Neat Video

Really enjoyed not only how he made his layout, but how he is continually modifying it to meet his needs and how he creates his removable modules!

VERY Interesting & Informative

This is a great article and video.  Getting to see what was in Ken's basement all pieced together was a real treat as it was so much more than all those separate pieces spread out over the many What's Neat shows. Well done Ken and MRH Magazine.

TOMA-like in his layout flexibility

Living layout

It all looks great and I'm especially a fan of that scratch built river traffic, but the winning move by far in my opinion is the ability to pull and modify or completely change sections of the layout.

What a great way to enhance your skills with new projects or try new ideas and yet keep the overall theme of the original going.

Excellent video

I really enjoyed the video tour of Ken's layout. As mentioned above, a great approach to constantly modify the modular style as the needs and interests change. I can see that would be a great way to avoid the notorious "layout burnout" that I have been a victim of with some of my earlier layouts. As usual, Ken has produced a very well presented and professional visit.

Ken's layout situation is

Ken's layout situation is unique to say the least. His modeling skill is great. Some of his construction methods could be very useful for nearly every situation, so in that regard it has great universal appeal. The actual limitations of his race track loops as designed would work out well for most of us if for example one were to have the option of greater staging capability and one chose the scenes or location modeled to allow for more operation.

In looking at a double deck plan plus staging I am presently working on I find that the mainline goes through the scenes just once and it is a racetrack between staging. I am planing one metro area and only representing about nine miles of track. Things that will be included are a large yard and engine terminal, several steel mills as well as other heavy industries so lots of switching will be modeled on the layout. Mainline trains that run through will just go from one staging area to another with only a crew change and possible motive power change or servicing.

Before one dismisses the roundy round type of layout think of the things it grants the builder and operator. Great use of the largest dimensions of the room and ease of construction to name a few. If one forgoes the peninsula the center of the room is available for other activities, if a peninsula is used much more railroad can be in the same space. There are lots more to consider so it might be a way to have your cake and eat it too.

  "Ken's layout situation is

Yeah, we need to keep in mind that he is a professional modeler/author/producer so has different priorities than most of us. He can spend more and write it off as business expense so has less incentive to consider the cost of a project. He also needs to remove and replace scenes to create new content where most of us don't want to continually re-do our benchwork joints. Living with a layout is a lot different than viewing it in carefully photographed scenes, just as movie sets are way different than a real home...DaveB

Awesome and incredible modeling

That layout is a reflection of engineering to transfer the scene to model and artistic talent to add the “magic” to make it real. Easily upgradable as your skills increase or your interest changes. It’s beautiful and achievable by anyone that can focus like he has. Hey Ken, can I have your “leftover” modules?

Very Unique approach, creates

Very Unique approach, creates a very adaptable easy to modify layout...solid scenery and weathering techniques too, no wonder you're cashing checks and taking names...inspiring video Ken. thank you..

Very Unique approach, creates

Ken has been able to turn his hobby into a job with income; and become a celebrity in the genre as well.

Did I miss it or was there a track plan.  One of the main things I've always looked for in any layout article is a track plan.  I really enjoy reviewing them. 

No track plan

There was no track plan provided. It appears to be a big mostly double track loop with a few sidings here and there. 

And some dual/narrow gauge track as well.