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In this MRVP Exclusive Layout Visit, subscribers will get to view Ken Thompson’s HO Burlington Northern layout in action! On Ken’s 22 x 36-foot single deck layout, you’ll see realistically modeled Midwestern scenes and BN operations between Galesburg and Peoria, Ill.
I really enjoyed the article in GMR 2019. Made the video even more fun to watch.
I am blessed with her tolerance, and thanks for the kind words.
Ken
The culvert is a Chooch kit. The “tunnel” liner is card stock and the water is Evirotex. Thanks
I normally don’t ask my wife to view these video’s? but Debbie did mention, you sir are one very blessed man to have a very understanding wife to give up space in the washroom, the static grass looks great! and all this time I thought she wasn’t hearing a word I said ????
what more could a MRR man hope for? and EMD F-units!!! absolutely love the layout!
Beautiful layout! Love the detail!
Very nice. How did you build the culvert at Little Hawk Creek?
Beautiful layout Ken. Thank you for sharing it with us. Great idea using “cassettes” to get trains on and off the layout with minimal handling.
Very nicely done. The static grass looks great. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing. A nice uncomplicated layout.
Love Ken’s use of unkept weeds and grass in little use yard areas and the way/use of force perspective street scene. Have hopes of incorporating that style in my layout too.
Thanks Ken
Really enjoyed this video. Excellent loco & car weathering!
Enjoyed the tour and Ken’s discussion on various techniques and ideas. Excellent modelling and thanks for sharing. Look forward to seeing it in GMR 2019.
Just to clarify, Ken’s BN layout is slated to be included in Great Model Railroads 2019 issue. GMR 2019 goes on sale in Fall 2018 (next year — approx.15mos. from now). Sorry for any confusion. -Kent, MRVP assoc. producer
Thank you Ken Thompson and MRVP for sharing video of this impressive model railroad. I’m looking forward to learning more about this model railroad in the GMR 2018 magazine.
Very nice layout and a nice video coverage of it. Several scenes inspired me and I like those “cassettes”.
Great railroad Ken! I enjoyed watching the video.
Die Anlage macht einen sehr harmonischen Eindruck. Mit ihr macht es sicher Spaß Züge fahren zu lassen und zu rangieren.
Great Video! Keep making longer videos such as this!
Ken – What a great layout! Excellent scenery, structures, etc. Watching your trains run was very realistic. Your video is an inspiration for me. Thank you
I have to admit that I have enjoyed several operating sessions on this nice layout during Joe Russ’ Milwaukee Op Day and OP-tober Fest. The stunning backdrop draws your eye toward the horizon and it is easy to forget this is a model railroad. Ken has done an excellent job in replicating the BN in west central Illinois. Note to Mark Heintzman: If you watch the video carefully, you’ll see the entire track plan. It’s an around-the-wall layout, with the Miller Scrap and TTX dock on a short 180-degree shelf to the right of Peoria yard. Staging is in the NW corner, Yates City along the east wall, Douglas on the south wall, Gilson on the west wall. Then through a partition wall back to staging. Simple, but very effective.
Might nice model railroad. It captures the feel of the time and location very well.
Regards
Great video of a great model railroad. Ken has done an outstanding job of re-creating this segment of the BN. The rail joint bars are a very nice detail as are the CB&Q switch stand targets. Overall, excellent layout and I really enjoyed the video. Thank you MR and Ken for the tour!
Well done Ken! Very nice placement of cameras for train movements, prototypical use and placement of town names like Yates City and Douglas along the tracks, use of static grass, abandoned track where the rail has been pulled up but the ties remain and placement of ‘junk/tires’ around some of the industries.
One other thing. I loved Ken’s comments regarding his backdrop as well. Great point.