Oh, go on Mike, and show us your TGV on your layout. It would be fun. No need to justify yourself, your layout is just great, I can hear you smiling from here.
It's yours and Doug's videos that tempted me back to railway modelling having seen what the pair of you have achieved over the years in some small spaces! This new shed layout obviously works because you are running trains and not finding fault in it. And that's what it should be about, running trains, not worrying about authenticity or correct time periods etc. If your enjoying it, that's all that matters. I like it anyway so keep up the good work Mike.
Soothing music and the gentle clic clac as I watch MY trains on MY track and I try to stay focused on the plan (soddit I am a man) let us just enjoy the clic clac and the music. WONDERFUL.
A big thank you to you and Doug I saw your oo gauge British Model Railway Exhibition layout , my layout is 30inches wide by 60inches long and very similar to yours . At 70 years old my last railway was 62 years ago and I’m really enjoying it.
Great video, thank you! Please do a video of an "end to end" running session and shunting the goods yard. It will be interesting to see how the kickback affects things!
Doesn't it say something when we have to justify producing something for our own pleasure? This layout looks like it contains everything you could want from your own model railway. In the end, that is what is important. There is also plenty on this layout that is operationally accurate. It is not a complete flight of fancy. Congratulations on what you have achieved. Getting a layout done is an achievement in itself. I hope you spend many hours enjoying it.
I think that one of your greatest strengths is making a layout that looks wholly believable - if I was magically shrunk and transported to that layout I'd be able to live quite happily there. Very artistic too!
This really is what it's all about. Time and again I've found myself paralysed on a build because something isn't 'right' or 'proper', or I'm aspiring to build something that looks amazing but in reality won't interest me. My latest build is currently going great guns because I've gone back to basics and have found that I derive more satisfaction out of keeping things simple and removing all of the 'fluff' that can accumulate with more complex ideas. Long story short: You really do have a cracking little layout there. It's simple. It's classic. It works. Hopefully mine will too! Thanks for the inspiration.
Lots of people like me have simple layouts, with minimal or no scenery, sidings to fit the space, and a "run what you got" approach. We watch videos of era-specific, exquisitely-modelled big layouts. Very entertaining. But we can only dream. Your videos bridge that gap. We dreamers can do what you do. You fire OUR imagination, and make it seem possible. Hoorah and thank you.
Can’t wait for the chap from Tunbridge wells to tell you it’s “Royal” 🤣 nice layout. Thanks for the inspiration, will be building something similar soon!
Well put, sir. It's YOUR ideal layout. End of story. FWIW, I joined a local model railway club which has some very nice scenery, but this does not mean that the Batmobile cannot come out of a roadway tunnel. All in fun.
Love it and totally agree. I think it’s so important to think about what can be achieved, and also what cannot be achieved (or even what you don’t want). On my small layout, it’s all shunters, small tank engines, and the odd 0-6-0 tender engine - and it makes me happy!
Looking good Mike - lost my internet , but found a marvelous 44x26 piece of corregated cardboard out of a flat screen t.v. that's just SCREAMING for a 000 layout ... something i can stick on-end between the fridge & the wall . THIS layout of yours is largely to blame in a Good way .
That is how a model railway world should be like. Do it the way YOU want to do it and what makes you happy mate. Some people take this hobby way too seriously and if they want their model railway to be high end and realistic then fine. But they have no right to tell us how to run our model railway world that we created. By all means suggestions and ideas are welcome but bossing others about is a no-no in my opinion. Nice layout by the way and I like the effort.
Totally agree with your thoughts on railroading. Set up your layout to how you like it; no constraints Love the layout. One of your personal best. Take care
Great little layout Mike. Rule one....it's your railway, run what makes you happy. I'm with you mate, I'm not concerned how prototypically accurate my layouts are. Though I do think the sponge in my cake layout might be a bit dry!!
It looks like a railway. It feels like a railway. It has a railway atmosphere. Are you having fun? Very clearly. Thank you so much for the inspiration and challenge. Most appreciated - and keep on going. You're most inspirational for others.
Out of all your videos ive seen so far(still browsing lol) this hit the mark for me, I got my first train set last Christmas at the tender age of 63 and I was watching all the videos saying what you said. “You must do this, don’t do that”etc. Now I can just build what I want out of what I can find and I feel like a stress has been lifted so thnx so so much for this video. Sorry Im only just catching up with videos but i usually dont follow sequences. Oh, by the way, thank you for the control box that I received, ive put it together but not tried it yet as im still early stages of track setting.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Just glad we could help, the rules and regs put so many people off sadly, just put a train set of track down and off you go, as long as you are happy with it that's all that matters. The controller boxes make a bug difference to running, anything we can do to help just ask, and keep having fun breaking the rules ,it annoys the rivet counters who gave spent years and a small fortune and don't get any more fun out of it than we do lol
I like this layout: The station and goods area is pretty much what you have in your 'ideal shunting layout'. I'm currently working on a similar shunting arrangement (n gauge) that folds out of a box file (early days, and lots of mistakes to learn from, but a nice project). A layout is what you make of it.
As a complete beginner i watch many videos and ive seen some really excellent layouts that were at exhibitions and were perfect in every way , but i do watch budget model railways more than any of the others , there not complicated there certainly not expensive and mike has shown it many times that you dont need a large layout to enjoy the hobby and if i could build something half as good as this 00 gauge in the shed i would be very happy Paul
That's a very nice layout. I really like the way you've blended the back-scenes in and having the train just visible in the cutting at the back is a very good idea and works really well. In an era where the hobby is increasingly dominated by vociferous rivet-counters with bottomless pockets your channel is like a breath of fresh air. ATB Paula.
Fabulous layout! You and Doug have rekindled my interest in model railways, I have the same approach, bought a load of old track, second hand rolling stock and scratch built buildings, hours of endless fun. Cleared a space at the back of my workshop and currently scheming what works for me. All the best, Mat
Good on you mucker. Won't mention the channel, but just watched what I think is a computer programming session. Obvious they had money coming out their earholes, how is that enjoying and being hands on with a model railway. All they did was look at 4 massive monitors all the time. Love Chadwick because of the ideas he gives me for the scenery and build, but dcc way over my head. All to our own buddy, don't worry what negative comments come your way. Hate people that look down on others because they are loaded. Keep safe mucker. Pete and Su.
Amazing layout & your attitude of '' my layout my rules I'll run what I want when I want how I want '' is just so refreshing compared to the refrain of the rivet counters '' that's not prototypical '' :)
Please ignore the Tut Tut brigade who i doubt ever feel as happy and contented as you sir. Not only will you probably live a longer and more fulfilled life you will take many others on your journey including Doug and that is priceless. Something perfectionists never experience.
This layout is brilliant! My Dad would have loved to have a layout like this. He started out with "0" Gauge back in the early 50's and graduated over the year in to "N" gauge, but never had a layout like this. Always lovely to see your videos and appreciate your efforts and comments. Cheers
I love your attitude to the hobby! There seems to be too much emphasis these days on ultra realism, but "my railway, my rules" is what I like, and I'm glad you are sharing it with a wider audience.
Once again fantastic video. Love the idea of it autobiographical, that’s what I intend to do on ‘my’ layout after I’ve done my sons lol. Keep up the good work
Some extremely valuable philosophy on model railways in this video, as a side story my dad sent me a text today saying he is going to take up his layout and give up because he is not happy with some of the elements on the layout, He had been modelling railways and buses since he was about 6…which was in 1956… And I said to him exactly what you have said here, if you’re going to do it think about what YOU WANT on your layout For me its being able to run my 009 locos and stock so I’m in the process of building a small Ironstone quarry layout (weathered all the track the other day and now 2 points don’t work but I’ll get that fixed) But the moral of the story is build what you want, if you want to be period specific then great if you want to just have industry or just passenger services also great, its a fantastic hobby to explore what you want, but its sad that sometimes you have to justify your choices to critics, unless you’re paying me to run a layout then focus on the critique of your own… Anyway on a lighter note I’m going over in a week or two to help my dad replan and go at the layout again :) Great video guys 👍
Best advice is keep it simple. My loft layout has gone through many versions and will never get started, to many options. My shed layout is a single loop with a goods yard so I can watch trains go round and shunt. The only thing I would add if I had the space is a passing loop on the oval. It was achievable and got finished in a reasonable time frame , and brings much enjoyment. Hope you get your dad's sorted ok, as you say think about what makes him happy not what the experts tell you
@@moorwatch9654 I think we get encouraged by media etc to produce grand complex highly accurate and prototypical layouts, when most of us should be chucking a simple track plan down with some buildings and simple scenery and just get trains running, and build from there
@@BudgetModelRailways yep totally agree, good balance between realism a d enjoyment, I’m building a quarry Hunslet that could be built as Dolbadarn, but it’ll have a different name and colour because I want it to be personalised to me
Moving house soon to somewhere that I will finally have an entire room for a railway and I have your videos to thank for getting me back into the hobby. You've shown that it can be both affordable and enjoyable! I started buying much more secondhand, following your lead, and I have found some absolute gems. Thank you for all the content!
Best of both worlds here, if mine looks half this good when it’s done I’ll be well happy. Thanks for inspiring us and making our Hobby enjoyable and achievable. Thanks for posting 🙏🏻👍🏻👌🏻
I like what you have achieved in such a small space. I have been inspired by previous videos and have almost completed a small shunting layout based on one of the earlier programmes. As more space has become available and using the budget model railway ethos I plan something along similar lines. Thanks for all you hard work and inspiration
I've always been a big fan of your channel and your layouts. My layout breaks their "perfect" railway as its only 5ftx3.2ft and slides under the bed when not in use. Amazed really how people moan about this sort of thing. To me this iswhat the hobby is about. I love your operating potential in a small space,the scenes within great scenery and a run around loop. Really happy to see how this is devolping!
Amazing what you have been able to create in such a small layout, and yet it does not look over crowded. As you say, it has lots of operating potential, or you can just sit there with a coffee (or something stronger) and just watched trains running. Congratulations Cheers Greg
I think you have a very good balance in your model railway modelling and you have certainly packed loads into that small layout. I particularly like the way the cutting/embankment creates the scenic break to the far side of the oval near the wall, that is very effective. I was casually looking at Hornby new releases for 2022 and I just was absolutely gobsmacked at the asking price of new trains for this year, approaching £300!?!??!, it is just becoming staggering. Who knows where this hobby will end up in 25 years time, maybe people will be buying a new train on pcp finance like a new car! Happy modelling!
Hornby already offer finance, but have even stopped giving way a free loco with the member's club, but the price has gone up! The basic 0-4-0 has gone up from £34 to £51 in two years. I think they have let the boost of lockdown sales go to their head
I thank you, I spent most of the year being ill and watching HOBO videos so my layout I am building celebrates the challenges and joys of Hobo life ! Also scenes I witnessed on the train to our city hospital . The cheap used basket case items are fun; take a risk by creating something different !
Its your layout, you run what you like and what pleases you. There are no set rules to say what you run unless you are depicting a specific area or era. Its the layout that matters
A great and enjoyable video. And I thoroughly agree with your attitude. A long time ago I learnt not to worry overly much about what other people think and to do what makes me happy (providing it doesn't hurt anyone else of course). I have a 2 bed terrace and since getting back into the hobby I've set up a small layout in my spare room to run some trains around and to try things out and generally practice on. Longer term the plan is to build a larger layout in the loft (It needs a fair bit of work to get it ready first). Being a terrace it's not huge, but has the advantage of very few beams due to the slate roof and being supported by the houses either side. In all I should have a useable space of about 12' x 14' in the center of the loft. The low bits under eaves at either end could be used as either extra storage or perhaps some fiddle yard sidings. I'll have to crawl under the layout to get to those bits, but as I'm a caver I've often spent my weekends crawling through flat out passages so this doesn't bother me. Like many people I fell in love with the Flying Scotsman and Mallard as a kid and was fascinated by the rivalry between LNER and LMS. Although an LNER fan I also thought the LMS Coronation class were gorgeous too and I always wanted to have a layout where I had one of Gresleys Pacifics racing alongside an LMS Duchess. And that's what will be the inspiration for my loft layout, two main lines, a high road for the LMS inspired by the Settle-Carlisle line and Mouldy Raspberry's wonderful Yorkshire Dales layout. I've done a lot of caving in the Dales and often stay in huts and drink in caving pubs close to the line so there's a personal connection for me there. For the LNER they'll be a low road. The idea is these will represent the London to Scotland East and West coast routes. The plan is to have a shared main station at one end of the loft with the main station building between the two lines with steps connecting the two levels. Is this historically accurate? No. It will be a parallel universe layout where such discrepancies can happily occur. It will be a layout loosely inspired by the age of steam, rather than a historically accurate representation of a particulalr time or place. The low line will also duck under the high line and then re-emerge to provide a bit of variation rather than two ovals. Hopefully this will create the illusion of a line diverging off and another one merging in. The two sides of the loft will be english countryside. Hills on one side, perhaps fields and a river on the other. The far end will have a small country halt for one line and I'm not sure about the other corner and line yet, but I have a few ideas if it doesn't look too crowded. Perhaps a goods/shunting area. Maybe a dock or quarry. Overall the scenery should more or less fit with anything from era 3-6. Whilst the main idea is to have an LNER and LMS line some days I'll run my BR livery stock including some early diesels and the odd GWR or SR train may make an appearance in an exchange trial. I'd also like to get an HST at some point because as a child my best friend's dad worked as a guard on them in the mid-late 70s on the Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads line. He had one of the first Hornby HST models on his layout (Along with his dad's dublo Barnstaple) and I have happy memories of going next door and seeing it zoom round while we used his dimmer switch to turn his bedroom light down so we could see the HST's lights (a novelty then). Again this won't really fit historically, but in my parallel universe the prototype has been developed a decade earlier allowing me to run it next to some BR steam locos. Anyway sorry for blathering on for so long and keep up the good work . Your layout shows what can be done with limited space and a small budget.
Thank you for that video. Everything you have said is correct . Run what you like, enjoy your model railway. Don't count the rivets, think of what you want. After hornby announcements I'm buying good second hand. thank you.
Couldn’t agree more, if your happy then that’s all that’s important. Yes I have a large layout but like you I run whatever I like from Rocket to HST though I guess I swing more to steam than modern image but that’s because I think steam locomotives have more character. As for number of rivets or the curve of the roof line being slightly off my response would be what ever!
Hi Mike you must be encouraged by so many replies you must be right everybody should enjoy what they do and if this can include a few memories of friends and family what more does anybody want from their efforts keep these videos coming
I completely get your layout and ideas. It's what you like that matters. With the exception of some Triang and Hornby TC items, my trains are British and I am Australian so matching things is irrelevant to me. I buy things that I like the look of. It does annoy me that many locos are designed to go around 2nd or 3rd radius but they are way too expensive for me anyway and too detail oriented to go with my older items. Your landscaping and modelling skills have allowed you to create a very nice little world. I think that's what it's all about. No wonder the hobby has exploded over the last 2 years, everyone seeking safety. Excellent 😊
I once saw an immaculate layout but no trains running. His answer was it's a Sunday service and the next train will be in 20 minutes laughable! One show we exhibited at Doug went 10 times to look at another layout and each time there were no trains running. We had three trains running at all times
Your layout, our delight ! You're right to do your stuff, that's the best way to do modelling. Especially when you gave us ideas with your smart moves to put original things on any layout. I can just give an advice from a photographer : to learn and get good and interesting ideas, always look to not only the bright side of life, but also to what people who are doing the same things differently from what you do are using to get their result. As a landscape photographer, for instance, I was always looking at portrait, graphic, wildlife photographers to get some good tips for my landscape photographs.Works fine for any craft, includig railway modelling. And you just gave me a nice idea : why wouldn't I made a surrealistic layout ? I have british, german and italian steam engines, why not making them roll together into an imaginary setting ? I'm on it ! Last word : agreed with Metcalfe stations : splendid buildings but far too laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrge for a small station. I have in my region small PLM three-doors type stations smaller in real life than the smallest Metcalfe building enlarged up to 304,8mm per foot. I have a Dapol bungalow on hand that would do a nice little station building...
All the little tableaux provide variety and interest. The cutting in the back is a grand idea. I tried to achieve the same effect with trees and buildings, but your solution presents the vertical aspect better than mine. A note on compression: even fourth radius is far smaller than standard mainline radius curves.
@@BudgetModelRailways Yup. Once upon a time I did a rough calculation comparing radii of model curves vs actual curves. As I recall, the suggestion of a 6 foot radius agrees with my rough calculation.
It's a fantastic little railway, I totally agree with you 100 % I too run what I want, mixed era's ! I also just love shunting tucks and like you can spend hours just watching locos run!
Nice video, I can tell how easy it would be to pass many hours just watching a train going round. Nicely said about model railways in general. My main loop layout isn’t based of anywhere at all, I just want it to be a layout that looks nice. I also have 2 micro layouts and I never wanted to base either on an actual place but I just had them inspired by the western region but it would look good with any era rolling stock and locos and the other I said it was to be a Yorkshire layout. It was a coincidence when I was in the car near Bradford that I actually found a place almost identical to the layout (except the track) which I was shocked but rather happy to see. Having 3 layouts not based on a location though has made me intrigued to maybe make a micro accurate to a location just to see how it would come out as well as me liking the idea of having a layout for exhibitions which it would be best suited for. Anyway I better stop rambling on as I often do. Hope you have a good day, Matthew
I agree with what you said about that you make the train set what you want it to be. Nice watching the loco go round again could watch it all daylong cheers once again from new Zealand mate ps make sure those army men keep walking up that hills true story
really is impressive and great to watch...i have a week off now and intend to knock up another triang layout in the bedroom,..ten a penny is still operational,although may store it on its side to allow another build,...seven feet by about 2 . 5 feet.....if i had my time again,i would not have gone as far as i did with garden railways..the workload is huge,for little running time....but still a lot of fun,having said that....but when push comes to shove,i prefer 00 gauge indoors ....at least its warmer !!!
I would love a garden railway, but time and finance would also be my limiting factors. It was even too cold in the shed yesterday even with heater and insulation, I would love an indoor layout lol
Great layout tour Mike you said it right do what makes you happy run what you like do what you like it’s your layout so it’s your choice what you do well said. I have seen so many people get caught up in the whole era and location thing before they even start! I would say just start! . - Nicholas.
Another great dissertation Doug! Having also been a wargamer in my past I take your point about compression...very true and apt! This is really a very inspirational video and thanks for it. I love that red crane from an earlier time; any idea of the make?
You are exactly right. Your layout should be what works for you. Mine has a castle wall and medieval buildings on it because that's what I like. The addition of a 3d printer has meant that I can print and paint many items for the terrain that I never would have been able to find previously. Good on you for building what you find pleases you. Mon from Brisbane
@@BudgetModelRailways I have a question. I have a Series 3 layout with first radius curves also. I mostly run vintage Tri-ang locos on it. How do you find more modern 0-6-0 locos that will deal with the tight bends?
For some odd reason some Hornby 0-6-0s will run 1st radius curves and some won't, regardless of age etc. I have near on identical Jintys, one is happy the other often derails?!
Sorry I can't be more helpful, it's a pain I have at least two that won't run. If it's any help my class 08 is fine and even runs on sub 1st radius bends. It is the DC not DCC version
Watching your videos got me into the hobby , I fell foul of the amazing layouts where people spend weeks on one 12 inch section, I doubted my ability, but your words have rekindled me , if it works for you and your happy who cares 😁
Thanks, glad we could help. I agree, the perfect layouts don't inspire they scare off, yet that's what the hobby wants us all to produce. Plonk some track down, a few buildings etc and just enjoy running trains. Have fun , thanks for watching and commenting
Hi, I am brand new to this hobby and are amazed by your videos, i have made a board to fit the space i have which is 44ins x 35 ins, would i be able to get a 2nd radius loop in this space or would i have to stick to 1st radius, i would appreciate your advice, Thank You
Hi thanks. You should be able to get 2nd radius in but only just as it's 35in diameter, it won't leave you much room for backscenes and scenery and will out the locos very close to the edge, if they derail. It depends what locos you want to run. 1st radius would give you more options and a longer straight
I loved this video series, don't get me wrong I love the chadwick model railway and everard juction and other channels like that too. But as a ordinary common man, we don't all have the modeling skills of luke towan, or the space of a small barn to build a huge layout, and your videos are simple, small, and very very achievable by anyone, and on a shoestring budget. Im a 47 yr old man and i like to play with model steam trains, and I agree, it doesn't matter if that bits too big, or this bits too long, or being told you can't run the japanese shinkansen on a qaint english country scene. Its all about having fun and enjoying what you've made. thank you for posting theese videos and looking forward to the next one.
Great video , great layout. You’re views that model railways should be about doing what you like have got me back into it , what’s the point in having a hobby if it causes you stress? Thanks
Hi Mike, great stuff! As you rightly say, compression is a great way of “cramming it in” without it actually looking like it is. I love the whole synopsis because it demonstrates just how much you have thought about it all and how you have put into practice all the tips and lessons you have demonstrated in the past. I so like the cutting along the back as it stops it looking so contrived.😎 Best of all, you seem to have managed to fit in all the things you wanted to, including the tributes to your dad which is a great touch 😄 And I sooo love the story about that little girl’s layout 💜 Run what you like, why not? Some people obviously have hang ups about things, which is fine until they start trying to essentially bully other people for not doing like them! 🤬 Great to see another video, great fun as ever! Cheers 👍🍀🥂
Well said! I quite like the 'personal touches' you have added , got me thinking of ways of doing this on mine. Look forward to seeing the running session.
Once again you hit the nail on the head. Run what you want and make it how you want. Top advice as ever. I love it and what you achieve. Happy new year to you and yours. Top job. Keep safe and stay well.
Your hobby, your money, your work, your trains, your rules!! Enjoy!!
Oh, go on Mike, and show us your TGV on your layout. It would be fun. No need to justify yourself, your layout is just great, I can hear you smiling from here.
It's yours and Doug's videos that tempted me back to railway modelling having seen what the pair of you have achieved over the years in some small spaces!
This new shed layout obviously works because you are running trains and not finding fault in it.
And that's what it should be about, running trains, not worrying about authenticity or correct time periods etc.
If your enjoying it, that's all that matters.
I like it anyway so keep up the good work Mike.
Thanks, so glad we could help
Soothing music and the gentle clic clac as I watch MY trains on MY track and I try to stay focused on the plan (soddit I am a man) let us just enjoy the clic clac and the music. WONDERFUL.
You can never have too many locos! Lovely layout and it makes you happy; what more could anyone want?! 🙂
Thanks. Two more locos bought this week lol
A big thank you to you and Doug I saw your oo gauge British Model Railway Exhibition layout , my layout is 30inches wide by 60inches long and very similar to yours . At 70 years old my last railway was 62 years ago and I’m really enjoying it.
Hi, great enjoy it, would love to see some pics etc
Your railway, your world, your imagination, keep doing what you want, and get your enjoyment. Really like the layout and your philosophy.😃
Thanks
Great video, thank you! Please do a video of an "end to end" running session and shunting the goods yard. It will be interesting to see how the kickback affects things!
Doesn't it say something when we have to justify producing something for our own pleasure? This layout looks like it contains everything you could want from your own model railway. In the end, that is what is important. There is also plenty on this layout that is operationally accurate. It is not a complete flight of fancy. Congratulations on what you have achieved. Getting a layout done is an achievement in itself. I hope you spend many hours enjoying it.
That's very kind of you thanks. I have indeed enjoyed it for many hours
I think that one of your greatest strengths is making a layout that looks wholly believable - if I was magically shrunk and transported to that layout I'd be able to live quite happily there. Very artistic too!
My aim is exactly that well spotted thanks
This really is what it's all about. Time and again I've found myself paralysed on a build because something isn't 'right' or 'proper', or I'm aspiring to build something that looks amazing but in reality won't interest me. My latest build is currently going great guns because I've gone back to basics and have found that I derive more satisfaction out of keeping things simple and removing all of the 'fluff' that can accumulate with more complex ideas.
Long story short: You really do have a cracking little layout there. It's simple. It's classic. It works. Hopefully mine will too! Thanks for the inspiration.
Lots of people like me have simple layouts, with minimal or no scenery, sidings to fit the space, and a "run what you got" approach. We watch videos of era-specific, exquisitely-modelled big layouts. Very entertaining. But we can only dream. Your videos bridge that gap. We dreamers can do what you do. You fire OUR imagination, and make it seem possible. Hoorah and thank you.
That's really very kind of you thanks
Can’t wait for the chap from Tunbridge wells to tell you it’s “Royal” 🤣 nice layout. Thanks for the inspiration, will be building something similar soon!
Lol very good
Well put, sir. It's YOUR ideal layout. End of story. FWIW, I joined a local model railway club which has some very nice scenery, but this does not mean that the Batmobile cannot come out of a roadway tunnel. All in fun.
Love it and totally agree. I think it’s so important to think about what can be achieved, and also what cannot be achieved (or even what you don’t want). On my small layout, it’s all shunters, small tank engines, and the odd 0-6-0 tender engine - and it makes me happy!
And that's all that matters, enjoy
Love your Memories and additions about your Dad. Great vid.👍
Looking good Mike - lost my internet , but found a marvelous 44x26 piece of corregated cardboard out of a flat screen t.v. that's just SCREAMING for a 000 layout ... something i can stick on-end between the fridge & the wall . THIS layout of yours is largely to blame in a Good way .
watching your videos makes me want to make a small shunting layout that I can put on my computer desk whenever I feel like moving some stuff around.
That's a great idea, have fun
That is how a model railway world should be like. Do it the way YOU want to do it and what makes you happy mate. Some people take this hobby way too seriously and if they want their model railway to be high end and realistic then fine. But they have no right to tell us how to run our model railway world that we created. By all means suggestions and ideas are welcome but bossing others about is a no-no in my opinion. Nice layout by the way and I like the effort.
Totally agree with your thoughts on railroading. Set up your layout to how you like it; no constraints
Love the layout. One of your personal best. Take care
I agree with your approach, it seems like some people have more than a bit of OCD when it comes to layouts.
Great little layout Mike. Rule one....it's your railway, run what makes you happy. I'm with you mate, I'm not concerned how prototypically accurate my layouts are. Though I do think the sponge in my cake layout might be a bit dry!!
It looks like a railway. It feels like a railway. It has a railway atmosphere. Are you having fun? Very clearly. Thank you so much for the inspiration and challenge. Most appreciated - and keep on going. You're most inspirational for others.
Very kind of you thanks
Out of all your videos ive seen so far(still browsing lol) this hit the mark for me, I got my first train set last Christmas at the tender age of 63 and I was watching all the videos saying what you said. “You must do this, don’t do that”etc. Now I can just build what I want out of what I can find and I feel like a stress has been lifted so thnx so so much for this video. Sorry Im only just catching up with videos but i usually dont follow sequences. Oh, by the way, thank you for the control box that I received, ive put it together but not tried it yet as im still early stages of track setting.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Just glad we could help, the rules and regs put so many people off sadly, just put a train set of track down and off you go, as long as you are happy with it that's all that matters. The controller boxes make a bug difference to running, anything we can do to help just ask, and keep having fun breaking the rules ,it annoys the rivet counters who gave spent years and a small fortune and don't get any more fun out of it than we do lol
This is a cracking layout. It’s turned out really well. And all in 5 x 2 and a bit feet. Incredible !! Great update as always.
Thanks, I kind of went for a bigger version of the one you now have, I liked the feel of that one
I like this layout: The station and goods area is pretty much what you have in your 'ideal shunting layout'. I'm currently working on a similar shunting arrangement (n gauge) that folds out of a box file (early days, and lots of mistakes to learn from, but a nice project). A layout is what you make of it.
As a complete beginner i watch many videos and ive seen some really excellent layouts that were at exhibitions and were perfect in every way , but i do watch budget model railways more than any of the others , there not complicated there certainly not expensive and mike has shown it many times that you dont need a large layout to enjoy the hobby and if i could build something half as good as this 00 gauge in the shed i would be very happy Paul
Thanks for your support
That's a very nice layout. I really like the way you've blended the back-scenes in and having the train just visible in the cutting at the back is a very good idea and works really well. In an era where the hobby is increasingly dominated by vociferous rivet-counters with bottomless pockets your channel is like a breath of fresh air. ATB Paula.
Thanks Paula, I fully agree
Love the layout and that it is so flexible in how you can use it - round and round or end to end, fiddle yard to terminus, shunting etc. Brilliant!
Thanks
Nicely put You run what you want and do what you want as long as you enjoy it 🍺🍺👍
Fabulous layout! You and Doug have rekindled my interest in model railways, I have the same approach, bought a load of old track, second hand rolling stock and scratch built buildings, hours of endless fun. Cleared a space at the back of my workshop and currently scheming what works for me.
All the best, Mat
Glad we could help thanks for watching
Good on you mucker.
Won't mention the channel, but just watched what I think is a computer programming session. Obvious they had money coming out their earholes, how is that enjoying and being hands on with a model railway. All they did was look at 4 massive monitors all the time.
Love Chadwick because of the ideas he gives me for the scenery and build, but dcc way over my head.
All to our own buddy, don't worry what negative comments come your way.
Hate people that look down on others because they are loaded.
Keep safe mucker.
Pete and Su.
You've fit a clever amount of operation in to that! The view break definitely helps the layout feel bigger and more immersive. Well done!
Thanks
Amazing layout & your attitude of '' my layout my rules I'll run what I want when I want how I want '' is just so refreshing compared to the refrain of the rivet counters '' that's not prototypical '' :)
Thanks
Please ignore the Tut Tut brigade who i doubt ever feel as happy and contented as you sir. Not only will you probably live a longer and more fulfilled life you will take many others on your journey including Doug and that is priceless. Something perfectionists never experience.
So true thanks
This layout is brilliant! My Dad would have loved to have a layout like this. He started out with "0" Gauge back in the early 50's and graduated over the year in to "N" gauge, but never had a layout like this. Always lovely to see your videos and appreciate your efforts and comments. Cheers
Thanks Fred glad you enjoyed it
I love your attitude to the hobby! There seems to be too much emphasis these days on ultra realism, but "my railway, my rules" is what I like, and I'm glad you are sharing it with a wider audience.
Don't let people get too you with horrible comments and try and keep ye head on the model s good work
Thank you also for the shout about M's layout! 👍😁
Once again fantastic video. Love the idea of it autobiographical, that’s what I intend to do on ‘my’ layout after I’ve done my sons lol.
Keep up the good work
Nice video you done for 2022.Hope there more to come.
Thanks very much for replying to my comment.It's nice to see other people's work too.Take Care & Stay Safe.
Brilliant Mike, I'm the same just build what I want and run what I want on it. Keep safe Frank
Some extremely valuable philosophy on model railways in this video,
as a side story my dad sent me a text today saying he is going to take up his layout and give up because he is not happy with some of the elements on the layout,
He had been modelling railways and buses since he was about 6…which was in 1956…
And I said to him exactly what you have said here, if you’re going to do it think about what YOU WANT on your layout
For me its being able to run my 009 locos and stock so I’m in the process of building a small Ironstone quarry layout (weathered all the track the other day and now 2 points don’t work but I’ll get that fixed)
But the moral of the story is build what you want, if you want to be period specific then great if you want to just have industry or just passenger services also great, its a fantastic hobby to explore what you want, but its sad that sometimes you have to justify your choices to critics,
unless you’re paying me to run a layout then focus on the critique of your own…
Anyway on a lighter note I’m going over in a week or two to help my dad replan and go at the layout again :)
Great video guys 👍
Best advice is keep it simple. My loft layout has gone through many versions and will never get started, to many options. My shed layout is a single loop with a goods yard so I can watch trains go round and shunt. The only thing I would add if I had the space is a passing loop on the oval. It was achievable and got finished in a reasonable time frame , and brings much enjoyment. Hope you get your dad's sorted ok, as you say think about what makes him happy not what the experts tell you
@@BudgetModelRailways exactly, we’re all the experts of our own railways
@@moorwatch9654 I think we get encouraged by media etc to produce grand complex highly accurate and prototypical layouts, when most of us should be chucking a simple track plan down with some buildings and simple scenery and just get trains running, and build from there
@@BudgetModelRailways yep totally agree, good balance between realism a d enjoyment, I’m building a quarry Hunslet that could be built as Dolbadarn, but it’ll have a different name and colour because I want it to be personalised to me
I love your attitude. Do that which makes you happy.
I’m from Tunbridge Wells and the opposite of disgusted. Would love to see the TGV going round the layout!
Lol, thanks
Keep up the good work, I'm waiting to move, and then build what I want, love the tips and running
Your attitude to model railways is why I keep coming back to your channel.
Thanks
Moving house soon to somewhere that I will finally have an entire room for a railway and I have your videos to thank for getting me back into the hobby. You've shown that it can be both affordable and enjoyable! I started buying much more secondhand, following your lead, and I have found some absolute gems. Thank you for all the content!
Thanks for watching, and so glad we could help
Best of both worlds here, if mine looks half this good when it’s done I’ll be well happy. Thanks for inspiring us and making our Hobby enjoyable and achievable. Thanks for posting 🙏🏻👍🏻👌🏻
I like what you have achieved in such a small space. I have been inspired by previous videos and have almost completed a small shunting layout based on one of the earlier programmes. As more space has become available and using the budget model railway ethos I plan something along similar lines. Thanks for all you hard work and inspiration
Thanks for watching and commenting
I've always been a big fan of your channel and your layouts. My layout breaks their "perfect" railway as its only 5ftx3.2ft and slides under the bed when not in use. Amazed really how people moan about this sort of thing. To me this iswhat the hobby is about. I love your operating potential in a small space,the scenes within great scenery and a run around loop. Really happy to see how this is devolping!
Amazing what you have been able to create in such a small layout, and yet it does not look over crowded. As you say, it has lots of operating potential, or you can just sit there with a coffee (or something stronger) and just watched trains running. Congratulations Cheers Greg
Thanks Greg, happy new year
It's fun to see this layout developing. And I love the addition of models from other people.
I think you have a very good balance in your model railway modelling and you have certainly packed loads into that small layout. I particularly like the way the cutting/embankment creates the scenic break to the far side of the oval near the wall, that is very effective. I was casually looking at Hornby new releases for 2022 and I just was absolutely gobsmacked at the asking price of new trains for this year, approaching £300!?!??!, it is just becoming staggering. Who knows where this hobby will end up in 25 years time, maybe people will be buying a new train on pcp finance like a new car! Happy modelling!
Hornby already offer finance, but have even stopped giving way a free loco with the member's club, but the price has gone up! The basic 0-4-0 has gone up from £34 to £51 in two years. I think they have let the boost of lockdown sales go to their head
I thank you, I spent most of the year being ill and watching HOBO videos so my layout I am building celebrates the challenges and joys of Hobo life ! Also scenes I witnessed on the train to our city hospital . The cheap used basket case items are fun; take a risk by creating something different !
Thanks, I hope you are feeling better now, I have a few health issues myself so my sympathies
Its your layout, you run what you like and what pleases you. There are no set rules to say what you run unless you are depicting a specific area or era. Its the layout that matters
Thanks, we'll said
A great and enjoyable video. And I thoroughly agree with your attitude. A long time ago I learnt not to worry overly much about what other people think and to do what makes me happy (providing it doesn't hurt anyone else of course).
I have a 2 bed terrace and since getting back into the hobby I've set up a small layout in my spare room to run some trains around and to try things out and generally practice on. Longer term the plan is to build a larger layout in the loft (It needs a fair bit of work to get it ready first).
Being a terrace it's not huge, but has the advantage of very few beams due to the slate roof and being supported by the houses either side. In all I should have a useable space of about 12' x 14' in the center of the loft. The low bits under eaves at either end could be used as either extra storage or perhaps some fiddle yard sidings. I'll have to crawl under the layout to get to those bits, but as I'm a caver I've often spent my weekends crawling through flat out passages so this doesn't bother me.
Like many people I fell in love with the Flying Scotsman and Mallard as a kid and was fascinated by the rivalry between LNER and LMS. Although an LNER fan I also thought the LMS Coronation class were gorgeous too and I always wanted to have a layout where I had one of Gresleys Pacifics racing alongside an LMS Duchess.
And that's what will be the inspiration for my loft layout, two main lines, a high road for the LMS inspired by the Settle-Carlisle line and Mouldy Raspberry's wonderful Yorkshire Dales layout. I've done a lot of caving in the Dales and often stay in huts and drink in caving pubs close to the line so there's a personal connection for me there. For the LNER they'll be a low road. The idea is these will represent the London to Scotland East and West coast routes.
The plan is to have a shared main station at one end of the loft with the main station building between the two lines with steps connecting the two levels. Is this historically accurate? No. It will be a parallel universe layout where such discrepancies can happily occur. It will be a layout loosely inspired by the age of steam, rather than a historically accurate representation of a particulalr time or place.
The low line will also duck under the high line and then re-emerge to provide a bit of variation rather than two ovals. Hopefully this will create the illusion of a line diverging off and another one merging in. The two sides of the loft will be english countryside. Hills on one side, perhaps fields and a river on the other. The far end will have a small country halt for one line and I'm not sure about the other corner and line yet, but I have a few ideas if it doesn't look too crowded. Perhaps a goods/shunting area. Maybe a dock or quarry.
Overall the scenery should more or less fit with anything from era 3-6. Whilst the main idea is to have an LNER and LMS line some days I'll run my BR livery stock including some early diesels and the odd GWR or SR train may make an appearance in an exchange trial.
I'd also like to get an HST at some point because as a child my best friend's dad worked as a guard on them in the mid-late 70s on the Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads line. He had one of the first Hornby HST models on his layout (Along with his dad's dublo Barnstaple) and I have happy memories of going next door and seeing it zoom round while we used his dimmer switch to turn his bedroom light down so we could see the HST's lights (a novelty then).
Again this won't really fit historically, but in my parallel universe the prototype has been developed a decade earlier allowing me to run it next to some BR steam locos.
Anyway sorry for blathering on for so long and keep up the good work . Your layout shows what can be done with limited space and a small budget.
Thank you for that video. Everything you have said is correct . Run what you like, enjoy your model railway. Don't count the rivets, think of what you want. After hornby announcements I'm buying good second hand. thank you.
New prices are bonkers, and sadly second hand is following
Great commentary. And honest precisely correct sentiment. Very helpful vid and layout.👍😁
Couldn’t agree more, if your happy then that’s all that’s important. Yes I have a large layout but like you I run whatever I like from Rocket to HST though I guess I swing more to steam than modern image but that’s because I think steam locomotives have more character. As for number of rivets or the curve of the roof line being slightly off my response would be what ever!
Hi Mike you must be encouraged by so many replies you must be right everybody should enjoy what they do and if this can include a few memories of friends and family what more does anybody want from their efforts keep these videos coming
I completely get your layout and ideas. It's what you like that matters. With the exception of some Triang and Hornby TC items, my trains are British and I am Australian so matching things is irrelevant to me. I buy things that I like the look of. It does annoy me that many locos are designed to go around 2nd or 3rd radius but they are way too expensive for me anyway and too detail oriented to go with my older items. Your landscaping and modelling skills have allowed you to create a very nice little world. I think that's what it's all about. No wonder the hobby has exploded over the last 2 years, everyone seeking safety. Excellent 😊
Thanks
Great layout and love trains running not like exhibition when they run to a timetable and take offence when you ask about running
I once saw an immaculate layout but no trains running. His answer was it's a Sunday service and the next train will be in 20 minutes laughable! One show we exhibited at Doug went 10 times to look at another layout and each time there were no trains running. We had three trains running at all times
You inspired my layout, love your attitude to depth its impossible to replicate. Mine 7ft by 2ft and my Hornby peckett runs like a treat
Lovely layout. Most people don't actually have a lot of space, so your layouts are inspirational and this one in particular is charming.
Thanks I think charming is a good word
Your layout, our delight ! You're right to do your stuff, that's the best way to do modelling. Especially when you gave us ideas with your smart moves to put original things on any layout.
I can just give an advice from a photographer : to learn and get good and interesting ideas, always look to not only the bright side of life, but also to what people who are doing the same things differently from what you do are using to get their result. As a landscape photographer, for instance, I was always looking at portrait, graphic, wildlife photographers to get some good tips for my landscape photographs.Works fine for any craft, includig railway modelling.
And you just gave me a nice idea : why wouldn't I made a surrealistic layout ? I have british, german and italian steam engines, why not making them roll together into an imaginary setting ? I'm on it !
Last word : agreed with Metcalfe stations : splendid buildings but far too laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrge for a small station. I have in my region small PLM three-doors type stations smaller in real life than the smallest Metcalfe building enlarged up to 304,8mm per foot. I have a Dapol bungalow on hand that would do a nice little station building...
I have used the Dapol bungalow as a small station building. I blocked up a few windows and clad it with card to.look.like a timber building
Hello.great video,I prefer it going in a circle around the layout,and the fiddle yard is nice.I could watch it as it is.
I would agree that this is a perfect layout - mostly because you are applying Rule #1.
Great little layout,like you said its what you want not what anyone else wants.As long as you are happy thats all that matters.👍
Thanks
All the little tableaux provide variety and interest. The cutting in the back is a grand idea. I tried to achieve the same effect with trees and buildings, but your solution presents the vertical aspect better than mine.
A note on compression: even fourth radius is far smaller than standard mainline radius curves.
I was reading a very old model railway book and it said a scale curve would be something like 6ft radius!
@@BudgetModelRailways Yup. Once upon a time I did a rough calculation comparing radii of model curves vs actual curves. As I recall, the suggestion of a 6 foot radius agrees with my rough calculation.
It's a fantastic little railway, I totally agree with you 100 % I too run what I want, mixed era's ! I also just love shunting tucks and like you can spend hours just watching locos run!
Nice video, I can tell how easy it would be to pass many hours just watching a train going round. Nicely said about model railways in general. My main loop layout isn’t based of anywhere at all, I just want it to be a layout that looks nice. I also have 2 micro layouts and I never wanted to base either on an actual place but I just had them inspired by the western region but it would look good with any era rolling stock and locos and the other I said it was to be a Yorkshire layout. It was a coincidence when I was in the car near Bradford that I actually found a place almost identical to the layout (except the track) which I was shocked but rather happy to see. Having 3 layouts not based on a location though has made me intrigued to maybe make a micro accurate to a location just to see how it would come out as well as me liking the idea of having a layout for exhibitions which it would be best suited for. Anyway I better stop rambling on as I often do. Hope you have a good day,
Matthew
I love this layout. I wish I had the space for something like it. I think this is the best one you have made
Thanks
Hi Mike it all looks great tbh.As long as it makes you happy thats the main thing :)
Looks good. 🚂🚃🚝🚅😎
Nice one Mike sorry I've been out of contact lately been busy with work round the area cheers from Bruce
Thanks Bruce nice to hear from you , real life does tend to get in the way sometimes lol
I agree with what you said about that you make the train set what you want it to be. Nice watching the loco go round again could watch it all daylong cheers once again from new Zealand mate ps make sure those army men keep walking up that hills true story
Loving the videos,,, they inspired me to start my own channel.
really is impressive and great to watch...i have a week off now and intend to knock up another triang layout in the bedroom,..ten a penny is still operational,although may store it on its side to allow another build,...seven feet by about 2 . 5 feet.....if i had my time again,i would not have gone as far as i did with garden railways..the workload is huge,for little running time....but still a lot of fun,having said that....but when push comes to shove,i prefer 00 gauge indoors ....at least its warmer !!!
I would love a garden railway, but time and finance would also be my limiting factors. It was even too cold in the shed yesterday even with heater and insulation, I would love an indoor layout lol
A great looking layout with lots of operational scope.
Thanks
It is the perfect layout (in my opinion of course).
Ditto everything you said....absolutely right!!🚂🚂🚂
Do like your layout and you are absolutely right it is your layout and your choice what you put on it. If you like it then buy and run it
Great layout tour Mike you said it right do what makes you happy run what you like do what you like it’s your layout so it’s your choice what you do well said. I have seen so many people get caught up in the whole era and location thing before they even start! I would say just start! . - Nicholas.
Another great dissertation Doug! Having also been a wargamer in my past I take your point about compression...very true and apt! This is really a very inspirational video and thanks for it. I love that red crane from an earlier time; any idea of the make?
Thanks. It's a Hornby item, but I've only ever seen one other on eBay, it's the same as used on the wagon crane.
You are exactly right.
Your layout should be what works for you.
Mine has a castle wall and medieval buildings on it because that's what I like.
The addition of a 3d printer has meant that I can print and paint many items for the terrain that I never would have been able to find previously.
Good on you for building what you find pleases you.
Mon from Brisbane
Thanks, and hi to Brisbane. We find a 3d printer a great asset
@@BudgetModelRailways I have a question.
I have a Series 3 layout with first radius curves also. I mostly run vintage Tri-ang locos on it. How do you find more modern 0-6-0 locos that will deal with the tight bends?
For some odd reason some Hornby 0-6-0s will run 1st radius curves and some won't, regardless of age etc. I have near on identical Jintys, one is happy the other often derails?!
@@BudgetModelRailways ok.
So it's just trial and error.
That's a shame.
Thanks for the reply. 👍
Sorry I can't be more helpful, it's a pain I have at least two that won't run. If it's any help my class 08 is fine and even runs on sub 1st radius bends. It is the DC not DCC version
Totally bonkers and I love it to bits. Thank you for a very entertaining show.
Thanks
Really enjoyed the video and lots of ideas too.
Watching your videos got me into the hobby , I fell foul of the amazing layouts where people spend weeks on one 12 inch section, I doubted my ability, but your words have rekindled me , if it works for you and your happy who cares 😁
Thanks, glad we could help. I agree, the perfect layouts don't inspire they scare off, yet that's what the hobby wants us all to produce. Plonk some track down, a few buildings etc and just enjoy running trains. Have fun , thanks for watching and commenting
Hi, I am brand new to this hobby and are amazed by your videos, i have made a board to fit the space i have which is 44ins x 35 ins, would i be able to get a 2nd radius loop in this space or would i have to stick to 1st radius, i would appreciate your advice, Thank You
Hi thanks. You should be able to get 2nd radius in but only just as it's 35in diameter, it won't leave you much room for backscenes and scenery and will out the locos very close to the edge, if they derail. It depends what locos you want to run. 1st radius would give you more options and a longer straight
Always good to see...very involved layout - spectacular...
Very kind thanks
I loved this video series, don't get me wrong I love the chadwick model railway and everard juction and other channels like that too. But as a ordinary common man, we don't all have the modeling skills of luke towan, or the space of a small barn to build a huge layout, and your videos are simple, small, and very very achievable by anyone, and on a shoestring budget. Im a 47 yr old man and i like to play with model steam trains, and I agree, it doesn't matter if that bits too big, or this bits too long, or being told you can't run the japanese shinkansen on a qaint english country scene. Its all about having fun and enjoying what you've made. thank you for posting theese videos and looking forward to the next one.
Thanks
my layout is just in the first stage of laying track again and a lot of my rolling stock is from 1960 ies and i keep looking for inspiration
Great job! I agree with you. I started enjoying railroading more when I quit worrying about what was acceptable, and did it the way I liked.
Thanks, well said
Great video , great layout. You’re views that model railways should be about doing what you like have got me back into it , what’s the point in having a hobby if it causes you stress? Thanks
Glad we could help
It looks great to me you have same thoughts as myself. Love just watching trains going round
Hi Mike, great stuff! As you rightly say, compression is a great way of “cramming it in” without it actually looking like it is. I love the whole synopsis because it demonstrates just how much you have thought about it all and how you have put into practice all the tips and lessons you have demonstrated in the past. I so like the cutting along the back as it stops it looking so contrived.😎
Best of all, you seem to have managed to fit in all the things you wanted to, including the tributes to your dad which is a great touch 😄
And I sooo love the story about that little girl’s layout 💜 Run what you like, why not? Some people obviously have hang ups about things, which is fine until they start trying to essentially bully other people for not doing like them! 🤬
Great to see another video, great fun as ever! Cheers 👍🍀🥂
Thanks Tim
At the end of the day it's your railway Mike do what you want
Well said! I quite like the 'personal touches' you have added , got me thinking of ways of doing this on mine. Look forward to seeing the running session.
Thanks
It's a great layout as said your only ones I take a lot of notice off
Once again you hit the nail on the head. Run what you want and make it how you want. Top advice as ever.
I love it and what you achieve.
Happy new year to you and yours.
Top job.
Keep safe and stay well.
Thanks Gary, happy new year to you and yours