Thanks Geoffrey. The idea was too, that by placing it between the viewer and the model that it felt as if you could be stood on it, I’m not sure that has been quite as successful but you’re right, it’s nice to watch the train be obscured.
Thank you Dave, it was not just an enjoyable project but quite a calming one too, I was gently surprised how this colder scene was just as enjoyable to get lost in as the summer scenes I’ve created previously.
That has me turning the heating up! I would be tempted to add a background sound of a cold breeze. Thank you James, your blog and videos are encouraging as well as inspiring.
Brilliant, James! Wonderful feel, especially the recreation of the slush on the platform. Even though it isn't easy to see on the video, the gloss for the snow crystals is very clever! Well done as always. (I personally like the choice of the rural banks of the Severn; my ancestors hailed from Woolsaton) Cheers!
Painting sleepers and rails before ballasting is such an easy transformation. I use Humbrol enamels, choosing to mix my own random shades as I go… usually 33/64/98 for sleepers and 62 or 100 and 33 for the rails.
Thank you Paul - that is very kind. I think layouts like this, and Wrecsam in particular show the potential of modern British N in small spaces - not something we've been able to try until recently with improvements in both the stock and track work. I love it!
Thank you Haydn - perhaps pick up a copy of my first book which might help a bit. The ‘small layout design handbook’ is published by Wild Swan and available from all good railway book shops, but especially Titfield.co.uk as Simon is a great bloke and if it wasn’t for him it would probably never have seen the light of day!
Very inspirational - I am (slowly) making my first 'cameo' layout box at the moment. Re your trees - one aspect you don't often see modeled, are trees permanently leaning/growing in response to the prevailing wind. Estuaries (especially the Hafren/Severn) are conducive to the phenomenon, especially nearer to the sea you get.
Good luck Steve, I do know what you mean, I’ve done a wind blown tree before, I’ve never found anywhere to use it! In this instance I was happy with the armatures, but I think I’ll keep this in mind next time.
Go for it, N gauge works best in these boxes (bridges can work too Ynys Las, one of my previous micro shelf layouts) and I love Scotland and the Kyle line (see Lochdubh!). Presume something like this? flic.kr/p/2jMxfYa
I have a couple of projects on the go at the moment, a light railway micro, that has to take priority (shows booked) and a long term N gauge layout “ Bridge of Orchy” to complete, I might just do Tingle creek or similar to get my N gauge eye in @@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways
Sounds great - just don't beat yourself up if it doesn't happen - the hobby is about enjoying ourselves... I find selling off 'dead' projects and the models they accumulate very therapeutic and it keeps my space 'in focus' here in the workshop.
Another great little build! I've been working/experimenting with British Finescale code 40 in anticipation of my own N gauge project and find their fishplates incredibly fiddly to build and then once built, not always the most secure connection. This meant I was especially interested in the section around 12 minutes. So do you use/recommend Peco code 75 fishplates with all your code 40 builds? And do you use an airbrush to weather the BF track? I don't plan on purchasing an airbrush so I am looking to achieve the best possible results without using that piece of equipment.
I think the Code 75 bullhead joiners cause the stock to rattle a little on the ‘bolt heads’ but they work nicely otherwise. On my other builds I solder the rails together in a butt joint rather than use the fish plates. I weathered the track with a paint brush before ballasting, if you can see any ‘spatter’ it’s from the rattle can I used to add a winter tint to the scene. An airbrush would have been preferred, indeed I own one, but the rattle can was quicker and easier in this instance. Good luck!
Get in touch from my website (www.jameshilton-cmr.co.uk) or Facebook where you can also email me (facebook.com/jameshiltoncustommodelrailways/) and I can give you a full costing.
I've given you two ideas there - Peco platform sides and a custom top you make yourself, or platform kits (which I'm sure you can find). Good luck! You sometimes just need to start somewhere.
This one is done, it isn’t about ‘realism’ it’s about feeling. The Wrecsam micro had litter, as that was part of the story, of the feeling. This time however those elements I think would distract.
What i really enjoy about this layout is it's simplicity but it really gives it a certain atmosphere
Thank you Raymond, that is very kind.
Great little layout love the foot prints it's a nice touch.
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed the presentation.
Great atmosphere you have created there, lovely layout.👌👌
Thank you, a lot of atmosphere in a small space, I enjoyed working on it.
I like the way you use the platform to hide the trsin for part of the view. Nce chsnge from bushes.
Thanks Geoffrey. The idea was too, that by placing it between the viewer and the model that it felt as if you could be stood on it, I’m not sure that has been quite as successful but you’re right, it’s nice to watch the train be obscured.
Some very nice and thoughtful modelling here. Thanks for sharing, James.
Thank you Dave, it was not just an enjoyable project but quite a calming one too, I was gently surprised how this colder scene was just as enjoyable to get lost in as the summer scenes I’ve created previously.
Soo good...love the footprints in the ice and the lighting.
Thanks Mark, I did enjoy this one - I've got another few Mosslanda ideas and hope to build some more boxes soon.
Very cool. And chilly
Love winter modelling. Really makes even muted rolling stock pop.
Thank you, I hope you enjoyed it the video.
That has me turning the heating up! I would be tempted to add a background sound of a cold breeze. Thank you James, your blog and videos are encouraging as well as inspiring.
Hi Geoff, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it. It was only a few weeks work on and off, I’ve learnt a lot and enjoy sharing the results.
Brilliant, James! Wonderful feel, especially the recreation of the slush on the platform. Even though it isn't easy to see on the video, the gloss for the snow crystals is very clever! Well done as always.
(I personally like the choice of the rural banks of the Severn; my ancestors hailed from Woolsaton) Cheers!
Glad you enjoyed it! I loved creating this scene and it has given me ideas for future HiFimicro layouts.
I really like how you have darkened the rails along with the rest. It looks top-notch.
Painting sleepers and rails before ballasting is such an easy transformation. I use Humbrol enamels, choosing to mix my own random shades as I go… usually 33/64/98 for sleepers and 62 or 100 and 33 for the rails.
Inspirational. I love what you achieve in such a small area. The detail is superb
Thank you Paul - that is very kind. I think layouts like this, and Wrecsam in particular show the potential of modern British N in small spaces - not something we've been able to try until recently with improvements in both the stock and track work. I love it!
Love the channel James something different and very creative. Just started working on my first N scale train diorama. New sub today
Thank you Haydn - perhaps pick up a copy of my first book which might help a bit. The ‘small layout design handbook’ is published by Wild Swan and available from all good railway book shops, but especially Titfield.co.uk as Simon is a great bloke and if it wasn’t for him it would probably never have seen the light of day!
Very inspirational - I am (slowly) making my first 'cameo' layout box at the moment. Re your trees - one aspect you don't often see modeled, are trees permanently leaning/growing in response to the prevailing wind. Estuaries (especially the Hafren/Severn) are conducive to the phenomenon, especially nearer to the sea you get.
Good luck Steve, I do know what you mean, I’ve done a wind blown tree before, I’ve never found anywhere to use it! In this instance I was happy with the armatures, but I think I’ll keep this in mind next time.
Nicely done. Simple and evocative as you say! I've done a slightly larger shelf layout for an IKEA Billy shelf. Subbed! Best wishes, Jules 😁👍🌍🚂
Thanks Jules. I have build a layout for a Billy previously, check out the Boston Lodge layout tour.
This was of a tremendous intrest as usual very inspiering 😊
Thank you, that is very kind!
Very interesting thank you for posting
Thank you Steve, no problem.
love it, now, you have got me thinking, Tingle creek bridge on the Kyle line?
Go for it, N gauge works best in these boxes (bridges can work too Ynys Las, one of my previous micro shelf layouts) and I love Scotland and the Kyle line (see Lochdubh!). Presume something like this? flic.kr/p/2jMxfYa
I have a couple of projects on the go at the moment, a light railway micro, that has to take priority (shows booked) and a long term N gauge layout “ Bridge of Orchy” to complete, I might just do Tingle creek or similar to get my N gauge eye in @@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways
Sounds great - just don't beat yourself up if it doesn't happen - the hobby is about enjoying ourselves... I find selling off 'dead' projects and the models they accumulate very therapeutic and it keeps my space 'in focus' here in the workshop.
yep, i think 8 layouts in my collection is a little excessive !@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways
I must apologise for the volume in my closing comments! I forgot to adjust the volume in the editing software.
Fun build
Thanks, I enjoyed it.
Another great little build!
I've been working/experimenting with British Finescale code 40 in anticipation of my own N gauge project and find their fishplates incredibly fiddly to build and then once built, not always the most secure connection. This meant I was especially interested in the section around 12 minutes. So do you use/recommend Peco code 75 fishplates with all your code 40 builds?
And do you use an airbrush to weather the BF track? I don't plan on purchasing an airbrush so I am looking to achieve the best possible results without using that piece of equipment.
I think the Code 75 bullhead joiners cause the stock to rattle a little on the ‘bolt heads’ but they work nicely otherwise. On my other builds I solder the rails together in a butt joint rather than use the fish plates. I weathered the track with a paint brush before ballasting, if you can see any ‘spatter’ it’s from the rattle can I used to add a winter tint to the scene. An airbrush would have been preferred, indeed I own one, but the rattle can was quicker and easier in this instance. Good luck!
how much would a layout like that cost to build
Get in touch from my website (www.jameshilton-cmr.co.uk) or Facebook where you can also email me (facebook.com/jameshiltoncustommodelrailways/) and I can give you a full costing.
Can someone inform a ignorant American more about the DMU in the video? What is it called, who manufactured the model, etc? Thank you and Cheers!
Hi Maurice, no problem, it’s a Dapol Class 121 in N gauge.
What kind of platforms did you youse
Jake it is scratch built. As a newcomer you probably need to look at Peco platform sides and a custom surface or whole platform kits.
Ok thanks do you have any specific suggestions
I've given you two ideas there - Peco platform sides and a custom top you make yourself, or platform kits (which I'm sure you can find). Good luck! You sometimes just need to start somewhere.
Add bits of newspaper and dead bushes old broken BR warning signs
This one is done, it isn’t about ‘realism’ it’s about feeling. The Wrecsam micro had litter, as that was part of the story, of the feeling. This time however those elements I think would distract.
Definitely add the old br warning signs tho