Lol . . . I'm sorry man. I am very sorry. Actually you will be glad you did anyway. Clean the slate, reset, and plan your absolute favorite model railroad scene and build a small layout around it. Your confidence will grow in leaps and bounds. Take the time to find a scene you are passionate about and model it. Forget about the big picture until later. That is all I do. Cheers and hang in there. ;-)
I realy like yiur words: "satisfaction has nothing to do with the size of the layout". I couldn't agree more to this. My layout is also small. You have a wonderful sanctuary there!
Almost 60 years ago, I was fine with my/my dad's 4X8 train layoutS. then after turning 8-9ish and discovering mud and/or spiders, homework, bikes etc. I didn't have time/interest in model trains. Then came You Tube. WOW! Things have changed! THEN.....A couple years ago, your channel popped up. I've been hooked since. I will NEVER have your patience. I WILL never have your steadiness. I WILL NEVER have your talent! I'm not jealous. Just in awe.
Build a small layout and put your best into it and you will find satisfaction. I could work on this layout for twenty years if I wanted to. The details can go on and on when you think about it. Cheers.
Everything you just said man. Right on spot. As a 36yo architect and illustrator I've always been chasing that "rabbit hole" you talk about. And I've been into modelism for a bit too long. This year I start buying gear to start my layout, and I was about to make a "traditional go around on" until I saw this :) When you said "Shelf layouts are perfect for the Lone Wolf". Thanks allot man, and cheers from México City.
Lone Wolf in most cases but I can have two operators at the same time on 'River Road." It's funny you mention "Lone Wolf" because clearly the hobby is predominantly lone wolf anyway. The club concept, although essential, is over-rated.
I was lucky to get those recordings when I happened to have my camera with me one day on location in town. The conductor was nice enough to let me get in close to record them. You don't get those opportunities very often so I was fortunate. Cheers.😁
There is so much practical wisdom in this video, and it doesn’t apply solely to model railroading. It can apply to most art forms. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I am into yard and switching operations, since I was a freight conductor. This kind of layout allows you to understand switching operations to serve your customers, make up and break down trains. It is a beautiful layout. Thank you for showing it.
You are absolutely correct. I am only interested in "last mile" operations. The rest of the railroad, I have no room for, resides comfortably in the imaginary theater of my mind. Cheers. 😁
Boomer…. You’re the best. You have ruined me from watching many many other videos on various model railroad vids. I think it’s the philosophy and depth you go into for why you do things the way you do rather than just saying I use number 34 burnt orange for rust color. Nobody that I’ve watched goes into depth of explaining things and techniques such as multiple layering not just two maybe three. Your love of what you’re doing is so prevalent and obvious it makes it fun for me to watch. Keep it up.
Thank you. There are times where I can be brief because tutorials can be grueling to produce. I like to show how I do it so others can benefit and evolve their own style and glean the same joy and satisfaction as I do. The more we develop our modeling skills the greeter the joy! Cheers ~ Boomer.
Everything you said is so true Booms. I’ve built 3 layouts, bit off more than I can chew and never finished any. You can easily become overwhelmed and discouraged. Not only are you a master modeler but your incredible knack for camera angles, shot composition and sound is outstanding !!
I must say, the scene starting at about 8:53, the way it is lighted, your expert modeling and the camera angle is so real it completely fools the eye. It is brilliant. Love it. Rob
The idea of modelling a smaller footprint is not a new one as well. The first HO Scale layout I built, as a kid, was only 1x4' with a few turnouts. The smaller layout feels awesome for so many reasons. Most notably, the convenience and feeling of getting things done according to my satisfaction without being overwhelmed. Cheers ~ Boomer.
Hi Boomer, I agree 100% with all your comments. Shelf layouts can be as fulfilling, and maybe more, than a larger layout as it allows you to really focus on the details. With a smaller layout it allows you to keep your momentum up and complete tasks as the finish line is not out of reach. You have a fantastic track plan with plenty of operations to keep you busy. I had an ops session the other day with some friends and "just" switching six cars in and out at four industries plus a little yard switching took over 2 hours. You can easily have a 1 to 2 hour ops session with your track plan. Fantastic job on editing in the prototype sound with the model railroad action. Your work and modeling is always inspiring. Thanks for posting and promoting the small layout.-Tom
Wow, your videos are really causing me to do some soul searching. You are absolutely right and, though I have heard before that smaller layouts allow you to focus more on detail scenes, this layout is an example of that. Thanks!
Thank you. Tough to pull off with a very large layout. Totally doable with a smaller shelf layout when working at the convenience of your leisure. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.😁
I greatly enjoy your psychological insights into model railroading. Inspiring and confirming my attitude about our chosen hobby. Great looking layout you have!
You make a number of excellent points. I am currently muddling through building a shelf layout and I'm getting a lot of fun and learning in. I use the term "muddling" because it is a learning process. I watch your videos and others and might decide to try a different technique in some area or project. I also don't feel driven to "get it done" - I enjoy the planning and creating. I am no longer young, but having a modest size railroad means that I should still be able to have a running layout in my life. Another positive - large layouts mean large maintenance issues. I already have enough things that I need to go back and do better, I don't need to invite even more gremlins to visit. Thanks for your comments. Your modeling skills keep pushing me to improve my own!
I still muddle about. Muddling never goes away as a development process. You wouldn't believe how much muddling I did with the Barge Slip, etc. . . . lol.😁
Perfect idea for a little bit of enjoyment down the road. I model in N Scale, You discover that an oval track is not going to satisfy your needs. You can get really bored fast, however a shelf layout gives you more to discover ,new talents ,and more perspective on how to create something new. Thanks for sharing Boomer .Really appreciated the time You spent walking me through some great details and how to address problem areas on my layout. Thank You, Sir. Bruce in Minnesota
There also excellent for space. I've entered the hobby after taking VIA Rail almost everyday for the last 3yrs, now because of covid i've been mostly working at home. So naturally I went out and purchased an HO scale of the corridor and budd cars I use to ride. I then realized that I need a 22 radius track to run my trains. A 6x8 table whould be too big for my space...so a shelf layout is the only layout that whould work for me.
Via Rail almost every day. Sounds awesome. I have a Budd Car a well. If I can run it ten or twenty feet on a shelf layout I am satisfied. A small realistic immersive shelf layout compensated for one hundred feet of track on plywood . . . lol. Cheers. 😁
You do astonishing, magnificent work and video is an excellent medium for displaying it. I cannot help but think, though, that, if you put all of this into a book, it would be a great supplement to the videos and much more convenient to learn from. I would certainly buy a copy - maybe more. Thanks for sharing these examples of your talent.
Thanks you. The book has always been in the back of my mind. It's finding the time to write it. Tough to do right now while I am having so much fun. One never knows though. ;-) Cheers.
@@vincenttolve9756 UA-cam and social media are the posterity platforms in the twenty first century. Most of the younger generation don't read books anymore unfortunately. This whole channel is a virtual book by now.😁
Absolutely beautiful layout. The track work is awesome and the turnouts and sound effects are sweet. Great video, too. I agree completely with your modeling philosophy. Thank you for a beautiful video.
Your fantastic camera work and editing really brings the viewer in close with your layout and great detail work on both rolling stock, structures and background.
This Vlog is excellent, and so true! Almost all the railfanning I watch on UA-cam consists of shortline switching, and like the shelf layout it's just fascinating. There is so much that can be packed into a small space, and yet it never seems to become overwhelming, unlike a large layout. I would never go back to a large circular format.
The "overwhelming factor" is no respecter of persons either. It gets everyone eventually. On the other hand, I think most accomplished model railroaders have gone through a few builds before they finally found the right size to suite their lifestyle. Cheers.😁
Your insight on shelf layouts is great food for thought. Mine is essentially a fat shelf layout of historic logging times. I may never complete it and really don’t care if it actually runs. I love the designing, planning, and creating. Also it is inevitable that it will have to be moved at sometime.
Well said with beautiful photography as usual. The other subscriber who mentioned that your shot was as real as the real thing was right on. I resisted the shelf layout for a while but have to admit that it is the way to go for me too. Still considering putting a helix,at at least one end, to have a fiddle yard, where your bench is, but we shall see. Need storage space as I have way too much rolling stock
I'm thinking up a storage system for my rolling stock as well. I don't like pulling things in-and-out of boxes because every time something breaks off. 🤣
@@herricmountain Yes. My British, Irish, and Welsh friends call it a "fiddle" yard. I just fiddle my trains on-and-off the layout right now - it works! I just need a better rolling stock solution so I stop breaking things from over handling. I won't even take my Tangent stuff out of the box for fear of braking them . . . lol.
Thanks again. I have been with you while you were working on the other layout and I still learn and enjoy. Sharing skills is a large part of the hobby for me. Enjoy !!
Listening, looking watching your train run smoothly at x.xxx mph without stalling, beautiful. Also, as for me, I’ve found more joy building my layout than operating it. 09/04/2022
Yes. Although There are some awesome "big' layouts out there. It can be a trap though, if you don't count the cost. They cost more than money as well. Cheers.
Absolutely awesome vlog! My shelf style switching layout is all I need. Like 2.5 feet wide L shaped with 10.5 feet on each leg, keeps me busy classifying cars in the yard! it's awesome indeed, and you don't get modeler's burn out!👍👍
Large layouts are all well and good and have their own place and following. My view has always been that when you stand looking at the real railway you can normally only see a very restricted distance or view (not 20 miles in each direction with mountains and valleys). When you build a smaller layout and being in the UK it's pretty much the norm, you create something that is more personal and more intimate to your own particular way of modelling. In your own words it becomes more immersive and you're drawn into it on so many levels. I'd rather have 20 fully detailed and weathered freight cars and 4 locos than hundreds of cars that are squeaky clean. Anyway keep up the good work and thank you for everything you have done. Andy
You raise a good point. Where I live it is rare to see beyond a quarter mile in any direction. In most cases I only see what I reflect on my layout. Even then - the richness of the experience is way beyond what I attempt to model. The rest I leave to my imagination. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate them. Cheers ~ Boomer.
I agree with you 100%. It all comes down to details. I will stop working on mine to get more ideas about a certain scene. I focus on small areas at one time and put all the effort into that once I’ve taken a break
You make some great points , I could stair at the 6 foot of layout for hours . The details are endless , its really what you want it to be. I'm an N Scaler and thinking about doing a small HO shelf layout , point to point do to room. Thanks for inspiring me and others thinking about this.
That's a great idea. I was going to do this with Glover Road. Although the plan revision came too late for the idea due to the corner and the required curve. Cheers.
I once had a grand plan on having a basement empire but realized that a shelf layout will be a great option. It is nice to be able to enjoy the process of modeling and not trying to rush to get it finished with basic scenery.
John Allen was a great model railroader had the same concept. Although he modeled large layouts they were filled with deseption to fool the eyes with mirrors holding tracks and colors. Great work.👍👍
The first pieces of my “dream” monster layout started coming down last weekend. I learned a lot, but it’s finally time to move on to my proto48 adventure. Thank you for your inspiration
Came across your video browsing for inspiration. Last layout I started was a few years ago before I moved halfway across the country. Got the bug to do it again. Went for prototypical ops but also just being able to watch trains run. 222 feet of track in N-scale, double main line is really only 40 feet or so straight through. Including a scene I love. The south end of the UP Hollywood yard in Shreveport, LA goes to a wye. In the center of that wye is a neighbor hood of about 6 houses. Not modeling a specific part of the UP, just industries I want to include and features I want on the layout. Your layout is absolutely beautiful though, I hope I can do half as good a job on mine over the coming years.
Your layout sounds awesome. Before I built Glover Road I almost built a favorite BCR yard in Squamish in N Scale. Then I contemplated "O" scale. I went with HO due to compromise in size and scope and what I wanted to achieve in a smaller footprint. If you feel good about the layout and scale, I say stick with it. Cheers and thanks for sharing. ~ Boomer.
For those who do operations, I highly recommend a shelf layout as a newer layout designer. There are still some that could care less for operations and just like to railfan and I would still recommend a shelf around the room layout but sometimes their space doesn't allow for it. Each person's needs and wants are different but I said above, I highly recommend the shelf layout with no more of a depth of 24" in HO scale or 18" in N scale. - Jason
@@boomerdiorama that's why I built mine with 24". It allowed me to incorporate an industrial complex with a switching puzzle that does require run-arounds. 😃
@@rwcorleyze I don't do it anymore. But here is a great site to begin designing one yourself. It's a must read before you begin a build. www.ldsig.org/ 😁
I like to have some travel time between the various sidings/yards on my layout. So I have a loop layout But the loop is single track. With 3 industries I can do shunting with, one of which is a small loco depot. So I'm quite happy with it in that sense. Cheers Boomer!
I get the "travel" time aspect between yards etc. for sure. If it suites the style then have at her. Since you mentioned it, I would like just a little more length (I have it), for a bridge as well to simulate some additional travel time as well. Cheers.
at 8:00 I'm surprised you don't have an engineer in the cab Don't take that as criticism, anyone would have to work really hard to find things to suggest on this road. I am leaning heavily on your videos for inspiration in my own 8 ft x 32 inch world. you are the reason I decided highly detailed, heavily researched scene modules are my path forward, rather than a "super-layout"
@@boomerdiorama a tutorial on painting an HO scale figure, and it happens to be modelu so you can get a feel for their quality search for "Painting Scale Figures" by Bunter's Yard
When I started my third layout a couple of years ago I had been studying the Inglenook Sidings Puzzle for about a year. This included writing computer programs to find solutions to the puzzle in a reasonable time on a PC. (Even with my background in mathematics this was not a trivial effort.) The idea of the new layout was for it to be portable and used as a platform to share the fun of the puzzle at train shows. For this reason it was built on a 6 x 1 foot shelf. However, there were deeper reasons for the small size. First, my age and health meant my endurance had taken a nose dive, so I didn't want to bite off more than I could chew. Second, my main interest had always been either electric traction or diesel switching operations. Third, I had never finished my first two layouts, even though I had gotten close. (And I had recently read a book on John Allen's layout and found out that although it was innovative, beautiful, and provided great fun for many people over a long period, but John had died before he had completed the last bridge on the main line.) The small layout allowed me to actually "finish" it, complete with track details, structures, and groundcover. Even with its small size there are different opportunities to photograph different scenes to share on social media, and people who have viewed my pictures before seeing the layout all say, "I didn't realize it was so small!" So even a very small layout can be satisfying if your expectations are reasonable. Sorry to go on so, but you know how baby boomers can be!
I agree completely. Over the years, I've begun and never completed layouts in 3 different houses I've lived in. The only thing I ever "finished" was a module or two for the club I was in back in Milwaukee. Now that I'm doing a shelf layout (16' x 24") I can see how I can use all these disparate skills I've picked up over the years, and sometimes use many of them in the same session. I did the benchwork first, and then the backdrop, before anything else, a lesson from experience. Now, since I'm doing a prototype, I've done extensive research and know what I need and I am building all my structures first at the workbench before the track work is even in, setting up the postage stamp scenes. Then I'll be able to "model" the track work as I build and complete these small scenes. I'm having more fun now at 61 than I ever did on the 3 layouts I built, one each in my 30s, 40s, and 50s. Thanks for the vids! - Paul
I can remember an awesome Canadian Pacific "N" Scale layout I began, depicting the "Kicking Horse" pass in B.C. It had great hopes . . . but it outgrew my passion. The plan was poor even though the passion was there. I have certainly learned from many fails as well. I guess that is often part of the process which makes model railroading even more coveted. Cheers and thanks for sharing. ~ Boomer.
First time I've seen any of your videos. The sounds are very realistic: the car creaking and knocking against other and the prime mover in the locomotive sounds way better than the locomotives I have (I won't mention the manufacturer out of respect!) Is the locomotive using "Rolling Thunder" because it sounds like the real thing, big and throaty.
For a long time, I thought I had to have a continuous layout. Then I got a small taste of switching and I have a shelf layout that I never imagined I could ever have in my space.
Continuous running is cool and has it's advantages for sure. One is that you get to break in your locomotives well. The advantage to smaller shelf layouts are locomotives last a lifetime due to low miles . . . lol. Cheers.😁
I enjoy switching and shelf layouts the most, but I also like seeing long trains snaking through curves. That's why I joined a club for the long trains and will build shelf modules for switching. The best of both worlds.
Beautiful layout, great scenery and details. One thing missing (in my mind) is an engineer in the cab. When you run it at realistic speeds and with realistic sounds the empty cab stands out. I am also building a shelf layout and with about the same length of run. Great fun. As a retired M&B employee it is nice to see that load of wrapped lumber on the bulkhead flat.
Thank you! People and Backdrops are the last thing I do on my layouts. Most if not all engineer models look ridiculous anyway. I'll sculpt my own when the time comes. Cheers and thanks for sharing.😁
My wife said, "If it's a model and it looks real, then it's Boomer's." I really do agree with everything you have said. Big changes coming for me and my modeling. Not sure when I will be able to announce it, but it will be a shelf layout patterned after your comments and work. Thanks for keeping me inspired!! Cheers - Larry.
Good to hear from you Larry! I was wondering how you were doing. Your new plan sounds awesome. Thank you for taking the time to share. Cheers ~ Boomer.
Layout design is very important, a lot of layouts are only track plans with stuff added afterwards, you need the concept area, at the very least, before you go near the track plan because that's the way the real things evolved. And that's why I like this layout so much.
Very true! It took me a long time (when I had time) to figure things out. I read every publication I could get my hands on before it clicked. The old masters were, and are, the wise ones because of their experience and willingness to share. Cheers.
Boomer thank you for your insight and views about what model railroading is really about. You are absolutely correct and you have created the essence of a much larger scene all boiled down to highly detailed segments of reality. Would you please consider putting your thoughts into words for the NMRA British Region magazine Roundhouse of which I am the editor here in England and sharing your model making with Canadian modellers in the United Kingdom?
I hear you and I appreciate that, but I am trying to accomplish putting my thoughts into words with the channel. It's free to subscribe! I wish I had more time to write actually, but the monumental task of managing the channel, production, post, life in general, etc. is eating up all my time, not to mention having some fun with personal modeling as well. ;-)
I like what you said but I guess to each there own as well. I have a shelf type layout but with continuous running through hidden staging I feel I have the best both worlds. I really enjoy having computer controlled automation but still being able to operate manually my yard. If I have to ever down size I would just build a simple shelf design.
I hear you. I would have more as well (hidden) staging if it was in the plan. I think about it but I have to "bite the bullet" and go with what I feel is right for this space otherwise it becomes unruly for me. I may add an additional section for a bridge to use as a staging lead down the road. But have at her - sounds great! Cheers.😁
@@boomerdiorama you well and truly deserved your break I know how hard I have worked on my layout and you with yours ! Then plus your filming and editing ! The running shots you posted are just awesome ! Sit back and enjoy your work for a while it looks amazing. Thanks so much for all the video's you have posted.
The sound here is in post-production editing, even though I do have sound equipped locomotives. Most of my locomotives have Loksound V5 decoders, with a few TCS and Tsunami 2. Cheers.
Railroad to infinity is how it goes, as your hobby is what keeps you sane, happy and creative. What I live is operation senarios, wish I had a 500 foot x 20 foot wide scenery layout to muck up and add to from time to. Cities change all the time never stay constant. Buildings go up and come down, same way with neighborhoods and fam land, roads and highway, bridges and infrastuctural pieces. There are no master in this hobby or any hobby to that matter, it is a continual learning process hand over hand, Teacher/student and Student/teacher it is all the same no matter where you are in your life. Happy modeling!
What can I say you have nailed it on the head and it’s the very reason I have a shelf layout. My Facebook group on shelf layouts has grown to over 13,000 members in 18 months. My layout will be featured in the UK NMRA magazine in January including the cover page. Thanks for all your inspiration
@@tomoconnell4235 I have had a look over there (Facebook) and the shelf layout modelling, locomotives, rolling stock, buildings, etc., is off the charts fantastic!
We all arrive at a similar conclusion after so many failed attempts at modelling our dream layout, More from the frustration and lack of knowledge of results which continuously sabotage our plan. Not that that's a bad thing, it helps us grow as modelers and refine our wishes and desires to ultimately come to the conclusion as you have pointed out. I always say, take the proverbial 4x8 sheet and rip it into 4 - 1x8 shelves, you still have 32 square feet of modelling available, but the results and outcomes will be farther than you could have imagined. The shelf layout offers so much more then just switching, but unfortunately, you have to arrive there by trial and error once you have realised that the pathway to it is littered with ideology which as modeler we have to sift through.. (read more track. turnouts, space, just more of everything) There is no easy road, except Glover/River road as an example. 😀 Great filming and scene composition by the way. Cheers.
Wow that is realistic. A big part of it is the sound. How do you get the clicking and clanking sound of the cars to work? I understand the loco has sound but I don’t imagine each car has its own sound or do they.
I think I’ve found the perfect place for a shelf layout, the first three rooms of my basement are filled with my layout but I could run a spur into room four and fit a nice 12’ shelf layout there 😊
You always give us a road map whether it is doing building, paint, trees and the pros of doing a shelf layout. Like I have commented before my train layout fills a 26 X 16 area. Because my friends on train night like to operate I have 3FT. aisles. The plan is a shelf layout double sided they are about 18" deep so easy to do track , scenery, and switching. Yes I model in N Scale have since the 80's. What I do is scenic 3 FT. at a time get 90% done and move on to the next 3 FT. section ( how do you eat an elephant? , 3FT at a time.) I did provide for continuous running but not on OP night. When it is just me I work my steel mill or coal mine, steel mill is 2x4 and the coal mine is 18" x 4 FT. A question: I don't remember seeing figures on yours? Thoughts on that subject.
I think shelf layouts (in theory) take on all kinds of shapes and styles. If you have the will and the room, I say, go for it and have fun. As long as you are having fun. Cheers.😁
There is a philosophy around the shelf layout as well that often time makes no sense to the novice model railroader. If you run the gamut in the hobby long enough you either end up with a large "somewhat" finished layout (which is rare), or an accomplished smaller one.
It's all about perspective and operational philosophy anyway. The small layout keeps getting more detailed and realistic with every pass. Details are endless and operations can be infinite (like the real world) with bridge traffic, last mile ops, and off layout staging as well.
Took a break from my project car to get back into the hobby.. ive done loops and shelves in ho and n scale.. and yes shelves are the way to go. Everything you mentioned was spot on
Loving your channel. Great modelling and tips. Just wondering if you have finished the log truck? I am into the 1/25 scale truck building as well as the rail modelling and was enjoying your build
The Logging Truck sits in front and above me. I think about it often. The problem is time. When do I get to it? At some point, hopefully this winter I'll try and complete it or work on it more.😁
I'm building mine large. 2 tables on the outside 4x45 ft and 2 inner tables 8x35 ft. Connected in the shape of a W. At one end is a large port and an 8 track working hump classification further down. A large industrial park. Table 2 is a mountain pass that sortof resembles the cascades table 3 is drier rural area with a canyon connecting 3 to 4. Table 4 is a small town and transfer yard with another good size industrial park. Overall almost 40 manufacturing outfits, large and small. Lumber, oil, coal, steel mill, produce farming, grain elevator, and lots of misc manufacturing.. the idea is to incorporate a full working economy. My friends and I used to play monopoly on my old train layout as a kid. This time i'm building it bigger (968 square feet) and more realistic! Since we have a port and mainline that goes inland, we can add products, change supply and demand all the time to keep things interesting. 10 changes are randomly made every week directly effecting production, and supply / demand. Kinda like our own monopoly game, but with trains!!!
I have revised it some and have not completed it yet. When I do, hopefully this fall, I will. You can see the present one in this video: ua-cam.com/video/Bny2wxUlAuY/v-deo.html Cheers.
Mad Skills. Boomer. Have you ever checked out Lex Parker’s channel. He is not making videos anymore but you would appreciate the detail he put into his railroad and scenery. I learned everything from him. His waterfalls are absolutely incredible.
This is one GORGEOUS layout. Wow. World class in every respect. I'm tearing mine down tomorrow.
Lol . . . I'm sorry man. I am very sorry. Actually you will be glad you did anyway. Clean the slate, reset, and plan your absolute favorite model railroad scene and build a small layout around it. Your confidence will grow in leaps and bounds. Take the time to find a scene you are passionate about and model it. Forget about the big picture until later. That is all I do. Cheers and hang in there. ;-)
@@boomerdiorama Thanks, Boomer. I do have a shelf layout! It appeared in the April 2021 Model Railroader.
@@davidhughes4448 Wow! That is fantastic! Thanks for sharing that and congratulations! Cheers ~ Boomer.😁
I’m dismantling part of mine Boomers thoughts are so good plus his awesome modelling
Greetings from England. Your modelling skills are ace, but also your filming is top notch to. Thank you for your videos, they really do help.
Awesome, thank you!
I have watched every video from the beginning. I can’t begin to describe how much I’ve learned from you. Look forward to many more from the master!
Awesome! Thank you!
I realy like yiur words: "satisfaction has nothing to do with the size of the layout". I couldn't agree more to this. My layout is also small. You have a wonderful sanctuary there!
Big layout equals happiness is a myth.
So she said. Or at least I wish she had...
Really love it when you run trains.
I need just a "little" more track . . . lol.😁😉
I love when I get a Boomer Diorama notification! Thank you for all the work you put into these.
😉
Almost 60 years ago, I was fine with my/my dad's 4X8 train layoutS. then after turning 8-9ish and discovering mud and/or spiders, homework, bikes etc. I didn't have time/interest in model trains.
Then came You Tube. WOW! Things have changed! THEN.....A couple years ago, your channel popped up. I've been hooked since. I will NEVER have your patience. I WILL never have your steadiness. I WILL NEVER have your talent! I'm not jealous. Just in awe.
Build a small layout and put your best into it and you will find satisfaction. I could work on this layout for twenty years if I wanted to. The details can go on and on when you think about it. Cheers.
You have those photos you took looking down under the bridge along the river. I can really see the likeness in your thumbnail.. you nailed it mate!
Thank you. I guess photography becomes part of the hobby as well.😁
Love the details of the underpass. Great video
Thank you! I appreciate that. Cheers ~ Boomer.😁
"Like a serpent eating it's own tail"... Boomer, your experience and knowledge of the hobby is immeasurable. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!!
Thanks for watching!
Very cool ending, looks so real and added sound 😊
😁
Simply spectacular!
Thank you! Cheers!
Just love the track work especially the weathering. Very nice.
Track is a model too as they say. This is the reason why I like 2-rail "O" scale, especially if you like modelling track.
Everything you just said man. Right on spot.
As a 36yo architect and illustrator I've always been chasing that "rabbit hole" you talk about.
And I've been into modelism for a bit too long. This year I start buying gear to start my layout, and I was about to make a "traditional go around on" until I saw this :)
When you said "Shelf layouts are perfect for the Lone Wolf".
Thanks allot man, and cheers from México City.
Lone Wolf in most cases but I can have two operators at the same time on 'River Road." It's funny you mention "Lone Wolf" because clearly the hobby is predominantly lone wolf anyway. The club concept, although essential, is over-rated.
Nice job adding train sound!
I was lucky to get those recordings when I happened to have my camera with me one day on location in town. The conductor was nice enough to let me get in close to record them. You don't get those opportunities very often so I was fortunate. Cheers.😁
@@boomerdiorama I need to check my old videos of coal trains in West Virginia.
There is so much practical wisdom in this video, and it doesn’t apply solely to model railroading. It can apply to most art forms. Thank you for sharing your experience.
You are welcome! Glad it was helpful! Cheers ~ Boomer.
I am into yard and switching operations, since I was a freight conductor. This kind of layout allows you to understand switching operations to serve your customers, make up and break down trains. It is a beautiful layout. Thank you for showing it.
You are absolutely correct. I am only interested in "last mile" operations. The rest of the railroad, I have no room for, resides comfortably in the imaginary theater of my mind. Cheers. 😁
Thank you master ! It’s beautiful…
Thank you too!
Boomer…. You’re the best. You have ruined me from watching many many other videos on various model railroad vids. I think it’s the philosophy and depth you go into for why you do things the way you do rather than just saying I use number 34 burnt orange for rust color. Nobody that I’ve watched goes into depth of explaining things and techniques such as multiple layering not just two maybe three. Your love of what you’re doing is so prevalent and obvious it makes it fun for me to watch. Keep it up.
Thank you. There are times where I can be brief because tutorials can be grueling to produce. I like to show how I do it so others can benefit and evolve their own style and glean the same joy and satisfaction as I do. The more we develop our modeling skills the greeter the joy! Cheers ~ Boomer.
BEAUTIFUL! 🌟⭐⭐😂
It feels like it sometimes. Thank You!😁
Excellent detail and weathering. Thank you for sharing.
😁Cheers.
Definitely, your model railroad is a museum of realism in a detailed art and design. Nice 👍
Thank you very much!
Everything you said is so true Booms. I’ve built 3 layouts, bit off more than I can chew and never finished any. You can easily become overwhelmed and discouraged. Not only are you a master modeler but your incredible knack for camera angles, shot composition and sound is outstanding !!
I hear you on the three layouts - me too in the past. Thank you for the compliments. It's actually fun to photograph small layouts as well. Cheers.
Beautiful track work and weathering. The detail is amazing
Thank you very much!
Love your layout. What an inspiration!
Thank you so much!
I must say, the scene starting at about 8:53, the way it is lighted, your expert modeling and the camera angle is so real it completely fools the eye. It is brilliant. Love it. Rob
Small layouts like this can be very photo genic for sure. ;-)
Well said and I agree. I am now downsizing and changing it to fit that I really want. I love the shelf idea.
The idea of modelling a smaller footprint is not a new one as well. The first HO Scale layout I built, as a kid, was only 1x4' with a few turnouts. The smaller layout feels awesome for so many reasons. Most notably, the convenience and feeling of getting things done according to my satisfaction without being overwhelmed. Cheers ~ Boomer.
Model Railroading at it's finest, and a fantastic video to compliment it!
Thank you!😁
Hi Boomer, I agree 100% with all your comments. Shelf layouts can be as fulfilling, and maybe more, than a larger layout as it allows you to really focus on the details. With a smaller layout it allows you to keep your momentum up and complete tasks as the finish line is not out of reach. You have a fantastic track plan with plenty of operations to keep you busy. I had an ops session the other day with some friends and "just" switching six cars in and out at four industries plus a little yard switching took over 2 hours. You can easily have a 1 to 2 hour ops session with your track plan.
Fantastic job on editing in the prototype sound with the model railroad action. Your work and modeling is always inspiring. Thanks for posting and promoting the small layout.-Tom
Climate control is nice. Getting out of the basement into a warm spare room was big for me in terms of choosing a shelf layout as well. ;-)
Wow, your videos are really causing me to do some soul searching. You are absolutely right and, though I have heard before that smaller layouts allow you to focus more on detail scenes, this layout is an example of that. Thanks!
Wonderful! This is why I built the smaller layout. It feels the same as a larger layout in every way without the stress. Cheers.
Astonishing work, it’s a delight and a privilege to see, the painting, terrain and trees are absolutely spot on... A true master indeed...
Thank you. Tough to pull off with a very large layout. Totally doable with a smaller shelf layout when working at the convenience of your leisure. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.😁
mind blowing detail! just awesome
Cheers!
I greatly enjoy your psychological insights into model railroading. Inspiring and confirming my attitude about our chosen hobby. Great looking layout you have!
Thank you Tim. For the most part I assume what I am saying most can resonate with. I think it helps to overcome the hurdles we all face in the hobby.
Wonderful commentary! Well done!
Thank you kindly!
You make a number of excellent points. I am currently muddling through building a shelf layout and I'm getting a lot of fun and learning in. I use the term "muddling" because it is a learning process. I watch your videos and others and might decide to try a different technique in some area or project. I also don't feel driven to "get it done" - I enjoy the planning and creating. I am no longer young, but having a modest size railroad means that I should still be able to have a running layout in my life. Another positive - large layouts mean large maintenance issues. I already have enough things that I need to go back and do better, I don't need to invite even more gremlins to visit. Thanks for your comments. Your modeling skills keep pushing me to improve my own!
I still muddle about. Muddling never goes away as a development process. You wouldn't believe how much muddling I did with the Barge Slip, etc. . . . lol.😁
Perfect idea for a little bit of enjoyment down the road. I model in N Scale, You discover that an oval track is not going to satisfy your needs. You can get really bored fast, however a shelf layout gives you more to discover ,new talents ,and more perspective on how to create something new. Thanks for sharing Boomer .Really appreciated the time You spent walking me through some great details and how to address problem areas on my layout. Thank You, Sir. Bruce in Minnesota
😁
Great prototype sound effects. Fabulous artwork in this build.
Thanks for the visit! Cheers ~ Boomer.
the weathering is amazing
Thank you. I try to keep most things subtle to blend in with the scenery or right-of-way. Cheers and thanks for sharing. ~ Boomer.
Beautiful layout. I would love to be able to find someone to build me a shelf layout. I’m also looking to purchase one currently.
Thank you. You could try researching model railroad shops or the NMRA to see if they know anyone who is willing to build for you. Cheers.
There also excellent for space. I've entered the hobby after taking VIA Rail almost everyday for the last 3yrs, now because of covid i've been mostly working at home. So naturally I went out and purchased an HO scale of the corridor and budd cars I use to ride. I then realized that I need a 22 radius track to run my trains. A 6x8 table whould be too big for my space...so a shelf layout is the only layout that whould work for me.
Via Rail almost every day. Sounds awesome. I have a Budd Car a well. If I can run it ten or twenty feet on a shelf layout I am satisfied. A small realistic immersive shelf layout compensated for one hundred feet of track on plywood . . . lol.
Cheers. 😁
You do astonishing, magnificent work and video is an excellent medium for displaying it. I cannot help but think, though, that, if you put all of this into a book, it would be a great supplement to the videos and much more convenient to learn from. I would certainly buy a copy - maybe more. Thanks for sharing these examples of your talent.
Thanks you. The book has always been in the back of my mind. It's finding the time to write it. Tough to do right now while I am having so much fun. One never knows though. ;-) Cheers.
@@boomerdiorama Think of your posterity!
@@vincenttolve9756 UA-cam and social media are the posterity platforms in the twenty first century. Most of the younger generation don't read books anymore unfortunately. This whole channel is a virtual book by now.😁
Absolutely beautiful layout. The track work is awesome and the turnouts and sound effects are sweet. Great video, too. I agree completely with your modeling philosophy. Thank you for a beautiful video.
Yes indeed, life is a beautiful gift when you think of self-awareness being unique for each individual. Thank you. Cheers.😁
@@boomerdiorama You're welcome.
Great perspective on a shelf layout
It's all applicable to larger layouts as well when you think about it.😁
Your fantastic camera work and editing really brings the viewer in close with your layout and great detail work on both rolling stock, structures and background.
Thank you. The photography is a learning curve as is the railroad for sure. Cheers.
This Vlog is excellent, and so true!
Almost all the railfanning I watch on UA-cam consists of shortline switching, and like the shelf layout it's just fascinating.
There is so much that can be packed into a small space, and yet it never seems to become overwhelming, unlike a large layout.
I would never go back to a large circular format.
The "overwhelming factor" is no respecter of persons either. It gets everyone eventually. On the other hand, I think most accomplished model railroaders have gone through a few builds before they finally found the right size to suite their lifestyle. Cheers.😁
Excellent 👍
Thank you!
Glad your took a break. Was happy to see you again.
Me too!
Your insight on shelf layouts is great food for thought. Mine is essentially a fat shelf layout of historic logging times. I may never complete it and really don’t care if it actually runs. I love the designing, planning, and creating. Also it is inevitable that it will have to be moved at sometime.
I love logging layouts. Glad to hear you are enjoying the build because the planning and building is fun indeed.
Very true words Sir !!
Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts! Cheers ~ Boomer.😁
Well said with beautiful photography as usual. The other subscriber who mentioned that your shot was as real as the real thing was right on. I resisted the shelf layout for a while but have to admit that it is the way to go for me too. Still considering putting a helix,at at least one end, to have a fiddle yard, where your bench is, but we shall see. Need storage space as I have way too much rolling stock
I'm thinking up a storage system for my rolling stock as well. I don't like pulling things in-and-out of boxes because every time something breaks off. 🤣
@@boomerdiorama if you can come up with something more eye pleasing than a helix, I would be ecstatic 😉
@@herricmountain Yes. My British, Irish, and Welsh friends call it a "fiddle" yard. I just fiddle my trains on-and-off the layout right now - it works! I just need a better rolling stock solution so I stop breaking things from over handling. I won't even take my Tangent stuff out of the box for fear of braking them . . . lol.
Thanks again. I have been with you while you were working on the other layout and I still learn and enjoy. Sharing skills is a large part of the hobby for me. Enjoy !!
Thank you Bill! Cheers!😁
Listening, looking watching your train run smoothly at x.xxx mph without stalling, beautiful. Also, as for me, I’ve found more joy building my layout than operating it. 09/04/2022
I hear you on the joy of building for sure. I like to shove a boxcar and a reefer or two around as well if you know what I mean. ;-)
Fantastic layout! Bigger is not always better.
Yes. Although There are some awesome "big' layouts out there. It can be a trap though, if you don't count the cost. They cost more than money as well. Cheers.
Absolutely awesome vlog! My shelf style switching layout is all I need. Like 2.5 feet wide L shaped with 10.5 feet on each leg, keeps me busy classifying cars in the yard! it's awesome indeed, and you don't get modeler's burn out!👍👍
Sounds great Gene! Cheers!
Large layouts are all well and good and have their own place and following. My view has always been that when you stand looking at the real railway you can normally only see a very restricted distance or view (not 20 miles in each direction with mountains and valleys). When you build a smaller layout and being in the UK it's pretty much the norm, you create something that is more personal and more intimate to your own particular way of modelling. In your own words it becomes more immersive and you're drawn into it on so many levels. I'd rather have 20 fully detailed and weathered freight cars and 4 locos than hundreds of cars that are squeaky clean. Anyway keep up the good work and thank you for everything you have done.
Andy
You raise a good point. Where I live it is rare to see beyond a quarter mile in any direction. In most cases I only see what I reflect on my layout. Even then - the richness of the experience is way beyond what I attempt to model. The rest I leave to my imagination. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate them. Cheers ~ Boomer.
I agree with you 100%. It all comes down to details. I will stop working on mine to get more ideas about a certain scene. I focus on small areas at one time and put all the effort into that once I’ve taken a break
Sounds great!😁
You make some great points , I could stair at the 6 foot of layout for hours . The details are endless , its really what you want it to be. I'm an N Scaler and thinking about doing a small HO shelf layout , point to point do to room. Thanks for inspiring me and others thinking about this.
Sure thing. Love the name "Boxcar Jerry" . . . 😉
I've combined shelf layout construction with The One Module Approach. It allows me to expand as time goes on.
That's a great idea. I was going to do this with Glover Road. Although the plan revision came too late for the idea due to the corner and the required curve. Cheers.
Awesome video Boomer. Great food for thought on modelling / planning and brilliant railfanning ops on the layout.
Many thanks!
I once had a grand plan on having a basement empire but realized that a shelf layout will be a great option. It is nice to be able to enjoy the process of modeling and not trying to rush to get it finished with basic scenery.
I totally agree!
I can thank you for that perspective. Your videos inspired me and showed me a great way to modell. So thank you!
John Allen was a great model railroader had the same concept. Although he modeled large layouts they were filled with deseption to fool the eyes with mirrors holding tracks and colors. Great work.👍👍
Yes. John Allen was an awesome talent indeed. He inspired me to build in the first place.
The first pieces of my “dream” monster layout started coming down last weekend. I learned a lot, but it’s finally time to move on to my proto48 adventure. Thank you for your inspiration
Proto 48 is awesome. Yes indeed it certainly is. I think about it all the time. Cheers.
Came across your video browsing for inspiration. Last layout I started was a few years ago before I moved halfway across the country. Got the bug to do it again. Went for prototypical ops but also just being able to watch trains run. 222 feet of track in N-scale, double main line is really only 40 feet or so straight through. Including a scene I love. The south end of the UP Hollywood yard in Shreveport, LA goes to a wye. In the center of that wye is a neighbor hood of about 6 houses. Not modeling a specific part of the UP, just industries I want to include and features I want on the layout. Your layout is absolutely beautiful though, I hope I can do half as good a job on mine over the coming years.
Your layout sounds awesome. Before I built Glover Road I almost built a favorite BCR yard in Squamish in N Scale. Then I contemplated "O" scale. I went with HO due to compromise in size and scope and what I wanted to achieve in a smaller footprint. If you feel good about the layout and scale, I say stick with it. Cheers and thanks for sharing. ~ Boomer.
Very well said Master Boomer!! 💯👍🍻
Thank you kindly! Cheers.
Another reflection on our reality Boom! I related to your observations about becoming “stalled”. Mark
I get stalled now-and-again. I small break usually refreshes the imagination and passion. Cheers.
For those who do operations, I highly recommend a shelf layout as a newer layout designer. There are still some that could care less for operations and just like to railfan and I would still recommend a shelf around the room layout but sometimes their space doesn't allow for it. Each person's needs and wants are different but I said above, I highly recommend the shelf layout with no more of a depth of 24" in HO scale or 18" in N scale. - Jason
Two feet deep is loads of space for HO. 18" is good for HO as well. 😁
@@boomerdiorama that's why I built mine with 24". It allowed me to incorporate an industrial complex with a switching puzzle that does require run-arounds. 😃
Jason - do you design layouts for others? I'd like to chat offline about it if you're taking on new projects.
@@rwcorleyze I don't do it anymore. But here is a great site to begin designing one yourself. It's a must read before you begin a build. www.ldsig.org/ 😁
I like to have some travel time between the various sidings/yards on my layout. So I have a loop layout But the loop is single track.
With 3 industries I can do shunting with, one of which is a small loco depot.
So I'm quite happy with it in that sense.
Cheers Boomer!
I get the "travel" time aspect between yards etc. for sure. If it suites the style then have at her. Since you mentioned it, I would like just a little more length (I have it), for a bridge as well to simulate some additional travel time as well. Cheers.
@@boomerdiorama oh a bridge would be great!😎
at 8:00 I'm surprised you don't have an engineer in the cab
Don't take that as criticism, anyone would have to work really hard to find things to suggest on this road. I am leaning heavily on your videos for inspiration in my own 8 ft x 32 inch world. you are the reason I decided highly detailed, heavily researched scene modules are my path forward, rather than a "super-layout"
I see your point but I have yet to find any sculpts in HO that look any good when it comes to engineers or Conductors. ;-)
@@boomerdiorama a tutorial on painting an HO scale figure, and it happens to be modelu so you can get a feel for their quality
search for "Painting Scale Figures" by Bunter's Yard
Shelf layout you can go for all the details, little tricks to make it perfect and for a fraction of the costs and space while you have more fun.
Very true!
When I started my third layout a couple of years ago I had been studying the Inglenook Sidings Puzzle for about a year. This included writing computer programs to find solutions to the puzzle in a reasonable time on a PC. (Even with my background in mathematics this was not a trivial effort.) The idea of the new layout was for it to be portable and used as a platform to share the fun of the puzzle at train shows. For this reason it was built on a 6 x 1 foot shelf. However, there were deeper reasons for the small size. First, my age and health meant my endurance had taken a nose dive, so I didn't want to bite off more than I could chew. Second, my main interest had always been either electric traction or diesel switching operations. Third, I had never finished my first two layouts, even though I had gotten close. (And I had recently read a book on John Allen's layout and found out that although it was innovative, beautiful, and provided great fun for many people over a long period, but John had died before he had completed the last bridge on the main line.) The small layout allowed me to actually "finish" it, complete with track details, structures, and groundcover. Even with its small size there are different opportunities to photograph different scenes to share on social media, and people who have viewed my pictures before seeing the layout all say, "I didn't realize it was so small!" So even a very small layout can be satisfying if your expectations are reasonable. Sorry to go on so, but you know how baby boomers can be!
You raise a good point about "endurance." One of the reason I won't risk a larger build is for that reason as well. Cheers.
I agree completely. Over the years, I've begun and never completed layouts in 3 different houses I've lived in. The only thing I ever "finished" was a module or two for the club I was in back in Milwaukee. Now that I'm doing a shelf layout (16' x 24") I can see how I can use all these disparate skills I've picked up over the years, and sometimes use many of them in the same session. I did the benchwork first, and then the backdrop, before anything else, a lesson from experience. Now, since I'm doing a prototype, I've done extensive research and know what I need and I am building all my structures first at the workbench before the track work is even in, setting up the postage stamp scenes. Then I'll be able to "model" the track work as I build and complete these small scenes. I'm having more fun now at 61 than I ever did on the 3 layouts I built, one each in my 30s, 40s, and 50s. Thanks for the vids! - Paul
I can remember an awesome Canadian Pacific "N" Scale layout I began, depicting the "Kicking Horse" pass in B.C. It had great hopes . . . but it outgrew my passion. The plan was poor even though the passion was there. I have certainly learned from many fails as well. I guess that is often part of the process which makes model railroading even more coveted. Cheers and thanks for sharing. ~ Boomer.
First time I've seen any of your videos. The sounds are very realistic: the car creaking and knocking against other and the prime mover in the locomotive sounds way better than the locomotives I have (I won't mention the manufacturer out of respect!) Is the locomotive using "Rolling Thunder" because it sounds like the real thing, big and throaty.
All my locomotives are sound equipped. I dubbed in proto sounds to enhance things a little. ]-)
@@boomerdiorama I guess so!
For a long time, I thought I had to have a continuous layout. Then I got a small taste of switching and I have a shelf layout that I never imagined I could ever have in my space.
Continuous running is cool and has it's advantages for sure. One is that you get to break in your locomotives well. The advantage to smaller shelf layouts are locomotives last a lifetime due to low miles . . . lol. Cheers.😁
Awesome Video 🤘🏻
Hey Weston ~ Glad to hear from you! Thank you and Cheers ~ Boomer.
I enjoy switching and shelf layouts the most, but I also like seeing long trains snaking through curves. That's why I joined a club for the long trains and will build shelf modules for switching. The best of both worlds.
I can remember my N Scale days for long snaking trains. They look cool for sure. Cheers.
Beautiful layout, great scenery and details. One thing missing (in my mind) is an engineer in the cab. When you run it at realistic speeds and with realistic sounds the empty cab stands out. I am also building a shelf layout and with about the same length of run. Great fun. As a retired M&B employee it is nice to see that load of wrapped lumber on the bulkhead flat.
Thank you! People and Backdrops are the last thing I do on my layouts. Most if not all engineer models look ridiculous anyway. I'll sculpt my own when the time comes. Cheers and thanks for sharing.😁
My wife said, "If it's a model and it looks real, then it's Boomer's." I really do agree with everything you have said. Big changes coming for me and my modeling. Not sure when I will be able to announce it, but it will be a shelf layout patterned after your comments and work. Thanks for keeping me inspired!! Cheers - Larry.
Good to hear from you Larry! I was wondering how you were doing. Your new plan sounds awesome. Thank you for taking the time to share. Cheers ~ Boomer.
Layout design is very important, a lot of layouts are only track plans with stuff added afterwards, you need the concept area, at the very least, before you go near the track plan because that's the way the real things evolved.
And that's why I like this layout so much.
Very true! It took me a long time (when I had time) to figure things out. I read every publication I could get my hands on before it clicked. The old masters were, and are, the wise ones because of their experience and willingness to share. Cheers.
Boomer thank you for your insight and views about what model railroading is really about. You are absolutely correct and you have created the essence of a much larger scene all boiled down to highly detailed segments of reality. Would you please consider putting your thoughts into words for the NMRA British Region magazine Roundhouse of which I am the editor here in England and sharing your model making with Canadian modellers in the United Kingdom?
I hear you and I appreciate that, but I am trying to accomplish putting my thoughts into words with the channel. It's free to subscribe! I wish I had more time to write actually, but the monumental task of managing the channel, production, post, life in general, etc. is eating up all my time, not to mention having some fun with personal modeling as well. ;-)
I like what you said but I guess to each there own as well. I have a shelf type layout but with continuous running through hidden staging I feel I have the best both worlds. I really enjoy having computer controlled automation but still being able to operate manually my yard. If I have to ever down size I would just build a simple shelf design.
I hear you. I would have more as well (hidden) staging if it was in the plan. I think about it but I have to "bite the bullet" and go with what I feel is right for this space otherwise it becomes unruly for me. I may add an additional section for a bridge to use as a staging lead down the road. But have at her - sounds great! Cheers.😁
@@boomerdiorama you well and truly deserved your break I know how hard I have worked on my layout and you with yours ! Then plus your filming and editing ! The running shots you posted are just awesome ! Sit back and enjoy your work for a while it looks amazing. Thanks so much for all the video's you have posted.
Quality vs quantity. Its clear which one you're 'chasing'!
Cheers.
Much appreciated!
Are all of your sound effects coming from your engine decoder ? What brand decoders do you run ?
The sound here is in post-production editing, even though I do have sound equipped locomotives. Most of my locomotives have Loksound V5 decoders, with a few TCS and Tsunami 2. Cheers.
@@boomerdiorama thanks
Railroad to infinity is how it goes, as your hobby is what keeps you sane, happy and creative. What I live is operation senarios, wish I had a 500 foot x 20 foot wide scenery layout to muck up and add to from time to. Cities change all the time never stay constant. Buildings go up and come down, same way with neighborhoods and fam land, roads and highway, bridges and infrastuctural pieces. There are no master in this hobby or any hobby to that matter, it is a continual learning process hand over hand, Teacher/student and Student/teacher it is all the same no matter where you are in your life. Happy modeling!
Yes indeed. Always learning. I learned something new this week. How to make Moose Antlers in HO Scale . . . lol. I'm not kidding. Cheers.
What can I say you have nailed it on the head and it’s the very reason I have a shelf layout. My Facebook group on shelf layouts has grown to over 13,000 members in 18 months. My layout will be featured in the UK NMRA magazine in January including the cover page. Thanks for all your inspiration
Sure thing Paul and thank you. I don't do Facebook so I am not familiar with the group. Glad to hear of your success though. Cheers. 😁
@@boomerdiorama you may not do Facebook but you certainly have a presence there
@@paulc1964 Thanks to you Paul.😁
I second what Paul is saying. You do have a presence there, many admirers.
@@tomoconnell4235 I have had a look over there (Facebook) and the shelf layout modelling, locomotives, rolling stock, buildings, etc., is off the charts fantastic!
We all arrive at a similar conclusion after so many failed attempts at modelling our dream layout, More from the frustration and lack of knowledge of results which continuously sabotage our plan. Not that that's a bad thing, it helps us grow as modelers and refine our wishes and desires to ultimately come to the conclusion as you have pointed out.
I always say, take the proverbial 4x8 sheet and rip it into 4 - 1x8 shelves, you still have 32 square feet of modelling available, but the results and outcomes will be farther than you could have imagined. The shelf layout offers so much more then just switching, but unfortunately, you have to arrive there by trial and error once you have realised that the pathway to it is littered with ideology which as modeler we have to sift through.. (read more track. turnouts, space, just more of everything)
There is no easy road, except Glover/River road as an example. 😀
Great filming and scene composition by the way. Cheers.
Resets can be painful but there is always a silver lining in them if we look. Cheers.
Wow that is realistic. A big part of it is the sound. How do you get the clicking and clanking sound of the cars to work? I understand the loco has sound but I don’t imagine each car has its own sound or do they.
Some have the wheel squeal built into the decoder. Lok sound V5 has this.
I think I’ve found the perfect place for a shelf layout, the first three rooms of my basement are filled with my layout but I could run a spur into room four and fit a nice 12’ shelf layout there 😊
That's a great idea!
You always give us a road map whether it is doing building, paint, trees and the pros of doing a shelf layout. Like I have commented before my train layout fills a 26 X 16 area. Because my friends on train night like to operate I have 3FT. aisles. The plan is a shelf layout double sided they are about 18" deep so easy to do track , scenery, and switching. Yes I model in N Scale have since the 80's. What I do is scenic 3 FT. at a time get 90% done and move on to the next 3 FT. section ( how do you eat an elephant? , 3FT at a time.) I did provide for continuous running but not on OP night. When it is just me I work my steel mill or coal mine, steel mill is 2x4 and the coal mine is 18" x 4 FT. A question: I don't remember seeing figures on yours? Thoughts on that subject.
I think shelf layouts (in theory) take on all kinds of shapes and styles. If you have the will and the room, I say, go for it and have fun. As long as you are having fun. Cheers.😁
Nice modelling. I’ve had a shelf layout for 15 years and it’s still not finished.
Like you said “every aspect “.👍🤠
😁They can go on for a lifetime.
Agreed,we need Operation Potential.Industries,Mines,Ports.Destinations.A long round and round is ok too,but yes it can be boring without operation.
There is a philosophy around the shelf layout as well that often time makes no sense to the novice model railroader. If you run the gamut in the hobby long enough you either end up with a large "somewhat" finished layout (which is rare), or an accomplished smaller one.
Hear ya 👍
One section at a time.
;-)
Some of us don’t have a choice but to build one. Personally, as long as I can get a decent running session in I’m happy
It's all about perspective and operational philosophy anyway. The small layout keeps getting more detailed and realistic with every pass. Details are endless and operations can be infinite (like the real world) with bridge traffic, last mile ops, and off layout staging as well.
Took a break from my project car to get back into the hobby.. ive done loops and shelves in ho and n scale.. and yes shelves are the way to go. Everything you mentioned was spot on
Small shelf layouts serve me well. ;-)
Loving your channel. Great modelling and tips. Just wondering if you have finished the log truck? I am into the 1/25 scale truck building as well as the rail modelling and was enjoying your build
The Logging Truck sits in front and above me. I think about it often. The problem is time. When do I get to it? At some point, hopefully this winter I'll try and complete it or work on it more.😁
I'm building mine large. 2 tables on the outside 4x45 ft and 2 inner tables 8x35 ft. Connected in the shape of a W. At one end is a large port and an 8 track working hump classification further down. A large industrial park. Table 2 is a mountain pass that sortof resembles the cascades table 3 is drier rural area with a canyon connecting 3 to 4. Table 4 is a small town and transfer yard with another good size industrial park. Overall almost 40 manufacturing outfits, large and small. Lumber, oil, coal, steel mill, produce farming, grain elevator, and lots of misc manufacturing.. the idea is to incorporate a full working economy. My friends and I used to play monopoly on my old train layout as a kid. This time i'm building it bigger (968 square feet) and more realistic! Since we have a port and mainline that goes inland, we can add products, change supply and demand all the time to keep things interesting. 10 changes are randomly made every week directly effecting production, and supply / demand. Kinda like our own monopoly game, but with trains!!!
Sounds great! Lot's of fun factor there for sure. Cheers ~ Boomer.
Your sure can make a point and a good one it is !
I hope it inspires! Thank you! Cheers ~ Boomer.
I'm new here and a big fan of shelf layouts. Yours is very impressive! I'd love to see a "tour" or track plan. Do you have one in the collection?
Thanks for asking. I have to redraw (revise) my "paper" plan. But I will do another virtual layout tour soon for sure. 😁
Can you post a track plan of your railroad?
I have revised it some and have not completed it yet. When I do, hopefully this fall, I will. You can see the present one in this video: ua-cam.com/video/Bny2wxUlAuY/v-deo.html
Cheers.
Mad Skills. Boomer. Have you ever checked out Lex Parker’s channel. He is not making videos anymore but you would appreciate the detail he put into his railroad and scenery. I learned everything from him. His waterfalls are absolutely incredible.
Yes I have, Max is an awesome modeler indeed! Thank you for mentioning it. Cheers. 😁
Good points
😁