'm from Bluefield WV and it really does remind me of home each time I look at it. I have an amazing atlas layout that I am having troulbe wiring, well the wiring is in place I am just having trouble connecting it. Anyways I love this layout, thanks for the inspiration.

[tholland10]

Awesome layout, question for you. Do have or sale copies of this track plan? Its the perfect design for my gameroom and it also reminds me of my hometown Bluefield WV. I would love to build this layouy in my home. Please pardon me being a copycat ...lol, but this is too un real not to ask

[vollmerdp]

@tholland10 Please visit my website for the trackplan. Can't post a link so google Dave Vollmer PRR.

[mysterypersonbc]

Great layout! I've just started with model railroading, and I think I'll not get even close to your level of reality anytime soon.

[wefful97]

Hey! Congradulations on making your layout in n scale magazine! Congrats, and wish u luck with your life, best reguards, Chris.

[zombyfart]

Beautiful and inspiring work.

[barondesena]

I agree I think it is the best produced sound tracked video of N Scale on the Web.

[fredlove2laugh]

where did those n scale steamers come from?

[vollmerdp]

@fredlove2laugh all home-built from other locos.

[D4449]

Love the music for this!

[swimmerB0B]

Wow, really nice scenery, placement and rolling topography to depict hilly central/western pa. the collectible vehicles you use really don't do justice to your modeling skills- it's apparent when you zoom in on them. Why not try stripping and decorating them (if you are rich) or some of the reasonably-priced cast kits (if you are poor like me). If you insist on vehicles with windows and interiors, the applied instant window liquid makes these little cars look great. keep it up!

[bucksnorthern]

Incredible work, Dave, and Hans Zimmer only makes it better.

[BossNigger4]

@bucksnorthern Zimmer is overatted homie

[bucksnorthern]

@BossNigger4 A little, but you gotta admit, he's good.

[mrspacecase]

wonderful job, and the video is quite dramtic with the soundtrak music! Great jon!

Cheers! Chef Jeff

[theoldar]

Wow. I also model the Pennsy in N scale, so let me say you have my complete admiration. Everything is wonderful looking.

[061369317]

This has to be one of the best modelRR internet vid so far !

Very nice work Dave !

[rjscanon]

Another New River Mine! I'd complain, but it's a great model and I have it on my door layout too. Nice work!

[hughgareth]

Terrific, very realistic.

Well done

[teemaintwo]

Wonderful - on all counts.

[4202EJW]

If it was o scale or ho it would be sooooo much better

[brutformen]

@4202EJW what makes you say that?

[4202EJW]

Cause they don't make sounds and if they do they aren't that good. They're trains are very over priced, there are hardly and detail, they break easy, they never stay on the track and with O scale its just awesome.

[brutformen]

@4202EJW no offence, but everything you said is wrong. they do make sounds and in recent years the sound quality is good, they are'nt over priced (depending where you look), they dont break easy,why you ask? because i have an n scale steam locomotive made by bachmann that is over 13 years old and has never skipped a beat! my trains only derail if i have'nt put them on properly (my eye sight is'nt that good), and with n scale you can make a busy layout in a small area.

[4202EJW]

no offence but I could care less for n scale. You don't get the feel of a railroad with O scale it is just awesome you just don't know.

[brutformen]

@4202EJW actually i do know, i used to have a small oo guage layout about 5ftx4ft before some assholes stole it! (i was a kid at the time), so with the insurance money i just decided to start modeling in n scale.

[4202EJW]

a 5x4 is hardly anything. Probably back then they had no sounds. O scale has changed, a lot. And is just awesome.

[brutformen]

@4202EJW 5x4 may be "hardly anything" to you, but for a 9yr old kid who built by himself with very little money, it was certainly something, it may not have had sounds or dcc like today, but i didnt care, i had fun building it.

[4202EJW]

Who stole it? How do you steel that?

[brutformen]

@4202EJW the board wasnt built on a "table" like structure but had timber around the edges and middle for support and was hinged to a wall so when i wanted to use it i could lift i up & 2 wooden legs would fold out (i lived in a small house at the time), when the thieves came, they busted the back door lock, unscrewed the hinges & pissed off with everything!! they didnt even take my dads brand new tv, just my train layout!

[4202EJW]

WOW!!!

[vollmerdp]

@4202EJW I would do O is I had room. I'm in the military so moving frequently means N scale is my answer.

[4202EJW]

@vollmerdp Yeah for you definitely! I didn't know that which are you Army? My brother and father were both in the Army so I now how tons of respect for you!

[blacksheepgirl]

HI.. Well I've riden this on Amtrak. Pgh, Greensburg, Latrobe, Johnstown, Altoona, Tyrone, Huningdon, lewistown.. and .. well you get it. hee. I have been riding the amtrak train for a long time. Since umm... I guess in the early to middle 90's. I sure am glad Pa has such a wonderful railroad system. I love the horseshoe curve near Altoona.

~BSG

[edgarstheman22]

2:32 Earth Quake !!!

[MrSpinwoo]

Great layout i remember when i found your website years ago and it was the size of a door ,this looks fantastic

[wovelscotch]

I thought I had seen a great layout before... i was wrong...

[CoolioJoe100]

holy crap i love you

[xxxIronHeadxxx]

Where the hell did dave go?

[vollmerdp]

@xxxIronHeadxxx Sorry, haven't been checking the comments much lately. The e-mail notifications had been going to a different account.

[WhyAyeMann]

is this layout made on foam?

[vollmerdp]

@WhyAyeMann It's foam laminated onto a hollow-core door.

[GrandPimp20]

Takelon particles. I do the N too.

[LOTIL62]

I love those PRR Position light signals on the layout. I myself have been hoping to make my own L&N Style Searchlight Signals when I finally am able to start work on my own layout (though it won't be nothing like you're amazing layout! Your layout looks like in many aspects that it could have been made as a model for a major Hollywood movie!) Thank you for showing us!

[kivew]

wonderful work,

[jet79637]

This is beautiful!!! A+

[aihoschema]

Fantastic work! I love that "almost HO" look. Your weathering and great attention to detail makes everything look larger, the trains seem to have "weight" and "heft". Your steamers look sweet!

Love the Hans Zimmer soundtrack. Very Aaron Copland (especially the beginning) and G. Gershwin inspired, the geniuses who invented "that" American orchestral sound. Will check your web site agan. Keep up the inspiring work! Awesome!

[fish171]

omg thats sooooooooo nice lol

[rsera1]

I must know, what is your steam loco? I love it. :)

[vollmerdp]

@rsera1 That's a home-built PRR class H10sb.

[Lemosteam]

Most impressive, something I hope to achieve someday! Reminds me of a PRR video promo of the 50's, only in color.

[trainmaster500]

you've proven that n-scale can be realistic... fantastic work!

[MopacdivB]

DAMN!! perfect to the last detail! your website is amazing too

[MRiceH0le]

Nice Layout!  I like the earthquake at 2:33 too! LOL.

[Na69Mach1]

I notice You have working Rail signals. A very nice detail to such a layout. Do You do any switching work or staging a Train ,before You take a run?Im an N scaler Myself. Have a couple Vids posted of My startup. Into adding another "leg" of benchwork. Mine will be 7.5 ' x 8' x 4' at 30-40" deep. . Great inspiration. Beautiful Layout.

[psusparks]

Great layout...where is this song from?

[20NaScArBaBy20]

WOW!!! This is fantastic!!!!

[karelfromholland]

Dave, it's beautiful.

Try for something small and humble :

treinbaan 066

[ThEsHeEn117]

One word, fantastic.

[Pac3steel]

That is just too sweet!

Great layout, great video!

[scubathetrumpet]

where do you get all your PRR stuff i wanna make a n layout with all PRR but idk when to get any i can't find much by atlas

[FireAce44]

local hobby shop?

[lferrer1970]

Magical! It reminds me of Christmas time, especially with the music score.

[lightrailbo]

WOW. I can only hope that mine turns out half this good. Beautiful!!!

[tdejuan]

Fantastic.

It's a dream layout!. It 's one of the best layouts I've ever seen.

Toni.

[campbell166]

fantastic

[scalare102079]

any chance you will post a trackplan?

[vollmerdp]

@scalare102079 Check my website. I can't post the link, but Google me.

[jordimikado]

Fantastic modeltrain-5 stars*****-Regards of SPAIN

[schomymolly09]

nice bout how much would all this cost

[Devin14conrailOS]

it might be N scale but it is Damn goo 10/5 favorite

[Ianscape]

One of my favorite N scale layouts. Keep up the work Dave, makes me wanna build a door layout to take to shows.

[ToMyTrains]

Vey nice, nice modeling, great music to set the mood.

[11DrewM]

is N scale cheaper than HO? and can you fit more in an N scale layout than HO? say HO layout 25" by 25" can fit 2 main lines and a couple sidings. can N scale fit more than 2 main lines and more content?

[RCAvhstape]

You can fit more, but it's usually good to just keep the same layout and use the greater room to make the turns look more realistic when going from HO to N. Add a few more industry sidings and stuff, not more main lines.

[11DrewM]

thats helpful. ummmmm man, i have looked in every place to buy track, where do i buy it?

[RCAvhstape]

Just google Atlas or Kato. Atlas makes code 80 track, which is standard, and more realistic code 55, which looks better but requires wheels to have low-profile flanges. Kato makes "unitrack" which has a semi-realistic ballast bed for a base.

[RCAvhstape]

Nice layout, and nice vid.

I want to model the Pennsy in N, but it's so hard to find Penszy steam power in N. Broadway Limited makes beautiful models but they're all in HO.

[PossessedDonutz]

this is beast im making an ho scale laoyout on a few big boards ill be sure to put s vid up soon

[gruppob86]

Yes, but my mother was working near the rail road of your grandpa SUCCHIA SUCCHIA $

[anybody51]

My grandfather used to work for the PRR in the 40s and 50s. He used to take the train from Pittsburgh to the Pennsylvania station in Canton Ohio, where my family would drive and pick him up. As a boy, I used to be thrilled and a little frightened to see that big diesel passenger train pull in. Seeing the one on your layout took me right back. Thanks! - Corky

[brandonbofsunnyv]

lucky iv always wanted a model train set like that

[vollmerdp]

@brandonbofsunnyv Not luck, just work.

[caramelicing]

how did you make the scrubs on the mountains and hills?

[stationmaster12]

Absolutely gorgeous layout!!!! Thanks for sharing!

[JB1052]

Town had a little Earthquake @ 2:31. Haha.  Very Nice layout on a door size. Amazing what you can do which N scale, isn't it.

[MoosicMauler]

I feel like I'm at Universal Studio's when I watch this!! Great Job!! I am new to the model train world, and plan on building an n scale display, and this has really motivated me. I can not believe that this is all built on a 36" door. I find myself emailing this to all my friends. Thank you!

[iliketexmex2]

Excellent job. I think that is one of the best on youtube. The music is really good too (hilarious that it is from the Simpsons). Really cool

[rwbigbear]

Nice job! are those model power signals? i have some and was wondering how a person mounts the actual switch, no tabs with the screw holes. thanks, Ron

[vollmerdp]

Nope, they're NJ International... Soon to be replaced with Alkem Scale Models LED signals.

[trade0714]

Congrats on an excellent layout. Great video production as well.

[courtneydavis433]

have you ever heard of the torpedo?

[vollmerdp]

You mean the engine? I wouldn't even begin to know how to build one in N scale...

[hertdesi]

Congratulations... I'm from Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, and making a HO scale layout based on your PRR N scale railway, named on GOOGLE images as "overview", what I acidently discovered.

Your job is very beautiful and realistic and inspirates me rebuild my HO railway.

Once more, Congratulations

[ToMyTrains]

Nicely done.

[iTsKoNvIcT]

gg-1s look great on this layout i would like to see it :)

[vollmerdp]

I edited the video... In terms of the trailer, that sidewalk is very low, almost flush. I suspect the tractor drove over the sidewalk. Or maybe a big hand glued the trailer there... That trailer is now a 32' Mid States trailer instead.

[bluehachiroku]

Dave, this is a great production. The vid itself is very well done and the layout is of a high level of completion. Scale speeds and smmooth operation. Little layouts are great as you get it "finished". Did you film to the audio or did you edit because it's a great match to the scenes.

I gotta ask.. 3.45 at the Tool Co,the semi trailer parked. How did the tractor get out?

[Azaman2009]

did you use cork to elevate the tracks?

[vollmerdp]

No, I used Woodland Scenics Track Bed.

[rockguitarist946]

is it working out for you? the woodland stuff i mean. cuz im working on a layout and trying to decide whether to get cork or that woodlands scenics stuff. plz reply! thanks

[adaribros]

wasnt this in model railroader

[vollmerdp]

I wish...!

[PRRThomas11]

WOW!!

This is my dream layout. Too bad its yours. Haha

I would like to know about your signal system. Very very cool! The new Kato Broadway Limited set would be a great addition to your layout. I would like to see that.

5 stars for you!

[vollmerdp]

Thanks! I have the Kato Broadway now... It may be time to make a new video one of these days...

[PRRThomas11]

Cool! I was sure you did.

I'd love to see the Broadway in action on this layout!

[shazam75]

how did you get the signals to work like that? What sensor did you use?

Beautiful layout.

Cheers!

[TheNewDorkTimes]

this was so worth the time to watch it!

[0Endangered0]

Excellent work! I'm still building my N layout. Been at it for almost 2 years now. Layouts like Mr Vollmer's inspires me to continue and finally finish the damn thing!

[Howie47]

Nice job. Thanks for sharing. I made one in a glass covered coffee table once. Lost it in moving. Boo Hoo.

[TheFatAssCat]

wondering-how do u loose a coffee table?

[Howie47]

I temporally stored it in a "friends" barn.

He, "I guess", sold it; said he thought I was

giving it to him!

[TheFatAssCat]

lol?

[NorfolkSouthern9708]

You probably wouldn't want me to come here, because I'd faint and fall on the layout! :D

[Tjsingle14]

I like the signals!

[NorfolkSouthern9708]

don't they look a little bit out of scale to you?

[Tjsingle14]

they look Ho scale almost...

[paterovski]

One of the best layouts I've seen in video.

[kmcwhq]

Watch for the earth quake at 2:33 !!!

This is actually a great piece of work, and with the help of the music, you have given the illusion in this video that this layout is much larger than it is.

Five stars

[JohnnyNCindy]

Absolutely outstanding! How on earth did you get so much on such a small layout?

This is truly inspiring.

[NSSd80mac]

Hans Zimmer should rename this soundtrack to "The Legend of the PRR!" Awesome layout! I plan to build a n scale layout on a 36 inch door (as soon as one of my doors fall of its hinges!) using unitrak offered by Kato.

[TrainAsia]

Absolutely amazing layout!

[GeorgeT50]

keep adding boards make layout bigger and bigger haha modern engines on it =)

[Nevawake]

wonderful its in my favourites.

[Steez51]

Are your roads woodland scenics or another brand?

Great layout.

[sparks1504]

very realistic, kudo's....tremendous....especi­ally modelled after the PRR....wish you had a GG1 or an E44 .....E44's used to pass my house when i was growing up in Brooklyn , the Bay Ridge division of the New Haven RR , later LIRR, then basically abandoned. memories....PRR rocks :) good work :)

[nscalemodeler24]

One of my fovorite rr.You did really good on filming this.

Im still working on my n scale layout its gonna be santa fe well most of it.

Great sceenery

[darthrealgar]

Awesome set. Attempting to make mine look this good.

Earthquake at 2:36?

[Twisted548]

Your layout is inspiring to all of us N-Scalers. It's amazing how much detail and operation you've squeezed into such a small space while retaining striking scenery. Fantastic.

[27777777777]

Great video, i loved the music and how well u created that little town sitting perfectly between the trees. my family is from upstate pa and it portrays it perfectly.

[UPSD70M]

pretty cool Dave! wishin i had the time to do that

[BurningBerlin]

awesome layout dave. Amazing how much you got into a small area. Im neck deep in making a layout of my own. Ive been modeling the Adirondack Mtns, but im adding a sizeable expansion, and wanna make a quality main street small town. Your's is awesome. Any tips on widewalks, and making the buildings look "right?" Once again, absolutely awesome layout.  Mine is still very much work in progress, but top notch videos like these inspure me to keep at it!

[wwrrnut]

Nice job Dave. You have shown just what N-Scale was made for. A lot of great railroading in a managable space.

[trackspike64]

Is there any way u can give me some pointers on creating a sweet layout on 47"x11' I loved alot of ur stuff but i want more then a double main line but my big thing is coal i love how u did urs > I want coal and a yard I have the turntable and round house and the engines to fill it all up ,,,I can send u my e mail ..

[vollmerdp]

The layout is based on one in Kalmbach's "Small Railroads You Can Build 2nd Edition (revised and expanded)." If you get a hold of a copy of this book it should help you out and answer most of your questions. In terms of pointers, the best pointer I can give is to become active in online model railroading forums so you have a chance to share and discuss ideas with other modelers.

[Azaman2009]

WOW! that was quite some scenery.

What did you make landscape trees and grennery out of?

[vollmerdp]

Thanks!

Most of the trees and greenery are from Woodland Scenics, including their pre-built trees, tree kits, Foliage Clusters, ground foam, and Realistic Trees.

[budmanuk]

where did you get your signals?

[vollmerdp]

The signals are by NJ International. They're a bit oversized; I plan to replace them soon with smaller Alkem Scale Models PRR signals.

[frenchustube]

Best Video of trains I have seen> I model HO marklin European but this is really nice

Love the music perfect for the video. Who is the composer?

[vollmerdp]

Music is by Hans Zimmer, from the Simpsons Movie soundtrack. Glad you enjoyed it!

[hilytrinity]

brilliant! im startin on my own n gauge. cant wait man!!!!

[michaelmohrmann]

Great video of a great layout, however my opinion about the music is better left unsaid. But the good news is you've provided me with inspiration for my own model railroad project. Thank you.

[eandreas1976]

With the added music, I think I might have gotten a tear in my eye. sniffles. Nice work

[rzoellnersr1]

Hi Matt, I love your music, it is in sinc with your trains. Great job and the layout is really nice, one of the best I've seen for the size.

[route29a]

Great work! A very nice layout.

[ghostridermjs]

Now that was a great layout!! I have a n scale on a 36"x58" and you really have to be creative to put as much as this video had. Again GREAT work!!

[yimkhoc]

WOW!!

That has to be one of the greatest small layouts I've ever seen. The level of detail is phenomenal and a big inspiration for other budding modellers like myself. It just goes to show that you don't have to take over an entire room to build a detailed, fun and respected layout.

[vollmerdp]

Thanks, everyone for the kind words!

[trainman07011]

Wow! That's a lot of railroad for a hollow core door! Great work, great video!

[secretagentbill1]

Nice work.

[ICGunny]

I sat in awe the whole time it played. I loved the soundtrack. I would have never known this was a small layout. Great job!

[CR3271]

GREAT VID! Very well put together, and great soundtrack. Definitely one of the better block of 6 minutes I've ever spent on YouTube. My wife even enjoyed this one.

[artydale]

absolutely superb. So much in such a small layout. I hope to emulate your feat. If half as good I'll be happy. Well done

[jimjoneballer13]

Beautiful. The choreography of the music to the scenes is well thought out. I also was not aware that the layout was not grandiose in size, but what it lacks in physical presence is sure made up by the detail and craftmanship.  Author Author!!

[andrejonc]

Well Dave, you made my day!

The old man feel young again, good show and many thanks.

[swdw973]

Excellent modeling and great editing and music. Maked me jealous ;)

[tomgschilling]

Really outstanding, Dave. Great railroad and really nice video work.

[SIrDrinksalot2]

Trains are running way to fast.

[vollmerdp]

Track speed on the PRR Middle Division in the 1950s was upwards of 70 mph. Remember that this was a relatively flat stretch (river-level) and the railroad was graded for high-speed operations.

[SIrDrinksalot2]

That's fine. Of course, they (at least the locos capable of it...) were doing it over just a tad more distance than your layout represents.........

[swdw973]

Snob alert!!

Jeesh, unless you run a fast clock a loco moving at 7inches per SECOND is a scale 70 mph- go soak your head slrdrinksalot2

[coxbazaar]

Unfortunately I'm not able to recognize the track layout. Anyway, the most harmonic style I saw within the last years.

A very impressed

"Cox" from Germany

[TangoDancer307]

Dave, wonderful wonderful video. You've just raised the bar for all of us layout owners with web sites!!!! Thx for sharing. John Sing, ATSF_Arizona

[Chris2NH]

Nice job! Nice MRR, good video production.

[delamaize]

wow I never realised that your pike was that small. Bravo!