Colorado Loop Layout Build: 2x3 Foot N Scale Model Railroad Tutorial

Рет қаралды 466,022

Күн бұрын

A tutorial on how to construct a simple 2x3 foot N scale model railroad featuring mountain terrain, a waterfall, a mine scene, and battery-powered operation.
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BOOKS:
•Carl Arendt's Small Layout Scrapbook: amzn.to/2AZkqzM
•How to Build a Switching Layout: amzn.to/2t0xXE5
•How to Operate a Modern Era Switching Layout: amzn.to/2ut8nfn
•How to Design a Small Switching Layout: amzn.to/2ujJ2nt
•8 Realistic Track Plans for Small Switching Layouts: amzn.to/2ujBOQd
•Building a Model Railroad Step by Step: amzn.to/2ut23Ev
•Building a Sectional Layout: amzn.to/3EWNMSb
CONTROLLERS:
Battery Powered Controllers that work great for N scale too: amzn.to/3umqFfa
Awesome DCC Starter System: amzn.to/3gZVbbp
TRAIN SETS:
N Scale Kato Amtrack Set: amzn.to/3iyCbBt
N Scale Kato Super Chief Set: amzn.to/3B4ISS7
Kato N Scale Track and Controller Set 1: amzn.to/3B61UHF
Kato N Scale Track and Controller Set 2: amzn.to/3Y5hflZ
More Kato Track Sets: amzn.to/3OYcZQJ
HO Scale Rail Chief Train Set: amzn.to/3OVJizQ
O Scale Lionel Polar Express Train Set: amzn.to/3EQLcNu
O Scale Lionel Hogwarts Express Train Set: amzn.to/3Y5hM7t
LAYOUT KIT:
HO Scale Grand Valley Kit: amzn.to/3uiPvN1 (my first adult railroad project)
Track set for Grand Valley Kit: amzn.to/3VPyzsS
Building set for Grand Valley Kit: amzn.to/3F1b8WQ
N Scale building set: amzn.to/3BsZMu3
TOOLS:
Bench top hot wire cutter: amzn.to/3Voq1tk
My Resin 3D Printer: amzn.to/3gT2PEH
My Filament 3D Printer (upgraded version): amzn.to/3Uroph6
Snap-off Blade Utility Knife: amzn.to/3OXM1cj
Cordless Dremel Set: amzn.to/3VO86Mm
My DeWalt cordless drill: amzn.to/3gW5i18
My Dewalt cordless saw (current version): amzn.to/3H73Jbo
My Dewalt cordless miter saw: amzn.to/3VNnzfL
VIDEO AND AUDIO GEAR:
Rode Wireless Mic: amzn.to/3KhNlCy
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Favorite Online Hobby Shops
• www.fiferhobby.com
• www.horizonhobby.com/
• www.modeltrainstuff.com
• www.trainworld.com
• www.walthers.com
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Hi there, my name is Steve and on this channel, I make videos on:
• Small Model Train Layouts
• N Scale Trains• HO Scale Trains
• On30 Trains• Building Structures
• Scenery and Terrain Building
• Layout Operations
• Layout Details
• Hobby Tools• Weathering Projects
• Layout Wiring and Electronics
More on my website: www.steves-trains.com
Facebook: / trainsbysteve
KZfaq Page: / stevestrains
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Пікірлер: 456

@user-lx5zb9oz4g 3 ай бұрын

What I really like about this video is it is a real-life demonstration of, it didn't go exactly as planned and it still turned out great. This is a great help to modelers who have problems with perfectionism. That being said, even though you had to deviate from your original plan it came out fantastic and I would be genuinely very happy if I produced this layout

@Tank_Facts 3 жыл бұрын

It has been more than a decade since I've even THOUGHT about model trains. Dug up my old lionel for christmas, found this channel, and now I'm back in it.

@StevesTrains 3 жыл бұрын

Nice!

@cglaurer Жыл бұрын

A LOT of great tips packed into this short video. This may be the year I “finish” my own layout…

@rushwingate Жыл бұрын

My wife just bought me my first starter train set this Christmas. Watching this video taught me an incredible amount about layout building. Definitely an A+ video and you have a new subscriber.

@StevesTrains Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@MrTommy001 10 ай бұрын

I have been wanting to get back into model railroading but lacked the room for a decent HO layout. I never gave any thought to N scale back in the 60's when I was doing HO stuff. Nothing was ever completed, and when I got married and lived in an apartment there was NO room for a layout. Now that I'm retired I stumbled back onto N scale and think I could do this kind of a layout. What inspired me was a video about building a layout on a foam core door (available at Home Depot). I DO have room in my garage for something like this. Then just now I found THIS video. Really a nice compact but cool layout. Your scenery skills are amazing. You've given me hope! Thaaank you!

@emloray1 11 ай бұрын

Enjoyed video I'm doing "Z" scale in a suitcase and wanted to do hills/mountains such as yours so I learned a lot ..Thanks !

@StevesTrains 11 ай бұрын

I’ll have a video on building a small Z scale layout Tuesday July 18th and have a video today that shows the layout.

@erwinstang70studiosk64 Жыл бұрын

I think you are the best scenery model on KZfaq. I've been watching for years.

@wilburr1316 3 жыл бұрын

Get this man a work bench!

@hashimthedream3581 2 жыл бұрын

nice on the lights

@pesto12601 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing.. this is the type of layout that "Everyman" would be able to accomplish... not a photorealistic, there is not way that is not real sort that takes 3 years and $3000 to do.. but the sort of model that gets done in a month for $300.

@jimbrent8151 Жыл бұрын

Awesome thank you.

@mgamga9476 2 жыл бұрын

Same here. It is real. Not edited to say it all came out perfect first shot. We learn from mistakes so showing mistakes helps everyone learn. In the end it looks awsome, and that is all that matters. Great video.

@g1markla Жыл бұрын

outstanding.....

@tonyhammer3588 6 ай бұрын

So glad I found this channel.

@StevesTrains 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for stopping by!

@MOREENGINEERING 2 жыл бұрын

Holy SHoneT Steve, awesome! I once got half way through a HO gauge build until my wife wanted the spare bedroom back in the house. Down hill after that!! Now I thinking my grandson(he is 2) has a fascination for trains at the moment. And he and I sat there for almost an hour just watching a couple of Thomas the tank engine and Co. engines run around in a small circle. Then I thought humm, why not build him small layout that is compact and simple. Next move go to KZfaq and search N gauge....... What do I find "STEVES TRAINS"! And I'm hooked again!! My wife can't deny our grandson his first proper trainset!! Thanks Steve. Loved the Video. Plenty of detail and extremely interesting. Thanks Steve(have I said that already). Peter (Australia)

@wheezypalacemodels7726 3 жыл бұрын

I like that a lot...bravo..

@Hereford98 Жыл бұрын

Holy cow! A complete scenery book done in a 26 minute video 📹. Awesome! Dudes a scenery wizard 🧙‍♂️ Of course when I saw the Penn State cup 🥤 Ah ha, that's why he's so good :-)

@StevesTrains Жыл бұрын

We are!

@David_Musicpro Ай бұрын

Nice work! So glad I found your channel

@clark456456 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Steve, I hope you get this message I just bought my very first in scale transit I bought just the train to the cars I still have to buy the track and all that but watching your videos has given me great confidence that I’m going to enjoy this new hobby.

@mrcarestreamhealth 3 жыл бұрын

Loved it from india

@giancarloferucciorusalen4756 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic !!! 😍😍😍

@TrainDetailsbyGuss 6 ай бұрын

Great Show. Thanks for the video.

@TripleAAA53 2 жыл бұрын

UNBELIEVABLE TALENT !!!!

@chuckmaddison2924 4 ай бұрын

You should try the Australian Nullarbor track. All you need is a long straight and a bucket of sand. And a Neville for ambience.

@joshuapinter 3 жыл бұрын

You just blew my mind. Great attention to detail. People and their hobbies. I love it!

@shannonjones3714 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely incredible! Excellent job! Thank you for sharing this with us!

@geoffreyhampson3993 3 жыл бұрын

Another well crafted and informative production. It was so simple, but slightly angling the loop so it is not parallel to the layout edge really makes a great difference. Very inspirational. Thank you.

@UnknownIdaho 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your good explanations without taking too much time on the details- details will differ for other’s layouts. I am working on a design for an O scale mini trolley layout.

@jtmonsman 2 жыл бұрын

This is awesome. I grew up with HO scale. I have a 3x5 space in my basement that is kinda just a waste. This gives so much inspiration that I’m gonna have to make the downsized upgrade! Thanks for sharing.

@kenshores9900 3 жыл бұрын

Lots of good techniques shown and shared. I appreciate it and have learned quite a bit. Realize I have much to high of expectations in doing layouts and scenery. Again thanks.

@jonlisbon3977 10 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@StevesTrains 10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@billregan1981 2 жыл бұрын

Really cool layout. My daughter is loving your “how to” videos on modeling.

@davidbarnes835 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely fascinating. I don't think I would have the patience or the knowhow to do something like this.

@sergioarroyoguerrero5434 10 ай бұрын

N scale layout 2'×3'. Kato tracks and remote switch. I used Atlas tracks and nails for fixed in my layout. Good work my friend.

@dlsimes 6 ай бұрын

Very nice layout. I’ve been watching tons of videos trying to find the kind of layout that appeals to me. The N scale is definitely the scale I’m going to build due to space restrictions. Really enjoyed your video. It proves that a small layout can look good. Thank you!

@Aussiem8e Жыл бұрын

Awesome 👌

@jeffjacobson4578 2 жыл бұрын

It would take me 30 years to accomplish this. Fantastic job !

@ICrailroadprod.2007 3 жыл бұрын

I've seen plenty of small layouts but they were not always the best, this is one cool layout and when I go to college I'm making something like this for my dorm

@cammacgregor9354 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely incredible craftsmanship---!!!

@StevesTrains 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@georgewoodget271 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent job you put a lot of time and effort into building your train lay out. Thanks for sharing these tips and techniques. I must say It looks very realistic.

@TheFrogfeeder 3 жыл бұрын

I love this. I have a small train set that is just boring old track and train. I’m gonna make like 3 or 4 of these models, make them stackable and attachable with track, so it’s basically a modular train model set. You have given me many ideas here friend, thank you.

@davidsheriff8989 3 жыл бұрын

Dedicated modelling..lots of patience and attention to detail on an amzing small layout..

@gmac6104 3 жыл бұрын

That's a good looking layout.a lot of detail in such a small space. Great job

@DebOfAvondale Жыл бұрын

I'm doing research for my first train layout (Holiday theme) and found your video. Thank you for the details. I agree that the best part is that you leave in changes in plans and show how to roll with the punches. The second best part is the cup you used for your epoxy. WE ARE!! :)

@JCNUMBERand 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed it!😋😀🤩🥰🥳😇🤗

@mcekim2 3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful layout! As usual, you do an excellent job of showing us the construction process!

@zanebradshaw2418 8 ай бұрын

Cool!

@sergioarroyoguerrero5434 Жыл бұрын

Good job in the N scale layout 2'×3' . Kato tracks and remote switch . I used Atlas tracks and nails for fixed.

@alfrednawrocki8061 3 ай бұрын

Nice job!!!! Your very artistic !!

@chrishusted9296 2 жыл бұрын

This is awesome! This gives me hope as I get into the hobby with extremely limited space for now.

@yachtabaco 2 жыл бұрын

Steve This is awesome! Thank you!! About to start an N scale. Maybe even the train room I ve been pondering for years..

@terencebennison6275 3 жыл бұрын

Great job Steve! My back and knees ached in sympathy with you!

@surgemeister01 3 жыл бұрын

Can't figure out the 54 people who gave it a thumbs down. Nice work on the layout.

@tommurphy4307 3 жыл бұрын

imagine what THEIR layouts look like!

@rangerjones5531 Жыл бұрын

And now the down button doesn't work

@ScottTice1971 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Looks amazing! Starting a layout and this really helped!

@frerecampbell9291 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing such complicated procedures, I'm glad I'm only interested, and not fully committed to buying yet.

@TheFrogfeeder 3 жыл бұрын

I watched too many of his videos over the lockdown... finally pulled the trigger on a layout-just started my Durango and Silverton “Highline” diorama in N scale. I have most of the craft supplies i need already, it can get expensive the first go round with buying all the detail craft stuff, but if you conserve materials you can have enough for 2 or 3 layouts depending on size of course. So far, I’m in this particular project $30 for some track pieces I needed. I also replace a lot of craft materials and supplies with comparable products that aren’t from expensive train stores... this can totally be done on a budget, as far as the actual layout...

@joewoodchuck3824 3 жыл бұрын

Great project and outcome.

@riazhamiid8844 11 ай бұрын

This is great work Steve, I'm a firm believer that less is more and this wasn't overly complicated yet you managed a Stella project. I'm embarking on journey and have come realize through your work that planning is key and maintaining that course is crucial..😂

@EVELYNEMIL 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely phenomenal!.

@SD45-ET44AC 2 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure why you were waiting on me as I'm already subscribed.

@wellhausen 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice! It doesn't always have to be big! Thanks for the video!

@gatoreye2000 Жыл бұрын

WE ARE.............PENN STATE!! 😀 Steve......you need a work bench! Your back and knees will thank you later in life. Awesome build...........keep up the good work.

@StevesTrains Жыл бұрын

Hope we beat Utah today!

@gusgustavo6055 Жыл бұрын

Thank Steve, you make it look so good!

@juanlopez-hg4xw 3 жыл бұрын

Wow looks amazing for sure. Good job. A project like this is on my bucket list. 🙏🏼

@choro1981 3 жыл бұрын

Wow! Great job,love the small layout.

@shawnpowell5876 2 жыл бұрын

You do ABSOLUTELY AMAZING layouts and you'd think w it being an N scale that it wouldn't. But I have to say I enjoy watching your videos and it's just AMAZING what you can do w a small area. Thanks for sharing your videos and I'm viewing this from the 1st state of DELAWARE.

@michaeltincher5107 Жыл бұрын

Nice

@glenaleksis4589 Жыл бұрын

Awesome job!! Im just starting out with this hobby and really appreciate videos like this. Keep up the great work!!

@npo64 3 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful layout!!!

@clevelandexplorer2221 2 жыл бұрын

This is awesome!! I love it, though a hell of a lot of avoidable plastic as you mentioned and seemingly wasted scenic stuff in the vacuum. The scenery looks professional, proper, people would buy it-shop grade. I love the new (for me) techniques too, like the cotton buds as agressive water

@ME-zi6vi 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I am making my first n scale layout and this video will help me!

@daveyJ213 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice work, sir. My layout is also N scale, but a walk-in 12'x8'. I'll be using that same mining kit on mine, so I was very glad to find this video, which provided many good ideas. Thanks for posting.

@chucksmith155 3 жыл бұрын

Great job as always Steve I’m like you I have no plans I know I’m my head what I want to do and I do it great job looking forward to next build you get a 10 star out of a 5 star selection

@billezech 2 жыл бұрын

Great video and a beautiful layout! Thanks for sharing it!

@MZTrainsChannel Жыл бұрын

Thanks

@jakeelwood4344 3 жыл бұрын

Great video you need a work bench my friend. Im looking into doing a train layout for the first time thanks for the inspiration.

@dnovello 3 жыл бұрын

Love your work. Thank you!

@davidfuentes1038 2 жыл бұрын

I built an N scale and HO scale layout 10x12 space. Thanks for your ideas

@sherlock1895 Жыл бұрын

Steve, this is a great layout. I have the Kato Orient Express train. I’ve wanted a snowy mountain scene resembling the movie. This would be perfect without the building and all snow. Cheers!

@sergioarroyoguerrero5434 10 ай бұрын

Cool . Orient Express train. Murded passengers in the coach .

@philipbyrnes7501 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing, very clever, well done 😎👍🏻

@theflyingdutchman787 3 жыл бұрын

That turned out awesomely! N Scale is great!

@sergioarroyoguerrero5434 2 ай бұрын

I love the N scale layout 2'×3'. Kato tracks and remote switch.

@funkyterrance 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video and a really spectacular finished product. Nicely done!

@drewzdrew27 3 жыл бұрын

stunning work! Thanks for sharing!

@electrician-bn7gr 3 жыл бұрын

My back and knees hurt watching this

@StevesTrains 3 жыл бұрын

Sorry about that! I know one day I won’t be able to do that anymore.

@electrician-bn7gr 3 жыл бұрын

@@StevesTrains lol I’m at that point 👍🏻🇺🇸

@lingeriedeparis7274 Жыл бұрын

Recessing controller box is really clever

@vantrinh8849 3 жыл бұрын

It's beautiful! I wish I had it!

@jamesa702 3 жыл бұрын

N scale art. Thanks for your creativity,,,

@ericmeulman4496 2 жыл бұрын

I really like this layout. It’s amazing! Great Job!

@pufango4059 Жыл бұрын

Top model make

@PeterNGloor 2 жыл бұрын

Dunking your trees in diluted white glue works just as well as with matte medium but it is a lot cheaper. Thanks for making this nice video

@whiskeysmokeleather9469 Жыл бұрын

Great Job, all your videos are very helpful! Looking at getting into yhe train world, currently doing all my research.

@StevesTrains Жыл бұрын

Great! Enjoy the journey!

@ajandrade1 3 жыл бұрын

Simply Amazing....

@CrossedAnchorsRailroads 3 жыл бұрын

Cool tutorial, thank you for sharing.

@socalrail4729 2 жыл бұрын

Its so good for such a small layout

@normanrowe2831 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, a lot of effort went into this. In the end it was worth it. The layout came out looking great. Thanks. See ya next time. Oh.....please get yourself a workbench to get yourself up off the floor. My knees, hips, and lower back were all screaming watching you work. Lol.

@sergioarroyoguerrero5434 7 ай бұрын

Excellent job in the N scale layout. Kato tracks and remote switch. Atlas and Bachmann tracks in my layout. Life Like 93/4" curve. Peco manual switch insulfrog #8. Code 80 the tracks. DC locomotives.

@cranerigging3604 2 ай бұрын

Well done and I love it ! 👍 Been looking at some N scale sets and like the smaller layout options as we ain't got any more room in the house ... LOL 😁