Ballarat in the 1980's: Australian Model Railway Layout Tour - HO Scale

Transport yourself to the early 1980s as we delve into the dynamic atmosphere of Ballarat, a bustling regional city in Victoria. In this episode, our focus centers on a meticulously crafted model railway nestled within the confines of a spare room. This miniature marvel not only showcases the intricate details of the railway but also serves as a nostalgic time capsule, offering viewers a vivid depiction of the lively activities that animated Ballarat during that era.
As we explore this miniature world, we uncover the wonderful craftsmanship behind the model railway, a testament to the passion and dedication of its creator. The carefully recreated scenes pay homage to the city's history, capturing the essence of a time when Ballarat was a hive of excitement and community spirit.
Through this journey, viewers not only witness the beauty of the model railway but also gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of Ballarat in the early 1980s. It's a captivating exploration that combines the artistry of model railway craftsmanship with a nostalgic reflection on the vibrant past of a regional gem.
Don't forget to leave a comment with some feedback and of course subscribe if you haven't already and I'll be back soon with more model railway news, layouts and exhibition coverage.
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[@rubymattingley8736]

Thank you Will for showcasing Dad’s layout. He has been working on this for years, and spends pretty much every night in the ‘Train Room’ as we like to call it. You did such a great job of showcasing how much love and detail he has put into his amazing layout. Thank you for brightening our day after a very long and tough week ❤

[@Traintism]

This video is the reason I got back in to the hobby after 5 years of stage iv cancer. Thanks dude.

[@DomQuartuccio]

That is a fantastic layout, Greg picked an awesome era to model and he's done so to the highest standard. The station building at Ballarat is incredible!

[@MrJunnee]

a great layout really enjoyed your video

[@Rheilffordd]

Coffee made, toast spread, now to sit down to my Saturday morning viewing, that isn't cartoons! 😁 Wow! What a spectacular layout. I’m just mind blown at all the details, the buildings and the entire theme really captures this time and place and transition era nicely, well done to Greg and thanks for bringing this layout to life for us Will! 👌

[@sunshineandwesterrn]

OMG! I've dreamt of modelling Ballarat in HO scale for 40 years, and in that precise era as well! I'd come to the conclusion it would remain just that; a dream. Then low and behold this video appears and proves that dreams can come true. Will and Greg, what a stunningly magnificent model railway. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@davidbutterfield2949]

Awesome layout Greg. Thanks for sharing it with us Will.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Isn’t it! I was really happy I got to cover it!

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Nice layout showcase Will. Greg's layout is one of the best representations of Ballarat I have seen. The detail in the buildings and scenery as well as Rolling stock and locomotives is outstanding. - Nicholas.

[@PaulinesPastimes]

What a beautifully realised layout. The built environment is excellent. There would be so much scope to run and shunt all manner of rolling stock. Thanks for showcasing this layout and huge praise to Greg's skill.

[@Taitset]

Love the Y class with the open door and shunting crew!

[@WillJamesRailways]

It’s a really fantastic detail!

[@kdjat]

Wonderful layout, thanks Greg for allowing WIll to bring it to the rest of us!

[@Sim0nTrains]

Stunning layout, really enjoyed the presentation and the trains running on this video

[@michaelimpey1407]

Will, great layout report. Greg, wow, such details, wonderful. Thank you for sharing with us. Cheers, and stay safe, Michael

[@brentonthorpe7328]

Wow. That’s a fantastic layout!!!

[@ajpalmer4642]

Great coverage Will of a great Victorian layout. Greg's modelling and recreation on the early 1980s in Ballarat is second to none. Thanks for sharing!

[@PeterCandela-d6n]

Great to finally see the layout in its entirety, well done on your standard of modelling.

[@greatnorthernrailwaytother4711]

Thanks Will, yes Greg does a fantastic job of modelling this era of Victorian railways in the 1980-90s. Cheers Peter.

[@coffeepotcreations4840]

Love this video! Ballarats such a nice part of VIC!

[@Cale_Seamer]

What a fantastic layout! Your video really brings it to life as well.

[@bootsnall8996]

Seen lots of photos, thanks Greg and Will for showing it in operation.

[@FogartyAvenue]

This is absolutely incredible.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Show Bab

[@G516R700]

That's a great layout, awesome work Greg.

[@BoredRoblox]

Amazing layout

[@steveedwards9957]

Good production Will, nice layout too. Thanks

[@Bradleystrains]

Awesome layout mate wowwww he sure has captured how Ballarat was i remember it was like this. Thanks for sharing Will

[@TrainsUpTheTrack]

thanks for sharing will!!

[@robbiewales3007]

Absolutely magnificent layout

[@Java_Bean_Studios]

I was only a little kid but I remember this era so clearly!

[@kenfowler1980]

Thx Will, what a brilliant layout! The detail is incredible and to think the houses are all scratch built. Anyway thx again for sharing this wonderful layout. Cheers

[@niallobrien4736]

Great review and exceptional layout Greg. Lucky enough to have passed through on thre Overland back in the day before it changed route also.

[@SirRamone]

Thats Beautiful!

[@MrMontrose1967]

Very impressive great detail

[@David-oc5um]

I follow Greg's layout on Facebook with the Stories the he posts about the Operations for the time Periods.I assumed the layout was in a massive shed until watching the Video and discovering how much he has Achieved in a limited space Absolutely Brilliant Achievement so much Detail. Thanks Will for Capturing this Magnificent Layout. Westie.

[@norsehall309]

G'day Will, that's a wonderful layout and the owner should be proud, thankyou for the video, when l was in my teens in the 1970s l would take the train from Bendigo too Southern Cross and on to Ballarat to visit my Grandparents and l just loved the train station and the busy yards l have fond memories of the old red rattlers, cheers mate Neil 🤠.

[@Ansith]

Another great layout video Will! Love the layout, the early to mid 80s definitely gives a big mix of locos and rollingstock.

[@jasonmacklin8264]

Awesome layout nice model s

[@Society2day]

Back in time😊 the 80s 😅 🎉🎉

[@peterbumper2769]

I like how it accurately depicts the clock-tower with no clock

[@WillJamesRailways]

I’m sure he’s still got work to go!

[@peterbumper2769]

@@WillJamesRailways no, The clock tower did not get a clock until the 1990's (?)

[@MarkHenstridge]

Ripper layout mate.

[@anthgee296]

Top job

[@Brsdleybowden]

Hello names bradley bowden i wanna ask a question did some of the south australian diesel locomotives travelled between adelaide and Melbourne with they destination boards in the Melbourne area

[@Jayhocksenar-x1k]

Where is this?

[@matthewmassarotti2596]

just to correct u there will the sale yards were in redan not sebastopol, well more ballarat south really

[@trep17mag]

I remember Ballarat East station as we rode the Overland from 1979-1985 going to Adelaide at Xmas however what became of the Ballarat North yards? I wasn't aware they existed.