I'm Building a New HO Train Layout - Model Railroading

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  • čas přidán 7. 03. 2023
  • A while back I was asked to build a model train layout for someone so I got to work figuring out a plan for it. There were several designs however I eventually found one I was quite fond of.
    The layout features two mainline tracks, one which over laps it's self for an interesting effect. Although this layout is far from done it is a good start and I can't wait to start adding some scenery.
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Komentáře • 743

  • @fernandochavez4312
    @fernandochavez4312 Před rokem +14

    The young person who receives this layout is a lucky person. Thanks

  • @wilde1909
    @wilde1909 Před rokem +29

    Union Pacific Big Boy reminded me of something from my childhood. I saw and heard the Southern Pacific 4294 in a train station right before it was taken out of service in the early 1950’s. Yes I am old, I must have been 5 or 6 at the time. The noise and steam and the monumental size of the engine is something I’ve never forgotten. My uncle worked for Southern Pacific that’s why I got to be up close to the beast. The hiss and rumbling of those HUGE steam engines was unbelievable.

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Před rokem +5

      That must have been quite the locomotive to see in person, I can only imagine.

    • @allensalm6932
      @allensalm6932 Před 11 měsíci

      0
      9k9j98ojjoj😊

    • @lennyhendricks4628
      @lennyhendricks4628 Před 8 měsíci

      My firs adventure with steam was on Reading's Iron Horse Rambles in the early 60's. Big T-1 ,4-8-4's which had been stored serviceable and commuter coaches that were not needed for weekends. It was fabulous.

  • @revrup
    @revrup Před rokem +8

    “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” Great choice!

  • @Lancelot_Jago
    @Lancelot_Jago Před rokem +6

    Sir, your energy and enthusiasm translates immensely through your presentation. I want to thank you for keeping me motivated to get my layout out of the computer and into reality. Cheers. Lance 🇦🇺

  • @davidcook9321
    @davidcook9321 Před rokem +11

    I see you like corned beef

  • @MrMark2024
    @MrMark2024 Před rokem +5

    What a great layout, Harrison. I can hardly wait for your future videos on this layout. It was a lot of work but in the long run it all paid off. Thanks for sharing this wonderful video.

  • @stevemagown4992
    @stevemagown4992 Před 7 měsíci +4

    WOW! I’m speechless! This is truly an amazing project. I was stunned how it spread over multiple rooms. What a formidable experience conceived in the mind of Klaus and so expertly laid-out. The film and footage are very well produced giving the viewer the actual feeling of riding these trains though this magical scenery. Well done Cam.

  • @robertcrundwell2782
    @robertcrundwell2782 Před rokem +6

    Thanks, Harrison. Since my move from Florida to Ohio to be closer to family because of my medical issues, the Chippewa Northern has to be rebuilt, starting with a 4 x 8 table given to me. Been looking at layout designs, and I really like this one. It has also given me some other possible add-ons, an L shape at one end for a large city since I have at least 50 city buildings from the old layout. Like a lot of cities the trackage will be on the outskirts. I have never used the cans as weights but I will now.

  • @fotoline
    @fotoline Před rokem +2

    This is precisely what I needed as I get my projects under way. As I've stated before, my goal is to have multiple layouts representing different themes, but with one underframe. Should I move to a bigger place, I could then spread out and have multiple themed layouts that I could connect together for "run-throughs". Thanks for the tips and inspo, Harrison.

  • @LRSX
    @LRSX Před rokem +35

    Awesome! That's impressive that the bigboy navigates 18" radius! Nice track work harrison!

    • @LMR78
      @LMR78 Před rokem +6

      I expected it to be fine, since it’s articulated. If you put a 2-10-4 “Texas” on there it would potentially have a harder time than any locomotive.

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Před rokem +3

      Rivarossi intended them to but it's still a lot for a locomotive like that.

    • @LRSX
      @LRSX Před rokem

      @@SMTMainline that is neat to know, kato is doing something similar with their N-scale Bigboy, its supposed to be able to navigate 9 3/4" radius. Which is about the equivilent to a 18" radius in H.O. Impressive job by rivorossi on the design of that engine then!

    • @raymondleggs5508
      @raymondleggs5508 Před rokem

      Even the Trix bug boy can do 18 radius

  • @rmmodelrailroading4977
    @rmmodelrailroading4977 Před 9 měsíci +3

    Excellent job! Many modellers have struggled with the engineering challenges of curving inclines which you have managed amazingly well. I was very pleasantly surprised, as were you, that the big boy ran flawlessly. Keep up the amazing work.

  • @jamesemerson3414
    @jamesemerson3414 Před rokem +11

    Hi, I would remove that hump on the side of the bridge track you repaired. cut the risers back to where it is level straight across the bridge. Then shave the cut-out section of risers level and then replace. This would be the time to do it and save a lot of unwanted uncoupling issues in the future. Great job I'm a big fan of your videos.

  • @alanwbelcher
    @alanwbelcher Před rokem +3

    Good work! Those old Rivarossi articulateds were designed to work on 18” radius curves. My layout in the 60s had an inner and outer loop like yours & my 2-8-8-2 had few issues. Thanks for showing us how it’s done.

  • @dannyrailfan
    @dannyrailfan Před rokem

    Awesome layout. Thank you for showing us. I will use this video as my future layout blueprint. 👍👍👍

  • @IwshIcldstrtover
    @IwshIcldstrtover Před 4 měsíci +1

    Am I ever glad that I found your channel on CZcams! I am amazed at what you've built on an 8x4 sheet of plywood! Thank you for this educational video! You're amazing!

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Před 4 měsíci +1

      Thanks. I plan to do another where I build a layout on a 3x5 which would really push the limits for space.

    • @IwshIcldstrtover
      @IwshIcldstrtover Před 4 měsíci

      @@SMTMainline My pleasure! I can't wait to get started on my own. I found a perfect spot in my living room in my apt. to put a 8x4' piece of plywood. I would like to make a layoyt of Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas, the site where President Kennedy was asssassinated, for my own research purposes. I 'd like to make it to scale, but have NO IDEA how to do that, so am not sure. I'd have to use styrene sheets to make the bldg's and decorative concrete structures, i.e. pergolas, refelcting pools, peristyles, triple underpass (railroad overpass). I bought two packages of Walthers flexible street pavement. That's pretty amazing stuff. Your amazing work really insppired me to take this on. Thanks again-so much!!!

  • @steveg3981
    @steveg3981 Před rokem +4

    Good video for the newbies. Interesting way of fixing the roadbed in place. I think you have become the rockstar model railroader to your younger fans. Well done

  • @khakiwolf4146
    @khakiwolf4146 Před rokem +2

    I used to have an HO layout in my basement when I was a kid. Very cool video. Makes me miss playing with mine. And I swear that I had the same gray trestle bridge and the mechanical road crossing that you have sitting on the table at the end of the video. The train drives over it and a plastic pad on the track gets pushed down and moves the gates down to block the road.

  • @acrranscaleandlifejourney4330

    Awesomeness Harrison. What a nice gesture. Thanks for sharing.

  • @davephillips4691
    @davephillips4691 Před rokem +2

    Well done! Great learning opportunity. Thx.

  • @raynagy7660
    @raynagy7660 Před rokem

    Great job I just purchased a big boy union pacific and have not built my layout yet thanks to you I know it will run on my 4×8 table with no problems 😊

  • @gregduck7455
    @gregduck7455 Před rokem +1

    Wow, Harrison. Great job showing how you built that layout. Very inspiring. I have had no room for a sheet of plywood in apartments I have lived in. When I lived at our old family home, I had space to build several model railway layouts, & I did. When I was about your age, 40+ years back I finished a great layout in room off Dad's car port. Had to dismantle layout when my Dad sold the house in fall of 1982. However, I still have a lot of my old locomotives & rolling stock from the 1970's & early 1980's, seeing what you do makes me think that I should try for a shelf layout in my cramped flat. If I can't get my old Athearn, Life-Like, Model Power & AHM locos to run, I will look to your past videos for advice on getting them to come to life. BTW, great hint with the artist's pins to centre the cork roadbed & track. So cool to see that AHM /Rivarossi U.P. 'Big Boy' steam locomotive charge around your layout. I almost bought one of those when I was in Seattle in 1979, but I didn't have enough U.S. cash left in my wallet. No debit machines or ATM's 44 years back. I had a C.I.B.C. 'Chargex' card then , but store in Seattle wouldn't except it. 'Chargex' card later became 'Visa'. Arrghh, I really wanted that 'Big Boy".
    Anyway, sorry to bore you with my old stories. Keep up the good work on your channel. Great stuff. Always cool content you post.

  • @johnblair8146
    @johnblair8146 Před rokem +4

    This video comes at a good time for me because Im going to help a friend build an N scale layout and I haven't built any layouts other than O gauge 3 rail in over 30 years. Materials and techniques have changed in that time and I love that straight pin trick. NICE.

  • @Railman1225
    @Railman1225 Před rokem +9

    Ah, but it appears you've forgotten something crucial about the Big Boy, SMT! It's elementary, my dear Harrison. This HO scale Big Boy, much like the prototype, was _designed_ with sharp curves in mind, hence why they are "articulated". Anyhow, great job on the layout! I'm sure that friend's son with love it.

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Před rokem +3

      Mr. Rossi took the average layout into account when designing his models which I respect. Having said that, 18R is still a tall order for a locomotive of this size.

    • @Railman1225
      @Railman1225 Před rokem +1

      @@SMTMainline True, but since it's articulated, it's like two locomotives with 8 wheel bases, and although the four-wheel trucks/bogies do add more resistance, i've seen plenty of 2-8-0s rated for 18 radius curves(granted like you said, the Big Boy is a big locomotive, and only the front section really applies with my argument)

  • @marilynbables8071
    @marilynbables8071 Před 4 měsíci

    This makes me appreciate the real-life topography issues of building and working the Railroad lines. Excellent skill work.

  • @Syracuse_rail_product
    @Syracuse_rail_product Před rokem +6

    Very nice Layout build nice job SMT

  • @LevelUpModelTrains
    @LevelUpModelTrains Před rokem +4

    SMT I am so excited to see a layout building series because I could learn so much more about layout building but I find most tutorials aren't really that good, but you do great restoration vids and I learn so much through them. Keep em coming!

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Před rokem +2

      Thanks, I want there to be enough info but not so much it confuses people.

    • @LevelUpModelTrains
      @LevelUpModelTrains Před rokem

      @@SMTMainline You have the perfect balance so far!

  • @strongarm_11
    @strongarm_11 Před rokem +1

    This is a great starter video to showcase how to make a model railroad
    I find it more simple and not as boring as other channels

  • @oldandgrey495
    @oldandgrey495 Před rokem

    Great to show all these new ideas put to work in a layout construction. Don't forget to test the track under the bridge with a couple of your longest wagons hooked together before you start to add the scenery. It is indeed a good start but to facilitate expansion, incorporate a point/switch on the outer mainline leading to a siding which the new owner could easily convert to an extension when ready.

  • @dandeorzio391
    @dandeorzio391 Před rokem +1

    That was really an enjoyable video Harrison. Thanks for posting it.

  • @ATSF2926Productions
    @ATSF2926Productions Před rokem +17

    It will be exciting to see the new layout when it's fully done!

  • @RaeSuz
    @RaeSuz Před rokem

    We loved watching this & great music. Looking forward to seeing more.

  • @Over3900
    @Over3900 Před rokem +102

    You should see if it's possible to add a second crossover so trains can return from the inner loop to the outer loop without reversing

    • @David-yo5re
      @David-yo5re Před rokem +10

      Yes, I said the same thing. A crossover would be perfect just past the diamond crossing.

    • @BriansModelTrains
      @BriansModelTrains Před rokem +3

      Funny: Thinking the same thing.

    • @csxtraincountingrailfan4452
      @csxtraincountingrailfan4452 Před rokem +2

      I like how you use the sauce cans.

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Před rokem +8

      That's a good idea but it would be tricky to fit.

    • @mrchoo76
      @mrchoo76 Před rokem +1

      @@SMTMainline only one way to find out lol. Nice work by the way, looks awesome.

  • @AussieFarmGuy
    @AussieFarmGuy Před rokem

    Perfect track work and i can't wait till you start decorating the new layout

  • @EsotericArctos
    @EsotericArctos Před rokem +1

    When laying track, I tend to use a sharpie or other kind of felt marker to mark where the track goes. It saves making such a big mess with the glue.
    Nice video and shows how easy it is to have an entertaining layout in a small space.

  • @joshjosh6526
    @joshjosh6526 Před rokem +1

    You, sir are magic with these model trains. Im a truck driver so i dont think i have the time to have another layout like i did when i was younger, but if i ever do get the time to enjoy one, im most definitely going to ask your advice beforehand! Great job!

  • @elleryparsons2433
    @elleryparsons2433 Před rokem +2

    Besides repairing Engines Building layouts My Advise Keep going in Either way you want to go . Don’t quit by any means Please! You are very good In What you are Doin Keep your Edge Harrison.🤘🤘🤘🤘👍

  • @philipbrzostowski4952

    Very good video on basic model railroad layout design and construction. I especially liked how you use side-by-side roadbed under the tracks.

  • @kimberleemodel7182
    @kimberleemodel7182 Před rokem +1

    Aww man. This made my day, I've been waiting for more layout building videos for a while. Thanks Harrison!!!

  • @mrBDeye
    @mrBDeye Před rokem

    This is a wonderful video. I’ll definitely place it in my favorite list. Wow.

  • @ginaklein8964
    @ginaklein8964 Před rokem +2

    Very nice, well edited video! Watching your videos or working on my own layout is always time well spent!

  • @TheRailwayProductions
    @TheRailwayProductions Před rokem +3

    Another Great piece of work Smt Mainline

  • @vyzl6396
    @vyzl6396 Před rokem +1

    Nice job!! I would love to see the next parts of you doing the scenery

  • @robby062
    @robby062 Před rokem

    That putting the pins in so you can put the roadbed under is actually a great idea! I may do that to get my centerlines on the roadbed right, but then lay flex track on top.

  • @malcolmcastle6381
    @malcolmcastle6381 Před 5 měsíci

    This has inspired me to dig out my goodies from 10 years ago and actually start setting a layout up. I have an old lima Loco with some rolling stock, Absolutely love your videos and easy style of setting up.

  • @sirenhead8767
    @sirenhead8767 Před rokem +3

    The wide boi can make it through the tiny gap…. Poggers

  • @brentwheels
    @brentwheels Před rokem

    Awesome, looking forward to the build!

  • @brentpodoll5848
    @brentpodoll5848 Před rokem

    Very clever layout. I agree with the comment of adding a duel cross over and two controls so the out side loop could keep running while you can do some yard switching or pick up passengers at the town

  • @VirtualRailroad
    @VirtualRailroad Před rokem +1

    Big boy + this type of cool layout it'll be a dream come true !!

  • @DRRP
    @DRRP Před rokem +1

    Great work can't wait to see more of this. The track plan is neat too :)

  • @suppylarue220
    @suppylarue220 Před rokem

    Great Vid. A quality 1/2 hour presentation and tutorial. Fully on spot, the narration and photography were clear, and the canned music ties it all together. One note, nickel silver track has no silver. It is a nickel, copper, and zinc alloy.
    THREE THUMBS UP!

  • @christophermondone6864
    @christophermondone6864 Před rokem +2

    Great job Harrison, nice trouble shooting. Great information included by you explaining why and how you did what all you did. Self explanatory. For the beginners and old railroaders alike. Now the fun part begins. Doing the scenery and buildings , roads and making the layout come alive, to make it's own little world. You have made it have so much possibilities to explore. I give you 4 star's out of 5. I would of given you 5 star's, but I didn't want to give you the Bug Head, hahaha 😂😆🤪. But you did deserve the 5 star's anyway. Great Presentation my friend. Keep up the good work you always do in all your videos. Even when you have a snafoos, you take the time showing how to correct each one. In order to make things work. 👋👍👍👍🚂

  • @RayBoebel
    @RayBoebel Před rokem

    Amazing work as always Harrison! I agree with some other comments that a return switch over to the 22" radii section would be a bonus.

  • @1234mallard
    @1234mallard Před rokem

    Great job. Inspiring me to get going on my layout again. I’ve not done anything on it for at least a year now

  • @Boilermaker-Rick
    @Boilermaker-Rick Před rokem

    Great video Harrison thanks for sharing it😊

  • @randyoehling1701
    @randyoehling1701 Před rokem

    Fully recommend those woodland scenics incline sets. Using them extensively on my new n scale layout.! Glad to see you use them as well!

  • @trainking7973
    @trainking7973 Před rokem +3

    My favorite kind of videos! Can't wait to see it!

  • @rwissbaum9849
    @rwissbaum9849 Před rokem

    What a great video! Excellent overview of the track planning and building phase. The shot at 8:30 demonstrates why I discourage running longer rolling stock on curves below 24" radius: yes, it works, but boy, does it look silly. Sticking with 40' long rolling stock will make this layout look larger.

  • @cjdavis2684
    @cjdavis2684 Před rokem

    That was awesome Harrison, well done!

  • @reyesfrank2796
    @reyesfrank2796 Před rokem +2

    Nice it's looking good already

  • @oskarvalance3041
    @oskarvalance3041 Před rokem

    Well done. Big Boy on an 18". Amazing.

  • @4everdc302
    @4everdc302 Před rokem

    Excellent Harrison. Must be something in the air. I started my shelf layout tonight. SMT manual chapter layout construction🚂🇨🇦🙋

  • @lotsabirds
    @lotsabirds Před rokem

    That was great! An excellent result!

  • @canadianbehaviour8280
    @canadianbehaviour8280 Před rokem +2

    Dude this is awesome!!!

  • @UnionPacificTrainMan1988
    @UnionPacificTrainMan1988 Před rokem +11

    Very nice SMT you did a great job on the design of layout and overall very good. I'm currently in the process of getting my layout back together since I last had it together was about 2016 so yeah. I'm also making plans for getting a layout together for a model railroad club also.

  • @raulschmalzbach7581
    @raulschmalzbach7581 Před rokem

    Well done. Makes me want to build my own layout.

  • @chris_c09
    @chris_c09 Před rokem +1

    OMG my dream its come true, a new layout series i hope

  • @John-op5vi
    @John-op5vi Před rokem

    Yes wonderful tutorial. Layout plans that are on a grid like Atlas track plans really help maintain your centerline and allow you to put your cork down first. Flex track three foot sections are Quicker to lay once cork is down.. Bridges on curves and clearance for. Doublestacks has to be considered. I also found 4by8 layouts a little too small for 4 percent grades.

  • @Hereford98
    @Hereford98 Před rokem +1

    First time I've seen road bed added AFTER the track 😮 looks like an easier and faster method. Nicely done 😊

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Před rokem

      Thanks, I think it helps with lining it up, properly centred.

  • @jonas2431
    @jonas2431 Před rokem

    I like the track with the road bed attached. Nice layout sir

  • @rayinpau.s.a.6351
    @rayinpau.s.a.6351 Před rokem

    Who ever you made this for will love it .

  • @TwistedMacGyversTrains
    @TwistedMacGyversTrains Před 7 měsíci

    Great layout design, I’ve been thinking about starting a HO layout. Thanks for the great advice on using nickel rails.😊

  • @santanubanerjee4043
    @santanubanerjee4043 Před rokem +1

    Excellent really well planned

  • @starguard4122
    @starguard4122 Před 4 měsíci

    I learned a lot from watching this video. Thank you for sharing 😊

  • @wowdad3055
    @wowdad3055 Před rokem

    Awesome video.Can't wait for part two of the lay out.

  • @mercuryoak2
    @mercuryoak2 Před rokem

    Really nice. I remember when you were going to be starting this project and it was sidelined for a little bit. However that's the great thing about it taking time to figure out how things will go and how it will look that way it will be perfect.

  • @daxmainlinerailfanning7624

    Nice harrison

  • @benzacct1
    @benzacct1 Před rokem

    EXCELLENT. ❤. Such a big help for me as a new by at 75. 👍👏

  • @everettthepetractionguy4222

    Nice work. If I had the money and space for a layout, I would do a similar one like your's. Only it would be for traction equipment. I have plenty of steam locos, I love steam. But traction is more my cup of tea. I enjoyed watching you build your layout! 👍

  • @TrainDetailsbyGuss
    @TrainDetailsbyGuss Před 6 měsíci

    Great Beginning. Thanks for sharing.

  • @atrain818
    @atrain818 Před 7 měsíci

    When the cat started lurking around, i thought for sure he was gonna be up on the table trying to help you!!

  • @NicholassTrainChannel
    @NicholassTrainChannel Před rokem +2

    Nice video mate. I'm quite interested to see how this layout progresses. I have to say it looks very professional.

  • @vuurvrrailfanner4656
    @vuurvrrailfanner4656 Před rokem +1

    excited to see it!

  • @geraldmeininger7776
    @geraldmeininger7776 Před 8 měsíci

    Very practical approach. Thanks.

  • @Chagan44
    @Chagan44 Před rokem +7

    Love your more interesting videos the restoration’s are always great but videos like these is y I’m subscribed

  • @Teabaggersgaming
    @Teabaggersgaming Před rokem

    I have the same Bigboy and it shocked me how well it handles tight turns given its size. Things just arent made like they used to be. Great work as always!

  • @meliketrains7
    @meliketrains7 Před rokem +2

    love it harrison

  • @panzerwolf494
    @panzerwolf494 Před rokem

    Reminds me of my first layout that my old man built most of. We built an L shaped setup in a corner with a hill along the wall for a tunnel exiting out on either side to cross a trestle bridge to go over the river. One side of the L was a country field and a few houses, the other side was a large train yard and roundhouse for all the train cars and stuff we planned to get. Alas I grew up a bit over time before we could do that and moved on to war gaming

  • @tonydewey3023
    @tonydewey3023 Před rokem

    An inspiration to us all, now I know I can use my Big boy model, Tony from Ireland

  • @andersholt4653
    @andersholt4653 Před rokem +1

    Very nice lay-out and very good video presentation. Well done.

  • @lizhiggs2343
    @lizhiggs2343 Před rokem +4

    the way I build a layout is to build the main area of track and work around it so you have proper messurements

  • @QuebecGamer20
    @QuebecGamer20 Před rokem +2

    Man I really want a model railroad.

  • @patrickmurphy6775
    @patrickmurphy6775 Před 10 měsíci

    This is well done. I enjoy clear and concise building without a lot of idle chatter!

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Před 10 měsíci +1

      Thanks, I try to only share as much information as is necessary.

  • @whitneybutler3694
    @whitneybutler3694 Před 10 měsíci

    Very nice and instructive video. I often wondered just how to make inclines. I didn’t know about the commercially available foam inclines.

  • @Paradoxriom
    @Paradoxriom Před rokem +2

    Great stuff Harrison can't wait to see more progress! Your inspiring me to work on my layout! super lovely that your doing this for someone else even if it is a reason just to work on a layout haha

  • @davidztog9011
    @davidztog9011 Před rokem +13

    Way to go, Harrison. The Big Boy looks right at home on that layout. It was a great choice to test out the track -- just don't try running the Centennial. Are you planning on putting plexiglass along the edge?
    I'm sure the youngster you're creating this layout for will enjoy it. Hopefully he watches your videos, but doesn't figure out it's for him.
    Thanks for sharing. 👍🐾👍

    • @SMTMainline
      @SMTMainline  Před rokem +3

      There will definitely some kind of guard rail system, don't want any trains on the ground haha.

    • @davidztog9011
      @davidztog9011 Před rokem

      @@SMTMainline Acela flying high 😂 "Oh Fudge" -- only I didn't say Fudge.

    • @andrewl9191
      @andrewl9191 Před rokem +2

      I'd say that it definitely took guts...or something...to get those locos going that fast, that close to the edge without a guard. I'd be on edge, figuratively.

  • @willamettevalleyAFtrains

    I like this style of layout. It is very similar to the 5'x9' S gauge layout my friend Chris built. Fun to operate on.

  • @AEStudt
    @AEStudt Před rokem

    Very nice I'm enjoying your videos. I'm an old model rr but I learn every time I watch something new or old

  • @tedwilliams1994
    @tedwilliams1994 Před 11 dny

    Very nice layout and a job well done.

  • @agressive_cementbag
    @agressive_cementbag Před rokem

    cant wait to see it finished!

  • @n4pwx
    @n4pwx Před rokem

    This was a wonderful video. The best I have seen you do yet.