Hello James. I discovered your wonderful channel only recently whilst researching videos for my planned small N Gauge rural branch terminus layout and must say that you are an inspiration. Your 'micro' and 'cameo' builds are amazing in their level of detail and just what I wold like to achieve myself :) Your Mindful videos are a joy, and has really made me think about my approach to this hobby so thank you . I come to railway modelling from a very similar hobby, in that I spend my days painting model soldiers on commission for collectors and specialise in small scales, I find it both therapeutic and relaxing and take great pleasure in delivering to my customers work of the highest standard that I am able to achieve. My own channel features commission work and bench updates much like this one! I now have a clear vision of what I want my layout to represent, a small slice of 1950's rural Kent built to the highest standard of modelling that I can achieve. Sorry to ramble on there James, I shall continue to follow your excellent work. Lee.
Lee, thank you, I am glad you have enjoyed stumbling in here. It’s not updated as often as I’d like, but my blog is daily. I find the written word much easier to manipulate quickly than having to edit and post video footage. Your commission work sounds similar in sorts to my own, but I love the variety of what I do - I can be designing new parts on the computer, working on a layout design on paper, building a model railway baseboard with big power tools in wood, constructing an etched brass kit or hand painting and weathering tiny details - all in one week. Wonderful stuff.
I absolutely love your videos. They help me remember that this hobby should be enjoyed, slow down and not to be rushed. Although you have indirectly cost me a small fortune. I've both your books which I absolutely adore and love just flicking through. Which was dangerous as I fell down a rabbit hole and as a 4mm modeller I've just invested in some N code 40 track and points from British finescale and some accompanying locos and rolling stock. I'm really looking forward to making a start. Hope you don't mind, am also going to pinch your Scottish layout idea. Just not quite sure in which scale yet?? Thank you so so much for helping me slow down and enjoy the hobby again. 🫡
You missed a bit! Lovely video, James, I think I'll take your lead and indulge in some mindful wiring this Sunday. Not quite at the painting stage yet, but when I am your words will be accompanying me in the task.
Thanks James, mindful wiring, yes that feels a stretch but take your time, enjoy spending the time to move the project forwards rather than rushing through to the next phase.
For the first time in many years I was wiring a Layout last weekend. Thanks to you James I did it mindfully. I really enjoyed it. It took the burden away from rushing through this normally frustrating part of the hobby for me. Some more mindful wiring ahead tomorrow. Thank you again.
I sure enjoy these films and the message in them. It’s funny to think about: we want a model railway, we want to make a model railway, yet rush into a through the time making it. I believe that in this time we discover things about ourself (this period as one of introspection) and also where we build a closer connection with out own work. Each stroke of the brush working our feeling of connection to what we’re making bedded just a little closer into our soul.
I enjoy your relaxed approach and enthusiasm for this hobby. The artistry and techniques you employ are truly inspiring! Many thanks for all you do in promoting happiness and positivity!
If you watch ua-cam.com/video/JVJ725Bde_8/v-deo.htmlsi=E4PjPxrQVpxY5Ujc you’ll see that I decided that Paxton Road (2) was already everything I needed…
Zen In the art of painting hardboard could become a classic book similar to the famous Zen in the art of archery and and only superseded by the book Zen in the art of motorcycle decoration.
Yeah, painting preparation and the actual painting - not my favourite tasks. My own (first) 'Cameo' box isn't far off needing it's initial painting, but with all those large flat surfaces, I'm afraid it's rollers for me (sorry).
As an introduction to the art of watching paint dry goes, this is an excellent primer…
🤠➡️
That is a fabulous pun!
Hello James. I discovered your wonderful channel only recently whilst researching videos for my planned small N Gauge rural branch terminus layout and must say that you are an inspiration. Your 'micro' and 'cameo' builds are amazing in their level of detail and just what I wold like to achieve myself :) Your Mindful videos are a joy, and has really made me think about my approach to this hobby so thank you .
I come to railway modelling from a very similar hobby, in that I spend my days painting model soldiers on commission for collectors and specialise in small scales, I find it both therapeutic and relaxing and take great pleasure in delivering to my customers work of the highest standard that I am able to achieve. My own channel features commission work and bench updates much like this one!
I now have a clear vision of what I want my layout to represent, a small slice of 1950's rural Kent built to the highest standard of modelling that I can achieve.
Sorry to ramble on there James, I shall continue to follow your excellent work.
Lee.
Lee, thank you, I am glad you have enjoyed stumbling in here. It’s not updated as often as I’d like, but my blog is daily. I find the written word much easier to manipulate quickly than having to edit and post video footage. Your commission work sounds similar in sorts to my own, but I love the variety of what I do - I can be designing new parts on the computer, working on a layout design on paper, building a model railway baseboard with big power tools in wood, constructing an etched brass kit or hand painting and weathering tiny details - all in one week. Wonderful stuff.
The zen of philosophical modeling. Well done.
thank you!
I absolutely love your videos. They help me remember that this hobby should be enjoyed, slow down and not to be rushed. Although you have indirectly cost me a small fortune. I've both your books which I absolutely adore and love just flicking through. Which was dangerous as I fell down a rabbit hole and as a 4mm modeller I've just invested in some N code 40 track and points from British finescale and some accompanying locos and rolling stock. I'm really looking forward to making a start. Hope you don't mind, am also going to pinch your Scottish layout idea. Just not quite sure in which scale yet?? Thank you so so much for helping me slow down and enjoy the hobby again. 🫡
Steve thank you so much for the message - I’m glad you enjoy the video, books and more! We really do have the greatest pastime in the world
You missed a bit!
Lovely video, James, I think I'll take your lead and indulge in some mindful wiring this Sunday. Not quite at the painting stage yet, but when I am your words will be accompanying me in the task.
Thanks James, mindful wiring, yes that feels a stretch but take your time, enjoy spending the time to move the project forwards rather than rushing through to the next phase.
For the first time in many years I was wiring a Layout last weekend.
Thanks to you James I did it mindfully. I really enjoyed it. It took the burden away from rushing through this normally frustrating part of the hobby for me.
Some more mindful wiring ahead tomorrow.
Thank you again.
Terry that’s great, thank you for taking the time to let me know as well! I’ll keep these off best videos coming then!
I sure enjoy these films and the message in them. It’s funny to think about: we want a model railway, we want to make a model railway, yet rush into a through the time making it. I believe that in this time we discover things about ourself (this period as one of introspection) and also where we build a closer connection with out own work. Each stroke of the brush working our feeling of connection to what we’re making bedded just a little closer into our soul.
Chris you know how much our friendship has helped me really hone in on what matters to me in my pursuit of this wonderful hobby. Thank you!
Wonderfully put
I enjoy your relaxed approach and enthusiasm for this hobby. The artistry and techniques you employ are truly inspiring! Many thanks for all you do in promoting happiness and positivity!
Thanks Doug
Just curious. Did Paxton Road 3 ever get beyond the planning stage? It seemed to have some really neat ideas.
If you watch ua-cam.com/video/JVJ725Bde_8/v-deo.htmlsi=E4PjPxrQVpxY5Ujc you’ll see that I decided that Paxton Road (2) was already everything I needed…
What priming/sealing undercoat would you recommend?
I don't think it matters really Dale - I just use the 'final colour' which in this case is a Dulux Eggshell 'Slate Grey'.
Good job
Thank you
Zen In the art of painting hardboard could become a classic book similar to the famous Zen in the art of archery and and only superseded by the book Zen in the art of motorcycle decoration.
Sorry - I thought I'd replied to this earlier! Yes, perhaps!!
Yeah, painting preparation and the actual painting - not my favourite tasks. My own (first) 'Cameo' box isn't far off needing it's initial painting, but with all those large flat surfaces, I'm afraid it's rollers for me (sorry).
Steve, take a chance to enjoy it and see where it takes you!
Practice mindful rollering! 😊