Ken’s been back in touch with his HO double oval with crossover.
He really has created his own little world, and it’s a real stunner:
“Hey Al,
It’s been a while since I’ve reached out. As you know, you’re never really done with a train layout.
I’ve added a bunch of grassy areas and weedy undulations around the layout to give it a sense of depth.
I’ve included a new YouTube video with three 20 car trains concurrently. It’s about 13 minutes long.
One of the best things I could’ve done is install Keep Alive’s on each locomotive. With an imperfect track I would occasionally get the dreaded stall, but since the Keep Alives are in each locomotive, they just run and run and run!
I also installed the Broadway Limited Lightning machine. It does add a cool effect when the lights are low.
I hope you enjoy it. Let me know.
Ken”
A huge big thanks to Ken for sharing his HO double oval with crossover layout.
If you missed his first post, it’s here: HO scale layout plans.
I do love the detail Ken has added to his layout, it’s packed with different scenes that really bring it to life.
Did you spot the UFO and aliens?
The train room is impressive too – the monkey made me smile.
I’d really love to you hear your comments on this one, please do leave one below.
That’s all for this time folks.
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.
Need buildings for your layout? Have a look at the Silly Discount bundle.
Plenty of detail in scenics there Ken , very nice
You have raised the bar sir to an amazing level . Tremendous detail and craftsmanship throughout . Very well thought out and executed . My jaw is agape at your wonderful and delightful layout . Such detail min every scene and square inch . The aliens are a jovial gesture , good to see Mr Kennedy and Jackie , glad there is no grassy knoll or book depository …
Superb display , perhaps indeed the best one I’ve seen here on this sight or anywhere . Can’t say enough , you have conceived and achieved a work of art , truly remarkable.
Fantastic layout, so realistic thought I was there.
Ken- wonderful layout and excellent photos! Thanks for sharing!
Great work. Keep them coming.
Ken, Great layout and outstanding work on the scenery and building models. Tasteful weathering too. I noticed your video was well shot. Good angles and your camera stayed still. Nice low angles so one could immerse into the scene as though there. Beautiful job all around. Rob
Wonderful layout and so much attention to detail in every scene. You’ve really brought it to life. So much to see! And it looks like you have had a lot of fun in the process — which is what it’s all about! Excellent job with everything!
Just fabulous! I like the Pileated Woodpecker!
Very impressed with everything. The layout is perfect and the graffiti on the rolling stock adds a perfect realism. Every detail down to the weathering of the semi trucks and running of the trains at the correct speed (Sorry Dave) makes it a joy to watch. Kudos to you!!
Beautiful layout, fantastic attention to detail, and named after 1960 Season !, Episode 30 of Twilight Zone. Wonderful jog and nod to the past.
Very convincing!
Al, thanks for posting Ken’s layout. I am religious about seeing what is in my box every morning.
Ken, so much to say, so little time. I think you have come as close to being “done” with a layout as any i have seen. The features, the detail, the lighting, the perfect weathering, the variety, the sounds, all of it. It looks to me to be the perfect example of talent, imagination, skills, and patience, all driven by obsession. What a work of art.
I will strive to reach your level on my humble layout but alas, I am much too lazy. Thank you for sending it in. Even though the video was a little grainy, it seemed to lend a certain ethereal nature to the action. Would love to see more.
I enjoy looking at all these layouts, but yours made me smile, it was an absolute pleasure! Thank you!
Really enjoyed myself watching all the different scenes you have on this layout!! Fantastic!! Did I spot JFK and Jackie at the local church??! Scenery is top notch too!!
Ken, wow what a layout! It is simply amazing. What I like most about it are all the different scenes you created. Each one tells it’s own story. The attention to detail is just incredible, causing me to rewatch the video several times…and every time I noticed something different in each scene, which makes it a real joy to watch again and again. You should be very proud of your work on this layout, it is truly outstanding! Thanks for posting for everyone to enjoy!
winnie the pooh, nice touch. o would have put him next to a honey farm. nice layout.
Nice layout, wonderful details throughout. Weathering, perfect. Get work the lighting effects. Super job. As you and I know, it is never complete.
Victor from Florida, USA
Wonderful layout Ken, great scenery and activity throughout.
One question – You have what appear to be modern diesel locomotives pulling what I would call a guards van or break van – I think they are a caboose in USA? – at the back. Is this still common practice? Here in Oz and in the UK they are no longer used as I believe all the trucks are all braked pneumatically.
Thanks Andrew in Oz
Thanks for the comments. I was wondering if anyone noticed the “Pilated Woodpecker”. He’s actually only about 1/4” tall (maybe less) it was printed with a 3D printer so it was light blue originally. Those things are hard to paint, but I’m starting to get it down. I have a Winnie the Pooh, Eyore and Tigger the same size. So I swap them out when the grandkids come over. The ice cream cone on top of the drive-in didn’t have a light in it. So I popped it off, drilled a hole and ran a pico light up through to give it a 60’s dirty yellow look.
Great modeling! The detailed weathering is so very good.
To Andrew’s question about the Caboose. No they are no longer necessary in the modern railroad industry due to computers and technology, but that’s one area that I cheated on in my layout. The Grand Trunk railroad was purchased by CN in the early 70’s & Chessie Systems was purchased by CSX in 1980. Both of those railroads brought back many memories so I included them in my layout despite the inconsistency in the era theme. And the CSX is a train line that I hear every morning when I let the dog outside. It’s the only locomotive I have with ditch lights. Thanks for pointing that out. Note: I could’ve gone with all F7’s A&B units, but I really like the look of the GP’s. Thanks