2026 Modern DT&I Layout Operations: The Old Line Local

Welcome back to the HO Scale Modern DT&I! **note** The dubbing at the end rendered a little strange but it’s not too noticeable. I think it’s time to invest in something other than a tablet for this stuff! 😅 We are back in the original layout room at Newark Yard. Newark has become the operational hub of the layout with 2 locals operating out of here. This keeps 2 operators busy while keeping them away from each other, for the most part. This is the next project area, with plans for creating a passing siding and broadening the curves on all sides of the diamond, allowing for both local operators to occupy the space at once. In practice, Newark is where the former Pennsylvania Railroad and Baltimore and Ohio railroad cross and connect with one another. In today’s Modern DT&I, the B&O goes down to Zanesville and on to Cambridge, with a branch line made up of former B&O and PRR trackage to Cumberland where a large coal mine exists. Another PRR line goes southwest out of Zanesville to New Lexington, where it connects with Conrail’s West Virginia Secondary line. The DT&I has trackage rights on this line to the coal mine at Burr Oak. Trash is the other major commodity on this line, serving the massive landfill at Tunnel Hill. From Newark, the former B&O continues north to Mt. Vernon, while the joint PRR/B&O heads west for Columbus. The former PRR is known as the Panhandle and is the DT&I’s main route east to Pittsburgh. From Columbus, the DT&I can head south for Cincinnati on the former B&O, West for Springfield on the former PRR via South Charleston, or Southeast on the former C&O to Nelsonville. The various lines and routings in Columbus are the main reason I chose it over Lima in the one large corner of the layout, which has been through several iterations now. Enjoy the operations! I’ve also got some exciting news to share. You can bring the Modern DT&I to your layout thanks to HomeShops, LLC! I’m proud to partner with them to bring you our first release, the Rapido HO Scale Greenbrier Transverse Coil Car! Steel is a major commodity on the DT&I with trains of coils coming into the Detroit auto plants daily, among many other customers! This car will be available in 6 numbers in the eye-catching DT&I orange scheme. Preorders are due August 17th. Order yours here: https://rapidotrains.com/ho-scale/fre... Not only are we getting a Modern DT&I car from Rapido, but Athearn has just announced a new run of SD70M locomotives, with the Modern DT&I in the Legendary Liveries lineup! Preorder these at your favorite hobby shop by August 31st! Give us some love! Hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and hit the notification bell! I know every Youtuber out there says the same thing, but honestly it does help by providing audience data to the Youtube algorithm and costs you nothing, and helps me make a few dollars to bring top tier modeling content to you! Follow The Modern DT&I on all major socials! Just search the hashtag #moderndti or @ Moderndti More about the Modern DT&I Concept and Layout: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f... *Note: the concept is ALWAYS evolving. For the most up-to-date information, follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram! System Map (Note: you can click on many lines and locations for labels and more info): https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?... Roster, including modeled units: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/... Also be sure to check out the various playlists I’ve put together for an easier time learning all about my layout! All locomotive sounds are generated by Tsunami 2 DCC and Scale Sound Systems speakers unless otherwise noted. Freight car noises, rail sounds, and background sounds are dubbed using video sounds from my collection and other YouTubers with permission. Locations on the layout may represent more than one city in various videos. This is more than just a layout…it’s a slice of an alternate world! If you’d like to know more, reach out! Thank you for visiting