Host David Popp and Bryson Sleppy work to raise the wood framework of their East Troy Industrial Park (ETIP) model railroad off the ground. Watch as they share how to plan, construct, and install the legs for a nearly any layout. And don’t miss the simple, yet extraordinarily helpful insights the crew shares in Model Railroader Tips & Tricks posted on Trains.com Video!
Be sure to keep up with the construction progress by linking into the Trains.com Workshop Webcam (available 24/7), and the full series of helpful, instructional videos rolling out every month until the effort concludes. Even then, the fun will continue in frequent Trains.com articles/updates and Model Railroader print features, beginning with the January 2026 issue. You won’t want to miss the new techniques and tips the crew will share with you along the way, as they have a bit of fun bringing the ETIP into fruition!
just a comment on the loading of the series in first episode at the bottom it would be easier to have top than it is faster to move from episode to episode
David, may want to consider all in one countersink drill bits. Drills and countersinks ask in one step.
So you settled on 42″ for the leg/frame height. Do you mind my asking how tall you are, and whether you were also considering co-workers height?
Not at all. Bryson and I are 6 foot. Cody is probably an inch shorter. Eric is just over 6 foot. The four of us will be the prime workforce and users of the layout, so it works for all of us.
I love this shelf style layout guys. Nice to see the different benchwork techniques over the years too.
Side note… Part 3 of your Olympia build shows the Part 2 video. I’d like to see how the shadowbox was built. Not sure if replies are being noticed on that series still, that’s why I put it here. Thanks
Hi Mark. Thanks for the note. We fixed it, so you should be able to see it.
Time to give our layout some legs and some casters this way if the way out has to move or expand they can easily get to it. Soon the layout will be operational.
Seeing all those Ryobi tools, since your railroad name starts with Milwaukee, someone needs to contact Milwaukee tools to see if they’re willing to provide a full set for you to “review” in MR. Be great marketing for them too.
That’s a great idea, Jim. Years ago when I was in college, I sold Milwaukee tools, and they were really great. However, even today, I still can’t afford them. Here’s hoping!