In today's video, I'll show you how to build a simple G-scale model train layout.
Starting with connecting the individual pieces of track together...
And then we'll look at how to connect a power source to the layout...
Which will provide power to the trains...
And which will also be how you control the trains.
Then I'll show you the hard way...
And also the easy way...
To get the trains properly sitting on the tracks.
And once everything's all set up...
We'll have some fun watching the trains run here in my garage!
So, it's a little different kind of model train video today.
Normally my videos are just all about running the trains...
And you never see how the setup works.
Well, today, you're going to see the setup.
So, I've moved my car out of the garage...
And that gives us lots of room to play in today...
And the first step, we'll just get right in to it...
Is building the layout.
Now, normally my layouts are somewhat complicated...
And they can go all throughout the house, or my backyard...
Today, because this is an instructional video...
We're just going to keep things nice and simple.
The simplest model train layout of all is a basic circle.
This is what you might do...
If you just wanted to run trains around a Christmas tree, for example.
Another basic layout option would be to add some straight track to the circle...
Stretching it out in to an oval layout.
Now I've got something more complicated in mind.
I've got this idea for a trick layout...
Where it's basically two layouts that are built next to each other...
The two layouts share one common section of track.
There will be two different locomotives running at the same time...
So, it's one of those layouts where it's all about the timing.
If you get the timing right, it will work great.
But if you mess up the timing, there's going to be a crash!
Before I start building the layout...
I should mention that with G-scale model trains...
There are several different kinds of track available.
What I use for my layouts is LGB-brand brass track.
This is the best stuff.
It's the top of the line kind of track available...
It's not cheap!
But I use it because I want the track to work right...
To have a good, solid electrical connection between each section of track...
So that the trains don't have any power issues.
I need to get years and years of solid service out of the track, so...
That's why I buy the expensive stuff.
Now it was expensive enough when you used to be able to get it for about $7 a foot.
These days, it's more like 8 or 9 dollars a foot.
Now there's one very important thing you need to know...
When you start assembling the individual pieces of track together to build the layout.
And that is that the track can easily come apart unless you use track clips.
A track clip is a very small, inexpensive piece of plastic...
That fits in between each section of track to hold them together.
With the track clip in place...
Those two pieces of track have a rock solid connection.
Now we can begin putting this layout together...
One piece of track at a time.
I've sped this portion of the video up quite a bit because...
This takes a while in real time, but...
Through the magic of time lapse video...
It won't take much time at all!
So, there you have it... the completed layout.
Two little oval loops that share one part in common.
Kind of like conjoined twins!
We're still not quite done with the setup yet, though.
So we can't put the locomotives on it quite yet.
We need the electronics that power the whole thing.
Which is also the control system for the locomotives.
That's what we'll hook up next...
Right after this!
I'm going to be running a digital layout today...
So, I'll be powering it and controlling it with a DCC power supply.
There are many different kinds on the market...
I use the Prodigy Elite system from MRC.
I will also be using their $99 WiFi add-on device...
Which just plugs right in to the front here...
So that I can control everything wirelessly, from a tablet.
Then I just need these track power cables...
The special green plug on the end comes with the MRC power supply...
So that you can plug one end of the track power cables in to the back of the power supply...
And the other end connects on to the tracks.
Now it's time to pick some locomotives.
I'm going to use two of my favorites...
You've seen these two locomotives in my model train videos many times before.
I'm going to use the White Pass steam train today...
And I'll also be using the BNSF diesel locomotive.
Now the old-school way of putting a locomotive on to the tracks...
Is to just plop it down on there...
And try to line up all those sets of wheels with the tracks.
There are four sets of wheels, so it's not easy to do.
But there is an easy way!
This orange thing is called a re-railer.
You just place it on to the tracks...
And then slide the locomotive down the re-railer...
And the little slots built in to the re-railer will line up all the wheels for you.
Simple!
Now before I get the trains running I want to just thank my patrons...
For kicking in money to help pay for the next new locomotive that I'm going to be getting.
I don't know exactly when that will be...
We definitely haven't raised enough money yet, but...
In time, we will.
Now if you're willing to kick in as little as a dollar a month, you can help.
And there are perks for those who are willing to kick in $4 or more.
You should see a link up in the top of the screen...
To my Patreon page.
Or just type it in manually: Patreon.com/JimZim
So, with the trains on the tracks... let's get 'er going!
(Sound of steam whistle)
(Sound of steam train chugging)
With just this one locomotive running, and not the other...
This is no problem at all.
It's just basically running on an oval track.
It could do this all day.
The trick is going to be getting that BNSF locomotive...
Up to just the right speed so that it enters the center section of track...
Right after the White Pass steam train leaves the center section.
Let's see if I can get this timing right on the first try.
If I don't, there's going to be a nasty crash!
Ah, there we go!
I did it!
First try!
No crash!
Ooh... that was a little close there.
OK, I'll speed it up a little bit.
OK, well, as long as I keep these two locomotives going at this speed right here...
Everything should be fine.
How's that for a trick layout? Not bad, eh?
I hope you enjoyed this video.
Maybe you learned something today.
Or at least you got to see a trick layout in action.
Sorry there was no crash!
These are expensive trains...
So I definitely don't want to stage a crash.
Luckily, one did not happen today!
Please do me a favor and click the thumbs-up button if you enjoyed the video.
And head on over to my Patreon page...
If you're able to kick in a little something towards another locomotive.
Thank you to everyone who has become a patron, so far.