Just awesome , I can watch these trains all day. New subscriber to you today . Mike Espo. I am running 2 trains at one time on a 4x8 board . Watching your videos now .
Glad you are enjoying. I can do the same. Some days I go down after work to work on the layout but I end up just running the trains and playing in the yard. That's why I do what I do. I use to have so many Hot Wheel cars back in the 60's. But when you have 4 younger brothers stuff like that goes missing. Wish I still had those today.
Mark, nice layout! I enjoyed the entire video. Everything is well put together, and your trains operate very smoothly. I had to remove my layout in July of 2022. I plan to rebuild after I retire in August of this year. Keep the railroad chugging along, I'll be following you. -Jeff-
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed. I have more videos on my page as well that you may enjoy. Good luck with your rebuild. Keep me updated on how that goes. I will be posting more as I go along.
Happy New Year Mark! Fun video, it’s neat to see and hear about some of the modifications and customizations that you did, not only to the GVL but some of your DC locos! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Sam. I had already spent way more money on this layout then I originally intended. This just seemed like a good way to get what I needed without spending more since I had the switch laying around any way. I still have a lot of parts laying around from my old layout just in case.
Hey Mark. Happy New Year! Thank you for sharing your project info with us. Its nice to see the potential of the GVL if you have the space. Trying to work out a small programming track now. The only thing Ive ever needed the program track for was to change address on second train, Going to explore the DCC more to see what I may be missing out on. Ill be watching take care.
Yep, that's a problem. It's become an expensive hobby. I've spent about 4 times more than I originally anticipated and I'm not done yet. I did save some money by repurposing some materials from my 30 year old layout. But I love working on the layout and I really love running the trains. Now that I have most of my rolling stock fine tuned it's back to working on scenery.
Great video, Mark! Sure like what you've done to the original GVR. I've been slowly working on my GVR for about 2 years now. Questions for you: Did you start with the basic 4 X8 layout that the GVR calls for and then add the 6" to your benchwork around the perimeter, or did you go with a 5 X9 from the start? What is the radius of the curves on the expansion loop that you added to the original GVR? I definitely have the room to expand the base GVR that I'm working on and you're an inspiration on what can be done with the base layout. Happy New Year from Calgary!
Dunk, I got started by downloading the instructions for the GVL from Woodland Scenics. On the back page is the layout and all of the pieces needed. Since I already had quite a bit of Bachmann EZ track I planned the layout using AnyRail 6. A track planning software. Once I mapped that out with the EZ track, I then started planning the expansion. I knew how much room I had and built the base of that in the software and then just kept playing with different configurations till I came up with something I liked and fit the area. Needless to say once I started I did make a few changes here and there. Anyway the main layout as you know is 5' x 9'. Then I went off to the left of the layout with a 2' x 6' section and then another 2' x 6' section to make the space U-shaped. I used 18" radius curves throughout the whole layout. I thought about using 22" radius curves on Plus section of the layout but stuck with 18" because I didn't want to be stuck using only certain loco's and rolling stock on only once section. I wanted to be sure that everything was interchangeable. At one of the train shows I attended one of the vendors told me that Athearn builds most of their locos and rolling stock to be able to run on 4' x 8' layouts and 18" radius curves. That's why most of my DCC locomotives are Athearn Genesis. I really haven't had an issue running them. Even the BC Rail Dash 9 navigates the 18" radius curves well. The only thing I did to help with that was to replace the couplers that came with it with longer shanked Kadee 146 couplers. I put then on the locomotive and a couple pieces of rolling stock that I put right behind it. This way there is more room between the loco and car and they don't touch each other in the curves. Good luck with your expansion. I look forward to seeing it. Let me know if you need anything else.
Thanks for the response, Mark. Being a newbie to this, I've gotten frustrated at times with the basic GVR layout and wish I had done a bit more homework from the get-go but videos by the "GVR group (Dan's GVR, copterdude, Father and son)" have helped a lot. The main thing I like about your expansion is that it's all on one level and allows much more for switching and just general multi-trains running. I really like passenger trains and the GVR is not conducive to running anything over about 60 scale feet ..... might have to try the longer couplers.
What planes have you got for the roads to fit them better into the landscape? I've always thought that the Grand Valley roads don't quite fit properly and let the set down compared to the hills and landscape.
My roads are already in the layout. If you look at earlier videos you can see where they are running. I also took out the original spurs of the GVL so I would have a larger area for a park with commercial spaces around it.
I see you are using a lot of the Bachmann set track. Do you use any of their DCC turnouts. And if so, how do you control them through there NCE unit. I've been trying to work out what channel the turnouts work on. I'm only using the simple Bachmann DCC controller with the 15Amp booster. But trying to modify un-motored turnouts to us a DCC switch rather than buy new DCC turnouts
Russ, I do have Bachmann's DCC turnouts on my layout. When I was planning this I thought it was a good idea to try and incorporate them into my layout. I too was using the Bachmann EZ-Command controller at first and they were easy to use with it. But after a while I just found it easier to turn my switches manually. That way I could still concentrate on the locomotives with my controller. Now I regret spending all of that money on them. I do use 2 normal powered turnouts on the layout. The one that is right at the entrance to the outer tunnel and the one right before it. Those are rather difficult to throw manually so I powered them using an older DC controller with the AC accessories port. I haven't tried programming the DCC turnouts with the NCE yet. But I might try now that you bring it up. It's supposed to be able to work. I'll let you know what I find out.
@@markswiatly9613 thanks I tried to us a cheap second hand Hornby controller as you can change some CV's with it. Speed steps ect. But I couldn't get the points to switch with it. I'm guessing that because they are using address 9 on the EZ Command, that they might have and engine decoder rather than a accessory decoder. Just a theroy as I've no esolascope to look at the signal eave form
Yes, I did use Bachmann's EZ-Track. It fit the layout pretty easily. I bought a couple of their small piece assortments to help where things might be off a miniscule amount. This was helpful to have on hand and let me fine tune the fit. The layout runs very well. If you watch some of the earlier and later videos I could into greater detail on some of this. Thank you for reaching out. I'm always glad to help if I can.
@@atuldivekar Those were the #9. 44561 Left turnout remote and 44562 Right turnout remote. Both are 9" straight with an 18" radius curve. They are also the powered ones, hence the remote in the description.
Robert, I've never done this before but I think this will get you to the plans for my layout. www.dropbox.com/sh/4bn7525eico7sqs/AACLtFZs5lsvnhjToHYYvYEKa?dl=0 Let me know if this worked for you. Thanks
@@markswiatly9613 That link worked perfectly, just needed to do a quick update on anyrail to match the file. Thanks so much for taking the time to make this downloadable. Happy model railroading!!
@@markswiatly9613 mark.... my diesel facility added tons of action to my layout... not only long and short term diesel maintenance but fueling/sanding/water and an r.i.p track as well. i have buildings for just extensive car repair, both a long and short term diesel service, an "open-air" building (no walls... for work when it gets too hot inside either maintenance facility... just a roof supported by metal beams) and a maintenance of way (mow)area using one of the tracks to the short term diesel facility. this type of set-up allows me to display some visiting engines from other railroads which require maintenance as well. you can google "ho train maintenance facilities" where you will get tons of ideas !! keep up the nice work and keep 'em rolling !!!
@@dennisarmes3473 Thanks again. That sounds really exciting. I might have to add onto my layout to accommodate your suggestion, but I have the track to pull it off. I'll call my layout up in my AnyRail 6 and start fiddling around to see how I can do it. It'll be fun just trying to figure it out.
Just awesome , I can watch these trains all day.
New subscriber to you today .
Mike Espo.
I am running 2 trains at one time on a 4x8 board .
Watching your videos now .
Glad you are enjoying. I can do the same. Some days I go down after work to work on the layout but I end up just running the trains and playing in the yard. That's why I do what I do.
I use to have so many Hot Wheel cars back in the 60's. But when you have 4 younger brothers stuff like that goes missing. Wish I still had those today.
I hear ya . I also like to spend time with the trains .
Mike
Mark, nice layout! I enjoyed the entire video. Everything is well put together, and your trains operate very smoothly. I had to remove my layout in July of 2022. I plan to rebuild after I retire in August of this year. Keep the railroad chugging along, I'll be following you. -Jeff-
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed. I have more videos on my page as well that you may enjoy. Good luck with your rebuild. Keep me updated on how that goes. I will be posting more as I go along.
Danke
Happy New Year Mark! Fun video, it’s neat to see and hear about some of the modifications and customizations that you did, not only to the GVL but some of your DC locos! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching.
Great idea using the Atlas switch for a master/programming track power controller.
Thanks Sam. I had already spent way more money on this layout then I originally intended. This just seemed like a good way to get what I needed without spending more since I had the switch laying around any way. I still have a lot of parts laying around from my old layout just in case.
Hey Mark. Happy New Year! Thank you for sharing your project info with us. Its nice to see the potential of the GVL if you have the space. Trying to work out a small programming track now. The only thing Ive ever needed the program track for was to change address on second train, Going to explore the DCC more to see what I may be missing out on. Ill be watching take care.
Happy New Year. Let us know if you have any questions. There are quite a few good channels on DCC and it's benefits.
Nice layout on mine I’m also using the ez track it’s a small layout for budget reasons. Every time I go to my local hobby store I spend to much lol
Yep, that's a problem. It's become an expensive hobby. I've spent about 4 times more than I originally anticipated and I'm not done yet. I did save some money by repurposing some materials from my 30 year old layout. But I love working on the layout and I really love running the trains. Now that I have most of my rolling stock fine tuned it's back to working on scenery.
nice!, just getting started in N scale great layout!
Thanks. Glad you liked it. Good luck and have fun with yours.
I love your layout ❤️🩹📸😶🌫️✋🚂
Thanks J.C. Glad you love it. It's fun doing.
Great video, Mark! Sure like what you've done to the original GVR. I've been slowly working on my GVR for about 2 years now. Questions for you: Did you start with the basic 4 X8 layout that the GVR calls for and then add the 6" to your benchwork around the perimeter, or did you go with a 5 X9 from the start? What is the radius of the curves on the expansion loop that you added to the original GVR? I definitely have the room to expand the base GVR that I'm working on and you're an inspiration on what can be done with the base layout. Happy New Year from Calgary!
Dunk, I got started by downloading the instructions for the GVL from Woodland Scenics. On the back page is the layout and all of the pieces needed. Since I already had quite a bit of Bachmann EZ track I planned the layout using AnyRail 6. A track planning software. Once I mapped that out with the EZ track, I then started planning the expansion. I knew how much room I had and built the base of that in the software and then just kept playing with different configurations till I came up with something I liked and fit the area. Needless to say once I started I did make a few changes here and there. Anyway the main layout as you know is 5' x 9'. Then I went off to the left of the layout with a 2' x 6' section and then another 2' x 6' section to make the space U-shaped. I used 18" radius curves throughout the whole layout. I thought about using 22" radius curves on Plus section of the layout but stuck with 18" because I didn't want to be stuck using only certain loco's and rolling stock on only once section. I wanted to be sure that everything was interchangeable. At one of the train shows I attended one of the vendors told me that Athearn builds most of their locos and rolling stock to be able to run on 4' x 8' layouts and 18" radius curves. That's why most of my DCC locomotives are Athearn Genesis. I really haven't had an issue running them. Even the BC Rail Dash 9 navigates the 18" radius curves well. The only thing I did to help with that was to replace the couplers that came with it with longer shanked Kadee 146 couplers. I put then on the locomotive and a couple pieces of rolling stock that I put right behind it. This way there is more room between the loco and car and they don't touch each other in the curves. Good luck with your expansion. I look forward to seeing it. Let me know if you need anything else.
Thanks for the response, Mark. Being a newbie to this, I've gotten frustrated at times with the basic GVR layout and wish I had done a bit more homework from the get-go but videos by the "GVR group (Dan's GVR, copterdude, Father and son)" have helped a lot. The main thing I like about your expansion is that it's all on one level and allows much more for switching and just general multi-trains running. I really like passenger trains and the GVR is not conducive to running anything over about 60 scale feet ..... might have to try the longer couplers.
surprised you didn't install a roundhouse for the engines even your DC units
You never know. One thing I like about this hobby is it's easy to change things around.
What planes have you got for the roads to fit them better into the landscape? I've always thought that the Grand Valley roads don't quite fit properly and let the set down compared to the hills and landscape.
My roads are already in the layout. If you look at earlier videos you can see where they are running. I also took out the original spurs of the GVL so I would have a larger area for a park with commercial spaces around it.
I see you are using a lot of the Bachmann set track. Do you use any of their DCC turnouts. And if so, how do you control them through there NCE unit. I've been trying to work out what channel the turnouts work on.
I'm only using the simple Bachmann DCC controller with the 15Amp booster. But trying to modify un-motored turnouts to us a DCC switch rather than buy new DCC turnouts
Russ, I do have Bachmann's DCC turnouts on my layout. When I was planning this I thought it was a good idea to try and incorporate them into my layout. I too was using the Bachmann EZ-Command controller at first and they were easy to use with it. But after a while I just found it easier to turn my switches manually. That way I could still concentrate on the locomotives with my controller. Now I regret spending all of that money on them. I do use 2 normal powered turnouts on the layout. The one that is right at the entrance to the outer tunnel and the one right before it. Those are rather difficult to throw manually so I powered them using an older DC controller with the AC accessories port. I haven't tried programming the DCC turnouts with the NCE yet. But I might try now that you bring it up. It's supposed to be able to work. I'll let you know what I find out.
@@markswiatly9613 thanks I tried to us a cheap second hand Hornby controller as you can change some CV's with it. Speed steps ect. But I couldn't get the points to switch with it. I'm guessing that because they are using address 9 on the EZ Command, that they might have and engine decoder rather than a accessory decoder. Just a theroy as I've no esolascope to look at the signal eave form
did you use bachmann eztrack? was it easy to fit to the layout?
Yes, I did use Bachmann's EZ-Track. It fit the layout pretty easily. I bought a couple of their small piece assortments to help where things might be off a miniscule amount. This was helpful to have on hand and let me fine tune the fit. The layout runs very well. If you watch some of the earlier and later videos I could into greater detail on some of this. Thank you for reaching out. I'm always glad to help if I can.
@@markswiatly9613 thank you! Which Bachmann switches did you use?
@@atuldivekar Those were the #9. 44561 Left turnout remote and 44562 Right turnout remote. Both are 9" straight with an 18" radius curve. They are also the powered ones, hence the remote in the description.
Did you save the track plan for your layout in Anyrail? If so, would you be willing to share the file so that I can open it in my copy of Anyrail?
I do have the file. Just not sure how I could get it to you.
@@markswiatly9613 I would also be interested in seeing the Anyrail layout. A Google Drive, Dropbox, or other link would probably work.
Robert, I've never done this before but I think this will get you to the plans for my layout. www.dropbox.com/sh/4bn7525eico7sqs/AACLtFZs5lsvnhjToHYYvYEKa?dl=0
Let me know if this worked for you. Thanks
This should get you to the Anyrail plan for my Grand Valley Plus layout. www.dropbox.com/sh/4bn7525eico7sqs/AACLtFZs5lsvnhjToHYYvYEKa?dl=0
@@markswiatly9613 That link worked perfectly, just needed to do a quick update on anyrail to match the file. Thanks so much for taking the time to make this downloadable. Happy model railroading!!
ummmmm.... mark, for all those engines when will you build/engineer-in a nice diesel facility ?
Dennis, that's a great suggestion that I hadn't thought of. I will add that to my list.
@@markswiatly9613 mark.... my diesel facility added tons of action to my layout... not only long and short term diesel maintenance but fueling/sanding/water and an r.i.p track as well. i have buildings for just extensive car repair, both a long and short term diesel service, an "open-air" building (no walls... for work when it gets too hot inside either maintenance facility... just a roof supported by metal beams) and a maintenance of way (mow)area using one of the tracks to the short term diesel facility. this type of set-up allows me to display some visiting engines from other railroads which require maintenance as well. you can google "ho train maintenance facilities" where you will get tons of ideas !! keep up the nice work and keep 'em rolling !!!
@@dennisarmes3473 Thanks again. That sounds really exciting. I might have to add onto my layout to accommodate your suggestion, but I have the track to pull it off. I'll call my layout up in my AnyRail 6 and start fiddling around to see how I can do it. It'll be fun just trying to figure it out.
Consider killing the sound when you´re explaining things.....
thanks