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

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Published 2023-12-31
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.

All Comments (21)
  • @SMTMainline
    Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful 2024! ๐ŸŽ‰
  • @Thomsyeah
    Not only has his build quality improved, but his video quality as well. Great job SMT!
  • Fantastic job on the layout. Iโ€™ve said it before, you keep model railroading simple and fun. You keep it old school with your scenery and how you build(and youโ€™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.
  • @personified5102
    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.
  • Iโ€™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 ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ˜
  • @ROBERTGOSHEY
    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.")
  • @sgttombailes3380
    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.
  • @davidstar990
    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!๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ˜„โœŒ๐Ÿš‚
  • @user-cc1cm5nw7r
    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.
  • @garysprandel1817
    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.
  • @Trainguy.5771
    Hey Smt! The layout is looking great! Happy New Yearโ€™s Eve!
  • @amtrack23438
    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
  • It is beautiful. You are truly a remarkable craftsman and pay so much attention to detail. I love model trains. Thank you for sharing !!!
  • @4everdc302
    A great looking 4x8. Well done Harrison. I believe everyone started with a 4x8. Not a helix or a operations layout๐Ÿš‚๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ™‹
  • @Reginahomeboy
    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
    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.
  • @sirenhead8767
    merry happy new old years... can''t wait to see what you have instore for us this year
  • @user-ey1yx6le7h
    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
  • @tonydenier9988
    Really nice work. Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us.
  • @jistpassinthru
    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!