Wonderful craftsmanship on this layout. The bridge crossing the river with the guy fishing is Awesome. Really realistic diorama. Smooth as butter train running as well. Really impressive!!!
Hi Scott, Thanks for your comments on my layout. Some viewers have recommend I animate the fly fisherman so that he is casting back and forth, maybe one day ;). I have worked hard to assure smooth running locomotives and equipment, thanks for noticing. If you want see more about my layout check out my website at www.thomasklimoski.com.
Hi, Thomas. I’ve watched several of your videos and quite enjoyed them. I love your attention to detail. You have proved that you can have a very effective layout in a small room. It is very similar to what I have planned for a room that is 8.5’ x 9.5’. Mine will be based on the old NC&StL Centerville branch which runs from Dickson, TN to Hoehnwald, TN. Actually in my little world the L&N takeover of NC&StL will take place a few years earlier than the actual 1957 date. My focus is on transition era L&N, as my granddad retired from the L&N in 1959 after a 51 year career. So I will have first generation diesel power as well a few steamers that just won’t give up. I plan to build it as continuous run, but with an imaginary dividing line at one point in a city so that for point to point running, one side of the line is the north end of the branch in Dickson where it joins the Nashville-Memphis main line and the other side is the southern terminus in Hoehnwald. Centerville, including the famous Grinder’s Switch, is about halfway between.
Hi Norman, Thank you so much for your comments on my layout and videos. You are right, you can have a great ops session with a small layout that can keep two operators busy for hours. I like your plan to model the L&N from Dickson to Hoehnwald, TN. I saw on Google maps that there is still a wye east of Hoehnwald. Like you I have family that worked for the NC&StL and later the L&N in southern TN. I spent many summers watching the L&N work the grade from Cowan to the tunnel en route to Chattanooga. The L&N and NC&StL are special railroads to me and one of the reasons I got into model railroading. I would like to see your track plan and discuss your layout plans more. Can you please e-mail me at tklimoski@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon.-Tom
As always.. a really great inspirational video. As others have said..and you yourself have proven and said as well..it doesn't have to be massive to be real. Thanks for sharing. Tom
Hi Craig, Thanks for your comments. You are right, the LOkSound decoders sound awesome and the ProtoThrottle is one of the best things to come along since sound decoders. When you put the two together you have a winning combination!-Tom
The locomotives sound great Tom. Really loved following the action and the grade crossing signals are something to be envy of. I really could use your help to get mine going. :) Can’t wait to see what you come up with next. Tim
Hi Tim, Thanks for your comments. The grade crossings are not much fun to install, but they sure look great when they operate. Hopefully I can come over soon and get your signals working for you. Thanks for your help getting GNRR #2000 with the right sound file installed, it sounds awesome. -Tom
Another amazing layout! You get more out of a square foot than anyone I know. I love how you take the crew with the train! Gotta get one of those throttles!
Hi Scott, Thanks for your comments. I use the conductor to demonstrate how a real train crew would operate. Taking those little extra steps helps slow down an ops session and it makes my layout operate like a much larger one. You are right the ProtoThrottle is so much fun to operate you should get one, it really has inspired me to operate my layout more. Hopefully soon you'll be able to come up and experience it for yourself.-Tom
Hi Erik, Thanks for your comments. Be sure to check out my website at www.thomasklimoski.com to see more frequent updates, track plan, ops paperwork, and subscribe to my blog. -Tom
Thanks for your comments. I am also trying to move the vehicles around on the roads as I film, that UPS driver is tied of getting stuck at the crossing all the time.-Tom
Wonderful video again Thomas - the perfect illustration of how a relatively small layout can provide loads of operational enjoyment! Looking forward to the next installment, with best wishes from the UK. Ian
Hi Ian, Thanks for your comments. I hope that my layout demonstrates you don't need a large layout to have an enjoyable ops session. I am still amazed how much operations I can have on a layout that is in a 9'X10'6" room.-Tom
Thanks for your comments. The GP9 is a special locomotive to me as that was the prototype GNRR locomotive that I was able to ride with the crew as they switched the industries in Marble Hill.-Tom
Thomas, problem be fixed. Thank you. Beautiful layout, the stream with the man fly-fishing looks so inviting.(another of my pursuits) I can remember fishing in streams in N no georgia and South Eastern Tennessee. and amazing video. Please do keep making the videos I enjoy all.
Hi Tom, thank you for making this wonderful video. It's spectacular, like all of your videos are. I am really blown away at all of the elements of prototype operation that you have been able to add into your operating session. This just proves that you don't need a lot of space to achieve something very realistic and enjoyable. The new engines look and run superbly, nice work. I especially like the horn action at the grade crossing and how you lay on that last long note until the engine has gone all the way thru the crossing-- just like the prototype! Love it. The proto throttle is definitely impressive and it adds a lot to the realism too. Your layout is awesome and everytime I see it, it gives me inspiration and impetus to get going more on my own layout!! Keep up the good work! No more youtube for me tonight, I have a backdrop to paint!!
Hi James, Thank you for your very nice comments. As you know I strive to replicate the actions of the prototype like the horn cadence and the switching operations. You are right, you don't need to have a large layout to enjoy a prototypical operations. I think the ProtoThrottle is one of the best innovations since DCC and sound decoders. When you combine them together it gives you the feeling like being in the cab of a prototype locomotive. I look forward to seeing the backdrop once you get it painted.-Tom
Greetings Tom - Another very excellent video. The two custom painted locomotives look great ...... I especially like the weathering on the underframe and trucks of the GP9. Nice job of operating with the Proto Throttle which makes for very realistic and smooth switching moves. Thank you for another inspiring update on your beautiful model railroad. Happy Thanksgiving! Mike
Hi Mike, Thanks for your comments. The weathering on the trucks was done with AIM weathering powders and Pan Pastels. The GP9 #6576 is a special unit to me as I was able to ride the prototype GNRR 6576 one day as the crew switched the industries in Marble Hill. The ProtoThrottle is one of the best innovations in the hobby since sound decoders. When you put the two together you have a winning combination of realistic sound and operation. I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving and I am thankful for our friendship.-Tom
Hi Barry, Thanks for your comments. As you can tell from the videos I try to operate as realistically as possible and I appreciate you noticing that.-Tom
Hi Gary, Thanks for your comments. The ProtoThrottle is so much fun to operate with, it really has changed the hobby for me. For those modelers that enjoy switching operations the ProtoThrottle is the perfect throttle to enhance your operating sessions. Hopefully you'll get the chance to see and operate one at a train show or on a friends layout that has one. The only problem is that once you try one, you'll never go back to a regular throttle again.-Tom
Tom, think I'm just gonna straight up purchase one after I update my system. I've seen enough modelers operating these throttles and I am sold. MOST definitely in my future.
Hi Gary, I don't think you'll be disappointed if your purchase a ProtoThrottle. The guys at ISE have done an excellent job designing the ProtoThrottle and their product support is second to none. The throttle is very well made and the controls have a quality feel to them, nothing cheap or easily broken. Once you get everything hooked up and programmed the real fun begins. If you have any questions after you get your ProtoThrottle let me know and I'll be glad to help. You can contact me at tklimoski@gmail.com. In addition, the ProtoThrottle has a very help groups.io page where other owners can help with any questions.-Tom
Very nice update. The new locomotives look and sound very nice, and I'm glad to see you continue to keep your era before the Patriot Rail buyout - the real GNRR just isn't the same anymore.
Thanks for your comments. I have decided to keep my model year 2012 as that was the year I became a trainman on the Blue Ridge Scenic RR and did most of my research on the GNRR. The GNRR was a great family run railroad at that time. I did stretch the retirement time period of the GNRR NW2 #81 a little but it is too nice of a locomotive not to include it on my roster. I have also began modeling GNRR #7562 and 9706, stay tuned for my next update.-Tom
Your layout is awesome. I’d enjoying seeing more about your overall philosophy on design and operations. Have you ever considered a book about the origin of your layout and how you’ve added so much interest to a moderately sized layout?
Hi Patrick, Thank you for your very nice comments on my layout and operations. You can see more about my layout and operations on my website at www.thomasklimoski.com where I have links to my other videos, operations paperwork, and you can also subscribe to my blog. I recently did a series with a few other modelers, Small layout, big opportunities on Bill Graham's Model Railroading Live TH-cam channel. In the series we discussed the advantages of small layouts. Here is a link to the first of the five part series. th-cam.com/video/Z88h2UWhpWc/w-d-xo.html I "may" have something coming out in a book, stay tuned for updates. If you have questions please contact me through my website and I'll be glad to answer them. -Tom
Ein sehr schön gemachtes Video, dass mich anregt, mal wieder in den Keller zu gehen und ab zu stauben für die neue Wintersaison. Ich warte noch auf neue Wagen von Walthers, aber jetzt heißt es ja America first und Europa muss warten.
Thomas, very cool video and really like the customed painted locos (sweet). I watched another video with thta limber comapny inn the background. Have you done a video on just that area and that customer? If not, could you do a video on how that came about? Really nicely done. And I have got to get on of those Proto-Throttles, looks like fun. Always nice to see you seitching videos, fun to watch and learn from. Thanks sso much for sharing Muse
Hi David, Thanks for your comments. The lumber yard appears in my Georgia Northeastern North Local video here: th-cam.com/video/37XGP9eQOXw/w-d-xo.html In addition, I wrote an article for Model Railroader magazine on how I built the entire Capitol Building materials complex including the lumber racks. The article is in the March 2018 issue of Model Railroader, How to model a modern lumber yard. Yes, you are correct the ProtoThrottle is great fun to operate with and I think one of the best innovations in the hobby to come along in a long time.-Tom
Hi, Thanks for your comments. Good luck on your planned layout. As you can see from my layout you don't need to have a large layout to have a great ops session. You can see more about my layout on my website www.thomasklimoski.com. -Tom
I'm always impressed by your videos as you definitely have some of the finest scenery I've seen and your structures and the details thereof seem "right". If one thing makes me a little sad, and this is no reflection on you, it's having to watch you use that fancy controller, a piece of equipment that I (being on Social Security and having no extra funds) will never be able to acquire as it's just so dog-gone expensive. I look forward to each and every update.
James Sullivan it is expensive, but really it only costs what a couple of decked out locos costs. I think it's worth it, especially for a smaller layout.
Hi James, Thanks for your very nice comments about my layout. Yes, you are correct the ProtoThrottle is a little expensive but in my opinion it is well worth the money. For me, it is something I use at every ops session so I think it is worth the cost. I completely understand about being on a limited budget and how your hobby dollars can only go so far. Even without the ProtoThrottle you can operate slowly and realistically by using the braking feature in your decoders if they are equipped for it and if not just think about how and where the train crew would be if they were switching the cars. My goal is to inspire others to operate prototypically and demonstrate you don't need to have a huge layout to have an enjoyable ops session.-Tom
Hi Ryan, All I had to add to my Digitrax system was a LNWI. Installign the LNWI only took about 10 minutes to get it up and running. Once that was installed the rest of the components for the ProtoThrottle are from ISE, the receiver and throttle. If you have more questions about the ProtoThrottle and the Digitrax set up contact me at tklimoski@gmail.com and I'll be glad to answer them. The ProtoThrottle is one of the greatest innovations to come along since the sound decoder. When you put the two together you have a winning combination. -Tom
Thomas; Once again another great video. Very well done. As your other subscribers mention, your videos are impressive. Nice touch with the ditch lights too. What casting did you use, Details West or Shapeways?
Hi Cameron, Thanks for your comments. I used the Details West #228 ditch light casting. I drilled it out following the instructions and glued a micro 0402 LED to the back of the lens before installing it in the casting. If you have any questions about installing the ditch lights contact me and I'll be glad to help.-Tom
Hi Jim, I have 9 industries on my layout, not counting off spot car locations on the Westoak runaround and the Tate Yard area with a RIP track. You can see more about my layout and the track plan on my website at www.thomasklimoski.com. The one change on the track plan is that the liftout section in front of the doorway now has an industry, Universal Alloy. I'll post a video of switching that industry in the next few months.-Tom
The Lowmein it was a carry over from the steam era when the cab was located at the rear. And during a collision having that long hood out front was safer. But you are right, visibility is a lot better running short hood forward.
Hi, You are right visibility running long hood forward is terrible. I rode the prototype GNRR unit #6576 and you can't see much running long hood forward unless it was way out in front of the train. My understanding why some GP9 locomotives were set up to run long hood forward was safety for the crew if they were in an accident. Having the long hood forward protected the crew in a crash as there was more mass in front before the damage could occur to the cab area. Later, GP9 units that ran short hood forward cut the nose down and added a front windshield to improve visibility. It all depended on the railroad as to what they preferred.-Tom
Hi James, Not sure why you can't see the video, it works fine on my computer and has been viewed over 2,000 times. I have had no reports of problems seeing the video from others. Maybe there is an issue with your video player on your computer. Try turning your computer off and then restarting it.-Tom
Hi Brian, Yes you are right the owner wants too much rent! The actual prototype warehouse in Marietta was vacant for several years and has only recently been rented out, so I guess I am still OK. Maybe one day it will be rented to a rail served industry and they will have to put the siding back in.-Tom
Hi Conrail Dan, Thanks for your comments. When Patriot Rail took over the GNRR in 2015 they mandated wearing helmets for any crew member outside the cab working around the train. In addition, safety glasses, high visibility safety vest, and hearing protection are also required. Not using them is a potential disciplinary action. That is not saying they are always worn but those are the rules. Safety, safety, safety. Prior to 2015 you are right, helmets were not worn by the GNRR crews. The other reason that my conductor is wearing a helmet is that the Preiser modern workmen with safety vests figures are some of the most realistic on the market and the best choice for my train crew figures.-Tom
Wonderful craftsmanship on this layout. The bridge crossing the river with the guy fishing is Awesome. Really realistic diorama. Smooth as butter train running as well. Really impressive!!!
Hi Scott, Thanks for your comments on my layout. Some viewers have recommend I animate the fly fisherman so that he is casting back and forth, maybe one day ;). I have worked hard to assure smooth running locomotives and equipment, thanks for noticing. If you want see more about my layout check out my website at www.thomasklimoski.com.
Hi, Thomas. I’ve watched several of your videos and quite enjoyed them. I love your attention to detail. You have proved that you can have a very effective layout in a small room. It is very similar to what I have planned for a room that is 8.5’ x 9.5’. Mine will be based on the old NC&StL Centerville branch which runs from Dickson, TN to Hoehnwald, TN. Actually in my little world the L&N takeover of NC&StL will take place a few years earlier than the actual 1957 date. My focus is on transition era L&N, as my granddad retired from the L&N in 1959 after a 51 year career. So I will have first generation diesel power as well a few steamers that just won’t give up. I plan to build it as continuous run, but with an imaginary dividing line at one point in a city so that for point to point running, one side of the line is the north end of the branch in Dickson where it joins the Nashville-Memphis main line and the other side is the southern terminus in Hoehnwald. Centerville, including the famous Grinder’s Switch, is about halfway between.
Hi Norman, Thank you so much for your comments on my layout and videos. You are right, you can have a great ops session with a small layout that can keep two operators busy for hours. I like your plan to model the L&N from Dickson to Hoehnwald, TN. I saw on Google maps that there is still a wye east of Hoehnwald. Like you I have family that worked for the NC&StL and later the L&N in southern TN. I spent many summers watching the L&N work the grade from Cowan to the tunnel en route to Chattanooga. The L&N and NC&StL are special railroads to me and one of the reasons I got into model railroading. I would like to see your track plan and discuss your layout plans more. Can you please e-mail me at tklimoski@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon.-Tom
As always.. a really great inspirational video. As others have said..and you yourself have proven and said as well..it doesn't have to be massive to be real. Thanks for sharing. Tom
Hi Tom, Thanks for your comments, I really appreciate them.-Tom
Another great update Tom! Always love your operations. Those LokSound decoders sound great and the proto throttle is excellent.
Hi Craig, Thanks for your comments. You are right, the LOkSound decoders sound awesome and the ProtoThrottle is one of the best things to come along since sound decoders. When you put the two together you have a winning combination!-Tom
Everything is expertly detailed. It's a pleasure to watch and learn. Thanks.
Hi Scott, Thanks for your comments. Keep working on your layout and I look forward to seeing it soon. -Tom
The locomotives sound great Tom. Really loved following the action and the grade crossing signals are something to be envy of. I really could use your help to get mine going. :) Can’t wait to see what you come up with next. Tim
Hi Tim, Thanks for your comments. The grade crossings are not much fun to install, but they sure look great when they operate. Hopefully I can come over soon and get your signals working for you. Thanks for your help getting GNRR #2000 with the right sound file installed, it sounds awesome. -Tom
Another amazing layout! You get more out of a square foot than anyone I know. I love how you take the crew with the train! Gotta get one of those throttles!
Hi Scott, Thanks for your comments. I use the conductor to demonstrate how a real train crew would operate. Taking those little extra steps helps slow down an ops session and it makes my layout operate like a much larger one. You are right the ProtoThrottle is so much fun to operate you should get one, it really has inspired me to operate my layout more. Hopefully soon you'll be able to come up and experience it for yourself.-Tom
fantastic layout!
THANK YOU FOR VERY GREAT DETAIL OPERATION ON YOUR DETAIL LAYOUT AND THANK FOR SHARE WITH US AS GREAT WATCHING
FROM AUSTRALIA
Hi Robert, Thanks for your comments. You can see more about my layout on my website at www.thomasklimoski.com. -Tom
wow Thomas, this a amazing Layout, I wish I had one this is great thanks :-)
Hi Erik, Thanks for your comments. Be sure to check out my website at www.thomasklimoski.com to see more frequent updates, track plan, ops paperwork, and subscribe to my blog. -Tom
THANK YOU...for sharing. Great update and fantastic video. Like how you move the people around especially the fly fisherman.
Thanks for your comments. I am also trying to move the vehicles around on the roads as I film, that UPS driver is tied of getting stuck at the crossing all the time.-Tom
Wonderful video again Thomas - the perfect illustration of how a relatively small layout can provide loads of operational enjoyment! Looking forward to the next installment, with best wishes from the UK. Ian
Hi Ian, Thanks for your comments. I hope that my layout demonstrates you don't need a large layout to have an enjoyable ops session. I am still amazed how much operations I can have on a layout that is in a 9'X10'6" room.-Tom
As always, it's a pleasure to watch your videos. Very fine painting job on the GP9! Thanks for sharing Tom!
Thanks for your comments. The GP9 is a special locomotive to me as that was the prototype GNRR locomotive that I was able to ride with the crew as they switched the industries in Marble Hill.-Tom
Thomas, problem be fixed. Thank you. Beautiful layout, the stream with the man fly-fishing looks so inviting.(another of my pursuits)
I can remember fishing in streams in N no georgia and South Eastern Tennessee. and amazing video.
Please do keep making the videos I enjoy all.
Hi Tom, thank you for making this wonderful video. It's spectacular, like all of your videos are. I am really blown away at all of the elements of prototype operation that you have been able to add into your operating session. This just proves that you don't need a lot of space to achieve something very realistic and enjoyable. The new engines look and run superbly, nice work. I especially like the horn action at the grade crossing and how you lay on that last long note until the engine has gone all the way thru the crossing-- just like the prototype! Love it. The proto throttle is definitely impressive and it adds a lot to the realism too. Your layout is awesome and everytime I see it, it gives me inspiration and impetus to get going more on my own layout!! Keep up the good work! No more youtube for me tonight, I have a backdrop to paint!!
Hi James, Thank you for your very nice comments. As you know I strive to replicate the actions of the prototype like the horn cadence and the switching operations. You are right, you don't need to have a large layout to enjoy a prototypical operations. I think the ProtoThrottle is one of the best innovations since DCC and sound decoders. When you combine them together it gives you the feeling like being in the cab of a prototype locomotive. I look forward to seeing the backdrop once you get it painted.-Tom
Greetings Tom - Another very excellent video. The two custom painted locomotives look great ...... I especially like the weathering on the underframe and trucks of the GP9. Nice job of operating with the Proto Throttle which makes for very realistic and smooth switching moves. Thank you for another inspiring update on your beautiful model railroad. Happy Thanksgiving! Mike
Hi Mike, Thanks for your comments. The weathering on the trucks was done with AIM weathering powders and Pan Pastels. The GP9 #6576 is a special unit to me as I was able to ride the prototype GNRR 6576 one day as the crew switched the industries in Marble Hill. The ProtoThrottle is one of the best innovations in the hobby since sound decoders. When you put the two together you have a winning combination of realistic sound and operation. I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving and I am thankful for our friendship.-Tom
Great video. Those engines run very realistically!
Hi Barry, Thanks for your comments. As you can tell from the videos I try to operate as realistically as possible and I appreciate you noticing that.-Tom
Very AWESOME video and update! I love your realistic operations and the way you set up edit the videos. Gotta get me one of those throttles!!! - Gary
Hi Gary, Thanks for your comments. The ProtoThrottle is so much fun to operate with, it really has changed the hobby for me. For those modelers that enjoy switching operations the ProtoThrottle is the perfect throttle to enhance your operating sessions. Hopefully you'll get the chance to see and operate one at a train show or on a friends layout that has one. The only problem is that once you try one, you'll never go back to a regular throttle again.-Tom
Tom, think I'm just gonna straight up purchase one after I update my system. I've seen enough modelers operating these throttles and I am sold. MOST definitely in my future.
Hi Gary, I don't think you'll be disappointed if your purchase a ProtoThrottle. The guys at ISE have done an excellent job designing the ProtoThrottle and their product support is second to none. The throttle is very well made and the controls have a quality feel to them, nothing cheap or easily broken. Once you get everything hooked up and programmed the real fun begins. If you have any questions after you get your ProtoThrottle let me know and I'll be glad to help. You can contact me at tklimoski@gmail.com. In addition, the ProtoThrottle has a very help groups.io page where other owners can help with any questions.-Tom
Thanks Tom! I will surely do that.
GNRR 6576 is one of the original GP9s that started the little shortline.
Love your layout and videos! Always look forward to your shows! Thanks for sharing!
-Ben
Hi Ben, Thanks for your comments. I hope to have another update video out in January.-Tom
Very nice update. The new locomotives look and sound very nice, and I'm glad to see you continue to keep your era before the Patriot Rail buyout - the real GNRR just isn't the same anymore.
Thanks for your comments. I have decided to keep my model year 2012 as that was the year I became a trainman on the Blue Ridge Scenic RR and did most of my research on the GNRR. The GNRR was a great family run railroad at that time. I did stretch the retirement time period of the GNRR NW2 #81 a little but it is too nice of a locomotive not to include it on my roster. I have also began modeling GNRR #7562 and 9706, stay tuned for my next update.-Tom
@@ThomasKlimoski I'm waiting for #316 www.thomasklimoski.com/fullscreen-page/comp-jidsy3f7/a606bcd7-7075-4461-bdf0-3edc2ee003ff/12/%3Fi%3D12%26p%3Do1se7%26s%3Dstyle-jidu9egx
Nice video update. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your comments.-Tom
Your layout is awesome. I’d enjoying seeing more about your overall philosophy on design and operations. Have you ever considered a book about the origin of your layout and how you’ve added so much interest to a moderately sized layout?
Hi Patrick, Thank you for your very nice comments on my layout and operations. You can see more about my layout and operations on my website at www.thomasklimoski.com where I have links to my other videos, operations paperwork, and you can also subscribe to my blog. I recently did a series with a few other modelers, Small layout, big opportunities on Bill Graham's Model Railroading Live TH-cam channel. In the series we discussed the advantages of small layouts. Here is a link to the first of the five part series.
th-cam.com/video/Z88h2UWhpWc/w-d-xo.html
I "may" have something coming out in a book, stay tuned for updates. If you have questions please contact me through my website and I'll be glad to answer them. -Tom
Ein sehr schön gemachtes Video, dass mich anregt, mal wieder in den Keller zu gehen und ab zu stauben für die neue Wintersaison. Ich warte noch auf neue Wagen von Walthers, aber jetzt heißt es ja America first und Europa muss warten.
Super video, super switching.
Thanks for your comments, glad you enjoyed the video.-Tom
Very impressive with the video's. Happy Thanksgiving
Thank you for your comments and I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving.-Tom
Thomas, very cool video and really like the customed painted locos (sweet). I watched another video with thta limber comapny inn the background. Have you done a video on just that area and that customer? If not, could you do a video on how that came about? Really nicely done. And I have got to get on of those Proto-Throttles, looks like fun. Always nice to see you seitching videos, fun to watch and learn from.
Thanks sso much for sharing
Muse
Hi David, Thanks for your comments. The lumber yard appears in my Georgia Northeastern North Local video here: th-cam.com/video/37XGP9eQOXw/w-d-xo.html
In addition, I wrote an article for Model Railroader magazine on how I built the entire Capitol Building materials complex including the lumber racks. The article is in the March 2018 issue of Model Railroader, How to model a modern lumber yard. Yes, you are correct the ProtoThrottle is great fun to operate with and I think one of the best innovations in the hobby to come along in a long time.-Tom
I should stop watching these videos until I get started on mine, but they are too enjoyable.
Hi, Thanks for your comments. Good luck on your planned layout. As you can see from my layout you don't need to have a large layout to have a great ops session. You can see more about my layout on my website www.thomasklimoski.com. -Tom
I'm always impressed by your videos as you definitely have some of the finest scenery I've seen and your structures and the details thereof seem "right". If one thing makes me a little sad, and this is no reflection on you, it's having to watch you use that fancy controller, a piece of equipment that I (being on Social Security and having no extra funds) will never be able to acquire as it's just so dog-gone expensive.
I look forward to each and every update.
James Sullivan it is expensive, but really it only costs what a couple of decked out locos costs. I think it's worth it, especially for a smaller layout.
Hi James, Thanks for your very nice comments about my layout. Yes, you are correct the ProtoThrottle is a little expensive but in my opinion it is well worth the money. For me, it is something I use at every ops session so I think it is worth the cost. I completely understand about being on a limited budget and how your hobby dollars can only go so far. Even without the ProtoThrottle you can operate slowly and realistically by using the braking feature in your decoders if they are equipped for it and if not just think about how and where the train crew would be if they were switching the cars. My goal is to inspire others to operate prototypically and demonstrate you don't need to have a huge layout to have an enjoyable ops session.-Tom
I notice you have Digitrax. What did you need to buy to accommodate the Proto Throttle?
Hi Ryan, All I had to add to my Digitrax system was a LNWI. Installign the LNWI only took about 10 minutes to get it up and running. Once that was installed the rest of the components for the ProtoThrottle are from ISE, the receiver and throttle. If you have more questions about the ProtoThrottle and the Digitrax set up contact me at tklimoski@gmail.com and I'll be glad to answer them. The ProtoThrottle is one of the greatest innovations to come along since the sound decoder. When you put the two together you have a winning combination. -Tom
Thomas; Once again another great video. Very well done. As your other subscribers mention, your videos are impressive. Nice touch with the ditch lights too. What casting did you use, Details West or Shapeways?
Hi Cameron, Thanks for your comments. I used the Details West #228 ditch light casting. I drilled it out following the instructions and glued a micro 0402 LED to the back of the lens before installing it in the casting. If you have any questions about installing the ditch lights contact me and I'll be glad to help.-Tom
How many industries does your layout service?
Hi Jim, I have 9 industries on my layout, not counting off spot car locations on the Westoak runaround and the Tate Yard area with a RIP track. You can see more about my layout and the track plan on my website at www.thomasklimoski.com. The one change on the track plan is that the liftout section in front of the doorway now has an industry, Universal Alloy. I'll post a video of switching that industry in the next few months.-Tom
I never understood why locos operate long hood forward, wouldn’t visibility and therefore safety be greatly increased with the short hood forward?
The Lowmein it was a carry over from the steam era when the cab was located at the rear. And during a collision having that long hood out front was safer. But you are right, visibility is a lot better running short hood forward.
Hi, You are right visibility running long hood forward is terrible. I rode the prototype GNRR unit #6576 and you can't see much running long hood forward unless it was way out in front of the train. My understanding why some GP9 locomotives were set up to run long hood forward was safety for the crew if they were in an accident. Having the long hood forward protected the crew in a crash as there was more mass in front before the damage could occur to the cab area. Later, GP9 units that ran short hood forward cut the nose down and added a front windshield to improve visibility. It all depended on the railroad as to what they preferred.-Tom
Georgia Northwestern video
Beautiful sounds but no video.
What happened, you forget to take the lens cap off the camers.?
Hi James, Not sure why you can't see the video, it works fine on my computer and has been viewed over 2,000 times. I have had no reports of problems seeing the video from others. Maybe there is an issue with your video player on your computer. Try turning your computer off and then restarting it.-Tom
Great video but I notice that you are having no luck renting out that empty warehouse
Hi Brian, Yes you are right the owner wants too much rent! The actual prototype warehouse in Marietta was vacant for several years and has only recently been rented out, so I guess I am still OK. Maybe one day it will be rented to a rail served industry and they will have to put the siding back in.-Tom
Trains in America have awesome horns which sound is ruined by their annoying bells
looks great, but real conductors don't wear hard hats, only on steel mill railroads do hard hats get worn.
Hi Conrail Dan, Thanks for your comments. When Patriot Rail took over the GNRR in 2015 they mandated wearing helmets for any crew member outside the cab working around the train. In addition, safety glasses, high visibility safety vest, and hearing protection are also required. Not using them is a potential disciplinary action. That is not saying they are always worn but those are the rules. Safety, safety, safety. Prior to 2015 you are right, helmets were not worn by the GNRR crews. The other reason that my conductor is wearing a helmet is that the Preiser modern workmen with safety vests figures are some of the most realistic on the market and the best choice for my train crew figures.-Tom
hi thomasklimoski