I have to agree with BOYD HANBY JR from WEST VIRGINIA.
the diagram is too small to be of much value.
Where are the center lines for track and/or cut outs? How about a larger PDF on the web that can be more easily read.
Thanks
Dave, For novice in rr building I had too many question not answered on how to transfer the plan to the actual table. In the video you had everything all ready drawn on the table, How do you do that???
Wonderful video, I always enjoy these M.R. segments.
Shame on you, David; you should have also used ear protection…I’m sure that sabre saw was really “screaming” as you made the cuts…JimMc
I am curious why you cut out the plywood rather than using Woodland Scenic’s foam risers to elevate the track?
Why are there questions dated 12/29/11 on the news letter I just received today 01/05/12, 4:15 PM?
I really like your video journal but is there a problem producing a longer video? Say 10 min…the short amount of time you allow yourself for each video does not allow enough time to really explain anything in depth. You gloss over everything which decreases the value of the time spent by the viewer and the producer. I know you want to offer this as a teaser, so we buy the magizine, but the only viewers already have subscribtions anyway…what’s the point? I really appreciate the effort…just my two cents.
Thanks,
John
I enjoyed your video and I’m loking forward to the next installment.
I’m really stoked watching the development of the Virginian in HO. I just started a layout with the Shenandoah Valley in N Scale, heading into Hagarstown, MD, with an emphasis on the Norfolk & Western in the mid-1960s. I just completed a 2’ x4’ layout of the Boston & Maine in Portland, ME - a New England urban environment. So my new layout is a change. I’m looking forward to working with mountains and coal mining with the Norfolk & Western. The Virginian series is giving some excellent insight that I can use right away. kent@arearadio.com
Thanks to David for an informative session. Personally I prefer a light weight, transportable, layout using foam insulation. Here’s hoping your next project will tackle a model railroad for folks anticipating a move. Meanwhile I will be watching your videos.
Why not a project layout in Z scale? Z scale is right now where N scale was in the early 90s when I first became involved in it. Z scale is beginning to advertise in your magazine which helps both you and us. There are several places to go to find out about the Z scale community. One is Z Central Station and Z yahoo groups. I own a 37" X 27" Z scale layout that was built for me by a Jim O’Connell of Santee, CA. in July thru mid Oct 2010. If you get a chance contact him in regards to his own personal layout at home, he is just finishing up with it. He has been featured several times in ZTrack magazine. I will send you his e-mail address if you request it. I can remember you were doing mostly articles on HO scale layouts when I began in N scale. So far your videos have been pretty good about this layout, I only wish you would have done it in N or Z. Lee Barry Bristol,Va.
As a thought, after reading DAYL T NASH SR from OHIO’s comment, "Where are your safety glasses? It would be good to remind people that when using power tools they should wear safety glasses (perhaps even goggles) to protect their eyes.
Reminds me of the line in Blazing Saddles when Hedley Lamar’s posse said to him, “Badges, we don’t need no stinkin’ badges”.
I really enjoy what model railroaders are doing and the way they do it. This is a great hobby and detailed by an even greater magazine and writers. What do you say just for once, “Let’s leave the political correctness issues by the roadside and let David do his job”.
Thanks,
PS: David looking forward to the next installment!
As a longtime fan of MR 4x8 project layouts, I am reminded of the cookie-cutter ply method that Don Reischenberg’s “Portage Hill & Communipaw Ry.” series showed in “Model Trains” and then, in MR 1961-1962. Perhaps the best way to see these articles is on the new 1934-2009 CD. Code 83 for the branch, 100 for the yard. The VGN was first-class (Cooper E60 bridges). Some weathered VGN bathtub gons with an old MB would look great. This layout can be built in S scale (5’-2" x 9’-10") S-Helper has a great 0-8-0 and the Hoppers, AM has the FM diesel and the track. Thanks, Mr. Popp for a great series…“Dedicated to Eddie Peele, Norfolk, Va”
Great job with the video David. The music is perfect for a coal hauling line!
I’m not sure what thickness plywood you’ve used, but I can recommend using what is sometimes called “hardboard plywood” by both Home Depot and Lowes. It is similar to baltic plywood in that it has no voids and is made up of a higher number of thin plies than regular B/C grade plywood. It’s not much more expensive and strong enough that the 1/2 in thick (13mm) material should suffice for all layout surface construction needs.
I agree, it would be nice to know whether you are using #4 or # 6 turn outs and I also would like a listing of the turn outs and also I believe you have a curved turn out also.
David, nice video, I can answer some viewers questions.“Peco Code 83 or 100 track?”>Well since it’s a 4’x8’ layout, it just depends on how detailed and scale you want your track on the layout to look, and #5 Pecos (medium) are used, and are shown and marked in pencil on the layout plywood.(#6’s or (large radius) may be too long for this track design. Check out the article as it progresses in the MRR magazine. Nice job David and MRR, as always, WW
How would I convert this plan to Bachmann’s snap track???
David, Long Time Reader to MR going back to the 60s. Love this new concept of step by step videoography and frankly simple- for us old folks (and new ones) to follow. Not a lot of tech talk- just straight talk that can be understood by all. I would concur with others here to expand your video just a tad with a pinch more detail as to what you are doing and why. I know it is hard to edit into what everyone wants. So I will say- I am just happy to see something that I can visual myself doing someday. Keep up the great effort and I am anxious to see the next video installment.
A 4X8 doesn’t work almost anywhere. Too big and wasteful of space. What you have here is great for folks with a few hundred square feet to spare. It is very nice, to be sure; it will always exist between my ears.
Is it posseble to get copys of project layout vidios of the Virginian, for future referance? Im planning to build the Virginian in the fall with my son and want to be able to reference back to the videos for any tips, ticks , or technecks the are in the videos.
Excellent video for people getting started with a small layout. Demonstrates the procedure for making a nice small layout with operation and scenic effects.