Outstanding video, thank you Dan. I'm brand new to model railroading and your explanation of Prototype & Freelance is a huge help! I know what railway company I want to model, and what kinds of industries and what kind of town I'd like on the layout, however, prototypically the two don't exist together. I now realize that doesn't necessarily matter in the modeling world. Thanks again!
I think the most important thing is that you design something you'll enjoy. You don't have to please anyone else, just you. So if you want to mix and match elements from different places to get the layout you want, then go for it. Happy modeling and thanks for watching!
Another insightful video, especially for the beginner who wants to start a layout. I always have an idea on what I want to model but always consider the space as more important on where I want to go with it. Example, a 3 foot mountain doesn't really work on a 4 × 8 layout. Remember its your layout though. Get railing. Thanks Dan for the vids.
I'm glad you liked the video. You're absolutely right that the space matters. If I'd had a smaller space I would have likely chosen to go a different route in HO. Trying to do too much in too small a space doesn't usually work out well. Thanks for watching!
I grew up in Atherton in the '50s. My father took the Peninsula Line to work in The City, & when I was in first & second grade ('59-'61) I took the train to San Mateo Mon.-Fri. to go to St. Matthew's. There were a few other boys who did the same; on Fridays the conductors would give us Tootsie Rolls if we'd been well-behaved during the wk. Currently working on a small Santa Fe switching layout in my studio apartment.
Those are some great memories. I grew up on the Peninsula too. I didn't get to ride the trains much back then, but I did see them often. Good luck with your layout and thanks for watching!
Dan, thank you for taking us on this journey with you! I was excited when I found your channel after your split from TSG. Geez, it’s been at least a year since I’ve started watching, probably longer! Every one of your videos has been great! The consist build has been awesome to watch and learn, I love seeing the box of the month, and your reviews are second to none. I’m really looking forward to the rest of these layout build videos, the rest of the consist build, and your other future projects. I learn a lot from all of the videos you put together and as an extreme novice in modeling I really appreciate that you take the time to teach. On top of the quality content, you’re a good guy. You genuinely care about what you’re doing and the audience community that has built up on your channel. This is one of the best, if not the best, model railroading channel. Thank you for that!
Catching up on comments... Thanks so much for the kind words. I've been working a lot on the building where the layout is going to be built, and making progress, but it'll still be a while before I can start the actual layout. I hope to have an update soon, maybe after the holidays. Thanks for watching!
This was a very good presentation of the dos and don'ts of modeling. I learned a lot. Really like your content on your channel especially the reviews of locomotives. I model Sp but no specific place just a specific era. The room is small and it's mostly a switching shelf layout because I love doing switching and assembling trains. I will be looking at more of your content as this post was quite some time ago. Thanks
I'm glad you enjoyed the program. Switching layouts are so much fun. If I was still in a smaller space I'd probably build something similar to what you're doing. I have a feeling that the switching areas of my Donner Pass plan will end up being some of my favorites. Thanks for watching!
Nice to discover an enthusiast who grew up in the same general area (I lived further up in Burlingame) but spent a lot of time watching the SP trains go bye. My family also spent much time in the Tahoe area and we admired all the trains from Sac up to the Sierra’s …
I have fond memories of watching the SP commute trains on the peninsula, and going over Donner. I wish that I'd been more into taking pictures back then. I think the Donner layout will help to rekindle some of the memories I have of that time. Thanks for watching!
I really liked this video. One thing I would totally recommend you NOT do is tear up the display module. If you could keep it intact and make it part of the new layout and removable that would be awesome. That's a difficult task but for all the future train shows and events and things you might not even know about and need a module. YOU HAVE THAT MODULE. At worst store it in an attic somewhere or under the layout if it can't be part of it. Some model train photographers swear by natural lighting and skylines. PLEASE SAVE THE MODULE. You'll be glad you did. Sorry to harp. Awesome video Dan !!!
Catching up on comments... Save the module! Not to worry, I am planning to save it, if for no other reason than I can take it outside and take photos in natural light. I am still working on the plan for the HO layout, and toying with the idea of making the module a removable piece, like you suggested. I might put it on casters to make it easier to move. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas and experiences in modeling over a number of years. I have watched practically all of your videos since the start when you were explaining how to detail and weather both motive power and freight cars. Today’s video has inspired to focus on my planning of a small portion of the WP in 1966 as I remember it in the Sacramento Valley south of Oroville. While I enjoy your weekly reviews and the honest assessments of the products you are reviewing. l really enjoy watching you create all elements of railroad modeling. Thank you and Nicole for sharing your time with the railroad modeling community. John w. Edson
Catching up on comments... Thanks so much. I hope your WP layout is progressing. My layout plans have been delayed a bit because working on the building has been taking longer than anticipated. We'll get there, though. Thanks for watching!
Wow, you are starting off right. Building your train room. My son just moved out. Now I have space for a PC, and a layout. About two years ago I got into model railroading. I’ve tinkered with my Kato M-2 starter set on and off since. I now have something like an “L” shape. Thanks for your video. I need the basics, etc.
upon desiding what I wanted to model I laid some track about 5 times until I decided what I really liked what I have now will be ok but its still not quite right. lol I keep wanting to add more room to the layout. were building a house next spring and we keep looking at the plans and thinking whet we can do to accommodate the layout. I realized OMG I'm building a house for the train not me ;>/
It took me quite a few tries and false starts to come up with my Donner Pass plan, and I'm still considering some minor revisions. That's pretty awesome if you can design the layout space into the house you're building. One of the reasons Nichole and I chose the house we're in is because it had layout space, so I totally understand. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video. Fellow modeler here and I like the ideas. I completely agree with your ideology about #1 rule is to have fun and your imagination is your only limitation.
I like your presentation because you explained the hobby realistically and hit key points that really make the hobby in many avenues on modeling a range from prototype to freelance.
Catching up on comments... I'm glad you liked my approach. I hope to follow up on the HO layout build soon, but the building prep has been taking a lot longer than I anticipated. Thanks for watching!
An overall loop combined with rail yards for more prototypical point to point operation is a necessity for me. Then I can just let it run when I want. It can also allow for added qualities like passenger trains, fast freight, and through trains going through a modelled section without the difficulty of turning the locomotive. If you have the right equipment, you can even program them to stop at specified locations. With rail yards, you can model switching do do more than just let the trains run in a loop.
Catching up on comments... I agree that I want the best of both worlds. I like a continuous run for breaking in locomotives or for visitors, or if I just want to play and watching trains, but I also want the ability to run prototypically point to point. Thanks for watching!
Thoroughly enjoyed this video! I live in Reno and have rail fanned the line along the canyon and up over the pass. Great choice! Best wishes! Thanks for producing all of your high quality videos
Great information Dan............I have a 23X23 room to finish out myself. My era is late 80s Grande/SP in eastern Utah. Looking forward to seeing your progress.
Catching up on comments... work on the building structure has been taking longer than I anticipated, but I hope to be able to get to work on the layout room in the coming months. Thanks for watching!
Can't wait to see how this develops. Good recommendations and love how you break things down . Your experience and insights have always inspired me to make lists and think things over ! Much appreciated .
Catching up on comments... Thanks for the kind words. Work on the building where the layout will be located has consumed much of the past year and there's still more to do, but I hope to get a layout update video out fairly soon. Thanks for watching!
You made some great points on what to look for, and how to approach this huge task we all face. thanks for your help! Im looking forward to these series
Catching up on comments... I'm still waiting on the room so meanwhile I'm building a small portable N scale layout, also part of this series. Thanks for watching!
I'm definitely biased since I live up here, but I think you made a fantastic choice when you chose SP between Norden and Sparks. I am really looking forward to this series...
I'm anxious to get going on the actual layout build. Right now I'm still doing construction work in the room. It'll get there, though. Thanks for watching!
Great start to this series. As a beginner, I wasn't aware of all the design considerations. Thanks for the education. Really looking forward to future episodes as well as the next consist episode. Great work Dan!!!!
I was stoked to see this video. I listened to and watched some if not most of it while I worked on my layout fascia. I started my first railroad ever about 1.5 years ago and it was yours and John's videos on beginning model railroading that helped and inspred me to this day (also quite a few other YTs). I knew your plan would be well thought out. I will have to research some of the places, although I know Truckee well. I grew up in San Mateo and graduated from Hiillsdale High School in the late 80's. My parents have a cabin in Truckee. Go figure. Looking forward to the layout build.
Catching up on comments... It sounds like we had some similar experiences. My parents had a place in Truckee up until the 80s. I used to live not too far from Hillsdale High. My layout project has been delayed because work on the building has been taking longer than I'd like, but I hope to have an update on the Donner layout soon. Thanks for watching!
Excellent job on this video and sharing the knowledge and your take on the Hobby. I can't wait to see further videos of your layout. This Is awesome! Joey
Looking forward to, "How to feather drywall mud on cornerbead for model railroaders". Things you'd never expect to apply to model railroading but actually do. Awesome space, it will be fun to watch a master at work. Thanks for deciding to make this series.
Catching up on comments... I've actually considered talking about that. I might if I end up doing anything out of the ordinary (like coved corners). The train room has been delayed by other projects for a while, but I'm hoping to get going on it again soon. Thanks for watching!
@@DanielCortopassi That's the type of thing one would never expect to be useful in model railroading, but in fact I've used that skill to hide screws in my masonite skyline. Indoor play season is almost upon us. Looking forward to progress.
Great advice Dan! 5126 looks familiar, that set of videos you did, I think there were 28 in all, really got me hyped on detailing my Conrail fleet!! The best advice you gave was don't be afraid to cut up an engine or freight car to make it better with detail parts, thanks Dan!!! Keep up the great work!!!
Catching up on comments... I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It's been a little slower episode to episode, but I'm doing the same techniques in my SP consist build series. Thanks for watching!
Great video Dan. I have been in the Hobby for 48 years and I still find myself getting overwhelmed from time to time. LoL. I have started 4 layouts during that 48 years and never completed any of them so far. Life has gotten in the way from time to time, but that is how life works. I have been working on the 4th one now for over 10 years. I am still having fun though, and I believe that is what is important. Thanks, Russ from Oregon.
My situation is similar. I've either never had the space, time, or money to build something. Or when I have, then life intervenes and I have to tear it down before it's complete. This time should be different. And yes, having fun is what it's about. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for posting this video, I really enjoyed it. When you first asked what to model, I was hoping for the overland route. I plan to model Colfax to Truckee for many of the same reasons that you shared. It was also prime cab forward territory and needed lots of cutting helper engines in and out, should be great fun to build and run.
Catching up on comments... It is such a cool stretch of railroad. I'm still in the design phase, and am toying with modeling a portion of the west side of the hill on the lower deck. Colfax is a place I'm considering, too. Got to get the building done, first. That part is taking longer than I'd like, which is the way it usually goes. Thanks for watching!
Hi Dan, An interesting and informative video. I especially like the comment about model what you like, not what you think others would like. Number one rule, its your layout so do what you want. Good luck with the build, I'll be watching from across the pond. Cheers Scott
Catching up on comments... I'm glad you liked the video. Progress on the building has been slower than i'd like, so I still haven't been able to start on the big layout. We'll get there, though. Thanks for watching!
I can relate to some of your wish list items. As an Air Force kid, my dad was stationed at Travis AFB near Fairfield and later moved to Davis. I made a number of Ski trips as a teenager and college student so Donner Pass is also near and dear to me. I got to see the Coast Starlight and San Francisco Zephyr coming through town, along with the SD45 and tunnel motor pulled SP freight trains. But even though I've gotten hooked later, after some trips to Colorado, on the D&RGW, I've always wanted to model the 1970's San Francisco Zephyr. Well, Athearn Genesis FINALLY came out with the ice-breaker equipped Amtrak SDP40F, which ran over Donner Pass and over Sherman HIll to Denver. Walthers has done some heritage passenger cars in Amtrak phase 1 and 2, and together with the Broadway ex-CZ cars painted in Amtrak, you can model a fairly believable San Francisco Zephyr now. BTW, that train did detour over the Rio Grande so that's my excuse. I also couldn't resist the BLI California Zephyr and the early Superliner equipped Amtrak California Zephyr, which you could also model. I did get to ride the San Francisco Zephyr twice and the 1990 Amtak CZ so the are on my want to model list!
I remember seeing the SDP40Fs in Truckee when I was a kid. I always liked those. I have vague memories of the early Amtrak "rainbow era", too. I remember seeing green BN and yellow UP cars. Like I mentioned in the video, I think the layout design will support video and photography of out-of-era equipment, so if I ever wanted to model one of those early Amtrak trains, it would look right at home. Thanks for watching!
@@DanielCortopassi The SDP40F's were always iconic after I road the San Francisco Zephyr when I was 16 and 17 between Denver and Sacramento. I wasn't in a place to watch the rainbow times, but do remember phase 1 pointless arrow trains passing through north Davis before that line was closed as a through route to Oregon and Washington. Hopefully you have obtained the early Amtrak passenger cars. As soon as the SFZ SDP40F came out, I went on a hunt for the passenger cars and in the past year or so they have gotten harder to find and prices have risen on those that are on Ebay. As always I enjoy your videos. It's obvious this is a passion and you are good at presenting and reviewing.
@@riogrande5761 I remember the rainbow era from when I was very young. Mostly I remember the green BN cars with the white "hockey stick" stripe, mixed in with UP and other stuff I didn't really recognize at the time. I do have an Athearn SDP40F, but I'm modeling the 90s so most of my passenger fleet will be Superliners. Looking at this video I realized how far the room has come since I did this. Wow. It's been a lot of work but I'm looking forward to getting to the layout. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing this! I'll definitely be checking out each episode as you put them out, looks like a fun journey to follow along with! I'm in the stage of model railroading where I'm just getting my skills built up so that once we move into a more permanent home I can start the process you're doing right now. Take care!
Catching up on comments... I'm glad you liked the video. Getting my space ready is taking a while, but I think it'll be worth it in the end. Thanks for watching!
As soon as you said Donner Pass I got super excited!!! I'm fascinated with Donner Pass and the old Track 1 main thru the snow sheds. To my knowledge there are very few layouts of old Donner Pass. I'll be excited to watch this layout grow. Ive also been following your SP locomotive build and always excited when a new video is uploaded.
Catching up on comments... I haven't seen too many layouts based on that line, either, which is kind of weird in a way since it's so scenic and well known. Anyway, when we finally get the building done I'll be able to get started. Thanks for watching!
This is an amazing video Dan! All your videos are great but I think this may be my favorite you’ve ever done! Keep it up and I am beyond excited to see your layout take shape. I am from Pittsburgh, PA and l enjoy all our local rail operations but money no object, I would love to do a massive BNSF Marias Pass layout. I’m a child of the 90s and played Microsoft Train Simulator often and although I don’t see too much of it, I love BNSF.
Catching up on comments... I'm glad you liked this video. The building has been taking longer than I'd like to get done, so the Donner layout is in a bit of a holding pattern right now. I am working on the track plan. I could plausibly run BNSF on it if I do any later-era operating sessions eventually. Marias Pass would be a cool layout. Thanks for watching!
Thanks Dan Very good info. Struggling with space restrictions but thanks for solid basic info. Hope to see more of you're progress soon. P.J. Santa Barbara. P.s. ex S P main runs right by my Sign shop. Miss S.P.
Dan, thank you for the best model train video I have watched and I have watched a bunch I am an old guy who has been in and out and in again to model rail roading from Lionel ( of which I have a large collection) to HO to N and back to N again, terrific content, Thanks again
Catching up on comments... thanks, we have been mostly working on the building itself, which has taken longer than we were hoping. I hope to get back to the HO layout build soon. Thanks for watching!
Catching up on comments... Train room progress has been slower than I anticipated, but it will get there eventually. Meanwhile I'm working on a small layout build. Thanks for watching!
A agree on the layout planning thoughts; must have a defined space first. I am using old-school methods, such as graph paper, scale rule, compass and erasor shield. I moved into a home with an unfinished basement in late 2017. After finishing some other major house projects, like remodeling the kitchen and part of the master bath, I finally got the basement finished DIY. BTW, finishing the space makes it so much nicer for a layout room (ceiling, floor and walls); definitely worth taking the time to do it. But before the space was finished, I had already had the dimensions of the basement drawn to scale on a 11x17" graph paper. I wanted a layout that had some running (going somewhere), room for staging a number of complete trains, a division yard (Grand Junction CO) and a branch line. I managed to keep the minimum radius to 32" and squeezed in two 21' sidings. I started benchwork construction Nov 2019 and have most of it up now. While I grew up with the SP, I've decided on the D&RGW in the 1977-1983 period. For me it will probably be a "proto-lance" i.e. have the look and feel of the Grand Junction CO and west area, with some of the features, and trains typical of the traffic of that period. Dan, if you have a blog, it would be a nice way to follow your layout project. I'd like to see a scale drawing of your space and of course whatever track plan you develop. The space you mentioned, 33x19 feet is pretty good. The one I'm working on is in a space also 33' long but narrower. I've a blog of sorts on the AtlasRescueForum in the ProjectArchive if your interested in seeing some progress, including the drywalling and finishing of the train room. After many years of moving around, I finally got some practice building a 10x18' layout in my last home. That one was torn down and I moved and am working on something larger and more ambitious. The new layout is basically an inverted G shape, which some layout designers say is an efficient configuration for many spaces. Come join AtlasRescueForum. Cheers, Jim
Modeling the DRGW sounds awesome! One of the reasons I like the 1990s as an era is that I can model the SP but also run a lot of Rio Grande equipment. It sounds like you did your train room like I am doing mine, finishing the room first. It would be really hard to hang drywall and all that after the layout was in place! I'll have to think about the blog idea. Keeping up with this channel and also doing all the other stuff I have to do doesn't leave a lot of extra time, but I am thinking that it might be nice to at least share the track plans somewhere. Thanks for the suggestion!
@@DanielCortopassi Where did 4 years go? I've got all the track down and all the scenery base in place and since the landscape is desert them, sanded grout has provided desert floor texture. I still need to get it soaked with a matt medium to hold it firmly down, then start applying sage brush and tufts etc. I have a helix in place from TrackSideScenery which is a kit made from Gatorboard - 1.73% grade and #34 radius to being the trains up from staging to the main level, than back down as a nolix. Main yard track is in place too and now need to add industry sidings for switching. Hard find time this spring what with house and yard chores. Check my latest at AtlasRescueForums under project archives. Cheers.
Coast Starlight, Zephyr, San Joaquin, Capitol Corridor; depending on when and where in Northern California you do have more options than just the Zephyr and Starlight.
Catching up on comments... Yes, I know there is a Capitol that goes all the way to Auburn. I'm not sure if they were doing that in the 1990s, but it's something to consider. There's also the Reno fun train. Thanks for watching!
Perspective... You have it, Dan. Please let me share the thoughts I considered along my journey. I love modeling prototype equipment... I love modeling a certain era... But I didn't want to be tied down to modeling specific locations, with specific buildings, and then trying to compress it all down. So, I chose to model my home road from that era, using "generic / freelance" locations, on which the SP, DRG&W, AT&SF, and Conrail had trackage rights and run through trains, with local industries handled by my home road. I also have Amtrak and "Excursion" passenger trains making trips across the layout. This way, I could justify anything I wanted to do (within reason) when it came to scenery, and industries. It eliminated any of the "proto-specialists" from telling me that I'm missing a sign here, or a building there, etc.... And if they want to rivet count my equipment?? Have at it - but you're going to be disappointed, as that's where my prototype efforts go. Doing it this way takes the rest off the table. Having multi levels as the layout climbs from staging to staging is how I built mine. But I have multiple friends who use a helix to get between levels. And find myself wishing for a helix at times. But a helix eats up a lot of space, and trains disappear into them for long periods of time out of view of operators and observers. Anyhow, I'm glad to be along on your journey, and to see what adventures and twists & turns you have along the way.
Catching up on comments... Those are some good insights. I am still working on the track plan. Everything got put on the back burner for a while because I was spending so much time working on the building where the trains are going to be set up. I still need to do more work on the train room itself, but the adjacent room is now mostly finished, and that should help get things going. Right now I am planning to model prototype locations fairly closely, but I will probably make some changes here and there either for practical reasons to make things fit, or because it will enhance operation. I am not trying to create a museum piece. I want a layout that's fun to operate. The current plan calls for a helix at each end of the layout, which has its pros and cons but I prefer that to any duckunders or gates or liftouts. I hope to have an update fairly soon. Thanks for watching!
Great points Dan, especially the one about building what you like! In my case I have just a simple 4×8 table that I run HO scale trains on. Nothing special, but it's nice to sit down, run a train, turn on the radio and listen to some tunes! That point can also apply to the rolling stock to. For me personally I collect and run what I like. It might be a passenger train or it might be a short freight train with a locomotive or two pulling it. One other thing I will add is something you mentioned club layouts, my local model railroad club (West Plains Model Railroad Club) did with their layout was they made it where one loop ran on dcc and the other loop ran on dc. This way everybody can run trains whether they are dcc equipped or not. Also glad to see you still have the old module from the TSG days. Keep up the good work!
In my younger years I did mostly N scale and had a mixed bag of equipment, and I had a great time running all of it together. Yes, the module is still around. People seem to like it so maybe I'll keep it after all. Thanks for watching!
Donner seems like an excellent choice, I thought of it myself because I love the snow Fighting equipment but I love Santa Fe too much, why I do Tihachapi now. I will ask if you planned on making any snow Fighting equipment such as flangers, rotaries or Jordan spreaders as that's the one aspect of Donner I really enjoy.
Catching up on comments... One of the difficult things about choosing Donner for me was that it kind of leaves out the Santa Fe. I have a lot of Santa Fe equipment. I'm not too worried about being 100% true to prototype as far as the railroad itself goes, though, so if I want to run some more pooled Santa Fe units than SP probably did I'm okay with that. I have a brass model of an SP flanger that I bought a few years ago. It used to be common to see SP flangers and spreaders parked in Truckee even in summer, so I can always do the same. I have a couple Athearn Genesis SP GP38-2s. I'm thinking of converting at least one of those into a snow fighting unit. Thanks for watching!
I think you should work that module into the layout somehow. As far as me and what I wanted to model, maybe I chose the easy way. I chose to model what I've grown up with my entire life, and the certain subdivision I've lived along my entire life. Being a 20 year old living in the Birmingham, AL area, the railroads were never and have never been super "interesting" I guess you could say as far as what it is, but it did get me into the hobby and I've always had a sentimental attachment to what I've grown up with. Choosing to model where I live in the modern timeframe allows me to go take as many photos of the prototype railroad as I need, and basically get as much info as necessary. Of course the same railroad has drastically changed from what it was when I was younger, but I model what I've been able to document while also keeping a place for a few pieces of equipment I have memories of from back then. Maybe I'm just taking the lazy route, but it seemed logical while also making me happy so I've stuck with it. -John
Modeling the familiar is a good way to go. That's one of the reasons I like Donner, because I spent so much time there as a kid. Modern era is also good because you can just go out and take your own reference photos. I wish I'd taken more pictures back in the 90s, but I've made up for my lack of personal photos by searching out books and slides, as well as online resources. It's a hobby, so as long as what you're doing makes you happy and keeps you interested, then it's awesome! Thanks for watching!
Catching up on comments... I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I haven't been to Roseville to railfan in a while. Hopefully we'll get up there again soon. Thanks for watching!
Dan, I am looking forward to the series as well. I am am a bit behind you as we were getting quotes for constructing my train shed next to the house before the COVID 19 shut down the builders in our area. I am looking at a slightly larger but pretty similar size area at 24x32. In my case it will BN and UP in North Idaho in the 1970s to early 80s.
Catching up on comments... I understand about being behind. We're doing a lot of the work in the building where the train layout will go ourselves, and it's been taking longer than expected. There were some parts that I wanted to hire out but we couldn't get anyone. We're slowly getting there, though. The BN / UP layout sounds cool. Thanks for watching!
@@DanielCortopassiI I certainly understand the taking longer than expected. Like you and Nicole we are doing much of the work ourselves. After a year we are doing drywall mud so the end is near I hope. Hopefully in the next month or 2 I can start building in 1:87 scale instead of 1:1 scale. Happy 1:87 railroading. Mike
Just found your channel and this was a great video! It is not normal for me to stick around for a long video like this but you do a great job keeping viewer attention and transition from talking shots to side videos. Looking forward to keeping up with your rendition of the Donner!!
I was surprised by the length a little myself, and there's more I could have talked about that I decided to leave for future episodes. I think this is my longest video to date. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!
Nice video, but my approach is simple. I buy what I like and let the layout develop over time. I like just running trains not a lot of sidings. The only reason I have sidings is the train looks neat moving through them, taking different switches. I'm also building a room. Just subscribed.
Catching up on comments... Nichole has been a big help with the construction, which is still ongoing. It's taking longer than I'd like but we're getting there. Thanks for watching!
Catching up on comments... Hey, Bob! I've been working a lot on remodeling the building where the layout is going, and it's taking longer than I'd like. It is progressing, though, so I will get to the actual layout eventually. Thanks for watching!
Dan, thanks for the beginning of your project. It great to hear your suggestions and ideas, and how those led you to your choice of the east side of Donner. I'm doing the CalP from Oakland to the Carquinez bridge. Because I love passenger trains I've created a fictional big quake which brought down all the tunnels on the pennisula, so all San Fran traffic has to come to Oakland jejeje. I also made Santa Fe loose their Oakland station in the quake so Santa Fe SF Chief and the Golden States are all running into Oakland as well. And finally all freight traffic in and out of SF is being carried by car float from Port Costa yard using borrowed Santa Fe floats and tug from Richmond since the tunnel from Santa Fe yard to the car float dock is also down. And of course no SF - East Bay bridges survived! So keep the series coming, and keep us learning new points of view and perspectives.
Sounds like you have a cool concept going. The Cal-P was definitely a close runner up for me, since it's the only other line I was considering that's mostly double track. Thanks for watching!
@@DanielCortopassi Thanks Dan - Offered it as an example of your suggestions about prototype or almost prototype. By inventing the earthquake I have trains from SP, Santa Fe, WP all coming into Oakland on SP trackage. Will be interested to watch and learn how your Donner East scheme develops. Get at the wallboard so you can begin layout construction. I've made it to doing wiring on my 3 deck CalP
Great video. Some day I'll be building my own, but for now it is vicariously through videos and maybe I'll join a local club. You bring up a lot of good points and I might just be building a small module like you have just so I can practice my skills. I've been out of MRR for over 20 years. I used to run at La Mesa* way back in the day, before they had built the loop (Mojave yard, through Caliente, and up to Bealville) . It is a first class setup and unfortunately, is my bar. Probably good and bad! For train watching, it was a lot of Cajon Pass and Tahachapi. As such, I plan on doing some version of one or the other in the mid 90s. Cajon would be a great option since at that time there were 2 railroads in close proximity to each other. Will I be doing the whole thing? No way. I doubt I'll ever have enough space, but I do want to do some small portion of it. A must have for me is some manner of grade. Even something as simple as an out and back with loops on both ends is enough. * As for access to the layout, most of it is duck under or walk round. I never saw anyone walking on bench work when I was a member of the club. :)
One of the club members told me about the benchwork when I took a tour of the layout back in 2016. Cajon would make a great basis for a layout. Thanks for watching!
Catching up on comments... I hope so. Right now I'm sanding drywall in the building, which is not so fun, but it's getting me closer to having my train space. Thanks for watching!
Hopefully I'll own my own towing /trucking company in the far future and have a 100foot by 50 foot shop bulding to store the trucks and have the exact same size upper room to the train layout. Anyway my mom grew up in spences bridge british columbia and I visit every year and film trains while there so I'm planning on having a fraser / thompson canyon scenery inspired layout with an accurate model of spences bridge. Cn Cp and bcol
That sounds like a great idea for a layout. I hope to visit that area and do some rail fanning someday. 50x100 would be quite a space! Thanks for watching!
@@DanielCortopassi always enjoy your video dan. Over this past spring break I filmed some trains in spences bridge its between ashcroft bc and lytton bc my mom grew up there so we visit every year. Spots I'd recommend is the rock sheds across from ski hist camp ground, the cisco bridges, and the gladwin tunnels
I like my models to have a realistic shape but are not overly detailed because the more parts on a model makes them more expensive, and easier to break said expensive details. The best example of having the right amount of detail is Walthers Mainline.
Catching up on comments... I like a lot of detail but I also try not to handle my trains too much. I'm still working out the plan but if at all possible my goal is to have all my equipment on the rails. That will help to keep handling to a minimum. Thanks for watching!
Wow ok so thats where Dan went . I last seen you on tag multimedia. Loved the reviews and the attention to detail. Glad your doing well. Im looking to build a model railroad that is like current time but kinda like a fantasy layout. Of new haven railroad that got put back into action with steam being used again due to someone managing it seen that it was profitable keep steam alive as well as some older diesels. My favorite steamers are the good old Tyco mantua pacifics I have 3. 2 need some work and 3rd I got g For 60$ at a trainshow and it was never used was a kit prebuilt lots of power for such a thing. Looking forward to dcc and myself if go with a Nce type vs mrc and to me the complex. Dcc controller by digitrax. To me I dont like it but thats an a Opinion.
I went solo at the beginning of 2018. I'm glad you found the new channel. Even though I'm doing a mostly prototype based concept for my new HO layout, I think freelancing and fantasy is awesome. It gives you a lot of creative freedom. Thanks for watching!
I take it this will be a HO Layout. Can't wait to see more. By the way. I live in Sacramento. There maybe times where I could come help. Let me know if that is a possibility. I am N scale. But I can work in HO too. Thanks for sharing.
Catching up on comments... Yes, the Donner layout is HO. Thanks for the offer of help. The building has been taking longer to get ready than I'd like, so it will probably be a while yet before I can actually start construction. Thanks for watching!
i was a switchman for chicago & northwestern from 93 to 04... for me my mindset is to model a job because my view of railroading is from a switchmans perspective... i always ask myself what type of job would i want to work... for those who want operation, it's easier to model a job rather than model a specific area... especially if you're a solo act... a person may make the mistake of modeling a relatively large area that may have several work assignments within that area... no way one person can corral all those assignments by himself... way easier to find a specific job assignment and then fit your ideas within that framework
The particular prototype I've got picked out is the C&NW K-D Line on its Eastern end. This gives the opportunity for passenger operations as Kenosha is the northern terminus for Metra. For a major industry I've got the old AMC facility along options for a cement products plant or an Ocean Spray facility. And not much beyond that.
@@mpetersen6 that's the kenosha wayfreight you've got there... the old CNW job id for that was WKE-01... i worked on that job as a student conductor back in 93... i could never hold that job regular, the conductor on that job was a CGW merger protected employee, he had a LOT of seniority... ocean spray was on the farm sub, a few cars in/out everyday... the old AMC plant was still in operation when i hired on in 93, they got gondolas in every once in a while, just north of the passenger depot was a place called koos, they got cars of potash usually those, they also went to bain and waxdale on the new line sub... at bain they used to load autoracks, now it's harvest states, a giant grain elevator, at waxdale they switched johnson wax, they also spotted cars of sugar at the jelly belly candy factory, there also was a scrap yard they would work in racine (can't think of the name of it), also a lumber yard there called big buck... so yeah there's a LOT there you can model
@@25mfd Seeing as I live about two miles from the Kenosha metra station I've seen most of those places. Worked at the Motors as it was known locally. When we building finished cars there was a lot more rail traffic in the plant. At one time there was even a Track-Mobile on site. I'm not sure who operated It though. The time frame I'm looking at is circa 1974 or so. As to layout design it's a matter of what to choose and selective compression. I plan on putting the auto pla t on a peninsula. I'm thinking the secondary industrial site will be the cement products plant. The Metra traffic will be simply be departing out of sight and reversing. What Metra actually does. Freight loads should be 40 and 50 footers. Box cars, gondolas, flats and hoppers. Still in the right of way negotiations
@@mpetersen6 yeah you've got a wide open canvas to put whatever you like on it... the most interesting is the auto plant... and you are LUCKY to have worked there so you have inside info that will help with your operations... a lot of folks just guess at what goes on behind the scenes, but you won't have to guess, you were there... i also worked in janesville at the GM plant... wanted to model an assembly plant myself but it's a challenge... takes up a lot of space and it's very difficult to find those 86ft parts cars these days... walthers made some YEARS ago but then quit... athearn made a few as well but not enough... i do have about 15 of the walthers auto parts cars but i'd need LOT more to model an assembly plant even halfway faithfully
Catching up on comments... One of my favorite things to do with a model railroad is switching. On a previous layout I had a grain elevator with its own three-track yard and dedicated switcher, and that was the best part of the layout. I've never worked on a real railroad so I don't know if I was doing everything exactly the way they'd do it in the real world, but I had a lot of fun with it. I think my Donner layout will have enough switching opportunities to keep me busy, plus long stretches of mainline so I can watch trains run, or maybe operate with a larger group at some point. Thanks for watching!
Catching up on comments... Cajon would be cool, and I wouldn't need to make as many trees. For me I think it's familiarity. I have a lot of childhood memories of family vacations to the Donner / Truckee area. Thanks for watching!
Progress has been slow because we have so many projects to get done around here. We're still working on the room. I am looking forward to the time when I can focus more exclusively on the layout. Maybe when this whole pandemic situation is over we can start having visitors, too. That would be cool. Thanks for watching!
One thing to consider, and something I learned the hard way, don't build a model railroad that is too big. Yes, they are nice and offer all kinds of modeling possibilities, but they can also become a chore or job to build, ballast and maintain. You end up doing more maintenance like track cleaning and dust removal than you do running trains and actually enjoying yourself. I found out I got 10 times the enjoyment out of smaller layouts that I could detail to no end and run way more than I maintained. Just something to keep in mind. Don't build more than you can have fun with.
Catching up on comments... That's good advice. We can always wish for more space, but honestly, I think my train room is "just right". It's big enough to build something that will give the feel of going somewhere, but small enough to be doable for one person. Since I'm following a prototype line for that layout, quite a bit of it will be scenic, with just the mainline running through it. That should cut down on maintenance. Thanks for watching!
Really awesome, Dan! Can't wait for the next installment! Mind if I steal this idea? Not exactly wanting to copy you! I have my bench work built and have track layed out, but kind of want to do a similar series!
Catching up on comments... Things have been delayed a bit due to the building construction taking longer than anticipated. By all means, make videos about your layout (if you haven't already done it). I am hoping to get back to it soon. Thanks for watching!
I can confirm buying models on ebay and flipping them is still a viable way to make some train money. It's how I got started working on other peoples models!
When I was into HO modeling, all I ever did was paint and weather freight cars. I never even had a layout because operation didn't interest me. As Daniel says, do your own thing
I love seeing the trains run, one of the reasons I've stuck with model railroading vs. building plastic airplane models, which I used to do way back when. I have met people, though, that are more interested in building and weathering than in running. That's what's great about the hobby, you can do it any way you like! Thanks for watching!
Catching up on comments... Sorry to take so long answering. I don't know of any free mo groups, but I also haven't really looked for them. When I built my HO module I tried to follow free mo standards, which I got off their website. I was thinking at the time that I might eventually want to take it to a meet, but I never did. If you are still looking, maybe try searching the web or seeking out other modelers in your area. If any train shows are starting up again, there might be a free mo group there. Thanks for watching!
Outstanding video, thank you Dan.
I'm brand new to model railroading and your explanation of Prototype & Freelance is a huge help!
I know what railway company I want to model, and what kinds of industries and what kind of town I'd like on the layout, however, prototypically the two don't exist together. I now realize that doesn't necessarily matter in the modeling world.
Thanks again!
I think the most important thing is that you design something you'll enjoy. You don't have to please anyone else, just you. So if you want to mix and match elements from different places to get the layout you want, then go for it. Happy modeling and thanks for watching!
Another insightful video, especially for the beginner who wants to start a layout. I always have an idea on what I want to model but always consider the space as more important on where I want to go with it. Example, a 3 foot mountain doesn't really work on a 4 × 8 layout. Remember its your layout though. Get railing. Thanks Dan for the vids.
I'm glad you liked the video. You're absolutely right that the space matters. If I'd had a smaller space I would have likely chosen to go a different route in HO. Trying to do too much in too small a space doesn't usually work out well. Thanks for watching!
All the best going forward, bud. Enjoy the construction! That’s part of the fun. Thanks for publishing the video!
I'm glad you liked it. Room prep is underway, so hopefully it won't be too much longer until I get to the actual layout. Thanks for watching!
@@DanielCortopassi …my pleasure, Daniel!
I grew up in Atherton in the '50s. My father took the Peninsula Line to work in The City, & when I was in first & second grade ('59-'61) I took the train to San Mateo Mon.-Fri. to go to St. Matthew's. There were a few other boys who did the same; on Fridays the conductors would give us Tootsie Rolls if we'd been well-behaved during the wk.
Currently working on a small Santa Fe switching layout in my studio apartment.
Those are some great memories. I grew up on the Peninsula too. I didn't get to ride the trains much back then, but I did see them often. Good luck with your layout and thanks for watching!
Dan, thank you for taking us on this journey with you! I was excited when I found your channel after your split from TSG. Geez, it’s been at least a year since I’ve started watching, probably longer! Every one of your videos has been great! The consist build has been awesome to watch and learn, I love seeing the box of the month, and your reviews are second to none. I’m really looking forward to the rest of these layout build videos, the rest of the consist build, and your other future projects. I learn a lot from all of the videos you put together and as an extreme novice in modeling I really appreciate that you take the time to teach. On top of the quality content, you’re a good guy. You genuinely care about what you’re doing and the audience community that has built up on your channel. This is one of the best, if not the best, model railroading channel. Thank you for that!
Catching up on comments... Thanks so much for the kind words. I've been working a lot on the building where the layout is going to be built, and making progress, but it'll still be a while before I can start the actual layout. I hope to have an update soon, maybe after the holidays. Thanks for watching!
Dan Glad to see you back. I have watched your 101 videos over and over. Really looking forward to your new program.
I never really went anywhere, just moved to my own channel. Thanks for finding it!
This was a very good presentation of the dos and don'ts of modeling. I learned a lot. Really like your content on your channel especially the reviews of locomotives. I model Sp but no specific place just a specific era. The room is small and it's mostly a switching shelf layout because I love doing switching and assembling trains. I will be looking at more of your content as this post was quite some time ago. Thanks
I'm glad you enjoyed the program. Switching layouts are so much fun. If I was still in a smaller space I'd probably build something similar to what you're doing. I have a feeling that the switching areas of my Donner Pass plan will end up being some of my favorites. Thanks for watching!
Coming along really nice and like the older module!!!
Thanks!
Nice to discover an enthusiast who grew up in the same general area (I lived further up in Burlingame) but spent a lot of time watching the SP trains go bye. My family also spent much time in the Tahoe area and we admired all the trains from Sac up to the Sierra’s …
I have fond memories of watching the SP commute trains on the peninsula, and going over Donner. I wish that I'd been more into taking pictures back then. I think the Donner layout will help to rekindle some of the memories I have of that time. Thanks for watching!
I really liked this video. One thing I would totally recommend you NOT do is tear up the display module. If you could keep it intact and make it part of the new layout and removable that would be awesome. That's a difficult task but for all the future train shows and events and things you might not even know about and need a module. YOU HAVE THAT MODULE. At worst store it in an attic somewhere or under the layout if it can't be part of it. Some model train photographers swear by natural lighting and skylines. PLEASE SAVE THE MODULE. You'll be glad you did. Sorry to harp. Awesome video Dan !!!
Paul Kirkman I definitely agree with you. It would be a real shame if he did away with that nice module!
Catching up on comments... Save the module! Not to worry, I am planning to save it, if for no other reason than I can take it outside and take photos in natural light. I am still working on the plan for the HO layout, and toying with the idea of making the module a removable piece, like you suggested. I might put it on casters to make it easier to move. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas and experiences in modeling over a number of years. I have watched practically all of your videos since the start when you were explaining how to detail and weather both motive power and freight cars. Today’s video has inspired to focus on my planning of a small portion of the WP in 1966 as I remember it in the Sacramento Valley south of Oroville. While I enjoy your weekly reviews and the honest assessments of the products you are reviewing. l really enjoy watching you create all elements of railroad modeling. Thank you and Nicole for sharing your time with the railroad modeling community. John w. Edson
Catching up on comments... Thanks so much. I hope your WP layout is progressing. My layout plans have been delayed a bit because working on the building has been taking longer than anticipated. We'll get there, though. Thanks for watching!
Great video! Looking forward to future episodes.
Catching up on comments... I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
Wow, you are starting off right. Building your train room. My son just moved out. Now I have space for a PC, and a layout. About two years ago I got into model railroading. I’ve tinkered with my Kato M-2 starter set on and off since. I now have something like an “L” shape. Thanks for your video. I need the basics, etc.
I'm glad you found it helpful. Model railroading is a great hobby. Thanks for watching!
upon desiding what I wanted to model I laid some track about 5 times until I decided what I really liked what I have now will be ok but its still not quite right. lol I keep wanting to add more room to the layout. were building a house next spring and we keep looking at the plans and thinking whet we can do to accommodate the layout. I realized OMG I'm building a house for the train not me ;>/
It took me quite a few tries and false starts to come up with my Donner Pass plan, and I'm still considering some minor revisions. That's pretty awesome if you can design the layout space into the house you're building. One of the reasons Nichole and I chose the house we're in is because it had layout space, so I totally understand. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video. Fellow modeler here and I like the ideas. I completely agree with your ideology about #1 rule is to have fun and your imagination is your only limitation.
Fun for sure. That's why we play with trains, right? Thanks for watching!
I like your presentation because you explained the hobby realistically and hit key points that really make the hobby in many avenues on modeling a range from prototype to freelance.
Catching up on comments... I'm glad you liked my approach. I hope to follow up on the HO layout build soon, but the building prep has been taking a lot longer than I anticipated. Thanks for watching!
I understand. Life events tend to interrupt progress. But it's a hobby that takes time like other hobbies do.
An overall loop combined with rail yards for more prototypical point to point operation is a necessity for me. Then I can just let it run when I want. It can also allow for added qualities like passenger trains, fast freight, and through trains going through a modelled section without the difficulty of turning the locomotive. If you have the right equipment, you can even program them to stop at specified locations. With rail yards, you can model switching do do more than just let the trains run in a loop.
Catching up on comments... I agree that I want the best of both worlds. I like a continuous run for breaking in locomotives or for visitors, or if I just want to play and watching trains, but I also want the ability to run prototypically point to point. Thanks for watching!
Dan, thanks so much for the new "series" It's a great concept and will be great to watch things develop.
Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying it. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for sharing. Happy modelling 🚂
You're welcome. Thanks for watching!
Thoroughly enjoyed this video! I live in Reno and have rail fanned the line along the canyon and up over the pass. Great choice! Best wishes! Thanks for producing all of your high quality videos
Catching up on comments... It's a very scenic area, and I've spent a lot of time up there, especially when I was younger. Thanks for watching!
Great information Dan............I have a 23X23 room to finish out myself. My era is late 80s Grande/SP in eastern Utah. Looking forward to seeing your progress.
Catching up on comments... work on the building structure has been taking longer than I anticipated, but I hope to be able to get to work on the layout room in the coming months. Thanks for watching!
Looking forward to watching!
Thanks for watching!
Hi Daniel.N gauge SP modeler here. Some SF looks good with SP. Also some UP. Enjoyed you vid. Looking forward. Thanks.
Catching up on comments... Yes, pool power will be a good use for my Santa Fe engines. Thanks for watching!
very nice looking forward for more
Thanks for watching!
Can't wait to see how this develops. Good recommendations and love how you break things down . Your experience and insights have always inspired me to make lists and think things over ! Much appreciated .
Catching up on comments... Thanks for the kind words. Work on the building where the layout will be located has consumed much of the past year and there's still more to do, but I hope to get a layout update video out fairly soon. Thanks for watching!
You made some great points on what to look for, and how to approach this huge task we all face. thanks for your help! Im looking forward to these series
Catching up on comments... I'm still waiting on the room so meanwhile I'm building a small portable N scale layout, also part of this series. Thanks for watching!
I'm definitely biased since I live up here, but I think you made a fantastic choice when you chose SP between Norden and Sparks. I am really looking forward to this series...
I'm anxious to get going on the actual layout build. Right now I'm still doing construction work in the room. It'll get there, though. Thanks for watching!
Great start to this series. As a beginner, I wasn't aware of all the design considerations. Thanks for the education. Really looking forward to future episodes as well as the next consist episode. Great work Dan!!!!
I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!
Great intro video Dan. Looking forward to this series over the coming months/years
Catching up on comments... I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope to have an update soon. Thanks for watching!
I was stoked to see this video. I listened to and watched some if not most of it while I worked on my layout fascia. I started my first railroad ever about 1.5 years ago and it was yours and John's videos on beginning model railroading that helped and inspred me to this day (also quite a few other YTs). I knew your plan would be well thought out. I will have to research some of the places, although I know Truckee well. I grew up in San Mateo and graduated from Hiillsdale High School in the late 80's. My parents have a cabin in Truckee. Go figure. Looking forward to the layout build.
Catching up on comments... It sounds like we had some similar experiences. My parents had a place in Truckee up until the 80s. I used to live not too far from Hillsdale High. My layout project has been delayed because work on the building has been taking longer than I'd like, but I hope to have an update on the Donner layout soon. Thanks for watching!
Excellent job on this video and sharing the knowledge and your take on the Hobby. I can't wait to see further videos of your layout. This Is awesome! Joey
Catching up on comments... Thanks very much!
Looking forward to, "How to feather drywall mud on cornerbead for model railroaders". Things you'd never expect to apply to model railroading but actually do. Awesome space, it will be fun to watch a master at work. Thanks for deciding to make this series.
Catching up on comments... I've actually considered talking about that. I might if I end up doing anything out of the ordinary (like coved corners). The train room has been delayed by other projects for a while, but I'm hoping to get going on it again soon. Thanks for watching!
@@DanielCortopassi That's the type of thing one would never expect to be useful in model railroading, but in fact I've used that skill to hide screws in my masonite skyline. Indoor play season is almost upon us. Looking forward to progress.
Great advice Dan! 5126 looks
familiar, that set of videos you
did, I think there were 28 in all,
really got me hyped on detailing
my Conrail fleet!! The best advice
you gave was don't be afraid to
cut up an engine or freight car
to make it better with detail
parts, thanks Dan!!! Keep up
the great work!!!
Catching up on comments... I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It's been a little slower episode to episode, but I'm doing the same techniques in my SP consist build series. Thanks for watching!
Great food for thought, Keep up the good work
Thanks for watching!
Great video Dan. I have been in the Hobby for 48 years and I still find myself getting overwhelmed from time to time. LoL. I have started 4 layouts during that 48 years and never completed any of them so far. Life has gotten in the way from time to time, but that is how life works. I have been working on the 4th one now for over 10 years. I am still having fun though, and I believe that is what is important. Thanks, Russ from Oregon.
My situation is similar. I've either never had the space, time, or money to build something. Or when I have, then life intervenes and I have to tear it down before it's complete. This time should be different. And yes, having fun is what it's about. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for posting this video, I really enjoyed it. When you first asked what to model, I was hoping for the overland route. I plan to model Colfax to Truckee for many of the same reasons that you shared. It was also prime cab forward territory and needed lots of cutting helper engines in and out, should be great fun to build and run.
Catching up on comments... It is such a cool stretch of railroad. I'm still in the design phase, and am toying with modeling a portion of the west side of the hill on the lower deck. Colfax is a place I'm considering, too. Got to get the building done, first. That part is taking longer than I'd like, which is the way it usually goes. Thanks for watching!
Hi Dan,
An interesting and informative video.
I especially like the comment about model what you like, not what you think others would like. Number one rule, its your layout so do what you want.
Good luck with the build, I'll be watching from across the pond.
Cheers
Scott
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching!
Great insight Dan on what your doing. Can't wait for future videos, and looking forward to see your progress.
Catching up on comments... I'm glad you liked the video. Progress on the building has been slower than i'd like, so I still haven't been able to start on the big layout. We'll get there, though. Thanks for watching!
I can relate to some of your wish list items. As an Air Force kid, my dad was stationed at Travis AFB near Fairfield and later moved to Davis. I made a number of Ski trips as a teenager and college student so Donner Pass is also near and dear to me. I got to see the Coast Starlight and San Francisco Zephyr coming through town, along with the SD45 and tunnel motor pulled SP freight trains. But even though I've gotten hooked later, after some trips to Colorado, on the D&RGW, I've always wanted to model the 1970's San Francisco Zephyr. Well, Athearn Genesis FINALLY came out with the ice-breaker equipped Amtrak SDP40F, which ran over Donner Pass and over Sherman HIll to Denver. Walthers has done some heritage passenger cars in Amtrak phase 1 and 2, and together with the Broadway ex-CZ cars painted in Amtrak, you can model a fairly believable San Francisco Zephyr now. BTW, that train did detour over the Rio Grande so that's my excuse. I also couldn't resist the BLI California Zephyr and the early Superliner equipped Amtrak California Zephyr, which you could also model. I did get to ride the San Francisco Zephyr twice and the 1990 Amtak CZ so the are on my want to model list!
I remember seeing the SDP40Fs in Truckee when I was a kid. I always liked those. I have vague memories of the early Amtrak "rainbow era", too. I remember seeing green BN and yellow UP cars. Like I mentioned in the video, I think the layout design will support video and photography of out-of-era equipment, so if I ever wanted to model one of those early Amtrak trains, it would look right at home. Thanks for watching!
@@DanielCortopassi The SDP40F's were always iconic after I road the San Francisco Zephyr when I was 16 and 17 between Denver and Sacramento. I wasn't in a place to watch the rainbow times, but do remember phase 1 pointless arrow trains passing through north Davis before that line was closed as a through route to Oregon and Washington. Hopefully you have obtained the early Amtrak passenger cars. As soon as the SFZ SDP40F came out, I went on a hunt for the passenger cars and in the past year or so they have gotten harder to find and prices have risen on those that are on Ebay. As always I enjoy your videos. It's obvious this is a passion and you are good at presenting and reviewing.
@@riogrande5761 I remember the rainbow era from when I was very young. Mostly I remember the green BN cars with the white "hockey stick" stripe, mixed in with UP and other stuff I didn't really recognize at the time. I do have an Athearn SDP40F, but I'm modeling the 90s so most of my passenger fleet will be Superliners. Looking at this video I realized how far the room has come since I did this. Wow. It's been a lot of work but I'm looking forward to getting to the layout. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing this! I'll definitely be checking out each episode as you put them out, looks like a fun journey to follow along with! I'm in the stage of model railroading where I'm just getting my skills built up so that once we move into a more permanent home I can start the process you're doing right now. Take care!
Catching up on comments... I'm glad you liked the video. Getting my space ready is taking a while, but I think it'll be worth it in the end. Thanks for watching!
As soon as you said Donner Pass I got super excited!!! I'm fascinated with Donner Pass and the old Track 1 main thru the snow sheds. To my knowledge there are very few layouts of old Donner Pass. I'll be excited to watch this layout grow. Ive also been following your SP locomotive build and always excited when a new video is uploaded.
Catching up on comments... I haven't seen too many layouts based on that line, either, which is kind of weird in a way since it's so scenic and well known. Anyway, when we finally get the building done I'll be able to get started. Thanks for watching!
Dan, I think you found your video format. You look very comfortable in that space. More videos like this please.
The train room is my happy place. I'll definitely be doing more from there in the future. Thanks for watching!
A very helpful video. I subscribed for helpful tips towards my own 3-rail O-gauge. Looking forward to your progress.
Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching!
This is an amazing video Dan! All your videos are great but I think this may be my favorite you’ve ever done! Keep it up and I am beyond excited to see your layout take shape. I am from Pittsburgh, PA and l enjoy all our local rail operations but money no object, I would love to do a massive BNSF Marias Pass layout. I’m a child of the 90s and played Microsoft Train Simulator often and although I don’t see too much of it, I love BNSF.
Catching up on comments... I'm glad you liked this video. The building has been taking longer than I'd like to get done, so the Donner layout is in a bit of a holding pattern right now. I am working on the track plan. I could plausibly run BNSF on it if I do any later-era operating sessions eventually. Marias Pass would be a cool layout. Thanks for watching!
Thanks Dan
Very good info. Struggling with space restrictions but thanks for solid basic info.
Hope to see more of you're progress soon.
P.J. Santa Barbara.
P.s. ex S P main runs right by my Sign shop.
Miss S.P.
Space is always a consideration. I'm glad you liked the video. Sounds like your shop is in a great location. Thanks for watching!
Dan, thank you for the best model train video I have watched and I have watched a bunch
I am an old guy who has been in and out and in again to model rail roading from Lionel ( of which I have a large collection) to HO to N and back to N again, terrific content, Thanks again
Catching up on comments... thanks, we have been mostly working on the building itself, which has taken longer than we were hoping. I hope to get back to the HO layout build soon. Thanks for watching!
Thanks Dan, great video
Catching up on comments... Thanks for watching!
I am going to love this series
Catching up on comments... Train room progress has been slower than I anticipated, but it will get there eventually. Meanwhile I'm working on a small layout build. Thanks for watching!
A agree on the layout planning thoughts; must have a defined space first. I am using old-school methods, such as graph paper, scale rule, compass and erasor shield. I moved into a home with an unfinished basement in late 2017. After finishing some other major house projects, like remodeling the kitchen and part of the master bath, I finally got the basement finished DIY. BTW, finishing the space makes it so much nicer for a layout room (ceiling, floor and walls); definitely worth taking the time to do it. But before the space was finished, I had already had the dimensions of the basement drawn to scale on a 11x17" graph paper. I wanted a layout that had some running (going somewhere), room for staging a number of complete trains, a division yard (Grand Junction CO) and a branch line. I managed to keep the minimum radius to 32" and squeezed in two 21' sidings. I started benchwork construction Nov 2019 and have most of it up now. While I grew up with the SP, I've decided on the D&RGW in the 1977-1983 period. For me it will probably be a "proto-lance" i.e. have the look and feel of the Grand Junction CO and west area, with some of the features, and trains typical of the traffic of that period.
Dan, if you have a blog, it would be a nice way to follow your layout project. I'd like to see a scale drawing of your space and of course whatever track plan you develop. The space you mentioned, 33x19 feet is pretty good. The one I'm working on is in a space also 33' long but narrower. I've a blog of sorts on the AtlasRescueForum in the ProjectArchive if your interested in seeing some progress, including the drywalling and finishing of the train room. After many years of moving around, I finally got some practice building a 10x18' layout in my last home. That one was torn down and I moved and am working on something larger and more ambitious. The new layout is basically an inverted G shape, which some layout designers say is an efficient configuration for many spaces. Come join AtlasRescueForum. Cheers, Jim
Modeling the DRGW sounds awesome! One of the reasons I like the 1990s as an era is that I can model the SP but also run a lot of Rio Grande equipment. It sounds like you did your train room like I am doing mine, finishing the room first. It would be really hard to hang drywall and all that after the layout was in place! I'll have to think about the blog idea. Keeping up with this channel and also doing all the other stuff I have to do doesn't leave a lot of extra time, but I am thinking that it might be nice to at least share the track plans somewhere. Thanks for the suggestion!
@@DanielCortopassi Where did 4 years go? I've got all the track down and all the scenery base in place and since the landscape is desert them, sanded grout has provided desert floor texture. I still need to get it soaked with a matt medium to hold it firmly down, then start applying sage brush and tufts etc. I have a helix in place from TrackSideScenery which is a kit made from Gatorboard - 1.73% grade and #34 radius to being the trains up from staging to the main level, than back down as a nolix. Main yard track is in place too and now need to add industry sidings for switching. Hard find time this spring what with house and yard chores. Check my latest at AtlasRescueForums under project archives. Cheers.
Coast Starlight, Zephyr, San Joaquin, Capitol Corridor; depending on when and where in Northern California you do have more options than just the Zephyr and Starlight.
Catching up on comments... Yes, I know there is a Capitol that goes all the way to Auburn. I'm not sure if they were doing that in the 1990s, but it's something to consider. There's also the Reno fun train. Thanks for watching!
Perspective... You have it, Dan. Please let me share the thoughts I considered along my journey. I love modeling prototype equipment... I love modeling a certain era... But I didn't want to be tied down to modeling specific locations, with specific buildings, and then trying to compress it all down. So, I chose to model my home road from that era, using "generic / freelance" locations, on which the SP, DRG&W, AT&SF, and Conrail had trackage rights and run through trains, with local industries handled by my home road. I also have Amtrak and "Excursion" passenger trains making trips across the layout. This way, I could justify anything I wanted to do (within reason) when it came to scenery, and industries. It eliminated any of the "proto-specialists" from telling me that I'm missing a sign here, or a building there, etc.... And if they want to rivet count my equipment?? Have at it - but you're going to be disappointed, as that's where my prototype efforts go. Doing it this way takes the rest off the table. Having multi levels as the layout climbs from staging to staging is how I built mine. But I have multiple friends who use a helix to get between levels. And find myself wishing for a helix at times. But a helix eats up a lot of space, and trains disappear into them for long periods of time out of view of operators and observers. Anyhow, I'm glad to be along on your journey, and to see what adventures and twists & turns you have along the way.
Catching up on comments... Those are some good insights. I am still working on the track plan. Everything got put on the back burner for a while because I was spending so much time working on the building where the trains are going to be set up. I still need to do more work on the train room itself, but the adjacent room is now mostly finished, and that should help get things going. Right now I am planning to model prototype locations fairly closely, but I will probably make some changes here and there either for practical reasons to make things fit, or because it will enhance operation. I am not trying to create a museum piece. I want a layout that's fun to operate. The current plan calls for a helix at each end of the layout, which has its pros and cons but I prefer that to any duckunders or gates or liftouts. I hope to have an update fairly soon. Thanks for watching!
Great points Dan, especially the one about building what you like! In my case I have just a simple 4×8 table that I run HO scale trains on. Nothing special, but it's nice to sit down, run a train, turn on the radio and listen to some tunes! That point can also apply to the rolling stock to. For me personally I collect and run what I like. It might be a passenger train or it might be a short freight train with a locomotive or two pulling it. One other thing I will add is something you mentioned club layouts, my local model railroad club (West Plains Model Railroad Club) did with their layout was they made it where one loop ran on dcc and the other loop ran on dc. This way everybody can run trains whether they are dcc equipped or not. Also glad to see you still have the old module from the TSG days. Keep up the good work!
In my younger years I did mostly N scale and had a mixed bag of equipment, and I had a great time running all of it together. Yes, the module is still around. People seem to like it so maybe I'll keep it after all. Thanks for watching!
@@DanielCortopassi I know what you mean. And I hope you keep that module and keep it operational too because it's still a great piece! Stay safe!
Donner seems like an excellent choice, I thought of it myself because I love the snow Fighting equipment but I love Santa Fe too much, why I do Tihachapi now. I will ask if you planned on making any snow Fighting equipment such as flangers, rotaries or Jordan spreaders as that's the one aspect of Donner I really enjoy.
Catching up on comments... One of the difficult things about choosing Donner for me was that it kind of leaves out the Santa Fe. I have a lot of Santa Fe equipment. I'm not too worried about being 100% true to prototype as far as the railroad itself goes, though, so if I want to run some more pooled Santa Fe units than SP probably did I'm okay with that. I have a brass model of an SP flanger that I bought a few years ago. It used to be common to see SP flangers and spreaders parked in Truckee even in summer, so I can always do the same. I have a couple Athearn Genesis SP GP38-2s. I'm thinking of converting at least one of those into a snow fighting unit. Thanks for watching!
Whoa a 45 minute video! This video was great Dan.
Catching up on comments... I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
I think you should work that module into the layout somehow. As far as me and what I wanted to model, maybe I chose the easy way. I chose to model what I've grown up with my entire life, and the certain subdivision I've lived along my entire life. Being a 20 year old living in the Birmingham, AL area, the railroads were never and have never been super "interesting" I guess you could say as far as what it is, but it did get me into the hobby and I've always had a sentimental attachment to what I've grown up with. Choosing to model where I live in the modern timeframe allows me to go take as many photos of the prototype railroad as I need, and basically get as much info as necessary. Of course the same railroad has drastically changed from what it was when I was younger, but I model what I've been able to document while also keeping a place for a few pieces of equipment I have memories of from back then. Maybe I'm just taking the lazy route, but it seemed logical while also making me happy so I've stuck with it.
-John
Modeling the familiar is a good way to go. That's one of the reasons I like Donner, because I spent so much time there as a kid. Modern era is also good because you can just go out and take your own reference photos. I wish I'd taken more pictures back in the 90s, but I've made up for my lack of personal photos by searching out books and slides, as well as online resources. It's a hobby, so as long as what you're doing makes you happy and keeps you interested, then it's awesome! Thanks for watching!
I am in Roseville, CA myself. I enjoyed the Vid and hearing your thought process and your ideas.
Catching up on comments... I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I haven't been to Roseville to railfan in a while. Hopefully we'll get up there again soon. Thanks for watching!
Dan, I am looking forward to the series as well. I am am a bit behind you as we were getting quotes for constructing my train shed next to the house before the COVID 19 shut down the builders in our area. I am looking at a slightly larger but pretty similar size area at 24x32. In my case it will BN and UP in North Idaho in the 1970s to early 80s.
Catching up on comments... I understand about being behind. We're doing a lot of the work in the building where the train layout will go ourselves, and it's been taking longer than expected. There were some parts that I wanted to hire out but we couldn't get anyone. We're slowly getting there, though. The BN / UP layout sounds cool. Thanks for watching!
@@DanielCortopassiI I certainly understand the taking longer than expected. Like you and Nicole we are doing much of the work ourselves. After a year we are doing drywall mud so the end is near I hope. Hopefully in the next month or 2 I can start building in 1:87 scale instead of 1:1 scale. Happy 1:87 railroading.
Mike
you got me , just subscribed and am along for the ride .... looking fwd to learning new things
Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching!
Just found your channel and this was a great video! It is not normal for me to stick around for a long video like this but you do a great job keeping viewer attention and transition from talking shots to side videos. Looking forward to keeping up with your rendition of the Donner!!
I was surprised by the length a little myself, and there's more I could have talked about that I decided to leave for future episodes. I think this is my longest video to date. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!
Nice video, but my approach is simple. I buy what I like and let the layout develop over time. I like just running trains not a lot of sidings. The only reason I have sidings is the train looks neat moving through them, taking different switches. I'm also building a room. Just subscribed.
Sounds like you're having fun and that's what matters. Thanks for watching and subscribing!
Great overview of what you're up to. I would have expected Nichole to be in the background hanging sheetrock.
Catching up on comments... Nichole has been a big help with the construction, which is still ongoing. It's taking longer than I'd like but we're getting there. Thanks for watching!
hey Dan, nice to see you building a Layout...will be interesting. Bob
Catching up on comments... Hey, Bob! I've been working a lot on remodeling the building where the layout is going, and it's taking longer than I'd like. It is progressing, though, so I will get to the actual layout eventually. Thanks for watching!
Dan, thanks for the beginning of your project. It great to hear your suggestions and ideas, and how those led you to your choice of the east side of Donner. I'm doing the CalP from Oakland to the Carquinez bridge. Because I love passenger trains I've created a fictional big quake which brought down all the tunnels on the pennisula, so all San Fran traffic has to come to Oakland jejeje. I also made Santa Fe loose their Oakland station in the quake so Santa Fe SF Chief and the Golden States are all running into Oakland as well. And finally all freight traffic in and out of SF is being carried by car float from Port Costa yard using borrowed Santa Fe floats and tug from Richmond since the tunnel from Santa Fe yard to the car float dock is also down. And of course no SF - East Bay bridges survived! So keep the series coming, and keep us learning new points of view and perspectives.
Sounds like you have a cool concept going. The Cal-P was definitely a close runner up for me, since it's the only other line I was considering that's mostly double track. Thanks for watching!
@@DanielCortopassi Thanks Dan - Offered it as an example of your suggestions about prototype or almost prototype. By inventing the earthquake I have trains from SP, Santa Fe, WP all coming into Oakland on SP trackage. Will be interested to watch and learn how your Donner East scheme develops. Get at the wallboard so you can begin layout construction. I've made it to doing wiring on my 3 deck CalP
Great video. Some day I'll be building my own, but for now it is vicariously through videos and maybe I'll join a local club. You bring up a lot of good points and I might just be building a small module like you have just so I can practice my skills. I've been out of MRR for over 20 years.
I used to run at La Mesa* way back in the day, before they had built the loop (Mojave yard, through Caliente, and up to Bealville) . It is a first class setup and unfortunately, is my bar. Probably good and bad! For train watching, it was a lot of Cajon Pass and Tahachapi. As such, I plan on doing some version of one or the other in the mid 90s. Cajon would be a great option since at that time there were 2 railroads in close proximity to each other. Will I be doing the whole thing? No way. I doubt I'll ever have enough space, but I do want to do some small portion of it. A must have for me is some manner of grade. Even something as simple as an out and back with loops on both ends is enough.
* As for access to the layout, most of it is duck under or walk round. I never saw anyone walking on bench work when I was a member of the club. :)
One of the club members told me about the benchwork when I took a tour of the layout back in 2016. Cajon would make a great basis for a layout. Thanks for watching!
This is gonna be fun.
Catching up on comments... I hope so. Right now I'm sanding drywall in the building, which is not so fun, but it's getting me closer to having my train space. Thanks for watching!
Hopefully I'll own my own towing /trucking company in the far future and have a 100foot by 50 foot shop bulding to store the trucks and have the exact same size upper room to the train layout.
Anyway my mom grew up in spences bridge british columbia and I visit every year and film trains while there so I'm planning on having a fraser / thompson canyon scenery inspired layout with an accurate model of spences bridge.
Cn Cp and bcol
That sounds like a great idea for a layout. I hope to visit that area and do some rail fanning someday. 50x100 would be quite a space! Thanks for watching!
@@DanielCortopassi always enjoy your video dan.
Over this past spring break I filmed some trains in spences bridge its between ashcroft bc and lytton bc my mom grew up there so we visit every year.
Spots I'd recommend is the rock sheds across from ski hist camp ground, the cisco bridges, and the gladwin tunnels
I remember when you bought some of those Amtrak cars on chasing trains, good times.
I have a bunch of them, probably enough to model both the east and westbound Zephyr over Donner. Thanks for watching!
Hey Dan, thanks for this informative video, lot of good points,
Catching up on comments... You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!
I like my models to have a realistic shape but are not overly detailed because the more parts on a model makes them more expensive, and easier to break said expensive details.
The best example of having the right amount of detail is Walthers Mainline.
Catching up on comments... I like a lot of detail but I also try not to handle my trains too much. I'm still working out the plan but if at all possible my goal is to have all my equipment on the rails. That will help to keep handling to a minimum. Thanks for watching!
Wow ok so thats where Dan went . I last seen you on tag multimedia. Loved the reviews and the attention to detail. Glad your doing well. Im looking to build a model railroad that is like current time but kinda like a fantasy layout. Of new haven railroad that got put back into action with steam being used again due to someone managing it seen that it was profitable keep steam alive as well as some older diesels. My favorite steamers are the good old Tyco mantua pacifics I have 3. 2 need some work and 3rd I got g
For 60$ at a trainshow and it was never used was a kit prebuilt lots of power for such a thing. Looking forward to dcc and myself if go with a Nce type vs mrc and to me the complex. Dcc controller by digitrax. To me I dont like it but thats an a
Opinion.
I went solo at the beginning of 2018. I'm glad you found the new channel. Even though I'm doing a mostly prototype based concept for my new HO layout, I think freelancing and fantasy is awesome. It gives you a lot of creative freedom. Thanks for watching!
I take it this will be a HO Layout. Can't wait to see more. By the way. I live in Sacramento. There maybe times where I could come help. Let me know if that is a possibility. I am N scale. But I can work in HO too. Thanks for sharing.
Catching up on comments... Yes, the Donner layout is HO. Thanks for the offer of help. The building has been taking longer to get ready than I'd like, so it will probably be a while yet before I can actually start construction. Thanks for watching!
Cool video
Catching up on comments... I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!
i was a switchman for chicago & northwestern from 93 to 04... for me my mindset is to model a job because my view of railroading is from a switchmans perspective... i always ask myself what type of job would i want to work... for those who want operation, it's easier to model a job rather than model a specific area... especially if you're a solo act... a person may make the mistake of modeling a relatively large area that may have several work assignments within that area... no way one person can corral all those assignments by himself... way easier to find a specific job assignment and then fit your ideas within that framework
The particular prototype I've got picked out is the C&NW K-D Line on its Eastern end. This gives the opportunity for passenger operations as Kenosha is the northern terminus for Metra. For a major industry I've got the old AMC facility along options for a cement products plant or an Ocean Spray facility. And not much beyond that.
@@mpetersen6 that's the kenosha wayfreight you've got there... the old CNW job id for that was WKE-01... i worked on that job as a student conductor back in 93... i could never hold that job regular, the conductor on that job was a CGW merger protected employee, he had a LOT of seniority... ocean spray was on the farm sub, a few cars in/out everyday... the old AMC plant was still in operation when i hired on in 93, they got gondolas in every once in a while, just north of the passenger depot was a place called koos, they got cars of potash usually those, they also went to bain and waxdale on the new line sub... at bain they used to load autoracks, now it's harvest states, a giant grain elevator, at waxdale they switched johnson wax, they also spotted cars of sugar at the jelly belly candy factory, there also was a scrap yard they would work in racine (can't think of the name of it), also a lumber yard there called big buck... so yeah there's a LOT there you can model
@@25mfd
Seeing as I live about two miles from the Kenosha metra station I've seen most of those places. Worked at the Motors as it was known locally. When we building finished cars there was a lot more rail traffic in the plant. At one time there was even a Track-Mobile on site. I'm not sure who operated It though. The time frame I'm looking at is circa 1974 or so. As to layout design it's a matter of what to choose and selective compression. I plan on putting the auto pla t on a peninsula. I'm thinking the secondary industrial site will be the cement products plant.
The Metra traffic will be simply be departing out of sight and reversing. What Metra actually does. Freight loads should be 40 and 50 footers. Box cars, gondolas, flats and hoppers. Still in the right of way negotiations
@@mpetersen6 yeah you've got a wide open canvas to put whatever you like on it... the most interesting is the auto plant... and you are LUCKY to have worked there so you have inside info that will help with your operations... a lot of folks just guess at what goes on behind the scenes, but you won't have to guess, you were there... i also worked in janesville at the GM plant... wanted to model an assembly plant myself but it's a challenge... takes up a lot of space and it's very difficult to find those 86ft parts cars these days... walthers made some YEARS ago but then quit... athearn made a few as well but not enough... i do have about 15 of the walthers auto parts cars but i'd need LOT more to model an assembly plant even halfway faithfully
Catching up on comments... One of my favorite things to do with a model railroad is switching. On a previous layout I had a grain elevator with its own three-track yard and dedicated switcher, and that was the best part of the layout. I've never worked on a real railroad so I don't know if I was doing everything exactly the way they'd do it in the real world, but I had a lot of fun with it. I think my Donner layout will have enough switching opportunities to keep me busy, plus long stretches of mainline so I can watch trains run, or maybe operate with a larger group at some point. Thanks for watching!
Hi Dan,
Did you consider modeling Cajon pass? You could do both santa fe and the sp lines
Catching up on comments... Cajon would be cool, and I wouldn't need to make as many trees. For me I think it's familiarity. I have a lot of childhood memories of family vacations to the Donner / Truckee area. Thanks for watching!
So when do we get episode #2? And since I'm in NorCal also; when can I come help build?
Progress has been slow because we have so many projects to get done around here. We're still working on the room. I am looking forward to the time when I can focus more exclusively on the layout. Maybe when this whole pandemic situation is over we can start having visitors, too. That would be cool. Thanks for watching!
One thing to consider, and something I learned the hard way, don't build a model railroad that is too big. Yes, they are nice and offer all kinds of modeling possibilities, but they can also become a chore or job to build, ballast and maintain. You end up doing more maintenance like track cleaning and dust removal than you do running trains and actually enjoying yourself. I found out I got 10 times the enjoyment out of smaller layouts that I could detail to no end and run way more than I maintained. Just something to keep in mind. Don't build more than you can have fun with.
Catching up on comments... That's good advice. We can always wish for more space, but honestly, I think my train room is "just right". It's big enough to build something that will give the feel of going somewhere, but small enough to be doable for one person. Since I'm following a prototype line for that layout, quite a bit of it will be scenic, with just the mainline running through it. That should cut down on maintenance. Thanks for watching!
can still do Passenger amtrak reno to sacramento thruway or Zephyr to emeryville or chi town
Catching up on comments... Yes, I'm looking forward to having Amtrak on the layout. The Reno Fun Train is another possibility. Thanks for watching!
Really awesome, Dan! Can't wait for the next installment! Mind if I steal this idea? Not exactly wanting to copy you! I have my bench work built and have track layed out, but kind of want to do a similar series!
Catching up on comments... Things have been delayed a bit due to the building construction taking longer than anticipated. By all means, make videos about your layout (if you haven't already done it). I am hoping to get back to it soon. Thanks for watching!
I can confirm buying models on ebay and flipping them is still a viable way to make some train money. It's how I got started working on other peoples models!
Catching up on comments... That's great to know. Thanks for watching!
When I was into HO modeling, all I ever did was paint and weather freight cars. I never even had a layout because operation didn't interest me. As Daniel says, do your own thing
I love seeing the trains run, one of the reasons I've stuck with model railroading vs. building plastic airplane models, which I used to do way back when. I have met people, though, that are more interested in building and weathering than in running. That's what's great about the hobby, you can do it any way you like! Thanks for watching!
@@DanielCortopassi As I recall my aversion to operation stemmed from Athearn's rubber band drive locos, which would run at either 0 or 250 mph
Things have come a long way since then, thankfully!
I am going to build a free mo module, do you know any good groups in the northeast?
Catching up on comments... Sorry to take so long answering. I don't know of any free mo groups, but I also haven't really looked for them. When I built my HO module I tried to follow free mo standards, which I got off their website. I was thinking at the time that I might eventually want to take it to a meet, but I never did. If you are still looking, maybe try searching the web or seeking out other modelers in your area. If any train shows are starting up again, there might be a free mo group there. Thanks for watching!
When i retire i would love to model Tehachapi or Donner pass. Small no lotto winner here.
Both are very cool locations for a layout. Thanks for watching!
What happened to you and John?
Catching up on comments... I think the episode of Ask Dan & Nichole from June or July 2020 covered that, if you're interested. Thanks for watching!