That is some adventurous cattle! I'm a closet modeller Charlie; not that I model in a closet, but more the fact that not many people know it's one of my hobbies. Cracking videos, you have a great demeanour on camera.
Charlie love watching your laid-back videos with my breakfast on a Saturday morning and l wish you could find more time in life to produce 2 of these a week as 1 never seems to be enough! It reminds me of back in the day when us oldies used to go to Saturday morning pictures and you were left with a cliff hanger of an ending to whatever we were watching and had to wait a whole week for the next part!......all the best. John
Hi Charlie, I made my own, using a broken guitar E string for the cutter. An adjustable power supply means that I can use different lengths of cutter wire.
Another great video Charlie. I enjoyed having a model railway on the floor as a child but always shied away from building a proper layout - I suppose because I never thought I could create anything as good as the layouts I'd seen at exhibitions. Now, as I approach retirement, my interest in building a model railway has been re-kindled and your videos have shown me that with the right tools and materials and some fairly straight forward techniques, a very good result is within everyone's capability. I guess the hard part is being able to visualize the end result that you wish to create and not worry about making the odd mistake. Many thanks.
Chris I really enjoy your videos one thing about this hobby we never stop learning, as for myself I haven't done model railways in years but presently planning a shunting puzzle as I am tight on space but hey we do with what we have. Keep up the great work 👍👍
@@ChadwickModelRailway Ever since I saw Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Sean Connery using his umbrella, every time I see an UK gent with one, I mentally revert back to that movie lol
Love the idea of hillside and valley with the bridge, it will look amazing. Incidentally PVA works brilliantly on polystyrene. I do strengthen it with 5/6 layers of papier mache and it has become surprisingly, yet incredibly strong.
Hi John, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Papier Mache is fine but I’m just too impatient to wait for it to dry especially in a video. Good luck with your layout. Regards Charlie
I used the green blocks used for artificial flowers, they cut well and don't go everywhere. I covered them using basket lining...there is a certain sort though and it's bard to find.
That looks really good. TIP: I coat polystyrene shapes with a thin layer of plaster (e.g. Shaper Sheet Plaster) so it stops it chipping and then you can glue anything to it or paint it. It is much stronger afterwards.
What I found most wonderful in your work here, though you didn't mention it and should have taken your due bow, is how your grass blend near perfectly matched the hues of the grass fields in your back scene. Spot on! Cheers from a new fan in America, who is also new to model trains. Love your videos.
Same forming method I have used, but I don't have the hot wire cutter so had to resort to my method of knifes and a electric palm sander! On my current project I've also laid track on the polystyrene to elevate the track above a lake. Great thing about it is if your layout is portable as mine is, it's very light!
I'm gonna start getting into this hobby when my loft has been refurbished, and I've been collecting videos I find helpful into a little playlist. I'm certain that in a few days 80% of the playlist will be your videos :) Your videos leave a unique feeling of accomplishment. I'll feel satisfied even knowing that I only watched you doing your work, and I love that :)
Hi, I’m so pleased that you enjoy my videos and it’s comments like yours that make it worthwhile. Good luck with your layout and keep us posted on your progress. Regards Charlie
I will do, the layout will probably begin around December since that's when the loft is expected to be finished :) Thanks for responding btw, alot of youtubers don't do that :)
Hi there, This was my first time watching your video clip. I had to admit, I really enjoyed your tutorial on landscaping. So professionally looking the way you come across. I'm new to the model railway scene, so a lot to learn. Many thanks Brian Nicholson
Brilliant video. I have never liked polystyrene because of the mess yet the hot wire method might just change my mind. Thanks for showing. I usually use layers of news paper scrunched up and layered multiple times with neat PVA. Produces a hard light shell and costs next to nothing. Is about the only use for a 'news' paper in my life!
That hot-wire tool is great and far better than using a knife. I would have used static grass on the hill, but it would not be as to scale as your method. So that’s another thing for me to remember.
Hi Charlie great how to video love that hot wire is Make life at lot easier when cutting foam or polystyrene make so much mess love the end result the new cutting looks fantastic I've always gone for static grass all over my layout but how you've flocked lit looks better gives more variation and depth in you landscape. Great stuff look forward to you next video .. thanks for sharing . Pete
Another great "military operation" Charlie :-) , the "EPS" type foam used for insulation is much easier to work with (but you obviously have to pay for it) you can also sand it and shape it by hand much easier. A nice result , well done.
Evening Charlie. What a brilliant video with lots of good tips 😊 I think it’ll encourage younger models to have a go as you made it look really easy 👍🏻 Stevie.
Charlie. We "found" your channel about 4 months ago by dint of an obscure UA-cam algorithm. Neither my wife or I are modelers (tho I would love the woodwork, rail work and electrics but i do not have a clue about the scenery). She knits. We find you a wonderful enthusiastic teacher and such relaxing late evening TV . Earlier this eve, we popped back to ep 37 to watch you unveil your hot wire cutter and Allie (The wife) asked: I wonder what Charlie's wife thinks about Charlie's hobby/job, and what does she do downstairs while he is modeling? Good questions I think Jonathan
Great video, and the first part reminded me of a ww2 RAF ' our mission for tonight ' all you needed was a piece of cloth over your plan board , made me laugh , keep up these great videos as like most I am learning alot to improve my railway modelling and especially in these difficult days we are all in.
Hi Charlie, your video is very timely as I have just started to do my hillside with foot path halfway up it and a single track 4ft tunnel with no access to retrieve derailed trains. But I have a cunning plan. Barry.Devon
Excellent Charlie! Adding the scenics is always the best part of layout building. Don’t know if you’ve seen the 3d printed self adhesive brickwork by Railtec.....looks amazing and is very versatile. Until next week mate.
@@ChadwickModelRailway You are extremely talented m8t, your polystyrene hills look ace, due to me using n gauge its probably unlikely i can fit a camera coach. it was your TMD that kicked it off for me, ive watched many videos from others none are a patch on yours.
Hi Charlie, Interesting Hot Wire, i have seen them in the past but like you, i have always used a old kitchen knife, but that look a lot less messier than the knife as you will may agree! I think i’ll look into the price of those, and the plug in type like your rather than the Battery version. As always Charlie, a great watch and always professionally put over to us the viewing YT’ers...! 👍 Thumbs Up 👍
An economy tip : all printed sheets, representing different kind of stone/ brick work in different colours should not be bought in large quantity, as they are quiet expensive. Alternatively, one can have a master copy of each of them & get them printed in colour xerox for multiple copies, which will work out about 10% cost of the original one.
My solution to avoid the flat pancake look is to have the track raised 2 inches, or 5 cm, above the baseboard. I use foam board for this. As a result, I can lower the terrain for rivers, lakes, etc, as well as raise it. The problem with laying track directly on top of the baseboard is that there is no space to go below track level, thus forcing part of the flat look.
Hello Charlie, that is what I am intending to do. I just bought the foam board. it is called extruded polystyrene, or XPS. There are also commercial names, like styrisol, for the same stuff, but the name of the material itself is XPS. XPS is the same plastic as the stuff you used for the hills, except that xps is not bubbly and therefore much less messy to cut / saw / etc. XPS is not cheap, though. I paid about 120 Eur, or about GBP 110 for a double (4 inch) layer on top of a 12 foot by 4 foot (roughly) baseboard. This is intended to be enough to do the terrain above the track as well, though. I think my key point was that laying the track directly on the baseboard makes it impossible to have terrain lower than the track, unless you make cuts in the baseboard. Other alternatives to have raised track are: - first design what the terrain and track plan should look like, and build risers for the track. If you build the risers yourself, this should be much cheaper. - have open benchwork, and do without the baseboard altogether. The railbed then goes on top of the benchwork, or through the cross-braces. An example can be found here: ua-cam.com/video/hYqI8I0JrUo/v-deo.html I hope this is of some use to you or another viewer.
Well done Charlie, looks the goods. in case you missed my earlier comment on the last landscaping vid, here it is again: I know this vids all about the landscape but I can't get this thought out of my mind, so here it is. As per your mud map - On the lines going over the Viaduct [board 4] and into the end of the old TMD boards [boards 5,6] you have one fast track going along the front of TMD and the other from under the hill to the goods line at the back. However you almost have 2 lines at the front of TMD [5,6] that go into the tunnel [5], so why not put another switch in on the "Goods Line" just after the diamond crossing [4] that can route onto the other track at the front of the TMD that at this point in time, is on that switch making it into one track on the left side as you face TMD [5] and on the right side you have that same line going into another switch also back into the same line [6], (make the tunnel mouths bigger) which I'm assuming will in the end of the revamp go back around [Board 7 to 3] to match up the the the first fast track back over on the Parkway side, well you sorta need 2 line so why not just take it all the way around as an up an down pair. And at the TMD you could even install a small station platform. Also at the end of the TMD you can install another set of switch's and a diamond crossing to go back around into a revers loop onto the fiddle yard at the back a bit like the original loop does now on [6]. If you can understand all that - you did better than I expected LOL
I’m currently working away from home and can’t quite visualise your plan. I’ll have a look on my return home but thanks so much for taking the time to examine my track plan.
Great video as always Charlie. Minor technical point - camera was struggling to cope with exposure when you introduced large pure white pieces of polystyrene into the frame making details difficult to see but maybe you don't have exposure control on the video camera? Anyway, great video, many thanks.
Dear Charlie, Thank you so much for yet another great video, they just keep getting better and better. I am returning to the hobby after 48 years, your activities greatly inspire me. I particularly enjoyed the Blue Peter reference! May I ask what did you used to do for a living? Kind regards Shaun
Hi Shaun. I’m so pleased that you enjoy the videos. I’m now semi retired but working as a photographer. Before that, I was a career sailor. Regards Charlie
Charlie. I'm still working through your terrific videos they are so inspirational. I've just looked at improving scenery and would like to know he make and size of the clamp you used. I've looked on the internet and the only mini clamps are the spring ones which I would think would squash the item. Mike
Thats a good cutter Charles... you could even let the good lady use it to cut slices of bread, cheese, tomato and ham... ready toasted; No need for a sandwich toaster! Good video by the way. On a serious note, are there many fumes from the melting foam? If only Network Rail had discovered cellotape... their cuttings would have turned out perfect as well!
Hi Charlie, That hot wire cutter has done a really nice job! I was thinking about cardboard formers stuffed with newspaper and plaster bandage but now I am not so sure. Maybe both methods will be useful. I like the use of different blends of turf, It makes it look alot more natural. Now you just need that backscene down the other side :) Cheers
Hi Michael, Yes the polystyrene is a useful waist product that can be so messy if you use a knife. That backscene does have to extended soon. Regards Charlie
Michael Henfrey cardboard stuffed with news paper but ALSO layered with about 3 coats of news paper brushed with neat PVA is my usual method. Cheap, faily quick, easy, not too messy, strong, lightweight....makes REAL fruitful use of a 'news' paper at last!
Chadwick Model Railway - Of course! I tried chicken wire and plaster bandage before. Results were good yet I found that more expensive, awkard and messy than news paper and glue. I might try the hot wire though after watching your vid. I have some polystyrene packing stored in the loft.
Great video Charlie, have you seen Luke Towan of Boulder Creek RR on youtube? He's also done some great videos using hot wire cutters and foam to build landscapes.
Agreed about Luke’s diorama videos. Scary level of detail, but many useful tips. I’ve spent many an hour watching his videos, but I’ve never seen him make a mistake, so it isn’t obvious how narrow the path is he’s following. Charlie’s videos show lot more, even with moments where his surprise is apparent; so keep up the good work, Charlie. Regards, Tom
Charlie, I find your videos very entertaining, full of tips and presented in a nice relaxed informative way. However, could I make a small request? - could you lower the volume of the camera shutters at the into / exit. I often listen via headphones and they are just a tad too loud ! - Anyway, looking forward to next weeks video regardless :)
Chadwick Model Railway - Could I please bolster his request on the shutter volume? I have been meaning to ask myself for a while yet didn't want to nit pick because your channel really is good. I find the volume often literally makes me jump and then I have to turn the volume up to hear you, then later at the outro the volume can make me jump again requiring me to turn it down!
Fabulous video. How long do we need to wait in suspense for the viaduct. I’m looking to add one as a key feature so interested to see how it should look. Thank you Steve Wilson.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Steve . The viaduct build will commence late September but I’m hopeful that it will be worth the wait. Regards Charlie
Hiya Charlie, another great video... BUT YOU READ THE DESTRUCTIONS!!!!! Shame on you dear sir... Does look like great fun though, can I ask how much it was please? Am I the only one who thought sheep would be better on that high slope? I love the little copse in the corner of that field, did you make the trees? Yes, the different shades of green look better than uniformity would. All in all a very good job yet again, thank you...
Brilliant charlie you make it look so easy will you come and do mine and do all my locos that need painting and i dont take no for a answer lol cheers paul
Love Your Videos, You are easy to Understand. My Layout is a 12' by 12' L I have a problem with the upper loop how long would you make a reversing loop?
Hi James, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video. My base boards are 36 inches from the floor. At that height I can work on them quite easily and also sit back and watch the trains go by. Regards Charlie
Amazing video Charlie, I went to a show in Hereford and it was based on the Yorkshire dales but was completely flat no hills! Were do you buy your polystyrene? I looked in hobby craft they did not have it I looked in both my local model shop they did not have it then my last option was BandQ but they had one with lots of holes and lines NOT USEFUL! And when you said it is in packaging I was like oh yes since then I have bought a lot of things since then but still no polystyrene? Do you have a way around it?
Hi Billy, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video. If you are stuck go to a builders supplier such as Bradfords. They sell very large sheets about 2.5 inches thick, which are used in cavity wall insulation. Regards Charlie
Charlie, What is the voltage and power of the hot wire mains wall-wart? I have a power supply, so would like to be able to save that expense duplication. (unless the hot wire psu can be used for other things?) Thanks, Tom
Chadwick Model Railway Thanks, Charlie. Quite powerful (10W) but not a voltage that immediately reflects something that can be used. I will probably go for the cheaper version (10 rather than 50) and use my power source. Thanks for the reminder to get spare wire. Well worth 4 quid to have in hand!
I've watched this one before and came back to check out plans for a low and short retaining wall. Great tips, as ever. Thanks Charlie.
Thanks PS, I’m so pleased that you found it useful. Regards, Charlie.
great video..great result..particularly liked the umbrella bit..thanks heaps
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Kezza.
This idea may have modern support with 3D wallpaper. However, what we see in this video is great!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it SB
That is some adventurous cattle!
I'm a closet modeller Charlie; not that I model in a closet, but more the fact that not many people know it's one of my hobbies. Cracking videos, you have a great demeanour on camera.
Ed, it’s comments such as this that make the video worthwhile.
just started this modelling hobby charlie these are a great help
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Brian.
Charlie love watching your laid-back videos with my breakfast on a Saturday morning and l wish you could find more time in life to produce 2 of these a week as 1 never seems to be enough! It reminds me of back in the day when us oldies used to go to Saturday morning pictures and you were left with a cliff hanger of an ending to whatever we were watching and had to wait a whole week for the next part!......all the best. John
Hi John, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Good luck with your layout.
Hi Charlie, I made my own, using a broken guitar E string for the cutter. An adjustable power supply means that I can use different lengths of cutter wire.
I’m impressed on your DIY skills Peter.
Unless you’re stringing me along!
Another great video Charlie. I enjoyed having a model railway on the floor as a child but always shied away from building a proper layout - I suppose because I never thought I could create anything as good as the layouts I'd seen at exhibitions. Now, as I approach retirement, my interest in building a model railway has been re-kindled and your videos have shown me that with the right tools and materials and some fairly straight forward techniques, a very good result is within everyone's capability. I guess the hard part is being able to visualize the end result that you wish to create and not worry about making the odd mistake. Many thanks.
Hi Vernon,
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video.
Good luck with your layout and please don’t leave it too late!
Regards Charlie
Playing trains IS what it is all about. That is the best quote ever 😀😀
I’m pleased that it made you smile .
That was excellent. Superbly detailed, giving a real depth, highly realistic. Thanks.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed Alan
Chris I really enjoy your videos one thing about this hobby we never stop learning, as for myself I haven't done model railways in years but presently planning a shunting puzzle as I am tight on space but hey we do with what we have. Keep up the great work 👍👍
Thanks MB, I’m so pleased that you enjoy them. Regards Charlie
Oh my goodness, the umbrella just shouts to me "British Gent" or the such! Love the use of it :)
A touch of class perhaps! Doubtful!
Regards Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Ever since I saw Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Sean Connery using his umbrella, every time I see an UK gent with one, I mentally revert back to that movie lol
Love the idea of hillside and valley with the bridge, it will look amazing. Incidentally PVA works brilliantly on polystyrene. I do strengthen it with 5/6 layers of papier mache and it has become surprisingly, yet incredibly strong.
Hi John,
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Papier Mache is fine but I’m just too impatient to wait for it to dry especially in a video.
Good luck with your layout.
Regards Charlie
That is an excellent piece of scenery. Certainly looks the part when the train/camera runs through the cutting.
Thanks Bruce.
I used the green blocks used for artificial flowers, they cut well and don't go everywhere. I covered them using basket lining...there is a certain sort though and it's bard to find.
Thanks for the tip Ewood.
Only recently discovered your channel and as a newbie to modelling have to say your videos are superb and extremely informative, I’m hooked!
I’m so pleased that you enjoy them Stewart. Hopefully you have subscribed too.
Really good and simple instructions you gave there. With great results. I'll definitely use some of those on my next layout.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it John.
That looks really good. TIP: I coat polystyrene shapes with a thin layer of plaster (e.g. Shaper Sheet Plaster) so it stops it chipping and then you can glue anything to it or paint it. It is much stronger afterwards.
I’m so pleased that you liked it. Good tip too. Regards Charlie
Very helpful. Always nice to see the kinks worked out of an upcoming project. Thanks.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Austin
Brilliant mate. Made me get back into the hobby.
It’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile Chris.
Fantastic job , I've never used polystyrene, seems easier than what I did, build up of paper and plaster cloth. Now looking forward to the viaduct.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Richard.
Great video , it gave me a few good idea's on scenery
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Paul and hopefully you’ve subscribed too.
What I found most wonderful in your work here, though you didn't mention it and should have taken your due bow, is how your grass blend near perfectly matched the hues of the grass fields in your back scene. Spot on! Cheers from a new fan in America, who is also new to model trains. Love your videos.
Hi Anthony, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video and like the colour choices for the fields. Good luck with your new layout. Regards Charlie
Nice video, Charlie. I love your relaxed, easy style. Great job on the cutting!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie
Hello Charlie, what a super job you have done with that corner, excellent addition to the landscape....Congrats CHEERS gREG
Hi Greg, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Regards Charlie
Same forming method I have used, but I don't have the hot wire cutter so had to resort to my method of knifes and a electric palm sander!
On my current project I've also laid track on the polystyrene to elevate the track above a lake. Great thing about it is if your layout is portable as mine is, it's very light!
Hi,
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Regards Charlie
I'm gonna start getting into this hobby when my loft has been refurbished, and I've been collecting videos I find helpful into a little playlist. I'm certain that in a few days 80% of the playlist will be your videos :)
Your videos leave a unique feeling of accomplishment. I'll feel satisfied even knowing that I only watched you doing your work, and I love that :)
Hi, I’m so pleased that you enjoy my videos and it’s comments like yours that make it worthwhile.
Good luck with your layout and keep us posted on your progress.
Regards Charlie
I will do, the layout will probably begin around December since that's when the loft is expected to be finished :)
Thanks for responding btw, alot of youtubers don't do that :)
Hi there,
This was my first time watching your video clip. I had to admit, I really enjoyed your tutorial on landscaping. So professionally looking the way you come across.
I'm new to the model railway scene, so a lot to learn.
Many thanks Brian Nicholson
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Brian.
Brilliant video. I have never liked polystyrene because of the mess yet the hot wire method might just change my mind. Thanks for showing.
I usually use layers of news paper scrunched up and layered multiple times with neat PVA. Produces a hard light shell and costs next to nothing. Is about the only use for a 'news' paper in my life!
Hi, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie
Thank you - most informative, helpful and well-explained; as always. Certainly brings the whole area to life.
Thanks Alex, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
That hot-wire tool is great and far better than using a knife. I would have used static grass on the hill, but it would not be as to scale as your method. So that’s another thing for me to remember.
Hi Jazzman,
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Yeah static grass far away breaks the scale distance effect. Best for the front.
I was going to ask why you didn't use static grass on the hill parts is it as stated for scale?
Another lovely job Charlie, that small hill is a scene in and on itself! Joachim
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie
Very enjoyable. Liked the way you blended the hill into the backscene. Geoff. W.
Hi Geoff, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Hi Charlie great how to video love that hot wire is Make life at lot easier when cutting foam or polystyrene make so much mess love the end result the new cutting looks fantastic I've always gone for static grass all over my layout but how you've flocked lit looks better gives more variation and depth in you landscape. Great stuff look forward to you next video .. thanks for sharing . Pete
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Pete.
Hi there Iam also thinking of putting in a hill side on both sides of my layout thanks for the idear and what a great one at that
It makes a great cutting Paul.
What a brilliant tutorial. I really do enjoy your videos. Thanks for being so inspiring. Can’t wait for the next instalment.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Mathew.
Another great video Charlie, the hills really give some depth to that corner of your layout. Looking forward to the next video!!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Shawn.
Aww excellent Charlie. Definite food for thought. Thanks.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Rioch. Regards Charlie
Another great "military operation" Charlie :-) , the "EPS" type foam used for insulation is much easier to work with (but you obviously have to pay for it) you can also sand it and shape it by hand much easier. A nice result , well done.
I shall have get some of that EPS foam, just to give it a go. Regards Charlie
Evening Charlie. What a brilliant video with lots of good tips 😊 I think it’ll encourage younger models to have a go as you made it look really easy 👍🏻 Stevie.
Hi Stevie, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
It would be wonderful if we could attract more youngsters.
Regards Charlie
I’m 48 does that make me a younger modeller lol
Charlie a very detailed explanation, keep the videos coming
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Paul.
That was interesting, look like you had fun with your new toy. Best wishes, Alex.
Hi Alex,
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Regards Charlie
Charlie. We "found" your channel about 4 months ago by dint of an obscure UA-cam algorithm.
Neither my wife or I are modelers (tho I would love the woodwork, rail work and electrics but i do not have a clue about the scenery). She knits.
We find you a wonderful enthusiastic teacher and such relaxing late evening TV .
Earlier this eve, we popped back to ep 37 to watch you unveil your hot wire cutter and Allie (The wife) asked: I wonder what Charlie's wife thinks about Charlie's hobby/job, and what does she do downstairs while he is modeling?
Good questions I think
Jonathan
I’m so pleased that the channel brings you both some relaxation Jonathan. Stay safe, regards Charlie
Great video Charlie, another thumbs up from me and I may even buy the cutter now.
Finished hills look very impressive.
Cheers Paul
Hi Paul,
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Regards Charlie
Thank you for a very entertaining as well as informative 👍👍. I did appreciate the hot cutter review.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it David.
Absolutely brilliant Charlie, goes to show you do not need to spend a lot of money to get professional looking scenery...Simon
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Simon.
Looks fantastic!! Loving your videos and very concise and well presented information. Thanks!
Thanks Paul, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Hi Charlie Great video very informative and well presented thanks for posting Dave.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Dave.
Very informative, entertaining and inspirational. Great work.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Paul.
Great video, and the first part reminded me of a ww2 RAF ' our mission for tonight ' all you needed was a piece of cloth over your plan board , made me laugh , keep up these great videos as like most I am learning alot to improve my railway modelling and especially in these difficult days we are all in.
It’s comments such as yours Ian, that make shooting these videos worthwhile.
It looks fantastic. Nice job
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Jim
very good - thanks Charlie
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Bloody brilliant
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Another master class, Charlie.
Anything to keep you watching Nige.
very good stuff. Metcalfe stuff is so easy to work with! Dave
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Dave.
I dread to think of how many hours you have spent gluing card.
Regards Charlie
Love the channel Charlie! Another great video
Hi , I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie
Love your style sir, looking forward to the next one
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Colin.
Hi Charlie, your video is very timely as I have just started to do my hillside with foot path halfway up it and a single track 4ft tunnel with no access to retrieve derailed trains. But I have a cunning plan.
Barry.Devon
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Barry.Good luck with your layout.
Well done!
Thanks mate.
Amazing wish I thought of that when I did the main terrain
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Looks amazing!!
Thanks Mary.
Excellent Charlie! Adding the scenics is always the best part of layout building. Don’t know if you’ve seen the 3d printed self adhesive brickwork by Railtec.....looks amazing and is very versatile. Until next week mate.
Hi Tase, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie
Damian Chmielewski
Rest assured that I’m on the case now that my hectic July is coming to an end.
Hi Charlie, excellent video it's given me a lot to think about for my own viaduct...................John.
Hi John, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Good luck with your layout.
I'm enjoying these video's I'm looking forward to the viaduct video now😊
I’m so pleased that you enjoy them. Regards Charlie
Excellent as usual
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Tom.
Looks great!!!
Thanks very much.
Thanks Charlie for this very interesting video !! Regards Onno.
I like to keep you happy Onno.
Looks good
Thanks John
Not gonna lie, this looks amazing fella
I do hope so mate.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Its ace, your videos really are inspiring me to crack on and build.
What a heartwarming comment.
@@ChadwickModelRailway You are extremely talented m8t, your polystyrene hills look ace, due to me using n gauge its probably unlikely i can fit a camera coach. it was your TMD that kicked it off for me, ive watched many videos from others none are a patch on yours.
Hi Charlie, Interesting Hot Wire, i have seen them in the past but like you, i have always used a old kitchen knife, but that look a lot less messier than the knife as you will may agree! I think i’ll look into the price of those, and the plug in type like your rather than the Battery version. As always Charlie, a great watch and always professionally put over to us the viewing YT’ers...! 👍 Thumbs Up 👍
Hi Jamie,
I’m so pleased that you found it useful. I’ll be using it again in the next video too. Good luck with your layout.
Regards Charlie
Interesting video. Subscribed for more. Cheers Matt
Great to have you onboard Matt.
Another excellent Video Thank you.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Peter. Regards Charlie
An economy tip : all printed sheets, representing different kind of stone/ brick work in different colours should not be bought in large quantity, as they are quiet expensive. Alternatively, one can have a master copy of each of them & get them printed in colour xerox for multiple copies, which will work out about 10% cost of the original one.
Good advice.
My solution to avoid the flat pancake look is to have the track raised 2 inches, or 5 cm, above the baseboard. I use foam board for this.
As a result, I can lower the terrain for rivers, lakes, etc, as well as raise it. The problem with laying track directly on top of the baseboard is that there is no space to go below track level, thus forcing part of the flat look.
Hi Diedert,
That is a interesting idea. Do you start by covering the whole board with foam board?
Good luck with your layout. Regards Charlie
Hello Charlie,
that is what I am intending to do. I just bought the foam board. it is called extruded polystyrene, or XPS. There are also commercial names, like styrisol, for the same stuff, but the name of the material itself is XPS.
XPS is the same plastic as the stuff you used for the hills, except that xps is not bubbly and therefore much less messy to cut / saw / etc.
XPS is not cheap, though. I paid about 120 Eur, or about GBP 110 for a double (4 inch) layer on top of a 12 foot by 4 foot (roughly) baseboard. This is intended to be enough to do the terrain above the track as well, though.
I think my key point was that laying the track directly on the baseboard makes it impossible to have terrain lower than the track, unless you make cuts in the baseboard.
Other alternatives to have raised track are:
- first design what the terrain and track plan should look like, and build risers for the track. If you build the risers yourself, this should be much cheaper.
- have open benchwork, and do without the baseboard altogether. The railbed then goes on top of the benchwork, or through the cross-braces. An example can be found here:
ua-cam.com/video/hYqI8I0JrUo/v-deo.html
I hope this is of some use to you or another viewer.
Well done Charlie, looks the goods. in case you missed my earlier comment on the last landscaping vid, here it is again:
I know this vids all about the landscape but I can't get this thought out of my mind, so here it is. As per your mud map - On the lines going over the Viaduct [board 4] and into the end of the old TMD boards [boards 5,6] you have one fast track going along the front of TMD and the other from under the hill to the goods line at the back. However you almost have 2 lines at the front of TMD [5,6] that go into the tunnel [5], so why not put another switch in on the "Goods Line" just after the diamond crossing [4] that can route onto the other track at the front of the TMD that at this point in time, is on that switch making it into one track on the left side as you face TMD [5] and on the right side you have that same line going into another switch also back into the same line [6], (make the tunnel mouths bigger) which I'm assuming will in the end of the revamp go back around [Board 7 to 3] to match up the the the first fast track back over on the Parkway side, well you sorta need 2 line so why not just take it all the way around as an up an down pair. And at the TMD you could even install a small station platform. Also at the end of the TMD you can install another set of switch's and a diamond crossing to go back around into a revers loop onto the fiddle yard at the back a bit like the original loop does now on [6]. If you can understand all that - you did better than I expected LOL
I’m currently working away from home and can’t quite visualise your plan.
I’ll have a look on my return home but thanks so much for taking the time to examine my track plan.
A GREAT VIDIO, I INJOYED IT VERY MUCH.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Michael.
Great video as always Charlie. Minor technical point - camera was struggling to cope with exposure when you introduced large pure white pieces of polystyrene into the frame making details difficult to see but maybe you don't have exposure control on the video camera? Anyway, great video, many thanks.
Yes I did have some exposure issues, especially when I moved it closer to the camera. I’ll certainly watch out in the future. Regards Charlie
Dear Charlie,
Thank you so much for yet another great video, they just keep getting better and better.
I am returning to the hobby after 48 years, your activities greatly inspire me.
I particularly enjoyed the Blue Peter reference!
May I ask what did you used to do for a living?
Kind regards
Shaun
Hi Shaun.
I’m so pleased that you enjoy the videos.
I’m now semi retired but working as a photographer.
Before that, I was a career sailor.
Regards Charlie
Charlie. I'm still working through your terrific videos they are so inspirational. I've just looked at improving scenery and would like to know he make and size of the clamp you used. I've looked on the internet and the only mini clamps are the spring ones which I would think would squash the item.
Mike
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video Mike. I’m pretty sure that I bought the clamps from Squires, at a model railway show.
Thats a good cutter Charles... you could even let the good lady use it to cut slices of bread, cheese, tomato and ham... ready toasted; No need for a sandwich toaster! Good video by the way. On a serious note, are there many fumes from the melting foam? If only Network Rail had discovered cellotape... their cuttings would have turned out perfect as well!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Gary.
Hi Charlie,
That hot wire cutter has done a really nice job! I was thinking about cardboard formers stuffed with newspaper and plaster bandage but now I am not so sure. Maybe both methods will be useful. I like the use of different blends of turf, It makes it look alot more natural. Now you just need that backscene down the other side :) Cheers
Hi Michael,
Yes the polystyrene is a useful waist product that can be so messy if you use a knife.
That backscene does have to extended soon.
Regards Charlie
Michael Henfrey cardboard stuffed with news paper but ALSO layered with about 3 coats of news paper brushed with neat PVA is my usual method.
Cheap, faily quick, easy, not too messy, strong, lightweight....makes REAL fruitful use of a 'news' paper at last!
There are more than one way to skin cat (as the old saying goes).
Chadwick Model Railway - Of course!
I tried chicken wire and plaster bandage before. Results were good yet I found that more expensive, awkard and messy than news paper and glue.
I might try the hot wire though after watching your vid. I have some polystyrene packing stored in the loft.
Great video Charlie, have you seen Luke Towan of Boulder Creek RR on youtube? He's also done some great videos using hot wire cutters and foam to build landscapes.
Hi 01276,
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
No I haven’t seen Luke’s video but I’m on the case.
Regards Charlie
Agreed about Luke’s diorama videos. Scary level of detail, but many useful tips. I’ve spent many an hour watching his videos, but I’ve never seen him make a mistake, so it isn’t obvious how narrow the path is he’s following. Charlie’s videos show lot more, even with moments where his surprise is apparent; so keep up the good work, Charlie. Regards, Tom
Great video as always, did you say "there is a couple of safe words"..... ;)
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it but I’m scratching my head regarding the “safe words”?
Charlie, I find your videos very entertaining, full of tips and presented in a nice relaxed informative way. However, could I make a small request? - could you lower the volume of the camera shutters at the into / exit. I often listen via headphones and they are just a tad too loud ! - Anyway, looking forward to next weeks video regardless :)
Yes I will certainly turn the volume down on the intro and outro.
Thanks for letting me know Malcolm. Regards Charlie
Chadwick Model Railway - Could I please bolster his request on the shutter volume?
I have been meaning to ask myself for a while yet didn't want to nit pick because your channel really is good.
I find the volume often literally makes me jump and then I have to turn the volume up to hear you, then later at the outro the volume can make me jump again requiring me to turn it down!
Thanks Charlie for taking my comment in the constructive manor it was intended rather than a criticism.
@@MalcolmCrabbe Charlie's house is certainly a constructive manor ;)
Will you stop making it look so easy, I’m getting an inferiority complex.... Great video Charlie.
You’re too kind Alan. Regards Charlie
Cool
Thanks Ray
✌ Great video! 👍🏼 👏🏻 😍
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Holly.
Hopefully you have subscribed too.
Regards Charlie
Fabulous video. How long do we need to wait in suspense for the viaduct. I’m looking to add one as a key feature so interested to see how it should look. Thank you Steve Wilson.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Steve .
The viaduct build will commence late September but I’m hopeful that it will be worth the wait. Regards Charlie
Hiya Charlie, another great video... BUT YOU READ THE DESTRUCTIONS!!!!! Shame on you dear sir... Does look like great fun though, can I ask how much it was please?
Am I the only one who thought sheep would be better on that high slope? I love the little copse in the corner of that field, did you make the trees? Yes, the different shades of green look better than uniformity would. All in all a very good job yet again, thank you...
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Steve. The cost etc are all in the “See More” just below the screen.
Glue back together with polystyrene cement hehe, trouble is this stuff is the ultimate fire hazard
That’s why I always use PVA for this project.
Regards Charlie
not if it is coated in plaster Synth :)
Brilliant charlie you make it look so easy will you come and do mine and do all my locos that need painting and i dont take no for a answer lol cheers paul
Hi Paul, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Go on give it a go.
Regards Charlie
Chadwick Model Railway all your videos have helped me out most videos i skip but yours i dont keep up the great work cheers paul
Love Your Videos, You are easy to Understand. My Layout is a 12' by 12' L I have a problem with the upper loop how long would you make a reversing loop?
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the videos Robert.
I imagine that at least 3ft 6in is the minimum but that’s very tight.
hello
lovely job indeed
can i ask what height are your baseboards from the floor
thanks
james
Hi James, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video.
My base boards are 36 inches from the floor. At that height I can work on them quite easily and also sit back and watch the trains go by.
Regards Charlie
thanks for that 👍👍👍
Great as ever Charlie, Question, which Regiment!
Sorry, wrong service Kev!
What so you use for glue a) for polystyrene to polystyrene and b) polystyrene to base board etc?
Sorry Brian it’s an awful question. I think last time I used a polyurethane wood glue (no promises though). Try to avoid polystyrene if you can.
Very gooood video !
Thank you 😊
Patrick. #letraindejules
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Patrick.
Amazing video Charlie, I went to a show in Hereford and it was based on the Yorkshire dales but was completely flat no hills! Were do you buy your polystyrene? I looked in hobby craft they did not have it I looked in both my local model shop they did not have it then my last option was BandQ but they had one with lots of holes and lines NOT USEFUL! And when you said it is in packaging I was like oh yes since then I have bought a lot of things since then but still no polystyrene? Do you have a way around it?
Hi Billy, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video.
If you are stuck go to a builders supplier such as Bradfords. They sell very large sheets about 2.5 inches thick, which are used in cavity wall insulation.
Regards Charlie
Hi Billy,
I've just bought two 8 ft x 2 ft sheets from Wickes for £15.
Regards Charlie
Chadwick Model Railway, amazing thanks for the info also do you think you could do a video of Ballasting?
Charlie, What is the voltage and power of the hot wire mains wall-wart? I have a power supply, so would like to be able to save that expense duplication. (unless the hot wire psu can be used for other things?)
Thanks,
Tom
Hi Tom,
The Woodland Scenics transformer produces 7.5v DC, 1500mA.
Regards Charlie
Chadwick Model Railway
Thanks, Charlie. Quite powerful (10W) but not a voltage that immediately reflects something that can be used. I will probably go for the cheaper version (10 rather than 50) and use my power source. Thanks for the reminder to get spare wire. Well worth 4 quid to have in hand!
What camera do you use? Im after a new one myself but cant really find any
Hi, the camera details are in the”See More” tab.
How did hi ou come up with the name Chadwick
It was a nickname from a close friend which just stuck Ryan.