Hi Mike, just checking in. I have enjoyed watching your old and now the new layout. Thanks for doing what you do -- and supplying N scale product. Please keep doing what you do. - Dean from cold Minnesota
I spend many hours and days to weeks deciding what should work or go in place on my layout. All your ideas are good considerations and all should do some form of deciding before making a permanent decision which may be costly. Thanks for this post.
Hi Mike, another great video, thanks for posting. Really interesting to see your thought processes and reasons as you design and build your layout. I will be following your layout build with interest.
Thanks Michael, I make a lot of those decisions as I go. I think it lends a sense of excitement to the build if you do not necessarily know what will happen next. Thanks , Mike
Great info Mike, I picked 2 plans I liked and went for it I have modified them for my needs and have no regrets I model the East coast (the D&H) up in the Adirondack mountains keep up the great work and thanks for sharing
It's always prudent to take your time and do adjustments as you go. Sometimes what you invision at first might not work or look right. But having a good vision and ideas is key. Well said Mike.
Hi Mike, Perfect place for a lake. I have built a few HO and N scale layouts in my time and I found that as the track layout progresses different ideas come to my mind as far as scenery goes. It really changes as your layout develops. Next thing you know it's nothing like you originally planned.
These Are the Kind of Discussions I can love to get into and I have issues Specially when you work a Single level layout Like mine was Goin 3 lines now I am goin for the time Being.later I am gonna go Lifelike With my Bachman N Gauge.my Wife is Going Bachman,and Lifelike As well too It’s gonna Be Nice When Done.
3D mountains...Velcro...🤔🤔😳😁😁👍. Love the gradual curves!👍👍👍. Good advice. Car models!!!!!yeah!👍😎😎. I sniffed a fair bit glue growing up. Before we knew it was bad.
Good ideas. I too took the El Tarasco down because it jutted into the room and the lift up bridge became a hassle. Not to mention since I was usually the only one running it was allot of work to run around switching. The new one will be much smaller, allowing to also bring the N into the house. You may wish to use glue dots to stick stuff the backdrop. I have had success with the dots.
This is off the subject. Sometime ago you had a video of the local layouts and featured was a layout with a moveable staging yard. My club is considering something similar so we want to know more on how it as done.
Mike thanks for sharing your ideas with us, it's good to talk things through, and your sharing with us is good, but I do have a question as to how wide your asles are with this layout are to accommodate the people you plan on....
mike great videos. I have a kato 10-377 E2 Shinkansen bullett train. any idea how to put in a decoder? I have a small layout and am using a dighitrax zepher. keep up the great videos.
Hi Mike - Healthy Happy New year! Christmas theme. N scale. Kato. Hollow door layout. Got the 2" foam down, got the risers set but not glued. No turnouts, etc. - simple. Tested with cars - all clear - runs well. Stuck - what do I do next? Cut out the river and skating pond? Glue down inclines? Build Rock formation? Thanks.
@@N-Scale looks like I've got good instincts & instructors - watch your videos all the time. Guess a lot of it sunk in! Thanks as always "Obi Wan Conductor."
After about 44 years of modeling in n-scale, it has occurred to me that many modeler tend to copy the modeling of another model railroader instead of actually modeling a specific railroad and/or a specific area. We tend to "stuff" as much track as possible into the limited space we have and then tweak it until we are pleased. Thanks for sharing this video. Food for thought.
My post is intended to be an observation, not a criticism. I do find it ironic that many of the home model railroads I see on social media do not attempt to model a transportation system for moving goods and people.
I have built my home railroads on a flat surface either plywood or extruded foam over plywood; this allows me to change the track plan and move sidings. I find I enjoy a simple track plan for the main line and sidings to serve the industries. Some buildings end up in storage because I have no room for them.
I am currently creating an N scale layout and I have already bought a DC transformer w/track. I have two locos and want to create a realistic freight scene (since freight trains usually have more than one train pulling freight). If I put two locos coupled together on one DC track, then move the throttle on the DC transformer, will both trains move?
Is that Kato unitrack? After being away from the hobby for over 20 years, things have really changed. I left the hobby for the very reason you mentioned - I was so anxious to get the trains running that I didn't plan and painted myself into a corner. Now I'm going N rather than HO and taking my time planning. I started with the Kato Super Chief set - I cannot believe how beautifully it runs! So I'm trying to decide whether to go back to good 'ol Atlas (or Peco?) flex track (this time code 55) or spend the $ and get Unitrack. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. The sooner the better - though just watching her round that oval and running v-e-r-y slowly is still mesmerizing, if I don't get some turnouts and track soon I'm going to lose my mind. I already have a theme and scenery ideas, I just need to decide on the tracks. I await your wisdom... :)
The cost is nearly the same once roadbed, track, turnout machines. I am a Kato Guy. Check out the How To page on our shop site for Kato track ideas. Mike
I hope you're still monitoring your video here. Can you tell me how the clouds were painted? Especially above the mountains where you said you were going to add a lake. Nice layout, I'm going to look through your videos and see if I can find it finished. Thanks.
Mike I have asked before and sorry about asking again. I am rebuilding my layout like you I was not happy with what I had I use Unitrack and considering using Kato turnouts with Atlas Flex track. I know that you haven't done this but are there pros and cons to this method. I only ask because I do have some long straight sections, and I have a sweeping curve that I am plaining but just can't get it right with the unitrack. So I ask have you heard of anyone doing this. Thanks
I know that on my new "small" layout I'm using a popular track plan. I'm trying to personalise it. I know it'll be a mountainous, industrial RR. I'm looking seriously at Woodland Scenics snow effects scenery material.
I think choosing a published layout plan is smart and good to put your own spin on it. I have never done a snow scene. I know some folks use baking soda but I would be very Leary of that
Mike Fifer. That is why im reviewing the Woodland Scenics stuff. Watching a rewatching thier snow scenery videos. My question is how much snow. Period is set by motive power. An alco s2, and a gas electric
In HO , N , G, and O I have likely built about 25 layouts. The one I am working on is likely the best as we learn from previous mistakes. Thanks , Mike
@@N-Scale the video I watched from 3 yesss ago on your foam Trestle - did you put up a trestle or bridge on your layout? This video you spoke about possibly adding a trestle or bridge czcams.com/video/xQlQrZ620p0/video.html
I love the idea of the lake an the fack that it wasnt planned no layout should have to be planned track wise yes to a point but scenery an such just do it as u think of it thats my theory :) none of my layouts ive ever done was planned an didnt represent any particular area or town i just built it as i visioned it :)
I dont have a plan so much as i have 5 scenes i want to model 2 are terrain and blend easily. One is a curved trestle not to hard. Two are track features
Why not have the back part of the track at a high level and bring it down in front..this will create feeling of depth and 3d effect rather than a flat level layout...
Wow, the passion you have for this hobby is so apparent. It makes me motivated to start my own layout. I could listen to you talk all day
Thanks Max , Mike
Thanks for taking time to share your thoughts, Mike---very helpful---!!!
Thanks for taking a look
Hi Mike, just checking in. I have enjoyed watching your old and now the new layout. Thanks for doing what you do -- and supplying N scale product. Please keep doing what you do. - Dean from cold Minnesota
Thanks so much for checking in Dean.
Mike
I spend many hours and days to weeks deciding what should work or go in place on my layout. All your ideas are good considerations and all should do some form of deciding before making a permanent decision which may be costly. Thanks for this post.
Hi Mike, another great video, thanks for posting. Really interesting to see your thought processes and reasons as you design and build your layout. I will be following your layout build with interest.
Thanks Michael, I make a lot of those decisions as I go. I think it lends a sense of excitement to the build if you do not necessarily know what will happen next.
Thanks , Mike
Great info Mike, I picked 2 plans I liked and went for it I have modified them for my needs and have no regrets I model the East coast (the D&H) up in the Adirondack mountains keep up the great work and thanks for sharing
Thanks Anthony, Have Fun.
Mike
Some very good considerations for all of us, thank you
Thanks Joe , Mike
It's always prudent to take your time and do adjustments as you go. Sometimes what you invision at first might not work or look right. But having a good vision and ideas is key. Well said Mike.
Thanks Peter. It seemed to work out for me.
Mike
Hi Mike, Perfect place for a lake.
I have built a few HO and N scale layouts in my time and I found that as the track layout progresses different ideas come to my mind as far as scenery goes.
It really changes as your layout develops. Next thing you know it's nothing like you originally planned.
Well said Gary. Wish I had said that in the video.
Thanks , Mike
These Are the Kind of Discussions I can love to get into and I have issues Specially when you work a Single level layout Like mine was Goin 3 lines now I am goin for the time Being.later I am gonna go Lifelike With my Bachman N Gauge.my Wife is Going Bachman,and Lifelike As well too It’s gonna Be Nice When Done.
great info Mike.. thanks for sharing.. vinny
Thanks Vinny, Mike
Timely that this older video came up in my feed as I plan my new N gauge layout (contractor only just broke ground on my train building).
Good for you Cary !!!
Mike
Rod Stewart Atlanta Crossing album sitting on the workbench. Great taste in Music!!! That's a fantastic record. 😁
👍
thanks mike
Hey Mike, some good tips for planning, the work bench area looks good, the rambling did make sense lol
Thanks so much Randy , Mike
3D mountains...Velcro...🤔🤔😳😁😁👍. Love the gradual curves!👍👍👍. Good advice. Car models!!!!!yeah!👍😎😎. I sniffed a fair bit glue growing up. Before we knew it was bad.
I know glue is bad for us but do it anyway !!!!
Mike Fifer 👍😁😁😁
That’s HUGE! Great guns! I’m guessing scale length would equate to at least a mile? Lovely paintwork and the track work is inspiring.
Thanks so much.
Mike
Good ideas. I too took the El Tarasco down because it jutted into the room and the lift up bridge became a hassle. Not to mention since I was usually the only one running it was allot of work to run around switching. The new one will be much smaller, allowing to also bring the N into the house. You may wish to use glue dots to stick stuff the backdrop. I have had success with the dots.
I have some and may try that , Thanks Craig, Mike
The cloud looks 3D if you look back at the video and over the foam i love this 3D effect
Thanks Alex, I guess that is the idea.
Mike
Great stuff, I never considered a 3d backdrop before
Thanks David, Mike
This is off the subject. Sometime ago you had a video of the local layouts and featured was a layout with a moveable staging yard. My club is considering something similar so we want to know more on how it as done.
nice update Mike
Thanks Ger, Mike
Good thinkin there.
Thanks , Mike
Mike thanks for sharing your ideas with us, it's good to talk things through, and your sharing with us is good, but I do have a question as to how wide your asles are with this layout are to accommodate the people you plan on....
I am not understanding what you are asking.
Thanks , Mike
Just wondering how wide your asles are....
Narrowest area at the loop is about 28" and about 50" at the open end.
Thanks , Mike
mike great videos. I have a kato 10-377 E2 Shinkansen bullett train. any idea how to put in a decoder? I have a small layout and am using a dighitrax zepher. keep up the great videos.
Nope , I do not do any Japan trains.
Sorry, Mike
Hi Mike -
Healthy Happy New year!
Christmas theme. N scale. Kato. Hollow door layout. Got the 2" foam down, got the risers set but not glued. No turnouts, etc. - simple. Tested with cars - all clear - runs well. Stuck - what do I do next? Cut out the river and skating pond? Glue down inclines? Build Rock formation? Thanks.
I would do it in the order you wrote it.
Mike
@@N-Scale looks like I've got good instincts & instructors - watch your videos all the time. Guess a lot of it sunk in! Thanks as always "Obi Wan Conductor."
@@charlesmitchell487 LOL
Have a Happy New Year !!!
After about 44 years of modeling in n-scale, it has occurred to me that many modeler tend to copy the modeling of another model railroader instead of actually modeling a specific railroad and/or a specific area. We tend to "stuff" as much track as possible into the limited space we have and then tweak it until we are pleased. Thanks for sharing this video. Food for thought.
I agree, Many modelers have large layouts with nothing but track with little or no scenery or industries to support the railroad.
Thanks , Mike
My post is intended to be an observation, not a criticism. I do find it ironic that many of the home model railroads I see on social media do not attempt to model a transportation system for moving goods and people.
I certainly agree.
Mike
OMG..Your right..i myself have copied Mike fifers friend..mike c
I liked his plan and it must work out bc he's developed it over years of operation..
I have built my home railroads on a flat surface either plywood or extruded foam over plywood; this allows me to change the track plan and move sidings. I find I enjoy a simple track plan for the main line and sidings to serve the industries. Some buildings end up in storage because I have no room for them.
Hi Mike, What color paint is on the risers? One computer looks like olive green and my other computer looks like gray. Thanks Mike
It is my facia grey but it totally does not matter.
Mike
Hi! Great videos! What is the purple material on the bottom of your layout?
I assume you are referring to the Pink 2" extruded foam.
Thanks , Mike
I am currently creating an N scale layout and I have already bought a DC transformer w/track. I have two locos and want to create a realistic freight scene (since freight trains usually have more than one train pulling freight). If I put two locos coupled together on one DC track, then move the throttle on the DC transformer, will both trains move?
Yes they will.
Mike
so true
Hi Mike,did you use plaster cloth on your foam risers and then painted them?Many thanks as always.P
Yes I did.
Thanks , Mike
Thank you Mike.And thank you from Canada!
@@patbojalil4454 Thanks so much and hope you all are pulling through up there.
Mike
Is that Kato unitrack? After being away from the hobby for over 20 years, things have really changed. I left the hobby for the very reason you mentioned - I was so anxious to get the trains running that I didn't plan and painted myself into a corner. Now I'm going N rather than HO and taking my time planning. I started with the Kato Super Chief set - I cannot believe how beautifully it runs! So I'm trying to decide whether to go back to good 'ol Atlas (or Peco?) flex track (this time code 55) or spend the $ and get Unitrack. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. The sooner the better - though just watching her round that oval and running v-e-r-y slowly is still mesmerizing, if I don't get some turnouts and track soon I'm going to lose my mind. I already have a theme and scenery ideas, I just need to decide on the tracks. I await your wisdom... :)
The cost is nearly the same once roadbed, track, turnout machines.
I am a Kato Guy. Check out the How To page on our shop site for Kato track ideas.
Mike
Good ideas Mike. Thanks.
Thanks Ron , Mike
I hope you're still monitoring your video here. Can you tell me how the clouds were painted? Especially above the mountains where you said you were going to add a lake. Nice layout, I'm going to look through your videos and see if I can find it finished. Thanks.
czcams.com/video/VmsjvMA-EoE/video.html
Mike, nice and a lot of work ..
Thanks . Things are only work , if you don't like doing them.
Mike
Mike I have asked before and sorry about asking again. I am rebuilding my layout like you I was not happy with what I had I use Unitrack and considering using Kato turnouts with Atlas Flex track. I know that you haven't done this but are there pros and cons to this method. I only ask because I do have some long straight sections, and I have a sweeping curve that I am plaining but just can't get it right with the unitrack. So I ask have you heard of anyone doing this. Thanks
Yes and it works fine. Just join them with the Atlas joiners.
Thanks , Mike
I know that on my new "small" layout I'm using a popular track plan. I'm trying to personalise it. I know it'll be a mountainous, industrial RR. I'm looking seriously at Woodland Scenics snow effects scenery material.
I think choosing a published layout plan is smart and good to put your own spin on it. I have never done a snow scene. I know some folks use baking soda but I would be very Leary of that
Mike Fifer. That is why im reviewing the Woodland Scenics stuff. Watching a rewatching thier snow scenery videos. My question is how much snow. Period is set by motive power. An alco s2, and a gas electric
Cool , Mike
2 inch thick and 18 inches deep per section for the base foam ?
Yes.
How many layouts did you Build? Which one was the Best?
In HO , N , G, and O I have likely built about 25 layouts. The one I am working on is likely the best as we learn from previous mistakes.
Thanks , Mike
Could you tell me what you're using under the track to elevate it?Thanks
It is Woodland Scenics 2% risers.
Thanks , Mike
Thanks Mike. Should've watched your other videos (which I am now).
Did u paint that tape.if so . Im going to do that
Yes I did , Mike
Mike did you e Ed put a trestle min as per this video? Thanks,
George
I am sorry but I do not understand
@@N-Scale the video I watched from 3 yesss ago on your foam
Trestle - did you put up a trestle or bridge on your layout? This video you spoke about possibly adding a trestle or bridge czcams.com/video/xQlQrZ620p0/video.html
@@NHseacoast No trestle but did three bridges
I love the idea of the lake an the fack that it wasnt planned no layout should have to be planned track wise yes to a point but scenery an such just do it as u think of it thats my theory :) none of my layouts ive ever done was planned an didnt represent any particular area or town i just built it as i visioned it :)
I dont have a plan so much as i have 5 scenes i want to model 2 are terrain and blend easily. One is a curved trestle not to hard. Two are track features
That sounds cool !!
What is the max grade for the layout?
2%
Thanks , Mike
Hi Mike are you using Kato unitrack?
Yes and love it
@@N-Scale me too
Hi Mike. I'm going crazy trying to find bus wire 16 gauge and feeders 22 gauge. Blue and white. I was wondering if you sell them? Thanks Mark.
I only have the 20 Ga Atlas wire. Why are you going so large on the wire?
@@N-Scale What do you suggest. I have a 3' x 8' with a 2' x 3' attached to form the small end of the L. Thanks for your help. Mark
@@markgershman1563 OK , what track are you using???
@@N-Scale What else! Kato. I love it!
Lol...
Why not have the back part of the track at a high level and bring it down in front..this will create feeling of depth and 3d effect rather than a flat level layout...
I would guess you have not followed the layout.
Thanks , Mike
His other motives were to keep his wife the hell out of there