I use fast tracks as well. I have been building a model of Fostoria, Ohio. The diamonds and such are great for the angles I need and many different turnouts including a few Ys and a 3-way. I love their product. Great stuff. Made getting 88 degree diamonds easy.
I'm always so impressed with channels doing careful, tedious craft and hobby work AND take the time to set up all the camera work with quality editing and voice over to boot. Thanks for taking the time to share your awesome work, and as always, can't wait to see what additions come next!
I have to give you a load of credit. Your patience is absolutely incredible. I don't have the patience to edit a video. You are building frigging switches and THEN EDITING. And a trip to Italy!!! I vacationed in Venice, Rome, and Florence. Beautiful!!! Kudos to you!!! INCREDIBLE!!!
What can help when soldering is a weak pair metal clamps with flat jaws to use as a heat sink. I put it just up from the solder joint to leech heat, keep the entire rail from heat warping.
The footage of Italy was my favorite part of the video. Isn't it such a beautiful country?! Venice is the most incredible place I've ever been. Incredible work with the turnouts as well! Such fine, intricate details.
Fascinating to see your method of building turnouts using this jig and the laser cut roster and the waterfront structure is also real impressive! Thanks for showing Sir!
I look forward to your updates. Enjoyed watching the building of the turnout…very informative. Also liked the video of Italy…been quite some time since I’ve been there.
Totally love what you are doing. Thank you for sharing all this. You contribute much what is suitable to how I want to build my dream layout, not to mention I'd really enjoy visiting Italy.
Also a Tam Valley and Fast Tracks devotee. Hugely rewarding building your own turnouts, mine are #7 due to space restrictions, the #8’s seem to flow so well, trains look quite prototypical running through them. Wife and I visited UK and Europe in ‘18, including Rome, Venice and Florence. So beautiful. Seems a different world now 😞
*@rcgrabbag* Unbelievable what is possible. And I've been tinkering with my #Lego mountain with my #Batcave for 2 months now. But the creation of the switch, even if I move with Lego on a different scale, this #workshop inspired me incredibly. thanks for that.
@@rcgrabbag Yes of course. It's unbelievable what energy you put into this incredible project. I'm trying to get a project out of the ground myself in which I want to overcome a stretch of Lego rails of up to 300 meters. If that works, I'll reach for the stars😊
Another awesome video brother! I love seeing the progress on your layout. Definitely the best quality modeling videos I've seen on youtube. I turned the bell on. Keep it coming!
I also ordered the DM&IR Yellowstone #220, I got mine yesterday and laughed because when you said you had a surprise new package I thought “it’s prob the Yellowstone😂.” Love the content and channel, looking forward to the next update video already👍🏻
As the first one was replaced I'll say it again! Your railroad is great, you're doing such a great job and it's an inspiration for us all. Secondly, this is the best video on turnout construction I've ever seen, I've always been interested and wanted to try but I found it confusing in the extreme. This film makes me think that I can do it and I can't thank you enough for that. Best wishes from South Wales to you and yours, I sincerely hope that you're all safe and well.
Very nice of you to say and thanks for reposting! I find building turnouts a bit addicting. BTW, I was in Wales two years ago visiting Caerphilly Castle.
@@rcgrabbag jeez! I lived in Machen, two miles from Filly. I wish I'd known! If you ever come again you're absolutely invited to stay with us in the splendidly name Village of Pantygog. I will introduce you to the delights of Hornby Dublo
The bridge at 35:00 is really nice, what a showcase shot for your loco's. IDK why you would go to Italy when you could stay and do Model Railroading. I been there, it's just a bunch of old stuff.
As a collector for decades it's time to build a layout B4 I'm outta time,love of big steam & Turbine's means big turnouts,so appreciate your detail how to "fast-track,you make it look so easy,With these hands I know, better plan ,and with time ...BTW Nice STEAM, hand shakes my friend..
The Emporium Seafood Co. is totally AWESOME! 👍👍 The layout isn't bad either! 🤣🤣 Seems like a lot of work to make your own turnouts. The 2-8-8-4 Yellowstone looks to be well worth its $600 price tag. 😀😀
Hope you enjoyed Roma. You must see napoli, capri and the amalfi coast. Greetings from Hamburg/ Germany. Btw great train layout, looking forward for the next Episode
Great video and workmanship. I was wondering if you soldered the frog rails together at about 12:15 in the video. Your soldering is very good and I could not see any solder at that location. Thanks for your explanation of the process. By far the best video I've seen to date on the subject.
Really enjoy your videos. Your layout is incredible and quite an undertaking. Karl’s buildings and your trestle are amazing. Was the large rock mold from Bragdon or did you create your own? It’s a nice size and level of detail of the rocks. If it’s your own, may I suggest it as a future video? After bees and rockets, etc... I found myself wondering throughout the video where we might be going or what we might be doing at the end and thank you, Italy was spectacular.
Hi, great video. I have a question. It appears that you did not solder the frog rails to their PCB tie at the point end of the frog. Did you forget to do this, or is this on purpose? If on purpose, why?
Since you've got the elevation on your layout and obviously have the track building skills, did ever consider building a funicular railway? The one at Horseshoe Curve is a great "newer" example. Too bad it is not currently operating. Awesome progress by the way!
What, roughly, is the cost break downs. Cost to buy the materials and how many turnouts do you get. Not including the templates and fixtures. Thanks for a great video. You have my interest peaked on building turnouts now.
I just started using Fast Tracks tools. Using Quick Sticks you can build them for about $12-14 each. I have a stock of ties so I don't use Quick Sticks. The great thing about these tools and jigs is you learn to build turnouts. After only a few in jig I am now building custom fit turnouts that fit particular situations. You can also build a ladder with minimal or no joints in the stock rail.
@@russcarlson7151 Thanks for the info. Our module club is going to be expanding a few sections soon, one section will be a yard and other will be light industry with a couple switching spots.
I started building my own because I will be using code 70 and 55, due to the prototype I am modeling had light rail. I can build a turnout easily in 2 hrs. If you were to build frogs, points and guard rails ahead of time in batches you could speed the process a lot.
Why there is no #12 or #10 turnout in ho scale? Up to #8 is only available. But some of the rolling stocks are long. So, #8 turnout is little sharp. Please give your reply.
Just curious. I see a very expensive Epilog laser in the workshop, yet you used some other companies laser cut ties? Couldn't you have done those on the Epilog? How much of the layout has the laser been used for it?
Great video! Two questions about the Yellowstone; 1.) does it have the whistle steam, and 2.) can you move the tender connection to the closer coupling or is it stuck in the outer position?
Buenas tardes desde Los Alcazares ( Murcia ) ESPAÑA bonito trabajo de hacer los desvíos de esa maqueta de los FERROCARRILES Americanos, ya me gustaria hacer eso a mi y poder ver con mis propios ojos, pero yo soy una persona que cobro poco, estoy jubilado y soy una persona con cierta discapacidad por un accidente de moto, que Dios os guarde un saludo...............
Smoother, more reliable operation, I think. Secondly, you can make things that are simply not commercially available, like a #10 double slip switch #10 double crossover, or #12 turnout. Lastly, it's fun (well, for me it is)!
Thanks for the compliment! And, hehe, I'm gonna take only partial responsibility for the music choice ;-). I searched "Italian" in the TH-cam free music library and these were among the choices, so ...
Thanks for putting these videos together. I'm enjoying this series. I'm not a model railroader (too many other hobbies, don't need a new one), but I find watching the construction of a new layout to be great lunchtime entertainment. If I could make a request, I've seen several "cab ride" videos and I really think these add an intriguing dimension to a layout video series. There are small, inexpensive action cameras available that make this possible, e.g. RunCam. I believe modelers usually attach these to a flatcar in front of the loco to achieve. Here's one of my favorite examples: th-cam.com/video/9cULL7QcErQ/w-d-xo.html Cheers!
I'm always impressed and disappointed by MTH models. They're really nice, have lots of detail, and seem to be quite well made. But they always have that huge gap between the loco and the tender, and that just ruins the look. We don't have that in europe, so I can't understand why is it so common in the states.
The MTH models generally have two attachment points on the drawbar for the tender. Out of the box they are typically attached on the point that puts the loco and tender farther apart, I'm guessing to handle the smaller radii turns that are assumed to be on most layouts.
Your build and tutorials are absolutely amazing!!!... but you have enough people gushing all over you and you're layout. Lets get down to brass tracks (or is that tacks...ANYWAYS...) at what point does it become cost effective? (and before I get a bunch of "it''s not about the cost" etc, for some of us that don't have a money tree, it is!) At what point, or how many turnouts do you have to build where the cost of buying out weighs the cost of building? I would be very curious to know! I have all the time in the world, but not the money. Physically disabled and told by me orthopedic surgeon, no working FULL STOP! is there a point where they are "cheaper" to make than buy?!?
Thanks for watching! I'm not sure how to answer your question though. The reason I'm building turnouts is for what I consider superior performance of the hand built turnouts vs. those that are commercially available. If you want to do some type of cost comparison, the best I can offer in terms of advice is; how much is your time worth? It takes about 1.5 hours to build a turnout once you become proficient. Is 1.5 hours of your time more cost effective than purchasing that same turnout instead?
i cant even fathom how wealthy you must be. helicopter trips and an epilog laser chilling in the basement not to mention basically every fast tracks jig and every tool under the sun and a purpose built building for your layout... wtf...
This is the best step-by-step illustration on how to make a hand laid turnout for beginners, thank you
Thank you!
the difference between boys and men is the price of their toys 😄 Beautiful layout, brings back memories of my teenage years, thanks for sharing !
man am i glad that your first video randomly got into my recommended, cause this is actually cool
Thanks!
@Caspian Drew no one
I use fast tracks as well. I have been building a model of Fostoria, Ohio. The diamonds and such are great for the angles I need and many different turnouts including a few Ys and a 3-way. I love their product. Great stuff. Made getting 88 degree diamonds easy.
Very cool!
Not only do I learn so much from your videos they are pleasant and relaxing to watch. Thank you for sharing your hobby with me, you do amazing work
Thanks glad you are enjoying the journey!
I've never been into model railroads and have no idea what you are doing, but I immensely enjoy your videos, and cannot wait to see what is next!
I agree totally. I have no interest in model railways, but this is fascinating stuff.
@@FJD333 @Tood Thank you very much!
@@rcgrabbag Hi, What size is that beautiful Loco at 25:11 ? Love the videos and thanks.
I'm always so impressed with channels doing careful, tedious craft and hobby work AND take the time to set up all the camera work with quality editing and voice over to boot. Thanks for taking the time to share your awesome work, and as always, can't wait to see what additions come next!
I appreciate the kind words! Thank you!
Very informative. Happy I came across your videos!
Glad it was helpful!
This is amazing work. Your attention to detail is very impressive. Those turnouts are a work of art!
Thank you very much!
Don't have the time, budget, or patience to build a layout like this. So I'm happy to join you as "we" build yours. Thanks for posting these!
I have to give you a load of credit. Your patience is absolutely incredible. I don't have the patience to edit a video. You are building frigging switches and THEN EDITING. And a trip to Italy!!! I vacationed in Venice, Rome, and Florence. Beautiful!!! Kudos to you!!! INCREDIBLE!!!
Thanks glad you are enjoying!
What can help when soldering is a weak pair metal clamps with flat jaws to use as a heat sink. I put it just up from the solder joint to leech heat, keep the entire rail from heat warping.
The footage of Italy was my favorite part of the video. Isn't it such a beautiful country?! Venice is the most incredible place I've ever been.
Incredible work with the turnouts as well! Such fine, intricate details.
Enjoyed the video very much hope there more to come.
I love how you go into great detail. Well done sir
Thanks!
Fascinating to see your method of building turnouts using this jig and the laser cut roster and the waterfront structure is also real impressive! Thanks for showing Sir!
Fantastic!, just fantastic. I hope you will be able to complete the journey in building this layout. a real pleasure to see, thanks for sharing.
I look forward to your updates. Enjoyed watching the building of the turnout…very informative. Also liked the video of Italy…been quite some time since I’ve been there.
What you are building goes beyond description. Absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing. Bravo Zulu.
Thanks a lot!
Great job. Thanks for the Fast Tracks clinic. They look like the way to go.
Outstanding work. Thanks for taking time to post it.
Totally love what you are doing. Thank you for sharing all this. You contribute much what is suitable to how I want to build my dream layout, not to mention I'd really enjoy visiting Italy.
That building was stunning. Incredible workmanship.
Wow a lot of work on those turnouts. Never knew MTH made anything but O scale. Beautiful locomotive, excellent sound
Making your own points is next level.
Dang that’s one nice loco. It’s smoke stack actually looks realistic with it’s not very visible but fluffy smoke! Great video as always man.
congratulations, amazing layout.
Also a Tam Valley and Fast Tracks devotee. Hugely rewarding building your own turnouts, mine are #7 due to space restrictions, the #8’s seem to flow so well, trains look quite prototypical running through them.
Wife and I visited UK and Europe in ‘18, including Rome, Venice and Florence. So beautiful. Seems a different world now 😞
Man I'm learning a ton from watching your videos! beautiful layout! I enjoy your videos while drinking my coffee!
"I'd walk a mile for a vertical smile", my favorite play off the "I'll walk a mile for a Camel" advertisement.
*@rcgrabbag* Unbelievable what is possible. And I've been tinkering with my #Lego mountain with my #Batcave for 2 months now. But the creation of the switch, even if I move with Lego on a different scale, this #workshop inspired me incredibly. thanks for that.
Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching!
@@rcgrabbag Yes of course. It's unbelievable what energy you put into this incredible project. I'm trying to get a project out of the ground myself in which I want to overcome a stretch of Lego rails of up to 300 meters. If that works, I'll reach for the stars😊
A piece of art! Thanks for sharing and good luck for the future! Cheers from Belgium
Thank you very much!
I can’t wait to see the finished product =] Watching your progress has been super fun!
Thanks!
@@rcgrabbag keep up the awesome work! =]
Another awesome video brother! I love seeing the progress on your layout. Definitely the best quality modeling videos I've seen on youtube. I turned the bell on. Keep it coming!
Thanks! Will do!
I also ordered the DM&IR Yellowstone #220, I got mine yesterday and laughed because when you said you had a surprise new package I thought “it’s prob the Yellowstone😂.” Love the content and channel, looking forward to the next update video already👍🏻
Thanks! The Yellowstone is a nice model for sure.
As the first one was replaced I'll say it again! Your railroad is great, you're doing such a great job and it's an inspiration for us all. Secondly, this is the best video on turnout construction I've ever seen, I've always been interested and wanted to try but I found it confusing in the extreme. This film makes me think that I can do it and I can't thank you enough for that. Best wishes from South Wales to you and yours, I sincerely hope that you're all safe and well.
Very nice of you to say and thanks for reposting! I find building turnouts a bit addicting. BTW, I was in Wales two years ago visiting Caerphilly Castle.
@@rcgrabbag jeez! I lived in Machen, two miles from Filly. I wish I'd known! If you ever come again you're absolutely invited to stay with us in the splendidly name Village of Pantygog. I will introduce you to the delights of Hornby Dublo
Another great video. Looking forward to seeing what's next.
Ah, Venice! My 3rd favorite European after Berlin and Paris. Railroad's looking good!
The bridge at 35:00 is really nice, what a showcase shot for your loco's. IDK why you would go to Italy when you could stay and do Model Railroading. I been there, it's just a bunch of old stuff.
As a collector for decades it's time to build a layout B4 I'm outta time,love of big steam & Turbine's means big turnouts,so appreciate your detail how to "fast-track,you make it look so easy,With these hands I know, better plan ,and with time ...BTW Nice STEAM, hand shakes my friend..
Thanks! Good luck with your layout!
The Emporium Seafood Co. is totally AWESOME! 👍👍 The layout isn't bad either! 🤣🤣 Seems like a lot of work to make your own turnouts. The 2-8-8-4 Yellowstone looks to be well worth its $600 price tag. 😀😀
Outstanding 👍
Great work. Could you please tell me the gauge of the narrow gauge track., HON3 or HOn30. Thank you
Thanks, it’s HOn3
You know what’s great about Italy? The place is full of Italians!
Can't argue that! ...and gelato
Thats incredible. Amazing
Thanks!
You'll are some Monsters in the HO scale game ... One day!
Very impressive work and great modeling!!
Really enjoyed and learned a few things along the way.
Muse
Many thanks!
Outstanding skill.......
Great Video!! Bob
Glad you enjoyed it!
Oh, by the way. Love the rock work I can see at the 27:00 time line...
Thanks! Trying to get all the bridges done in the general area so I can go back to working on the scenery.
👍👍👍👍👍😉 Very nice Layout! Mike from Austria
Hope you enjoyed Roma. You must see napoli, capri and the amalfi coast. Greetings from Hamburg/ Germany. Btw great train layout, looking forward for the next Episode
Hi there, yes, we also went to Napoli, Capri and Amalfi Coast on another trip. Beautiful!
@@rcgrabbag I was there in Winter, 21 Grad Celsius, most is closed but no Tourists.
Great video and workmanship. I was wondering if you soldered the frog rails together at about 12:15 in the video. Your soldering is very good and I could not see any solder at that location. Thanks for your explanation of the process. By far the best video I've seen to date on the subject.
Really interested in the basics of track layout and what products like track you chose to use. Great video!
Glad you liked it!
Love the fretsaw frame, please what's the source? Not seen the like here in the UK.
Love your videos!!
Thanks!
Love your channel! Subbed... so.. I'm a total rookie.. love that engine u bought.. how does it produce smoke???
Thanks! The smoke is produced by a small heated “smoke unit” that heats and vaporizes a special smoke oil.
Looks nice but you have more free time than me to hand build switches.
Really enjoy your videos. Your layout is incredible and quite an undertaking. Karl’s buildings and your trestle are amazing. Was the large rock mold from Bragdon or did you create your own? It’s a nice size and level of detail of the rocks. If it’s your own, may I suggest it as a future video? After bees and rockets, etc... I found myself wondering throughout the video where we might be going or what we might be doing at the end and thank you, Italy was spectacular.
Hi, great video. I have a question. It appears that you did not solder the frog rails to their PCB tie at the point end of the frog. Did you forget to do this, or is this on purpose? If on purpose, why?
Since you've got the elevation on your layout and obviously have the track building skills, did ever consider building a funicular railway? The one at Horseshoe Curve is a great "newer" example. Too bad it is not currently operating. Awesome progress by the way!
What, roughly, is the cost break downs. Cost to buy the materials and how many turnouts do you get. Not including the templates and fixtures. Thanks for a great video. You have my interest peaked on building turnouts now.
I just started using Fast Tracks tools. Using Quick Sticks you can build them for about $12-14 each. I have a stock of ties so I don't use Quick Sticks. The great thing about these tools and jigs is you learn to build turnouts. After only a few in jig I am now building custom fit turnouts that fit particular situations. You can also build a ladder with minimal or no joints in the stock rail.
@@russcarlson7151 Thanks for the info. Our module club is going to be expanding a few sections soon, one section will be a yard and other will be light industry with a couple switching spots.
I started building my own because I will be using code 70 and 55, due to the prototype I am modeling had light rail.
I can build a turnout easily in 2 hrs. If you were to build frogs, points and guard rails ahead of time in batches you could speed the process a lot.
Why there is no #12 or #10 turnout in ho scale?
Up to #8 is only available.
But some of the rolling stocks are long. So, #8 turnout is little sharp.
Please give your reply.
Just curious. I see a very expensive Epilog laser in the workshop, yet you used some other companies laser cut ties? Couldn't you have done those on the Epilog? How much of the layout has the laser been used for it?
Very very nicely done, how much man-hours did you put into the layout so far? Did you do everything by yourself?
Thanks very much! I had an evening of help pre-covid. Since then it's been all me!
Great video! Two questions about the Yellowstone; 1.) does it have the whistle steam, and 2.) can you move the tender connection to the closer coupling or is it stuck in the outer position?
Thanks! It doesn't have the whistle steam but it does have a closer coupling option.
@@rcgrabbag F7 should activate whistle steam option for DCC with the Yellowstone.
Why not use a Dremmel tool to cut the gaps in any rail you need to cut???
Dremel cut is much wider than the coping saw.
@@rcgrabbag Agree!!!
Buenas tardes desde Los Alcazares ( Murcia ) ESPAÑA bonito trabajo de hacer los desvíos de esa maqueta de los FERROCARRILES Americanos, ya me gustaria hacer eso a mi y poder ver con mis propios ojos, pero yo soy una persona que cobro poco, estoy jubilado y soy una persona con cierta discapacidad por un accidente de moto, que Dios os guarde un saludo...............
Am I missing something here, or can these junctions not be bought in hobby/railway shops?
Great video series. I'm curious about what cameras you use to shoot video, particularly the turnout construction. Thanks.
Thanks! I use a Nikon Z7 during turnout construction, an iPhone and an old HD video camera, and the Z7 combined for everything else.
When I see these frogs on these model videos, are all of them made like this or do they come premade also?
have you been to the miniatur wunderland in hamburg, germany?
It’s on the list!
You made all those by hand?! What's the advantage to doing that?
Smoother, more reliable operation, I think. Secondly, you can make things that are simply not commercially available, like a #10 double slip switch #10 double crossover, or #12 turnout. Lastly, it's fun (well, for me it is)!
Brilliant video as always however at the end views of Italy accompanied by Django hot club music expressing the essence of France....okay....?
Thanks for the compliment! And, hehe, I'm gonna take only partial responsibility for the music choice ;-). I searched "Italian" in the TH-cam free music library and these were among the choices, so ...
Great vid! Does Karl have a TH-cam channel? Link?
Karl does not have a TH-cam channel but does post his work on modelersforum.com as PostalKarl.
@@rcgrabbag Wow, he’s very talented!
Why build your own turnoff? Seems like a lot of work
It is, but they perform better and I can make sizes that you just can't get commercially.
I wish we were on HO in the uk not 00.
Siena in my city......
Thanks for putting these videos together. I'm enjoying this series. I'm not a model railroader (too many other hobbies, don't need a new one), but I find watching the construction of a new layout to be great lunchtime entertainment. If I could make a request, I've seen several "cab ride" videos and I really think these add an intriguing dimension to a layout video series. There are small, inexpensive action cameras available that make this possible, e.g. RunCam. I believe modelers usually attach these to a flatcar in front of the loco to achieve. Here's one of my favorite examples: th-cam.com/video/9cULL7QcErQ/w-d-xo.html Cheers!
I have several videos with a “pace cam” on a flat car.
@@rcgrabbag Oh, I see... I must've missed those. I've only found your channel with the new build. My bad.
They are kinda old videos so you’d have to go digging but they are there if you’re bored!
Where do you live, and can I come see this?
I'm always impressed and disappointed by MTH models. They're really nice, have lots of detail, and seem to be quite well made. But they always have that huge gap between the loco and the tender, and that just ruins the look.
We don't have that in europe, so I can't understand why is it so common in the states.
The MTH models generally have two attachment points on the drawbar for the tender. Out of the box they are typically attached on the point that puts the loco and tender farther apart, I'm guessing to handle the smaller radii turns that are assumed to be on most layouts.
Your build and tutorials are absolutely amazing!!!... but you have enough people gushing all over you and you're layout. Lets get down to brass tracks (or is that tacks...ANYWAYS...) at what point does it become cost effective? (and before I get a bunch of "it''s not about the cost" etc, for some of us that don't have a money tree, it is!) At what point, or how many turnouts do you have to build where the cost of buying out weighs the cost of building? I would be very curious to know! I have all the time in the world, but not the money. Physically disabled and told by me orthopedic surgeon, no working FULL STOP! is there a point where they are "cheaper" to make than buy?!?
Thanks for watching! I'm not sure how to answer your question though. The reason I'm building turnouts is for what I consider superior performance of the hand built turnouts vs. those that are commercially available. If you want to do some type of cost comparison, the best I can offer in terms of advice is; how much is your time worth? It takes about 1.5 hours to build a turnout once you become proficient. Is 1.5 hours of your time more cost effective than purchasing that same turnout instead?
So is this how board millionaires fill there days..😂😂😂.
Haha! I am rarely bored. Too many hobbies!
in your spare time, maybe you can help NASA figure out how to launch a rocket to the moon since they lost all their notes on it from 50yrs ago 🙃
I bet his wife gets to buy as much jewelry as she wants
What a strange comment
i cant even fathom how wealthy you must be. helicopter trips and an epilog laser chilling in the basement not to mention basically every fast tracks jig and every tool under the sun and a purpose built building for your layout... wtf...