Greetings From Colorful Colorado WJ, The very least I can do for you is take you an Miss Wendy to Dinner. You have given more than I would ever imagined all year. My confidence has grown 100 fold because of your generous teaching and Spot-on Philosophy Thanks Man, John Millard Arvada Colorado
Wow! You are awesome! Thank you for the gracious gift! I will tell her for sure when I take her to her favorite restaurant! ;-) Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Boomer, you don’t have to feel like you need to justify your modeling decisions. For someone to say your trees are too big, don’t know what they are talking about. I was at Howard Zane’s layout last week. He said someone told him his rocks were not to scale. Doesn’t that sound crazy. Some people say stuff, sometimes out of ignorance, sometimes to be spiteful. Or, for a myriad of other reasons. Don’t worry about them. You are doing an amazing job and producing great content. We need people like you with decades of experience to pass on some of the knowledge you have gained. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Boomer. You can argue scale with some folks“forever and ever” (loving the Handel). The best we can do is model a representation, which you expertly. My layout is based on outback/central Australia where prototypical passenger trains are over 1.5km long and intermodal freights even longer. As you would know at HO scale prototype trains would be over 17m long, not very practical. Keep up the good work. Cheers Peter.
Years ago I filled the hills built in my layout with trees of various types. Many people knew him and considered him well accomplished. One day recently, a friend came with his 6-year-old grandson and looked at everything and asked me why the trees were so small. I measured them and the tallest one was 4.5”. I spent months changing them
First, thanks for playing Handel this season. 👍🏼👍🏼 Second--and Boomer, I know you know this--people are quick to criticize things that are relative to the modeling situation. They say your trees are too big because they don't have experience with your area and the large size of old growth trees. I have the opposite problem. On the edge of the plains people tell me my oaks are too small because in the Eastern Midwest oaks grow to 80-90 feet or more. Here, however, a 50-60 foot oak is big. In the area I model in North Texas, Mesquite trees are plentiful but are often only 20-30 feet. They look like shrubs to some, but they are correct in my modeling environment. Do what looks right in YOUR modeling environment.
I am amazed by all aspects of your modelling and have been influenced by many of your techniques, for example, guess how I do all my flat roofs after the diner build! How dare anyone call your trees too big - they're magnificent. Cheers
The trees on your layout are awesome my friend, definitely not too big. Most Model railroaders are way too small in their thinking when it comes to scenery, imo. Thanks for breaking down a practical philosophy and concept of the small footprint layout, it really helps.
Thank you for sharing! I guess it also depends on how we depict ourselves at trackside in the miniature. Everytime I railfan out here I can't escape the awesome size of the trees. Furthermore, I think we almost default to a "bird's-eye" view of things which can actually minimize the true scale of the tree.😁
If your trees were any bigger, Dusty might climb them! 😁😁 I really liked the way you showed the perspective down the brewery tunnel with and without that tree. When you pull out the tree, the enclosed tunnel effect almost goes away and it seems too open.
"Prototypical influence",,, very nice. It is a phrase that fits well. It's way better to have a focus or clear idea of what it is your trying to present in any model or else it's just random 'plonking' of scenery and track. Thanks again for your videos and perspective. I always enjoy how you put your whole approach to modelling in to words.
I can not speak for everyone but to me trees are something that has no set size if you are going for a realistic look on the layout. I also like the train to play peek a boo through the trees. Visiting a lot of layouts some are a bowl of noodles worth of track. To make switching easy there are a ton of turn outs. Perspective, again I feel is not figured in on layouts and should be. Thanks again for your ways to make our layouts a piece of reality.
It amazes me that anyone would comment that your trees are too big. Even if I wrongly believed my modeling skills were in the same ball park as yours, I would recognize that everything ..EVERYTHING you do is intentional (except sometimes with paint). Who would I be, to question your modeling decisions on your railroad. LOL, that's a whole topic of discussion in and of itself, apparently there is always someone out there who knows what you should do better than you. I appreciate that you have let me know every tree I have ever built is too small, and inferior!! My future trees will be much better. 😉
I get your humor and intentions. Lol . . . it was never my intention to make anyone feel that they fall short of their own modelling efforts. It should inspire in the same way the masters inspire me. The modeling obsession is weird and almost "disease" - like. When I go back to the original trees on section one I almost feel compelled to re-do them because we all get better at this craft, the more we practice. The skill praxis evolution shows as we progress. For me, I find modeling trees to be the schoolmaster that makes me a better modeler in all the other subjects as well. Cheers. 😁
I’m gonna need some big trees for Northern Idaho in O scale. Good thing I have a whole library of tutorials from you to work from. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I think these are all good points to convey Boomer. Whether or not guys realize it, it's the single most common reason for our struggles to achive a convincing scene. Especially us ogaugers. We build benchwork, lay down track, and just stick in the other design elements to fit as an after thought because of the limitations of available real-estate. Especially for those of us who are building in 0-scale. It's important to know that for those of us who struggle with creating a believable scene, I find that it is easier to do so by recreating an actual scene from any point in time from our past. It doesn't necessarily need to be an exact duplicate to work but useing any of the design elements always seem to be the most familiar and convincing that not only works for the individual but for others who has never had that same experience. Plus, it gives validation to the individual for conveying his story convincingly. Boomer what you call limited track plan in HO is a lot of track real-estate dedicated for 0.
O scale would be awesome! If I built in O scale ( Pacific Northwest) on this footprint, the trees would be impressive - but also, some would be severely cut-off by the upper (shadow box) valance as well.
@@boomerdiorama Now there's a great idea. I'd love to see that. So all we would see is just the trunk on your layout.? You could always send them to me. I have ample headroom on my layout. I'd gladly send you some pictures. I'm having a hard time envisioning what two foot tall trees would look like on my layout but I bet it would be a good conversation starter.
I feel the same way about my own convictions. I have to remind myself why I model the way I do. I model what I see in the real world . . . not some fantasy world that is often times too perfect and mainstream. Cheers Bill. ;-)
Thanks for sharing. I have 6 trees on my land over 150 feet. or 45.72 meters. One of them I'm sure is 200 feet. I live on a little larger than a quarter acre in Sacramento California.
I have always thought trees were too small on model railroads. I'm trying to model a portion of East Texas called the Piney Woods. My problem was I haven't lived in Texas since 1966 so dim memories and lack of access have plagued me about "The Woods" until I found the electronic book "Trees of Texas" put out by Texas A&M. It not only has illustrated trees in color (colour to Canadians) but native undergrowth and flowering plants along with common locations, sizes they can grow to, and details of leaf and needle counts on the stems and branches. Now I have something I can show people when they say my trees will be too large! Thank you for your great videos, all the great tips and especially the inspiration!
Wonderful stuff, you inspire us lesser mortals to try and do better. I am less skilled, but that doesn't matter to me, I enjoy trying, I enjoy my little victories, this week I built a freight car kit, got it nicely balanced, couplings perfectly in line, next week I will probably mess up the painting of it, but it is trying that counts and your videos are a wonderful inspiration.
Boomer, great thoughts on the trees in our layout. It is often very hard to get commercially avaible trees if they are not standard European trees or pines. In the area I am modelling, there are a lot of Australian River Red Gums, these are typically 20 metres to over 45 metres in height, in HO Scale that is 9 to 20 inches. Most ready to place are 5 to 7 inches max. I am trying to teach myself to make them, but still in the infant stages, your videos really help. Your trees are just as I remember from my visit to B.C. back in 2019. Absolutely majestic. Thank you, and stay safe, Michael
A model railroad is all about tradeoffs and compromises. I model a prototype and try to model accurately when possible but sometimes its just not especially if you operate. I'm modeling a town in a long narrow valley and the prototype had a three track yard + main with turnouts on both ends. So I modeled that but found that with the shorter length available and having turnouts at both ends which take a lot of room, even using short trains, I found I did not have enough track in the yard for operations. So I ended up adding a couple of short stub sidings where I could put cars. So now it definitely looks different than the prototype but operates much better.
Your example is a great illustration of what we all go through. I am experiencing the same dilemma with planning the Ferry (car-barge). I have to compress the model (cut it in half) to make it work in the limited space by the time it butts up against the Barge Ramp. It goes on-and-on like this. The barge operations (on the layout) will also take up half the layout as well because I wanted to try and get close to the prototype even though I still used heavy (linear track) compression like you spoke of.
Oh thank you! I think it's the style I have developed over the years through much passion and devotion to the craft. I was doing it long before social media became mainstream. Therefore, I feel privileged to share it. I love sharing it with the community and hope to inspire others to pursue their unique style as well. The original idea (as it stands) is to share the whole build from start to finish no matter how long it takes. Thanks for sharing your compliments and thoughts. ;-) Cheers ~ Boomer.
Boomer, I think the scene you showed of the barge slip looks as good as the photo you have there perspective and all. You do amazing work and I'm learning so much. And trees we all tend to model them too small, yours look fine and much more realistic.
Dear Boomer, love the subject. Simply beautiful how you showed the perspective angle from the Axton side. The difference between the shots with and without the red cedar tree significant! Also, love the way you placed the different buildings along and into the brewery alley. If only for the placement of those buildings and their slightly different angles, the perspective grows on the eye in a space just some 3” wide. That’s just awesome to observe. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with ‘flats,’ however the askew arrangement of structures definitely opens up a whole set of opportunities and angles to further explore the immersion beyond the footprint of the modeled scenes. Cheerio
Hi Boomer , I think this is a topic most Modelers have issues with , especially when it comes to compression on a scene to fit there given space. Compressing the wrong space , building , a siding or whatever , like you say it can brake or make the scene . On paper things can look good but sometimes spatial perception when track it's the base , can be challenging . If you maybe can touch on that issue some time and hint or how you go through that process. love your talks about modeling issues we all go through. Hope you , your family and Dusty have a wonderful , peaceful and merry Christmas , with all the best for 2024 . Cheers an thanks so much for your wisdom , and passing it on..
What nice video. The music itself is inspiring. Thanks to you I am learning to "lose the fear" and just start doing something. By the way, the pole to right of the tree is fantastic. Did you cover the build?
Can't wait to see phone/power lines go up (down?) IMHO one of the more difficult things to get right... Also looking forward to the next time you run train (s) I dig your choice of camera angles... Cheerios
I agree that trees need to be representative of the area being modeled. Just a thought, what about a large diameter stump from when they cleared the area for development. Maybe even a barber chair that was left.
Thanks. I think bigger trees look better. The argument for smaller is probably aimed at not letting them upstage the trains. Thanks also for using The Messiah for your background music.
Yes, I agree. Furthermore, average tree size is relative to the region one chooses to model. Most trees on the east coast are smaller . . . then there is the Mojave desert. Big trees are in the face here in B.C. Hard to ignore. 😉 Cheers ~ Boomer.
Great as always! Have you previously covered room lighting; and also do you have an opinion on Berkshire Junction - EZ Line Simulating Wires (telephone wire)? One myth you've destroyed for me is that such delicate-appearing scenery is actually pretty robust. I put up thread as a kid and aside from poor appearance, it became a pain in the neck to constantly work around it...
Great tutorial as always and timely to. I am planning a new layout to replace my first effort and have been thinking a lot about perspective and spacing.
The unfortunate dilemma when planning a model railroad is deletion. We have to leave out so much we like about the railroad. I find if one chooses a "signature" scene that represents the railroad, the rest seems to fall into place as we freelance the borders and "flesh-out" the overall footprint. Furthermore, the "footprint" can encompass an evolving story which leads to endless details as well. 😁
I’ve always thought that you are not really “seeing” your layout unless you get your camera down to a scale eye level and in a location a scale human could be. Rob
Well i found that interesting, it doesn't matter the size of the model trains, it's the enjoyment that matters, yes you could get it correct, but would you be happy, like you said if you want to model freelance, go for it!
Don't let the naysayers what prototypical is because I live in the PNW, and I have a Redwood in our backyard that is at least 150ft tall. Most of the trees that I modeled thanks to you are half that size!
My railroad is inspired by the BN line that went from Chehalis, WA out to Hoquaim, WA. As with yours, some of the trees are huge. And there’s parts of the line that is hard to follow on satellite images because of the tree canopy. But I’m not going to put trees on the railroad that are as tall as a passenger car is long. I’d have a very difficult time if there was a derailment. I suspect I’ll end up with a number of 60 or 70’ in HO. It’s going to be challenging enough to model deciduous trees that are anything close to that. Anyway, I won’t be telling you that your trees are too tall. That’s ridiculous. 😀
Your trees aren't too big, other modelers trees are too small! Until recently I lived in a house that has a 40metre Red Gum tree in the back yard. And it's only 7 km from the city. We are all forced to compress perspective due to space limitations. Thanks for all the great information.
Model railroaders in general make trees way too small. 10-12" trees in HO are still technically small, but much more realistic, to me, than 4-6 or 8" trees.
Always interesting camera views. How are you mounting them and what cameras are you using to film with? Gives a very interesting perspective of River Road while you narrate.
I have special studio equipment for mounting from 'Manfrotto.' It is not cheap but I don't regret any of it for one second. I use an older Nikon D5500 Digital SLR. It kinda reminds of the old F2 Nikon (Silver Particle Negative) camera I had way back that I could not seem to kill. And then there is the lighting which I can never seem to get enough of especially for video.
Hi Boomer, btw that's my wife's nickname, too. Have you done winter in the PNW? i'm doing the line from Tacoma to White Pass in winter. Lots of snow in the mountains. Have you done winter scenes? Do you anyone who has done good winter layouts or scenes? Love your stuff. Run8
I was never really impressed with "winter" scenes as a blanket of snow over the whole layout, even though I understand the appeal. I find the most effective "winter" scenes are when the snow is in heavy thaw with small patches of melting snow against late fall (Umber colored) terrain. Having said this, winter scenes can be the most challenging when it comes to modeling them because you have to get the color right (in fall decay), barren trees (lots of branches), etc. It is more difficult to pull off than you think, for it to be believable. Having said this, there are a few layout's out there where it has been done to stunning effect. Cheers.
Hi boomer. It's always a pleasure to follow you from the caribean, and to learn so much things about your technics. I have to remove some tracks from my layout. The problem is that my track is already ballasted and that I want to do this clean so I wonder how can I remove a track glued with diluted medium or white glue. Do y have any suggestion ? Thanks
Soak it down with Isopropyl Alcohol (50-99%). Just pour it on so it soaks in good and then use a "putty" knife to pry it up after 5-10 minutes. You should also be able to wash of the ballast etc, with dish soap as well after soaking in (IPA). Cheers.
Boomer, I suspect your trees are just saplings at the moment, give them time they'll get there. Just a quiet morning at River Road before the ferry arrives. Enjoy the moment. Cheers, Chris Perry.
It's funny when they are saying that the trees are to tall lol. I have done tree work and there's Oak trees that are 100 foot guess they don't have a sense of heights in there eyes 😂
Perspective with the model railroad is unique and subjective to each individual. I can remember, in the past, using "N" Scale trees on a large "O" scale layout to enhance distance in a tight space as well. All depends on how we approach and express our style I guess. 😁
Hi, I think trees are generally modelled too small. Here in Australia at gum tree has a average height of between 30 and 160' thats 100mm (3")to over half a metre (20"). I will go to an exhibition and often say, good layout but your trees are too Small.
I think small trees have been part of the mainstream model railroad culture for so long, pumped in magazines and media, when you see scale trees people are shocked. ;-)
I do not like critical citric's, I am a ceramic artist ad all the time people have the comments or suggestions that do not relate to my creative work, so now I just nod my head and go yep ya think so ok sort of a I do not care, but I create for my pleasure and for others of like minded ilk!
If you do a little research you’ll find Handel’s Messiah was not very well received by the critics of the day. Maybe that adds a little “perspective”to the discussion
Greetings From Colorful Colorado WJ,
The very least I can do for you is take you an Miss Wendy to Dinner. You have given more than I would ever imagined all year. My confidence has grown 100 fold because of your generous teaching and Spot-on Philosophy
Thanks Man,
John Millard
Arvada Colorado
Wow! You are awesome! Thank you for the gracious gift! I will tell her for sure when I take her to her favorite restaurant! ;-) Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
We just had a beautiful Turkey Dinner at Whitespot. It was awesome. Thank you! Cheers ~ Boomer. 😁👍
Thank you for your gift to us.
My pleasure!
Boomer, you don’t have to feel like you need to justify your modeling decisions. For someone to say your trees are too big, don’t know what they are talking about. I was at Howard Zane’s layout last week. He said someone told him his rocks were not to scale. Doesn’t that sound crazy. Some people say stuff, sometimes out of ignorance, sometimes to be spiteful. Or, for a myriad of other reasons. Don’t worry about them. You are doing an amazing job and producing great content. We need people like you with decades of experience to pass on some of the knowledge you have gained. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for that. I appreciate it. Cheers ~ Boomer.
Incidental music cracks me up...
...and God Bless right back at you
;-) Cheers! Thank you.
Super. You just have fantastic tree growing skills. P.S. I love those power poles. Hello from the Tracy Mountain Railway in Colorado. 💙 T.E.N.
Thank you very much!
Thanks Boomer.
You can argue scale with some folks“forever and ever” (loving the Handel).
The best we can do is model a representation, which you expertly.
My layout is based on outback/central Australia where prototypical passenger trains are over 1.5km long and intermodal freights even longer. As you would know at HO scale prototype trains would be over 17m long, not very practical.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers Peter.
Yes indeed. Passenger trains gobble up any layout. 😁
Years ago I filled the hills built in my layout with trees of various types. Many people knew him and considered him well accomplished. One day recently, a friend came with his 6-year-old grandson and looked at everything and asked me why the trees were so small. I measured them and the tallest one was 4.5”. I spent months changing them
Lol . . . I love it. It always takes the observation of a child to steer us in the right direction . . . lol. ;-)
First, thanks for playing Handel this season. 👍🏼👍🏼 Second--and Boomer, I know you know this--people are quick to criticize things that are relative to the modeling situation. They say your trees are too big because they don't have experience with your area and the large size of old growth trees. I have the opposite problem. On the edge of the plains people tell me my oaks are too small because in the Eastern Midwest oaks grow to 80-90 feet or more. Here, however, a 50-60 foot oak is big. In the area I model in North Texas, Mesquite trees are plentiful but are often only 20-30 feet. They look like shrubs to some, but they are correct in my modeling environment. Do what looks right in YOUR modeling environment.
Thanks Ron. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I am amazed by all aspects of your modelling and have been influenced by many of your techniques, for example, guess how I do all my flat roofs after the diner build! How dare anyone call your trees too big - they're magnificent. Cheers
Oh Yeah . . . the Diner. That build was a profound experience. Cheers.😁
The trees on your layout are awesome my friend, definitely not too big. Most Model railroaders are way too small in their thinking when it comes to scenery, imo.
Thanks for breaking down a practical philosophy and concept of the small footprint layout, it really helps.
Thank you for sharing! I guess it also depends on how we depict ourselves at trackside in the miniature. Everytime I railfan out here I can't escape the awesome size of the trees. Furthermore, I think we almost default to a "bird's-eye" view of things which can actually minimize the true scale of the tree.😁
@@boomerdiorama I agree completely!
Your trees are incredible and prototypically accurate.
Maybe this is why many avoid modeling a railroad in the Pacific Northwest. The trees can take up a large part of the time budget. 😉
If your trees were any bigger, Dusty might climb them! 😁😁 I really liked the way you showed the perspective down the brewery tunnel with and without that tree. When you pull out the tree, the enclosed tunnel effect almost goes away and it seems too open.
Good observation. It's amazing how one strategically placed tree can change a whole scene as you point out.
Yeah, I miss Dusty, she must have been napping the last 2 episodes 😂
"Prototypical influence",,, very nice. It is a phrase that fits well. It's way better to have a focus or clear idea of what it is your trying to present in any model or else it's just random 'plonking' of scenery and track. Thanks again for your videos and perspective. I always enjoy how you put your whole approach to modelling in to words.
Thank you! A railroad needs purpose, otherwise it runs out of inspiration. Prototype influence helps to cultivate purpose in the long run. ;-)
I can not speak for everyone but to me trees are something that has no set size if you are going for a realistic look on the layout. I also like the train to play peek a boo through the trees. Visiting a lot of layouts some are a bowl of noodles worth of track. To make switching easy there are a ton of turn outs. Perspective, again I feel is not figured in on layouts and should be. Thanks again for your ways to make our layouts a piece of reality.
I like looking for the train through the trees as well. ;-) Cheers.
It amazes me that anyone would comment that your trees are too big. Even if I wrongly believed my modeling skills were in the same ball park as yours, I would recognize that everything ..EVERYTHING you do is intentional (except sometimes with paint). Who would I be, to question your modeling decisions on your railroad. LOL, that's a whole topic of discussion in and of itself, apparently there is always someone out there who knows what you should do better than you. I appreciate that you have let me know every tree I have ever built is too small, and inferior!! My future trees will be much better. 😉
I get your humor and intentions. Lol . . . it was never my intention to make anyone feel that they fall short of their own modelling efforts. It should inspire in the same way the masters inspire me. The modeling obsession is weird and almost "disease" - like. When I go back to the original trees on section one I almost feel compelled to re-do them because we all get better at this craft, the more we practice. The skill praxis evolution shows as we progress. For me, I find modeling trees to be the schoolmaster that makes me a better modeler in all the other subjects as well. Cheers. 😁
I’m gonna need some big trees for Northern Idaho in O scale. Good thing I have a whole library of tutorials from you to work from. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Sounds great and same to you!
I think these are all good points to convey Boomer. Whether or not guys realize it, it's the single most common reason for our struggles to achive a convincing scene. Especially us ogaugers. We build benchwork, lay down track, and just stick in the other design elements to fit as an after thought because of the limitations of available real-estate. Especially for those of us who are building in 0-scale. It's important to know that for those of us who struggle with creating a believable scene, I find that it is easier to do so by recreating an actual scene from any point in time from our past. It doesn't necessarily need to be an exact duplicate to work but useing any of the design elements always seem to be the most familiar and convincing that not only works for the individual but for others who has never had that same experience. Plus, it gives validation to the individual for conveying his story convincingly. Boomer what you call limited track plan in HO is a lot of track real-estate dedicated for 0.
O scale would be awesome! If I built in O scale ( Pacific Northwest) on this footprint, the trees would be impressive - but also, some would be severely cut-off by the upper (shadow box) valance as well.
@@boomerdiorama Now there's a great idea. I'd love to see that. So all we would see is just the trunk on your layout.? You could always send them to me. I have ample headroom on my layout. I'd gladly send you some pictures. I'm having a hard time envisioning what two foot tall trees would look like on my layout but I bet it would be a good conversation starter.
That's cool, love the scenery 😊
I can't help myself living in this beautiful province. ;-)
Another great video and lessons to be taken, for those who don't waste time on criticism and do nothing of modeling.
Good point. I think anyone who models constantly critiques themselves anyway. Thanks for sharing. ;-)
You continue to teach me new things, and reinforce what I already know.
I feel the same way about my own convictions. I have to remind myself why I model the way I do. I model what I see in the real world . . . not some fantasy world that is often times too perfect and mainstream. Cheers Bill. ;-)
This helps my planning. Thanks for your perspective on perspectives !
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome...looks pretty good boomer... especially the trees in the background..I think it gives that extra touch..cheers
It feels authentic for where I live and railfan. ;-)
Excellent tutorial AND perspective, once more...
😁 Thank you!
Thanks
Thank you Peter! You are awesome! Cheers ~ Boomer
Thanks for sharing. I have 6 trees on my land over 150 feet. or 45.72 meters. One of them I'm sure is 200 feet. I live on a little larger than a quarter acre in Sacramento California.
Sounds about right. Then in North California the Redwoods are awesome.
@@boomerdiorama I have three different types of evergreen trees on my land. Redwood tree is just one type.
Great video Boomer for me perspective is key in all aspects of model railroading, weathering for instance,thank you for sharing
Well said!
I have always thought trees were too small on model railroads. I'm trying to model a portion of East Texas called the Piney Woods. My problem was I haven't lived in Texas since 1966 so dim memories and lack of access have plagued me about "The Woods" until I found the electronic book "Trees of Texas" put out by Texas A&M. It not only has illustrated trees in color (colour to Canadians) but native undergrowth and flowering plants along with common locations, sizes they can grow to, and details of leaf and needle counts on the stems and branches. Now I have something I can show people when they say my trees will be too large! Thank you for your great videos, all the great tips and especially the inspiration!
Sounds great. You can always check "Google" earth as well.
Wonderful stuff, you inspire us lesser mortals to try and do better. I am less skilled, but that doesn't matter to me, I enjoy trying, I enjoy my little victories, this week I built a freight car kit, got it nicely balanced, couplings perfectly in line, next week I will probably mess up the painting of it, but it is trying that counts and your videos are a wonderful inspiration.
You can do it! Just go for it!
Boomer, great thoughts on the trees in our layout. It is often very hard to get commercially avaible trees if they are not standard European trees or pines.
In the area I am modelling, there are a lot of Australian River Red Gums, these are typically 20 metres to over 45 metres in height, in HO Scale that is 9 to 20 inches. Most ready to place are 5 to 7 inches max. I am trying to teach myself to make them, but still in the infant stages, your videos really help. Your trees are just as I remember from my visit to B.C. back in 2019. Absolutely majestic.
Thank you, and stay safe, Michael
Model trees are challenging and take some work, but the rewards in my opinion are worth it.
@@boomerdiorama I totally agree.
A model railroad is all about tradeoffs and compromises. I model a prototype and try to model accurately when possible but sometimes its just not especially if you operate. I'm modeling a town in a long narrow valley and the prototype had a three track yard + main with turnouts on both ends. So I modeled that but found that with the shorter length available and having turnouts at both ends which take a lot of room, even using short trains, I found I did not have enough track in the yard for operations. So I ended up adding a couple of short stub sidings where I could put cars. So now it definitely looks different than the prototype but operates much better.
Your example is a great illustration of what we all go through.
I am experiencing the same dilemma with planning the Ferry (car-barge). I have to compress the model (cut it in half) to make it work in the limited space by the time it butts up against the Barge Ramp. It goes on-and-on like this.
The barge operations (on the layout) will also take up half the layout as well because I wanted to try and get close to the prototype even though I still used heavy (linear track) compression like you spoke of.
Thank you. You gave me a lot more food for thought.
Cheers!
Lessons are learned. Much fun in a relatively small space.thanks Boomer.
Cheers Spencer!
Your model is amazing!! It is hands down the best I've ever seen
Oh thank you! I think it's the style I have developed over the years through much passion and devotion to the craft. I was doing it long before social media became mainstream. Therefore, I feel privileged to share it. I love sharing it with the community and hope to inspire others to pursue their unique style as well. The original idea (as it stands) is to share the whole build from start to finish no matter how long it takes.
Thanks for sharing your compliments and thoughts. ;-) Cheers ~ Boomer.
Boomer, I think the scene you showed of the barge slip looks as good as the photo you have there perspective and all. You do amazing work and I'm learning so much. And trees we all tend to model them too small, yours look fine and much more realistic.
Despite the fact I had to compress the scene I think the Barge slip turned out great. Thank you!
Dear Boomer, love the subject. Simply beautiful how you showed the perspective angle from the Axton side. The difference between the shots with and without the red cedar tree significant! Also, love the way you placed the different buildings along and into the brewery alley. If only for the placement of those buildings and their slightly different angles, the perspective grows on the eye in a space just some 3” wide. That’s just awesome to observe. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with ‘flats,’ however the askew arrangement of structures definitely opens up a whole set of opportunities and angles to further explore the immersion beyond the footprint of the modeled scenes. Cheerio
Imagination helps to fill the outside world for sure. ;-)
Love your videos. I am just starting out model railroading and you inspire me.
That is awesome! Thanks for sharing and have fun!
Hi Boomer , I think this is a topic most Modelers have issues with , especially when it comes to compression on a scene to fit there given space.
Compressing the wrong space , building , a siding or whatever , like you say it can brake or make the scene . On paper things can look good but sometimes spatial perception when track it's the base , can be challenging . If you maybe can touch on that issue some time and hint or how you go through that process. love your talks about modeling issues we all go through.
Hope you , your family and Dusty have a wonderful , peaceful and merry Christmas , with all the best for 2024 . Cheers an thanks so much for your wisdom , and passing it on..
Thank you. I have one more release before Christmas where I touch on a few of those questions you just mentioned. Watch for it next Sunday. Cheers.
Awesome 👏 and happy holidays! Cheers 🥂
Thank you Gene. Same to you! 😁
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, your family, and Dusty 😸
Same to you!
What nice video. The music itself is inspiring. Thanks to you I am learning to "lose the fear" and just start doing something. By the way, the pole to right of the tree is fantastic. Did you cover the build?
ua-cam.com/video/jy68MltMTO0/v-deo.html
what about a little 🐱 by that boxcar!
Dusty has been missing in action lately. Soon once she winterizes . . . ;-)
Merry Christmas 🎉 and have a wonderful New Year from “Down Under”
Can't wait to see phone/power lines go up (down?)
IMHO one of the more difficult things to get right...
Also looking forward to the next time you run train (s)
I dig your choice of camera angles... Cheerios
Thank you!
I agree that trees need to be representative of the area being modeled.
Just a thought, what about a large diameter stump from when they cleared the area for development. Maybe even a barber chair that was left.
I think there are a few stumps buried in the forest part somewhere.
I will play this music when I get my layout done 😂 Anyway great video once again.
Lol . . . I feel like I am halfway there . . . ;-)
I am no way there! But I have started scratch building some stock so that is a start.
Thank you!
You are welcome!
Thanks. I think bigger trees look better. The argument for smaller is probably aimed at not letting them upstage the trains. Thanks also for using The Messiah for your background music.
Yes, I agree. Furthermore, average tree size is relative to the region one chooses to model. Most trees on the east coast are smaller . . . then there is the Mojave desert. Big trees are in the face here in B.C. Hard to ignore. 😉 Cheers ~ Boomer.
Great as always! Have you previously covered room lighting; and also do you have an opinion on Berkshire Junction - EZ Line Simulating Wires (telephone wire)? One myth you've destroyed for me is that such delicate-appearing scenery is actually pretty robust. I put up thread as a kid and aside from poor appearance, it became a pain in the neck to constantly work around it...
Electrical cables are about the last detail I ever think of for the reasons you just mentioned.
Great tutorial as always and timely to. I am planning a new layout to replace my first effort and have been thinking a lot about perspective and spacing.
The unfortunate dilemma when planning a model railroad is deletion. We have to leave out so much we like about the railroad. I find if one chooses a "signature" scene that represents the railroad, the rest seems to fall into place as we freelance the borders and "flesh-out" the overall footprint. Furthermore, the "footprint" can encompass an evolving story which leads to endless details as well. 😁
I’ve always thought that you are not really “seeing” your layout unless you get your camera down to a scale eye level and in a location a scale human could be. Rob
It's tough to do with a conventional camera.
@@boomerdiorama The iPhone 15 Pro is a marvel or a Run Cam at 1080P
The hallelujah chorus was an epic choice
I was not sure about it at first but decided - why not . . . need to have fun sometimes. ;-)
Well i found that interesting, it doesn't matter the size of the model trains, it's the enjoyment that matters, yes you could get it correct, but would you be happy, like you said if you want to model freelance, go for it!
I freelance all the time. ;-)
Don't let the naysayers what prototypical is because I live in the PNW, and I have a Redwood in our backyard that is at least 150ft tall. Most of the trees that I modeled thanks to you are half that size!
We have Redwoods here in Fort Langley as well. A pioneer planted them 150 years ago.
Again, thank you for teaching me, Boomer!
My railroad is inspired by the BN line that went from Chehalis, WA out to Hoquaim, WA. As with yours, some of the trees are huge. And there’s parts of the line that is hard to follow on satellite images because of the tree canopy. But I’m not going to put trees on the railroad that are as tall as a passenger car is long. I’d have a very difficult time if there was a derailment. I suspect I’ll end up with a number of 60 or 70’ in HO. It’s going to be challenging enough to model deciduous trees that are anything close to that. Anyway, I won’t be telling you that your trees are too tall. That’s ridiculous. 😀
Have fun with the scenery. It will look cool I bet. ;-)
Your trees aren't too big, other modelers trees are too small!
Until recently I lived in a house that has a 40metre Red Gum tree in the back yard. And it's only 7 km from the city.
We are all forced to compress perspective due to space limitations.
Thanks for all the great information.
When I used to model in O Scale decades ago we built old growth trees 3 feet high . . . lol.
Model railroaders in general make trees way too small. 10-12" trees in HO are still technically small, but much more realistic, to me, than 4-6 or 8" trees.
I think 12' trees are a good compromise for HO Scale.
Always interesting camera views. How are you mounting them and what cameras are you using to film with? Gives a very interesting perspective of River Road while you narrate.
I have special studio equipment for mounting from 'Manfrotto.' It is not cheap but I don't regret any of it for one second. I use an older Nikon D5500 Digital SLR. It kinda reminds of the old F2 Nikon (Silver Particle Negative) camera I had way back that I could not seem to kill. And then there is the lighting which I can never seem to get enough of especially for video.
Hi Boomer, btw that's my wife's nickname, too. Have you done winter in the PNW? i'm doing the line from Tacoma to White Pass in winter. Lots of snow in the mountains. Have you done winter scenes? Do you anyone who has done good winter layouts or scenes? Love your stuff. Run8
I was never really impressed with "winter" scenes as a blanket of snow over the whole layout, even though I understand the appeal. I find the most effective "winter" scenes are when the snow is in heavy thaw with small patches of melting snow against late fall (Umber colored) terrain.
Having said this, winter scenes can be the most challenging when it comes to modeling them because you have to get the color right (in fall decay), barren trees (lots of branches), etc. It is more difficult to pull off than you think, for it to be believable. Having said this, there are a few layout's out there where it has been done to stunning effect. Cheers.
Two modelers who've done impressive winter scenes are Rand Hood and Mike Danneman with his Moffat Road (which can be viewed here on UA-cam)
Did you have a permit to move that tree?? lol.
Lol . . . lol . . . ;-)
Hi boomer. It's always a pleasure to follow you from the caribean, and to learn so much things about your technics.
I have to remove some tracks from my layout. The problem is that my track is already ballasted and that I want to do this clean so I wonder how can I remove a track glued with diluted medium or white glue. Do y have any suggestion ? Thanks
Soak it down with Isopropyl Alcohol (50-99%). Just pour it on so it soaks in good and then use a "putty" knife to pry it up after 5-10 minutes. You should also be able to wash of the ballast etc, with dish soap as well after soaking in (IPA). Cheers.
@@boomerdiorama effectivly. I ve just tried this way and it works great. The vacuum cleaner is very usefull to catch the soaked ballast before it dry.
Bring the cat back-
She skips out once in awhile. ;-)
Boomer, I suspect your trees are just saplings at the moment, give them time they'll get there. Just a quiet morning at River Road before the ferry arrives. Enjoy the moment. Cheers, Chris Perry.
Lol . . . If I flip to O Scale they certainly will be . . . ;-)
It's funny when they are saying that the trees are to tall lol. I have done tree work and there's Oak trees that are 100 foot guess they don't have a sense of heights in there eyes 😂
Perspective with the model railroad is unique and subjective to each individual. I can remember, in the past, using "N" Scale trees on a large "O" scale layout to enhance distance in a tight space as well. All depends on how we approach and express our style I guess. 😁
How did 1/64 scale get confused with HO?
Thanks for sharing. ;-)
@@boomerdiorama
Ho slot cars measure out at 1/64 and not 1/87....I was just curious......
Nothing much to say Boomer, other than another good video!
Cheers from Ontario
Bob
Many thanks!
Hi, I think trees are generally modelled too small. Here in Australia at gum tree has a average height of between 30 and 160' thats 100mm (3")to over half a metre (20"). I will go to an exhibition and often say, good layout but your trees are too Small.
I think small trees have been part of the mainstream model railroad culture for so long, pumped in magazines and media, when you see scale trees people are shocked. ;-)
Sooooo Canadian.
Yes . . . or Pacific Northwest. ;-)
OK Boomer: well at least the evergreens look great.
Many things to be obsessed about . . . ;-)
I do not like critical citric's, I am a ceramic artist ad all the time people have the comments or suggestions that do not relate to my creative work, so now I just nod my head and go yep ya think so ok sort of a I do not care, but I create for my pleasure and for others of like minded ilk!
Yeah. It's the way the world is I guess. Lot's of unhappy people as well.
If you do a little research you’ll find Handel’s Messiah was not very well received by the critics of the day. Maybe that adds a little “perspective”to the discussion
It's worse now with postmodern skepticism.