Building a 4x8 HO Train Layout Part 4 - It's Finally Complete!

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6 ай бұрын

In March of this year I started construction on a new HO scale train layout for a friend's son and have slowly been making progress on it.
In the previous video I finished things off by adding basic ground cover. The goal this time was to finally finish it. This included ballasting the track, adding trees shrubs, and finally the roads & buildings.
To finish things off I ran two separate trains with a mixed freight cars to test out both lines. Surprisingly both trains operated quite well even with the sharp corners and hills.
I also created a basic track plan for anyone who wants to recreate this layout. It's included towards the end of this video however if you prefer a downloadable version just send me an email.

Пікірлер: 622

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful 2024! 🎉

@Death_angel_productions 6 ай бұрын

I will

@Death_angel_productions 6 ай бұрын

And I hope you do to

@Amtrak_202 6 ай бұрын

nice new layout SMT!

@normancoreyBuildingTrains 6 ай бұрын

Happy new year Harrison to you and your family.

@YourLocalRailfan 6 ай бұрын

Happy new year

@Big_Friendly_Giant 6 ай бұрын

Fantastic job on the layout. I’ve said it before, you keep model railroading simple and fun. You keep it old school with your scenery and how you build(and you’re not old). This layout proves that anyone can get a layout going without tons of money. Just build it and have fun. Keep up the great content. Looking forward to seeing more projects in the new year.

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

Thank you very much!

@discgolfillustrated2640 6 ай бұрын

I’m an old (68 years) model railroad fan with irl connections with the past and I must compliment you on your layout and your video presentation. Your scenery detail is excellent. I enjoyed watching ( and learning a few techniques) and will forward the link to others interested. Thank you 👏🏻👍🏼😁

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

Thank you, I appreciate that.

@chugwaterjack4458 5 ай бұрын

So you might be old enough to remember the dreadful Athearn rubber-band drives, and the 150 mph Hustler? I miss the old Varney locos and rolling stock, and the wonderful ads for PFM locos on the back of Model Railroader - way too expensive for a kid, but what scenes. How many of us pulled a six-car streamliner around the patch with an 0-4-0 L'il Joe? Oh, and John Allen - 'nuff said..

@discgolfillustrated2640 5 ай бұрын

I do . I had several of those. This hobby has certainly come a long way. 👍🏼

@Thomsyeah 6 ай бұрын

Not only has his build quality improved, but his video quality as well. Great job SMT!

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

I’ve been trying to improve both over the last year so I appreciate that.

@personified5102 6 ай бұрын

Thats going to be one happy youngster. Your definitely a great member of the model train community thats bringing people together and inspiring the next generation of enthusiasts.

@SMTMainline 5 ай бұрын

Thank you very much!

@sgttombailes3380 6 ай бұрын

Outstanding !! Happy New Year Bud.. I'm 72 and I've been collecting trains since I was 8. I have miles of track, 30+ engines and tons of rail stock & accessories. My basement is FULL of old Lionel Trains. And a few old Marx too. Some dating back to 1928. My wife thinks I'm crazy~~~~~..But I love my trains almost as much as I love her and she knows that and she loves me and doesn't complain. After being married 39 years. She's used to it now.. LOL.. She helps me build my Christmas Display Trains now ! We are Tom & Jerri and the neighborhood kids love to come see the Tom & Jerri trains at Christmas.

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

That’s great to hear. Not everyone understands the hobby but that usually changes once they see a layout.

@user-cc1cm5nw7r 2 ай бұрын

You are so aware that to keep this hobby "up and running", the next generation must be involved. For that I say "Congratulations for your efforts!". It looks great and I hope it is valued more by the fellow who is the recipient of your hard work.

@SMTMainline 2 ай бұрын

Thank you. The layout has now been delivered. Apparently it has been total mayhem but they've been enjoying it a lot.

@trainguy85 Ай бұрын

@@SMTMainline I saw you say Mayhem and immediately smiled. lol I bet that was an amazing experience.

@amtrack23438 6 ай бұрын

Take a bow my friend you inspired millions of people with you knowledge beautiful design a true craftsman it would be a honor to meet you in person

@4everdc302 5 ай бұрын

A great looking 4x8. Well done Harrison. I believe everyone started with a 4x8. Not a helix or a operations layout🚂🇨🇦🙋

@SMTMainline 5 ай бұрын

That's true. It's the perfect starting ground.

@Reginahomeboy 6 ай бұрын

my 2 year old has become fascinated recently by trains. If he keeps loving trains as he gets older i will for sure keep this lay out in mind to build him a layout to run. this looks amazing very well done.

@vannrollins9464 6 ай бұрын

Great job- you certainly made some kids Christmas- very inspirational- as a 76 year old model train guy I am glad to see the hobby continuing.

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

Thank you very much

@terrycooke3887 6 ай бұрын

Great series , working on my first layout and using a lot of similar features. The instruction and hints have been a great help , thank you.

@victorpetillo3905 4 ай бұрын

It is beautiful. You are truly a remarkable craftsman and pay so much attention to detail. I love model trains. Thank you for sharing !!!

@SMTMainline 4 ай бұрын

Thank you, I appreciate that.

@davidstar990 19 күн бұрын

I really like your video! You have surprising easy and cheap solutions in landscaping! It's fun to watch you work! You are very cool!😎😄✌🚂

@SMTMainline 16 күн бұрын

Exactly. No one should have to spend a million dollars to make something enjoyable.

@garysprandel1817 6 ай бұрын

Came out fantastic Harrison. Sounds like it's going to a young fella and he is absolutely going to flip his stuff when he sees that. Belated Christmas greetings to you and a happy, prosperous train filled 2024 to you.

@tonydenier9988 6 ай бұрын

Really nice work. Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us.

@user-ey1yx6le7h 6 ай бұрын

Your skill is very impressive and I know the recipient of this project will be in awe and grateful as all of us who admire your are

@SMTMainline 5 ай бұрын

Thank you, I appreciate it.

@jistpassinthru 6 ай бұрын

Enjoy your videos! In this one you gave to most concise, reassuring demo for laying ballast that I have ever seen! You have dispelled all of the fears learned by watching the experts! Looking forward to more content from you!

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

Thanks, I’m happy with the results.

@user-ps5pf2ij6w 5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for these 4 instructional videos! I am brand new to this but have wanted to build a train layout for years. I decided after watching your video that I'm going to pull the trigger on it! I'm eagerly anticipating the 2 videos you talked about at the end of this one. Limited space and budget are 2 issues I'll definitely be dealing with! Thanks again!

@sirenhead8767 6 ай бұрын

merry happy new old years... can''t wait to see what you have instore for us this year

@philhamsher3977 6 ай бұрын

Thanks, Harrison, for sharing. I'm just starting my first layout and this helps.

@1964catt 5 ай бұрын

Just bought a Bowser challenger from eBay recently and plan to restore it, your videos are helping figure out how to fix and clean the motor and contacts, thanks for all the videos

@Trainguy.5771 6 ай бұрын

Hey Smt! The layout is looking great! Happy New Year’s Eve!

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

Happy new year!

@lynnzi3d 6 ай бұрын

Same to You Harrison, Your Great videos and dedication to the Hobby are inspiring to all. Happy New Year 🎉🎉🚂🚂🚂🚂🎆🎆🎆🎆👏🏼👏🏼

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

Happy new year!

@jasper_saberwolf 6 ай бұрын

Happy new year, SMT! The layout turned out amazing! Just shows how much you can do with a 4x8 setup. The youngster you’ve built this for is going to be over the moon with it and it’ll be a great start into the hobby for him. He’ll cherish it for years. Thanks for sharing the process! I learned some new things for my layout too.

@davephillips4691 6 ай бұрын

Wish we could see the happiness in the face of the young man who received the layout. Great job! Happy New Year!

@KuiperAbraham 5 ай бұрын

Love the content! fixed up a few locs myself with help from your videos. Looking forward to the next videos on trackbuilding!

@ROBERTGOSHEY 12 күн бұрын

Just watched this series a couple of days after Father's Day 2024 and .... well it would have been wonderful to see the joy in the little boy's face when he was given this gem of a gift and as he operated it for the first time. (Realize that the parents probably wouldn't want him "on camera.")

@SMTMainline 12 күн бұрын

That's the exact reason it wasn't known but I can assure you that its getting lots of use.

@bassetthyatt4209 2 ай бұрын

Mate just finish watching and it was a pleasure the simplicity of how you explained your process, thank you.

@SMTMainline 2 ай бұрын

Thank you. I try my best to keep things straightforward.

@gbrtrains 6 ай бұрын

Great update on this project. You are a very talented artist in model railroading. Always enjoy your videos.

@ddyodaman5515 5 ай бұрын

A tip of mine. When gluing balast down. A 50/50 of Elmer’s and water will allow the glue to seep through and set very easy. Just a tip😁

@paulbervid1610 6 ай бұрын

Harrison great job. The mountain looks alpine like.

@HarrysModelTrains 6 ай бұрын

Great layout love the incline into the mountain side it looks sick!

@tomg721 6 ай бұрын

I bought some of those cheap Amazon cars too. I painted about half of them various colors to mix things up. Your layout looks good.

@troysimpson9550 5 ай бұрын

Great layout, I truely hope that kids knows what a awesome gift he is getting. Nice work with the video as well . Rail On !!!!

@Over3900 6 ай бұрын

End result looking good! Always appreciate advice on building a layout on a budget!

@user-zv2vx4of7z 6 ай бұрын

Great train show love the great ideas and the great work.

@davidhewson8605 Ай бұрын

SMT Mainline hi !. Getting a fully built layout must be magical for a kid. This builder is so deft with his hands and imaginative with cows , scenery and Hispano Suizas. 😊😊. Thanks guys. Welsh Dave

@SMTMainline Ай бұрын

Thanks

@JuniorFan08 2 ай бұрын

I'm glad I found this layout video. You certainly make it look easy. When I retired 11 years ago, I said I was going to build a layout. And here we are 11 years later and i haven't started! I want to use 2 4x8 sheets in an L shape. I have a train, some track and some buildings that were given to me. Just have to make room in my basement!

@SMTMainline 2 ай бұрын

This layout sat for 3 years until I started and then completed it within nine months. I find it can be difficult to know when to start but once the ball is rolling it gets quicker.

@steveheichelbech1364 6 ай бұрын

Doing a version of this layout for the youngest using unitrack. Thanks for sharing!

@user-spacrazie 5 ай бұрын

I am impressed with your end project! In the next couple of months I am going to attempt to build my own layout…. Mind you, I haven’t even purchased a train set yet. But I am looking forward to making this my hobby. I have wanted a train set and layout for the last 30 yrs. Now I am going to do it. Your video vs. so many others I have watched, has given me more confidence that I can do it. Thanks for sharing your layout, ideas and opinions!

@SMTMainline 5 ай бұрын

Glad this helps. Although a train set isn't necessary to start, it does help.

@philpaton3812 5 ай бұрын

Wow. First of your videos I have watched, but will look now at others. Great presentation, well spoken, good background music at the right volume, good filming too. And what a layout! Someone is going to be VERY happy running trains on that. Well done.

@SMTMainline 5 ай бұрын

I really appreciate that. I spent a lot of time producing this one as I've been trying to improve the quality over the last year.

@FreihEitner 6 ай бұрын

That layout all fits within 4 feet by 8 feet? Impressive! That's a solid track plan.

@glennvogt1194 6 ай бұрын

Outstanding work. Well done.

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

Many thanks!

@leonmiller7711 4 ай бұрын

Beautiful Work! Very Awesome Job!! I learned alot watching this series

@jimdoyel5044 4 ай бұрын

Excellent job. Very interesting to watch you work your magic! I think the young man will be thrilled with the layout.

@Trainguy1969 6 ай бұрын

Wonderfully done, the young person you build this for will definitely be thrilled with the layout. Happy New Year from Alberta.

@kylek9864 6 ай бұрын

Happy new year. Love the way the new layout looks. Watching you make this layout has given me ideas for mine. Great video

@ginaklein8964 6 ай бұрын

Loved your very well done video. It was very satisfying watching trains run on the completed layout!!!! Thanks!!

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

Thank you very much!

@lordvader3279 6 ай бұрын

absolutely love the subtle blues brothers reference, also- one thing that I find that really helps a layout pop is mixing a bit of different colours of turf together aswell as adding lights. That said, it looks amazing and I can’t wait to see your future videos on layouts. I am currently working on building my own and have used some of your tips on it(or at least plan to)

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

Haha, I’m glad someone noticed that little detail. It blends in with the music surprisingly well.

@lordvader3279 6 ай бұрын

@@SMTMainline absolutely, it’s one of my favorite movies, knew what it was the moment I heard it

@StillPlaysWithModelTrains1956 6 ай бұрын

Outstanding effort! Now enjoy the fruits of your labor!

@user-gm1vi2cy7t 6 ай бұрын

Nice job! I haven’t been into model trains since I was a kid, however 2024 I want to start again. My son is getting old enough and loves trains. Thank you for the inspiration!

@SMTMainline 5 ай бұрын

It was my dad who got me into model railroading with his original train set. We had a lot of fun setting up the layout and testing out different locomotives.

@Mo11y666 6 ай бұрын

Awesome. Thank you so much for this series. My wife and i are building this same layout (we dont have a town so we might try to make the town area i to a small backwoods trainyard. Either way just wanted to really thank you for giving us inspiration/ideas and your process on making a small but fun layout for our son.

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

Thanks awesome. Once you finish it I’d love to see a picture.

@NotGavin 6 ай бұрын

What a great way to end off 2023! Great work as usual Harrison 👍

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

Happy new year!

@georgelugenalt200 5 ай бұрын

Great layout! Creative use of the space!

@PapaMav 5 ай бұрын

I like your choices for people and vehicles, clever.

@user-oj9lw2gg7o 5 ай бұрын

Thank you as a beginner I certainly picked up valuable information 👍

@lotsatrains 6 ай бұрын

Fantastic looking layout 👍 Glad to see it finished and performing nicely 👍 Happy New Year to you 🎉

@David-yo5re 6 ай бұрын

Hey Harrison, it turned out amazing. Good job. That little kid is gonna love it.

@KPrime31 6 ай бұрын

Great work man!!! Very helpful as I am constructing my own at the moment.

@mgr_au 5 ай бұрын

Great to watch it come together to its final piece. I am under design of a layout plan, and have all images of each track piece to size scale in EXCEL, so I can add, place and mix to make the design work to scale 👍

@FreedomSquareGardenRailway 5 ай бұрын

Great job thank you for your contributions to the Hobby

@cjdavis2684 6 ай бұрын

Happy New Year! looks great Harrison, Well Done.

@Chris-nl6dk 6 ай бұрын

Great video! You put a bunch of work into it, looks great!

@hapster85 6 ай бұрын

You definitely make it look easy. 👍

@Thedalekfacoin 6 ай бұрын

Your HO board has given me ideas for my n scale board

@stevedale4800 6 ай бұрын

Great job. Created a little world.

@BriansModelTrains 6 ай бұрын

All the best in the New Year Harrison. You did a remarkable job.

@Top-Trains-1943 6 ай бұрын

That is a great layout. All of your work is amazing. Happy New Year!!!

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

Happy new year!

@jarrettdurrant3199 6 ай бұрын

Looks really good! I am starting my layout. Definitely gonna need alot more!

@Quince828 6 ай бұрын

Happy New Year Harrison. I’m looking forward to another year of great videos!

@Killdane 6 ай бұрын

Happy new year, amazing progress!

@joehall7869 6 ай бұрын

Great job. Happy New Year to you and your family. Stay healthy

@modelrailroader5619 6 ай бұрын

Well done! This is such a great hobby. Looking forward to your 2024 videos. Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

Happy new year!

@BobR-gy5gx 6 ай бұрын

Just want to wish you a happy new year!!! I enjoy you're videos!! Hope ya had a nice Christmas!!!!

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

Thank you! You too!

@trainguy69 6 ай бұрын

I had been waiting this vid, this layout build was a big inspiration for my own layout

@williamsantangelo 6 ай бұрын

Thank You Harrison Happy New Year an unexpected treat, to start out the year! Looks Good I Say!!

@SD40Fan_Jason 5 ай бұрын

Perfect starter layout! Wish I had something like that when I was a little kid. I just hope it gets used for a train layout and not a basement room catch-all like mine did... At one point I wasn't even allowed to clear the junk off my table anymore and after a couple years, the whole thing disappeared while I was at summer camp. So sad.

@BOBXFILES2374a 5 ай бұрын

Very nice layout! Congrats!

@williamsquires3070 6 ай бұрын

A few more recommendations: a guy fishing in the river (or in a rowboat), a gas station or a fast-food joint (McDonalds, Wendy’s, Whataburger, DQ, etc…), and finally some park benches in the central area. 😊 Little details really have a big effect on the enjoyment of the layout as a stage for the trains.

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

I bought a gas station for the set but it didn’t fit in. I also have a boat for it somewhere but I couldn’t locate it

@bobsbasementhotrains3020 6 ай бұрын

Great video. I have used a very small amount train oil on the moving parts of switches before ballasting to prevent sticking when dry. The glue will not adhere to these parts. I have also done this too rail tops on a industrial siding with dirt almost to rail tops just clean rail tops when dry.

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

That’s a great idea. I’ve done that trick with gear boxes but never thought about it for switches. Thanks for sharing.

@nathanielbridgewater2913 6 ай бұрын

It’s amazing I can’t wait till I get my own place and do the same.

@misryluvsco8169 5 ай бұрын

You do beautiful work!

@hillbillyrailfan 6 ай бұрын

Excellent Video as always. Have a Great New Year!!!

@modelmainline7278 3 ай бұрын

Wow. This is really a beautiful new layout, I haven’t watched your channel for a while now but I think I’m probably gonna keep watching!

@WWIIREBEL 6 ай бұрын

Awesome work, well done!!.

@pierredutrieux4840 5 ай бұрын

When we see you working, and specially painting, it seems so easy... younever use masking tape. marvellous!

@tomcrutcher3045 5 ай бұрын

Beautiful job! Thing just sings!

@SMTMainline 5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

@AllensTrains 5 ай бұрын

Great layout. Thanks for uploading.

@NicholassTrainChannel 6 ай бұрын

Nice video series mate. The layout looks great. I'm sure the customer will be very happy with it. Hope you have a happy new year.

@petershepherd53 6 ай бұрын

Really great work harrison, the person you built this for will be made up with it, happy new year, pete

@ATSF2926Productions 6 ай бұрын

Happy new year SMT! The layout looks great!

@SMTMainline 6 ай бұрын

Happy new year!

@crashryanphoto 5 ай бұрын

(1) Excellent presentation (2) Your friend's son is going to LOVE this layout!

@gabemiller4882 3 ай бұрын

Fantastic job in doing the train set layout landscape and trees on the train set layout looks great !! 👍👍👍😍😍! The roads look great that you painted! The buildings in town too ! 😊😊 Keep up the great work!!

@SMTMainline 3 ай бұрын

Thanks, I had a lot of fun with this project.

@mercuryoak2 6 ай бұрын

Great job on the layout. I love how it looks. Is awesome .your family friend son will absolutely love this. The details you added looks amazing. Happy New Year my friend. 🎉 🥳 . I fell asleep before the new year . Shows that I can't even stay awake like I used to.

@randyt6593 4 ай бұрын

Beutiful layout, love it, can't wait for more.

@Camping814 6 ай бұрын

Happy New Year! I really enjoyed this series.

@CrazySpence 6 ай бұрын

Ah I love 4x8, speaking to your budget layout idea in 2014 I made a shelf layout off a 1x4 board from home depot for under $100 (i used cheap track I bought at a show not new obviously). It was a good switch puzzle too.

@SMTMainline 5 ай бұрын

I'd like to build both a shelf layout as well and maybe a more conventional but compact one.

@garyoverton6222 5 ай бұрын

Good job. It was very helpful. I am getting back into the hobby after a 38 yr absent. I have found 4 tubs full of equipment that I had and among the 8 engines only 2 do not work.

@SMTMainline 5 ай бұрын

It's amazing how many locomotives can sit for decades and then start back up with little work. Adding some fresh oil never hurts.