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Rehab My Railroad: Episode 2
Really enjoyed this episode, particularly Codys revamping of the parking lot & road. I’ve known many people who are so intimidated about removing scenery and also how much to remove. Cody made a great call removing what many might have thought of as ‘too much’ scenery, but as the scene progressed he removed ‘just the right amount’ minimizing future problems. I hope this doesn’t sound sadistic, but i really enjoy when you guys screw up! It gives the opportunity to do something that can be very difficult to do in the pages of the magazine, rebound or problem solve! Showing how to fix mistakes is unfortunately a necessary part of our hobby, they say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well to me a video is worth ten thousand words! Great job everyone, I’m enjoying this series!
Lovin the longer show!! wish all were this long. So much information and enjoyment! Drew- When can the trackside adventures extend to the full half hour? KEEP IT UP!!!
That is a great segment guys and gave me some ideas for my layout including inspiration to put in crossing gates 
just a note on tree planting, if the trees are planted on a cut slope for the railway, then the larger trees are probably at the top and are providing a gravity-fed seed source for the smaller, younger trees lower down on the slope. Great layout Chuck.
This is the best video series you guys have ever come up with. It resonates with all model railroaders, showing that a layout can be always improved/renewed. Great music too!!
Really nice video. I think that one project could be making some fences on some of the hills and put some dairy cows or sheep out to pasture on them. I think that would be nice since I have grown up on a small family farm.
Chuck,
Interesting and informative video. I am curious as to why you chose such a broad time frame for your layout. Thirty years, 1950’s to 1980’s seems an unusual selection. Could you please give us some insight as to your choice.
Sincere thanks,
Mark
Superb episode. That music goes with David’s shirt and would be great for a Southern California project, maybe the Surf Line. Next time how about some polka being Wisconsin and all. Keep the good stuff coming. I want to get mugged!
A very nice Video and I like the idea of panting the duck work and you could just put a 1/4 in. plywood on the ceiling and paint it blue (it might work too)
Well done Teady, and team thanks for a another great episode. It is amazing how you guys pack so much information into such a small amount of time. No questions this week. However Thanks for the inspiration, now to put some suggestions to my club. Will let you guys now how I get on.
Jason
I’m really enjoying this set of videos! This is similar to many of the projects that I need to do to improve my own layout, so this really hits home. I also appreciate little things like seeing that the Smooth It doesn’t stay inside the lines for an experienced modeler like Cody, so I feel better about the messes that I make. I enjoyed the look at Cuck’s railroad - it’s a nice size, very interesting and nicely built. I’m looking forward to future episodes.
David, whenever I use a plug-pack (wall-wart) I always leave the plug on it and just wire a socket where it needs to go just in case I need to swap it out for some reason.
Cody, try using a scraper when cleaning the surface as I find the pulling action is more controllable then pushing on a chisel, always assume that you are going to make a mess so cover everything in the area, don’t forget the edge of layout dams (and holes and wood joints) and I use the little plastic scoops that come in laundry detergent to easily place a small amount right were it’s needed and spread it around with a small spatula to minimize the overflow before I do the final leveling.
And with the trees, if the support material is thick enough, you could angle the hole so that the tree leans towards the mountain then just pull on it until it is straight.
Love the show and the length, keep it up.
But can you bring the videos out quicker??? Please…
Great Job Guy’s. I enjoyed the show. David , a little more on the traffic gates and electrical would be good.
Cody, that metal pick you are using for the trees is a metal scriber, a handy tool around the MRR.
Keep up the g
reat videos.
At the cost of possibly sounding (and NOT meaning to do so) condescending to Todd Walton from Utah, you can’t remove too much scenery. (Yes, if you go all the way to none left you can always redo, but consider it this way: rather than saying “too much” say “more than enough”, that way, you leave yourself some area to blend thing back together. Sort of a time when “Less is more” is incorrect.
Also, since October is breast cancer month, might I suggest painting the duct work a nice PINK.
I also have to agree with Carlo Bensi. The problem with using a receptacle is that it may be hard to find a matching receptacle to some “keyed” plugs. (State a problem; provide a possible answer: if you have to remove a plug because you can’t find a matching receptacle, replace the plug with BOTH a plug and matching receptacle.) [And yes, I also did think of the extra cost, but as Carlo said, you will be rewarded when you have to swap out warts.
Another god episode folks! I look forward to seeing the track plan when that eventually comes out.
I LOVE Rehab My Railroad! More! MORE!
Hello,
great Idea to help us to improve our layout!
It is imaginable to do a gallery of the treated area with before & after pictures. And if you index the episode were the area is shown it will helps all to navigate in the series!
Keep working and filming!
Great episode guys!
With regards to the road system, I usually separate a parking lot into several smaller areas using the paving tape. I then “pave” the first area, and let it dry. Once dry, you can do the section next to it, using the dried area as a guide for the spreader.
I think it gives you the best (and most level) results, if the spreader can rest fully on either paving tape or dried sections at all time.
Cheers from Denmark
Outstanding show idea!
As a safety person I was a little concerned about what appears to be a covered and blocked breaker or fuse panel. I am sure access is provided. But, I was distracted and my gaze was drawn to that spot every time it was in the background trying to see a hinge or removable Panel.
The tool Cody used to plant trees looks like a pick set I purchased years ago. I purchased mine from a well known industrial supply company.It has several tips you change out.
How about painting the ceiling and ductwork black? Many theatrical venues have painted their ceilings black to keep the main attraction focused.
Is there a reason the backdrops did not go to the ceiling? My thought might be to get airflow across the basement.
Any areas of track/switches that will be addressed?
Any possibility of Signal projects?
Any projects addressing locomotive facilities?
Any projects addressing industrial switching areas?
So far, all projects have been great. Keep it up.