Wonderful video, Mike. The presentation is beautifully shot and staged. But what I appreciate the most about your layout is the respect you show, not only for The Rock Island, but especially for the communities and the landscape through which the Spine Line ran. Your videos never fail to take me back to a simpler time spent with family in central Iowa. Thank you!
Great layout, and very realistic running!! I usually don't watch videos with switching, but this one was really good. The locos are great looking and the weathering looks great!! Beautiful video and can't wait for the next one!!
Hi Mike, Awesome video! You know I am partial to a local switch job and really enjoyed this video. It also gives the viewer time to look at your amazing scenery and structures while we watch the local go about its work. I appreciate all the time and work that it takes to put out a high quality video such as this. Thanks for posting and I look forward to your next video.-Tom
Very well done video of the Local operation on your outstanding layout. Really liked the completeness of the operation as well as the different views . Great job. Very entertaining to watch.
Your layout is my favorite on TH-cam! I'm currently planning my 2nd layout (bought new home) and I'm convinced I need single track around the walls style layout like yours. So thanks for sharing
Hi Kendall - I really appreciate your nice comment. Thanks much for watching and best of luck with your layout! Planning and building a layout is half the fun! Mike
@@rimodeler7963Mike, studying your video I note the excellent camera technique, using a strong depth of field, steady camera and effextive lighting. Amazing facilities, too. Where is this displayed located? Frank
@@rimodeler7963 Mike I am even more impressed now realizing this layout is in your home basement. Do you have a "Plan" view to share so that i could better orientate what your videos show?
THANK YOU...for sharing. Thanks for taking us along on the "extra" but I have to tell you, I am in love with that redhead with the yellow dress standing at the station at Albert Lea. I sure hope she is headed for Ohio!!!!! :)
Hi Gary - That's a good one; ........ however, she's already spoken for as one of my regular operators has her in his sights. He comments about her every time he operates on the layout. When she was placed there I had no idea she would grab so much attention. Anyway, thanks so much for watching. Mike P.S. It's possible she may be headed for Ohio.
You're welcome, Todd. I actually had been wanting to do a more in-depth video of switching activities and your recent comments spurred me on. Thanks for watching! Mike
@RImodeler79 Mike, thank you for sharing the layout diagrams of your RR. The layout displays a well designed and executed plan. In my short time pursing the hobby your final presentation is a real show stopper. My apologies for the continuous stream of questions, but I notice a sterile environment, do you have a separate air filtration system for the dedicated 30' x 40' area? Frank
Hi Frank - The layout room is located on the second floor of our home and is not on a separate air filtration system. Because it is a finished room, it is easier to keep it clean. Questions are always welcome and thanks for your comments. Mike
0:20 Great to see yard switching action. Would like to see a dedicated yard switching video breaking down/building trains at Armourdale or Inver Grove. Cheers
I was thinking, it would be nice if the local had to wait for a through freight and then it happened. Love your realistic mix of various railroads rolling stock. Do you try to keep a certain % Rock Island? dl Rock Island at LaSalle Peru, IL
Up to this point, I haven't attempted to keep a certain % of Rock Island rolling stock on the layout; however, I still have a number of new Rock Island freight cars that I need to detail and weather which will help increase the presence of RI cars on the model railroad. I really appreciate your comments and thank you for watching! Mike
Thanks for sharing Mike and making the Rick Island come back to life in Iowa. I was just thinking in watching the scene at Albert Lee (dont know why, perhaps seeing people on the platform?), but possibly ti add some extra realism, add a brakeman/ conductor on the ground or riding the locomotive platform or cars stirrups. Not criticizing at all, just a thought. I know it would add sutra time to video, but I believe your vids would "pop" even more!
Hi Robert - I appreciate your comments and agree that adding "boots on the ground" would create another level of realism. I'll certainly keep that in mind, but no promises :-) Thank you for watching! Mike
I have two documents containing Rock Island freight train numbers and schedules for 1966 and 1973 that I can send you if you reply to this message with your email address. Thank you for watching the video and for your comment. Mike
Do you have some train crew figures, such as a brakeman and conductor, that you could strategically place beside the cars or switches when you switching?
I could probably come up with some figures, but not sure that I'll actually do what you suggested. Good suggestion ...... we'll just have to see. Thanks for watching. Mike
You have such a great set of locomotives. Outside of the GM F units, my favorites are those red SD40-2s with the dark yellow noses. Local switching is always interesting. Teaches one the real interworkings of a railroad on a more intimate level.
Hi Tommy - I agree, those SD40-2s have a nice paint scheme. Also, I have always thought that the SD40-2 is one of the best looking and sleekest diesel locomotives created. I worked for the Burlington Northern which had a sizable fleet of them and they always looked great in a 3, 4 or 5 unit consist. Thanks much for watching! Mike
Love the layout...Liked the camera looking back at the engine. First time I've ever seen anyone do that. Mostly they push the camera, which means the view never sees the train!
this layout is so incredibly expansive. i could watch trains on that thing forever.
Thanks so much for watching and for your nice comments. Mike
As a railroader from Csx and amtrak I can honestly say you have captured the the look of a railroad and right of way definitely a layout in my top 3
I appreciate your comments and thank you for watching the video. Mike
Those are some very nicely laid tracks, straight and smooth.
Thank you, Kevin! Mike
I absolutely love how you have open running between your towns. Lots of planning and very well carried out. Love it.
Hi Ken - Thank you very much for watching and for your kind comments. Mike
Wonderful video, Mike. The presentation is beautifully shot and staged. But what I appreciate the most about your layout is the respect you show, not only for The Rock Island, but especially for the communities and the landscape through which the Spine Line ran. Your videos never fail to take me back to a simpler time spent with family in central Iowa. Thank you!
Thank you very much for your very kind comments which I really appreciate! Mike
I've never seen model railways filmed like this, incredible - almost like you're living in that miniature world!
Thank you for watching and commenting ........ I appreciate it! Mike
Great layout, and very realistic running!! I usually don't watch videos with switching, but this one was really good. The locos are great looking and the weathering looks great!! Beautiful video and can't wait for the next one!!
Thank you, Tom, for your very nice comments which I appreciate! Mike
Hi Mike, Awesome video! You know I am partial to a local switch job and really enjoyed this video. It also gives the viewer time to look at your amazing scenery and structures while we watch the local go about its work. I appreciate all the time and work that it takes to put out a high quality video such as this. Thanks for posting and I look forward to your next video.-Tom
Thank you, Tom, for taking the time to watch and comment. Your commentary is always appreciated! Mike
Very true.
absolutely awesome! my favorite type of railroading.servicing the customer
Thank you, Gary, for your comments and for watching. Mike
Absolutely another awesome post!! I really look forward to them. Great inspiration. Thanks much for sharing your work.
Hi John - Thank you very much for the nice comments which I appreciate! Mike
Awesome video! I really enjoyed watching the local work, and the weathering on the geep is really good.
Thank you, Alex, for your comments and for watching. Mike
Very well done video of the Local operation on your outstanding layout. Really liked the completeness of the operation as well as the different views . Great job. Very entertaining to watch.
Thanks so much for your nice comments which I really appreciate. Mike
Your layout is my favorite on TH-cam! I'm currently planning my 2nd layout (bought new home) and I'm convinced I need single track around the walls style layout like yours. So thanks for sharing
Hi Kendall - I really appreciate your nice comment. Thanks much for watching and best of luck with your layout! Planning and building a layout is half the fun! Mike
Excellent display, amazing operation, dynamite camera work. Yes, .... I'm a "Rock Island" fan, too.
I appreciate your nice comments and thank you for watching. Glad to hear that you, too, are a Rock Island enthusiast. Mike
@@rimodeler7963Mike, studying your video I note the excellent camera technique, using a strong depth of field, steady camera and effextive lighting. Amazing facilities, too. Where is this displayed located? Frank
@@ohrazda1956 Hi Frank - The model railroad is in my home in Texas. Thank you, again, for watching! Mike
@@rimodeler7963 Mike I am even more impressed now realizing this layout is in your home basement. Do you have a "Plan" view to share so that i could better orientate what your videos show?
@@ohrazda1956 Here is a link to a video explaining my track plan: th-cam.com/video/ZzyqaoF6fsw/w-d-xo.html Thanks for your interest. Mike
THANK YOU...for sharing. Thanks for taking us along on the "extra" but I have to tell you, I am in love with that redhead with the yellow dress standing at the station at Albert Lea. I sure hope she is headed for Ohio!!!!! :)
Hi Gary - That's a good one; ........ however, she's already spoken for as one of my regular operators has her in his sights. He comments about her every time he operates on the layout. When she was placed there I had no idea she would grab so much attention. Anyway, thanks so much for watching. Mike P.S. It's possible she may be headed for Ohio.
@@rimodeler7963 Mike, you tell your operator he has a fight on his hands. LOL
Mike, Great video of the Local doing its daily duties along the line. The crew has it pretty easy it looks like today. Thanks again for sharing. Tony
Howdy Tony - Thanks much for watching and commenting. I had fun making this one. Mike
Thank you for the video. You do have a great set up. Love to watch all the action that you do. Like to see the other RR that detour on the ROCK!!
You're welcome, Todd. I actually had been wanting to do a more in-depth video of switching activities and your recent comments spurred me on. Thanks for watching! Mike
So realistic that I expected to hear a loud BANG during coupling.
Thanks, Bill, for watching! Mike
I love the tractors on flatcar ! Well done !
Thank you very much for your comment and for watching! Mike
Great video on a great railroad. Keep them coming!!
Hi Greg - Thank you for your comments and for watching! Mike
Super job. Fun to watch.
Hi Ron - I appreciate your comments and thank you for watching! Mike
@RImodeler79 Mike, thank you for sharing the layout diagrams of your RR. The layout displays a well designed and executed plan. In my short time pursing the hobby your final presentation is a real show stopper. My apologies for the continuous stream of questions, but I notice a sterile environment, do you have a separate air filtration system for the dedicated 30' x 40' area? Frank
Hi Frank - The layout room is located on the second floor of our home and is not on a separate air filtration system. Because it is a finished room, it is easier to keep it clean. Questions are always welcome and thanks for your comments. Mike
0:20 Great to see yard switching action. Would like to see a dedicated yard switching video breaking down/building trains at Armourdale or Inver Grove. Cheers
Thanks for watching and for your comments. Mike
Very impressive! I love the sounds of that Geep. What decoder and speaker did you use?
The Geep is an Atlas model with a factory installed ESU Loksound decoder. Thank you for watching and for your comments. Mike
I was thinking, it would be nice if the local had to wait for a through freight and then it happened. Love your realistic mix of various railroads rolling stock. Do you try to keep a certain % Rock Island?
dl Rock Island at LaSalle Peru, IL
Up to this point, I haven't attempted to keep a certain % of Rock Island rolling stock on the layout; however, I still have a number of new Rock Island freight cars that I need to detail and weather which will help increase the presence of RI cars on the model railroad. I really appreciate your comments and thank you for watching! Mike
delightful video!
Thanks, Gary! Mike
Thanks for sharing Mike and making the Rick Island come back to life in Iowa. I was just thinking in watching the scene at Albert Lee (dont know why, perhaps seeing people on the platform?), but possibly ti add some extra realism, add a brakeman/ conductor on the ground or riding the locomotive platform or cars stirrups. Not criticizing at all, just a thought. I know it would add sutra time to video, but I believe your vids would "pop" even more!
Hi Robert - I appreciate your comments and agree that adding "boots on the ground" would create another level of realism. I'll certainly keep that in mind, but no promises :-) Thank you for watching! Mike
Awesome! Thanks for sharing
Thank you for watching and commenting! Mike
I've got a numberboard from this unit after it was rebuilt to the 4500 series. It's white with black numbers.
Greetings bcrnfan - That's really great that you've got the numberboard from the rebuilt 1277! Thank you very much for watching. Mike
Great video as always
Thanks so much for your comment and for watching! Mike
Love the following love the following the camera/following the train shots. What kind of camera did you use for that?
I used a GOPRO camera on a flat car to shoot the ahead of and following shots. Thank you for your comments and for watching the video. Mike
I love your layout just wondering do you know any train symbols for the Rock hard to find on the internet.
I have two documents containing Rock Island freight train numbers and schedules for 1966 and 1973 that I can send you if you reply to this message with your email address. Thank you for watching the video and for your comment. Mike
Very nice 👍
Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Mike
Do you have some train crew figures, such as a brakeman and conductor, that you could strategically place beside the cars or switches when you switching?
I could probably come up with some figures, but not sure that I'll actually do what you suggested. Good suggestion ...... we'll just have to see. Thanks for watching. Mike
Really nice
Thank you for watching and I appreciate your comment. Mike
Love it
Thank you for watching, Gary. I appreciate your comment! Mike
I never knew you had a TH-cam chanel
Mike Armstrong it’s Bradley Drinkwater
You have such a great set of locomotives. Outside of the GM F units, my favorites are those red SD40-2s with the dark yellow noses.
Local switching is always interesting. Teaches one the real interworkings of a railroad on a more intimate level.
Hi Tommy - I agree, those SD40-2s have a nice paint scheme. Also, I have always thought that the SD40-2 is one of the best looking and sleekest diesel locomotives created. I worked for the Burlington Northern which had a sizable fleet of them and they always looked great in a 3, 4 or 5 unit consist. Thanks much for watching! Mike
@@rimodeler7963 SD40-2s -They look like dragsters - all raked out frame/wheelbase. Definitely one of my favorites.
Love the layout...Liked the camera looking back at the engine. First time I've ever seen anyone do that. Mostly they push the camera, which means the view never sees the train!
Thank you very much! Mike