Second part; two outer loops for passenger trains, but connected to Grand Valley’s outer loop. Thanks for all the great videos. And keep on suggesting improvements! Ramiro V. Alvarez
Hi Ramiro, i’m so glad to hear that some of my thoughts and ideas could be some help to you. Your endeavor sounds awesome, and very exciting! I hope you share your success when you get it up and running! Thank you so much for watching and commenting I really appreciate it! Keep me posted.👍🏼
I have the set. And I have not started it yet and I hope to start it this summer. I also have the building kit too and I like the idea to up the rails on the track too.
Okay Dan to start this off you are an inspiration to the hobby and to people who don't have the space for larger layouts. I had 4 X 8, 5 X 10, and now I'm the.process of building a 10 X 12 around the room. I have built the Grand Valley for the children of a friend a lot of the things you talked about I experienced it with the Grand Valley especially with the Atlas track plan I only used the crossings and did the rest with flex track. The trains ran smooth, any way the work you have done and the ideas you have given or got from others in the hobby I found myself using, thanks Dan your videos are outstanding along with your layout.
Thanks Lou! Yes, I wish I’d figured out that flex track option when I was building it, oh well. After a lot of tweaking, I’ve got it tuned in pretty well now. I think my layout may continue to expand outward over time, we shall see. I’d love to have a two-track main with 24” curves around the outside someday. We’ll see. Haha. Thanks for watching my friend, I very much appreciate it.
Great video, Dan! I love the tip about using 36" flex track over supposed ready-made track selections. It is a bit expensive but working with such a product could also mean less hassles in the future too. I specifically remember copterdude using flex track inside the tunnels for smoother operation rather than using the sectional radius tracks recommended. As far as using steam locomotives on 18" radius track, I follow that old-school rule about nothing bigger than an 0-6-0. Anyone out there modeling/operating pre-1900 can also use the 4-4-0 wood burners. I still love how your diesel fueling facility worked out as I'm interested in seeing how you're going to finish the scenery on that part of your layout.
Thanks Donnie. Yes, I wish I’d thought of that 36” track tip when I was building my kit. Haha. Yes, I’m really liking that fueling station. I’m thinking some dry weeds around it and a little more dirt and gravel. It’s fun to work with scenery, it’s one of my favorite things. Thanks Donnie, I appreciate your support. 👍🏼
So now that summer is over I'm ready to start on my Grand Valley layout. I put the original design in SCARM software and then modified it to eliminate the crossover on the mainline. I added an over/under but to keep the track incline reasonable I added two feet of length to the layout. I also eliminated the curves at the bridge making it a straight approach on both sides and added an additional outer loop so I could run more trains and six axle engines. Although I originally planned on using the Atlas Code 83 track, I've decided to use Bachmann EZ Track so I redid the SCARM software layout to reflect that. My final dimensions will be 120" W X 54". Of course until I start building it will I know the feasibility of the design and I can always revert back to the original design if necessary. I'll be starting on the benchwork in the next few weeks. Wish me luck!
Randy, that’s so exciting! It sounds like it’s really going to be awesome!! I can’t wait to hear about your progress. Thanks for keeping me updated. Are you planning to post any photos or videos?
@@DansGrandValley We'll have to see about the videos. I understand the benefit of sharing ideas on TH-cam as it's helped me a lot so I might be inclined to go down that path. I may start out with a video of snap shots like you did in your overview with narration and go from there. We'll see!
Thanks Dan. That 60 degree crossover looks like a real problem. Running over and under looks like the way to go. A modeler near Boston recommended I use Atlas code 100, rather than code 83. Your layout looks excellent, and the tips are important. Thank you for taking the time to post this update.
Thanks for watching John. Yeah, the track is just a matter of preference. The code 100 has a bit higher rail which helps the cars stay on the rails better. I liked the brown color of the code 83 so I went that route. I may get the nerve to re-work that cross someday, but for now two speed-matched locos run pretty well without hitting each other if you watch them. Haha. Thanks for your comment. 👍🏼
Dan, I’m about to start building my own version of the Grand Valley and definitely appreciate all your advice and suggestions. I’m planning to make my layout four feet longer and six inches wider. I plan to and stretch out the town center as well as add
This was a fun and informative video, Dan. I hope it helps some people out who will be building this one. I took a bunch of pictures while I was building, so at some point I will put together a montage set to music or something. I also used the Atlas track pack plus 1 pack of assorted short straights that Atlas sells. I think I used one short piece on the front straight and one on the industry spur. I also lengthened the industry spurs as long as I could, which amounted to maybe 2 to 3 inches longer each. Not a big difference, but it's nice to squeeze a third boxcar in there.
Thanks Tom. I didn’t know you added some small pieces as well. It just seems it’s a must, as the stock track just doesn’t seem to come out right. I do remember that you lengthened the spurs which was a great idea. Thanks for your information and contributions to this video, I really appreciate it.
Hi Dan, Great video and some great tips. The 6-axle SD-35 locomotives will work on the 18" radius. I have an Atlas Master B&O and Chessie System SD-35 on my Grand Valley layout and they work just fine. The shorter wheel bases allow those to work in this layout.
I agree with the idea of using flex track. The point of this "kit" and sectional track is, it's meant more towards the beginner. There IS a learning curve with flex track (no pun) especially in tight (18") radii. AND you must have high quality (meaning expensive) rail nippers. So, it involves more than just "beginner's" skill sets. I am toying with buying this Woodland Scenics product for fun, since I was forced to sell my house that had a basement and downsize to a Condo. I usually like to use 22" minimum radius curves, but 4x8 is constrictive. However? Just as you did, there's no reason not to add a foot or so on each side if you have the space. Effectively giving you 5x9, something like that.
@@DansGrandValley I am finally at the point where I am attaching the rocks and getting ready for paint. I did modify my layout to eliminate the double crossings. I also changed the road leading up the mountain. I included a mining tunnel at the top of the tunnel
The bottom, the ones that have the print on them. I plan to insert space in the middle and want to buy styrofoam of the correct thickness and I have looked for the thickness of the base sheets but can’t find any references on them. Thanks
I got ahold of my buddy Tom who is building a GVL also. He agreed that the bottom sheets are 1/2” thick. He can still get to them to see and is fairly certain of that.
Dan, you’ve mentioned the issue with the heat from the window affecting your track and copterguy(?) had issues with the tracks when the temperature in his garage got too low. Have you had those issues as well? My layout will be in my garage as well so I’m wondering if I should consider a permanent heating solution for the garage. Thanks
My issues have been pretty mild. I have tuned my track a lot to work out the issues, but sometimes in the cold of winter they seem to re-emerge occasionally. The heat from the window didn’t seem to bother me this summer. Here is a link to one of Copterdude1’s many videos where he troubleshoots some track issues he was having. Also, check out his other videos for good info on building the GVL. th-cam.com/video/EgMKZX_HI3M/w-d-xo.html
Would 24" curves work in the Grand Valley for passenger trains? When I get the room, this is something that would work for me with different buildings.
The stock kit is setup for 18” radius curves. There are guys on TH-cam who are modifying the layout to work with larger curves. Checkout @Copterdude1 channel. He is re-doing the whole kit and adding larger curves and eliminating the cross tracks. th-cam.com/video/gJAfDrmZOCU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=HVw9P1aT2lz3HloN
Hi Gary, I glued the track down with the contact cement that came with the kit. I did not solder the joints, except for a couple of troublesome ones near the front.
Dan, I am still waiting on the delivery of my GVL and I’m wondering how thick are the printed sheets? I have not been able to find that detail on the instructions. Thanks
Which sheets do you mean? The base styrofoam sheets, or the profile sheets? I believe they were both 1/2 inch thick. The profile sheets have ribs on them to help lock them together. The base sheets I’m pretty sure were just 1/2 inch thick, but they are covered now so I can’t measure them. I will ask around.
Hi Al, absolutely.! As long as you could make the smaller track sections work on the larger layout, I think it’s very possible. You can certainly get N scale tunnel portals, and a bridge and make them work with minimum modifications. Several people have asked me this question, but nobody has given feedback yet. So, if you do it, keep me updated please. Great question, thanks for watching.
Hi John, I did not do that with this layout, except for a few trouble spots in my add-on yard near the engine house. I figured it is always an option but really haven’t found a need to do that so far.
There are two old Matchbox 1:87 scale trucks (the silver and red/silver ones) on the layout that a friend found at a garage sale and gave to me. The others are all modern Classic Metal Works ones that I bought at either train shows or the hobby shop. Thanks for watching! 👍🏼
I noticed that the back of your layout sits flush against the wall. Do you have any issues accessing areas of the layout when you need to as a result? I was thinking of leaving a foot of space behind mine but I rather not due to space limitations.
Hi Randy. If I have any issues on that side, it’s usually at the bridge. If something derails I can usually nurse it along until it gets to where I can reach it. But I can always pull the entire bench out a little bit to squeeze back there if I need to. I’d go ahead and push it back to the wall. Having the space is really nice. 👍🏼
What would be your thought on removing the cures on each side of the tressle and making that a straight shot across the back? I haven't started on this layout yet, just throwing around some ideas prior to starting.
It would def make it easier for the longer locos and cars to make it through there, and I don’t think it would detract from the feel of the layout. Sounds like a good idea to me.
Randy, I'd recommend adding casters to the legs of your table. It's easy to do and will give you maximum access to your layout without wasting precious floor space.
@@randywright6285 I did this with mine a bit. On the right side of the trestle, the track plan calls for a curve then short straight, then two more curves. Instead, I put the short straight, then the three curves together. There is just enough room on the riser without any issue and it allows a slightly straighter shot into / out of the bridge on that side. But that's the only change I made there; moving that one short straight piece. I used the Atlas track pack so my comment is based on that.
Second part; two outer loops for passenger trains, but connected to Grand Valley’s outer loop. Thanks for all the great videos. And keep on suggesting improvements!
Ramiro V. Alvarez
Hi Ramiro, i’m so glad to hear that some of my thoughts and ideas could be some help to you. Your endeavor sounds awesome, and very exciting! I hope you share your success when you get it up and running! Thank you so much for watching and commenting I really appreciate it! Keep me posted.👍🏼
That town is looking more and more like a town i would move to.
Thanks David, I’m thinking of renting a room at the Grand Apts myself. 😃
Thanks - Yes, I have been watching his videos from his playlist which I know I will be going back to them as I progress with my layout. Again thanks
I have the set. And I have not started it yet and I hope to start it this summer. I also have the building kit too and I like the idea to up the rails on the track too.
Okay Dan to start this off you are an inspiration to the hobby and to people who don't have the space for larger layouts. I had 4 X 8, 5 X 10, and now I'm the.process of building a 10 X 12 around the room. I have built the Grand Valley for the children of a friend a lot of the things you talked about I experienced it with the Grand Valley especially with the Atlas track plan I only used the crossings and did the rest with flex track. The trains ran smooth, any way the work you have done and the ideas you have given or got from others in the hobby I found myself using, thanks Dan your videos are outstanding along with your layout.
Thanks Lou! Yes, I wish I’d figured out that flex track option when I was building it, oh well. After a lot of tweaking, I’ve got it tuned in pretty well now. I think my layout may continue to expand outward over time, we shall see. I’d love to have a two-track main with 24” curves around the outside someday. We’ll see. Haha. Thanks for watching my friend, I very much appreciate it.
Great video, Dan!
I love the tip about using 36" flex track over supposed ready-made track selections. It is a bit expensive but working with such a product could also mean less hassles in the future too. I specifically remember copterdude using flex track inside the tunnels for smoother operation rather than using the sectional radius tracks recommended.
As far as using steam locomotives on 18" radius track, I follow that old-school rule about nothing bigger than an 0-6-0. Anyone out there modeling/operating pre-1900 can also use the 4-4-0 wood burners.
I still love how your diesel fueling facility worked out as I'm interested in seeing how you're going to finish the scenery on that part of your layout.
Thanks Donnie. Yes, I wish I’d thought of that 36” track tip when I was building my kit. Haha. Yes, I’m really liking that fueling station. I’m thinking some dry weeds around it and a little more dirt and gravel. It’s fun to work with scenery, it’s one of my favorite things. Thanks Donnie, I appreciate your support. 👍🏼
Admire all of thou for tackling this project. Very cool!
Thank you! 👍🏼
Woodland's Nscale track kit uses the over/under that you recommend.
So now that summer is over I'm ready to start on my Grand Valley layout. I put the original design in SCARM software and then modified it to eliminate the crossover on the mainline. I added an over/under but to keep the track incline reasonable I added two feet of length to the layout. I also eliminated the curves at the bridge making it a straight approach on both sides and added an additional outer loop so I could run more trains and six axle engines. Although I originally planned on using the Atlas Code 83 track, I've decided to use Bachmann EZ Track so I redid the SCARM software layout to reflect that. My final dimensions will be 120" W X 54". Of course until I start building it will I know the feasibility of the design and I can always revert back to the original design if necessary. I'll be starting on the benchwork in the next few weeks. Wish me luck!
Randy, that’s so exciting! It sounds like it’s really going to be awesome!! I can’t wait to hear about your progress. Thanks for keeping me updated. Are you planning to post any photos or videos?
@@DansGrandValley We'll have to see about the videos. I understand the benefit of sharing ideas on TH-cam as it's helped me a lot so I might be inclined to go down that path. I may start out with a video of snap shots like you did in your overview with narration and go from there. We'll see!
Great video, Dan. The thing about making your trackwork perfect is good advice for every layout.
Thanks Robert. Yeah I wish I’d been a bit more careful inside those mountains!!
Great! Thank you for the quick reply!
Thanks Dan. That 60 degree crossover looks like a real problem. Running over and under looks like the way to go. A modeler near Boston recommended I use Atlas code 100, rather than code 83. Your layout looks excellent, and the tips are important. Thank you for taking the time to post this update.
Thanks for watching John. Yeah, the track is just a matter of preference. The code 100 has a bit higher rail which helps the cars stay on the rails better. I liked the brown color of the code 83 so I went that route. I may get the nerve to re-work that cross someday, but for now two speed-matched locos run pretty well without hitting each other if you watch them. Haha. Thanks for your comment. 👍🏼
Dan, I’m about to start building my own version of the Grand Valley and definitely appreciate all your advice and suggestions. I’m planning to make my layout four feet longer and six inches wider. I plan to and stretch out the town center as well as add
This was a fun and informative video, Dan. I hope it helps some people out who will be building this one. I took a bunch of pictures while I was building, so at some point I will put together a montage set to music or something.
I also used the Atlas track pack plus 1 pack of assorted short straights that Atlas sells. I think I used one short piece on the front straight and one on the industry spur. I also lengthened the industry spurs as long as I could, which amounted to maybe 2 to 3 inches longer each. Not a big difference, but it's nice to squeeze a third boxcar in there.
Thanks Tom. I didn’t know you added some small pieces as well. It just seems it’s a must, as the stock track just doesn’t seem to come out right. I do remember that you lengthened the spurs which was a great idea. Thanks for your information and contributions to this video, I really appreciate it.
Hi Dan,
Great video and some great tips. The 6-axle SD-35 locomotives will work on the 18" radius. I have an Atlas Master B&O and Chessie System SD-35 on my Grand Valley layout and they work just fine. The shorter wheel bases allow those to work in this layout.
Thanks Nate, good info! I’m going to have to do some shopping I think! 😁
I agree with the idea of using flex track. The point of this "kit" and sectional track is, it's meant more towards the beginner. There IS a learning curve with flex track (no pun) especially in tight (18") radii. AND you must have high quality (meaning expensive) rail nippers. So, it involves more than just "beginner's" skill sets. I am toying with buying this Woodland Scenics product for fun, since I was forced to sell my house that had a basement and downsize to a Condo. I usually like to use 22" minimum radius curves, but 4x8 is constrictive. However? Just as you did, there's no reason not to add a foot or so on each side if you have the space. Effectively giving you 5x9, something like that.
Great comments! Thank you so much for watching Capt. 👍🏼
Great video
Thank you Justin, I appreciate that very much. Have a great Sunday!
@@DansGrandValley
I am finally at the point where I am attaching the rocks and getting ready for paint. I did modify my layout to eliminate the double crossings. I also changed the road leading up the mountain. I included a mining tunnel at the top of the tunnel
The bottom, the ones that have the print on them.
I plan to insert space in the middle and want to buy styrofoam of the correct thickness and I have looked for the thickness of the base sheets but can’t find any references on them. Thanks
I got ahold of my buddy Tom who is building a GVL also. He agreed that the bottom sheets are 1/2” thick. He can still get to them to see and is fairly certain of that.
Dan, you’ve mentioned the issue with the heat from the window affecting your track and copterguy(?) had issues with the tracks when the temperature in his garage got too low. Have you had those issues as well? My layout will be in my garage as well so I’m wondering if I should consider a permanent heating solution for the garage. Thanks
My issues have been pretty mild. I have tuned my track a lot to work out the issues, but sometimes in the cold of winter they seem to re-emerge occasionally. The heat from the window didn’t seem to bother me this summer. Here is a link to one of Copterdude1’s many videos where he troubleshoots some track issues he was having. Also, check out his other videos for good info on building the GVL.
th-cam.com/video/EgMKZX_HI3M/w-d-xo.html
Would 24" curves work in the Grand Valley for passenger trains? When I get the room, this is something that would work for me with different buildings.
The stock kit is setup for 18” radius curves. There are guys on TH-cam who are modifying the layout to work with larger curves. Checkout @Copterdude1 channel. He is re-doing the whole kit and adding larger curves and eliminating the cross tracks.
th-cam.com/video/gJAfDrmZOCU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=HVw9P1aT2lz3HloN
Hi Dan did you glue your track down or solder joints ?
Hi Gary, I glued the track down with the contact cement that came with the kit. I did not solder the joints, except for a couple of troublesome ones near the front.
Thank you that’s very helpful
Dan, I am still waiting on the delivery of my GVL and I’m wondering how thick are the printed sheets? I have not been able to find that detail on the instructions. Thanks
Which sheets do you mean? The base styrofoam sheets, or the profile sheets? I believe they were both 1/2 inch thick. The profile sheets have ribs on them to help lock them together. The base sheets I’m pretty sure were just 1/2 inch thick, but they are covered now so I can’t measure them. I will ask around.
I have an access hole in the bottom of mine so I reached a tape measure up there and it looks like 1/2 inch is right.
@@tvtoms thank you sir!! 👍🏼
Would it be possible to put n scale on the grand valley instead of ho
Hi Al, absolutely.! As long as you could make the smaller track sections work on the larger layout, I think it’s very possible. You can certainly get N scale tunnel portals, and a bridge and make them work with minimum modifications. Several people have asked me this question, but nobody has given feedback yet. So, if you do it, keep me updated please. Great question, thanks for watching.
Hey Dan!
Did you solder your tracks to keep them together?
Hi John, I did not do that with this layout, except for a few trouble spots in my add-on yard near the engine house. I figured it is always an option but really haven’t found a need to do that so far.
These kw in wva I would like know we're you get your old trucks kw wva.
There are two old Matchbox 1:87 scale trucks (the silver and red/silver ones) on the layout that a friend found at a garage sale and gave to me. The others are all modern Classic Metal Works ones that I bought at either train shows or the hobby shop. Thanks for watching! 👍🏼
I noticed that the back of your layout sits flush against the wall. Do you have any issues accessing areas of the layout when you need to as a result? I was thinking of leaving a foot of space behind mine but I rather not due to space limitations.
Hi Randy. If I have any issues on that side, it’s usually at the bridge. If something derails I can usually nurse it along until it gets to where I can reach it. But I can always pull the entire bench out a little bit to squeeze back there if I need to. I’d go ahead and push it back to the wall. Having the space is really nice. 👍🏼
What would be your thought on removing the cures on each side of the tressle and making that a straight shot across the back? I haven't started on this layout yet, just throwing around some ideas prior to starting.
It would def make it easier for the longer locos and cars to make it through there, and I don’t think it would detract from the feel of the layout. Sounds like a good idea to me.
Randy, I'd recommend adding casters to the legs of your table. It's easy to do and will give you maximum access to your layout without wasting precious floor space.
@@randywright6285 I did this with mine a bit. On the right side of the trestle, the track plan calls for a curve then short straight, then two more curves. Instead, I put the short straight, then the three curves together. There is just enough room on the riser without any issue and it allows a slightly straighter shot into / out of the bridge on that side. But that's the only change I made there; moving that one short straight piece. I used the Atlas track pack so my comment is based on that.