The Slum Landlord Scratch - Build Series (Part 2) and Stair Cases | Boomer Diorama ~ Vlog # 202

This is (part2) of the Slum Landlord scene. The Stair Case Build @ 21:36. The Slum Landlord (Paint tutorials) are in two parts to follow this one (The whole series is four parts in total). This scene completes the middle of section two bookended by the overpass. There is much more railroad to build into the remainder of section two and three before it is finished.
KZbin Audio Library Music
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[@kimknowles3681]

You are one , if not the most inspiring model railroad craftsman on social media today. I would watch your content even if I had no interest in the subject, just to watch your technique and listen to your concepts. Keep up the great work.

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow, thanks Kim! I appreciate the encouragement. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@ronheiser3248]

Boomer is the Bob Ross of model railroading!

[@cameronwheatley7792]

Maybe we can model the happy little boomer his own perm 🤣 to say thanks

[@donwillhoit6866]

Once again another "Master Class"! And Dusty with the squinty eyes. Who could ask for more.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yeah. Dusty . . . she loves the model room. ;-)

[@craiglowrey9550]

MY HEAD HURTS!🤕 So much powerful info , so little storage capacity... more great ideas that seem so difficult, but you explain and show the simplicity of them. Thanks for stimulating the tired brain cells and urging us to step out and try! Great job Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jtmonsman]

Thank god all his stuff is preserved for posterity here for us to reference!

[@unknownrobot2881]

I like the way the awning is reflecting those on the warehouse building, kind of ties the scene together.

[@boomerdiorama]

The love of awnings . . . lol. Thank you.😁

[@user-bf1oc6zt1z]

Greetings From Colorful Colorado WJ ! Lots of beautiful Gold and Yellow Aspen Leaves in the hills today. I like the landing 1/ 2 way up the staircase. A great place for an Old Fat Guy like me to stop and rest. As normal WJ, you have shown me more Excellence in art. I learn something new with each of your videos I watch. By the way, I have revisited your Tree Tutorials several times and now I am ready to create my 1st "Feature Tree". Thank You ! Cheers, John

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you John! Cheers.

[@ISAACBATENBURG]

Thank you for all the nice tips and tricks. You video’s encouraged me to start picking up building models again and I enjoy it.

[@boomerdiorama]

Great to hear!

[@briankistenmacher]

Boomer~ I’ve been a subscriber to your channel for over three years now. The many modeling techniques you describe, the nuggets of wisdom you impart, and just your easygoing manner and humility-these and many other things have helped kick my own modeling skills up a few notches. I thank you for that. I’ve enjoyed everything you’ve done on River Road, and even though it’s not a large modeling space, relatively speaking, it’s more space than I’ve got. But that has to do with my age, lifestyle, and ever shrinking footprint, so to speak, than anything else. That said, I find myself returning to Glover Road from time to time and watching again (many for the third time) all that you did on that wonderful little shelf layout, which better fits my available modeling space. I would encourage all of your subscribers-new and old alike-to hop on the “mixed train” to Glover and spend some time there. It’s a track plan that can be modified to fit any era or locale. Not only that, as talented as you already are, I can see how your own modeling keeps getting better and better, from watching those earlier videos. I attribute that to your overall philosophy: never be afraid to make a mistake. Personally, I never learned much by getting something right the first time. Your videos have become a big part of my everyday life, and I look forward to watching and learning from each of them. Thank you. ~Brian

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing Brian. Yes indeed! . . . we all continue to grow in our skill-set when we practice on a smaller footprint - this is my modeling philosophy. I would be content with half the size of this layout. Twenty six feet feels huge to me, especially when all my operational needs are satisfied by switching a boxcar or two. ;-) Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@reddogterrain]

That crackle paste looks fun to play with.

[@boomerdiorama]

It is but it is unpredictable if you are O.K. with that. ;-)

[@reddogterrain]

@@boomerdiorama that is half the fun.

[@jcjackson726]

So many great tips and techniques! Thank you!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@usssaratogacv3lefevre978]

Looks really easy. reminds me of an access ladder of a ship.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yup. It does the job.

[@PeterTillman3]

A master class Boomer. I wish I had seen how you framed the modern windows when I scratch build my ABC Building - so an obvious and easy way of doing things AFTER you have shown us 😂

[@boomerdiorama]

Those windows look cool but they were very tedious work. ;-)

[@leisureshoot]

those stairs and railing are perfect. I needed this for my concrete coaling station. As you mentioned, I could 3d print them, but this is better. It's not brittle. I did print my coaling tower, but all the stairs and railings would be way too easy to break. Thanks for another great video.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. The nice thing about Evergreen Styrene is it's flexibility as well. ;-)

[@cerisekappes580]

Your attention to detail is incredible!!! ❤😊❤

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@allenlandis4504]

Never a disappointment. Always something to keep me learning .

[@boomerdiorama]

This is why I keep challenging myself. I want to keep learning. ;-)

[@larryhurd8111]

I’m new to your channel and man this is awesome material. I’ve got a lot to learn but with people such as yourself providing such great instructions and inspiration towards scratch building I ready to start a new phase in model railroading. Thank you for being such an inspirational educator to this hobby. Great Job Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks and welcome aboard! ~ Boomer.

[@PeterTillman3]

Thanks

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome! Thank you Peter! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@schadowolf]

Another outstanding video and tips!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks again!

[@cameronwheatley7792]

Funky new background beats, graffiti on the desk as the backdrop, the most upbeat, inspirational and dedicated teacher I've ever had. It's awesome following you Boomer, as always just want to say a big thankyou for being you!! The best part i see is you are still building all the bits and pieces that make you truly happy and a lot is based around all the things you got up to as a kid, which you share stories on occasion. Truly inspiring seeing you still loving and supporting the hobby after all these years.

[@boomerdiorama]

Couldn't agree more!

[@josephcosta5161]

Wow.. came out beautiful another great job by Boomer.... and Dusty... Lol .. your very talented... I'm trying to learn from your work... Wish I was in school as your student I could of did things in my life different... Thanks Boomer

[@boomerdiorama]

You can do it!

[@WarrenFahyAuthor]

Super cool.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@frankcerne7613]

Just awesome 😊

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jerrysmith1929]

I really like kit bashing, but scratch building has always intimidated me. My attempts at it have been pretty crude and unsatisfying. Seeing your techniques give me some confidence for future projects. Also, thanks for the kit bash of the abandoned cottage. I've been planning to use the kit on a TTrack module, but only a standard build. A kit bash similar to what you have done will be more appropriate and add another point of interest to the module. Thank you!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ronheiser3248]

In the annuls of model railroading, the rebirth of scratch building will be attributed to Boomer. Simple techniques, when practiced and mastered result in beautiful creations.

[@boomerdiorama]

That would be cool! The beauty of scratch building is you can have your own railroad that is unique.

[@harperlarry49]

Amazing. So many great tips in a 38 minute video. Now I know how to make the windows for my up coming buildings. The use of the brick piece and crackle paste is really cool. Great tips and techniques!! Thanks for sharing. Cheers - Larry.

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mr.e1944]

I could watch someone work on building models all day. Thanks Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

You bet!

[@monkeymike8797]

Hey bud. Thanks for the tip on the staircase. I was struggling with a long one I need for a signal tower I’m building.

[@boomerdiorama]

No problem 👍

[@stevenlitkey9354]

Love the little diner. I remember during the building, you talked of a theater or such in the scene. Plans do change 😊😊 . I must say, now the diner looks odd in place of the cinder block. Hopefully, the little diner finds a home as the "road" grows beyond the overpass. 👍👍

[@boomerdiorama]

The Diner was a fun build and somewhat of a risky proposition. On the other hand it helped to increase my skills for the subsequent builds. Having said this, the Diner is on the shelf above me and I still get to enjoy it. The Diner might even work on the "Whimsical" Glover Road as a demo as well . . . who knows. ;-) - Cheers!

[@wilzdart]

I have been building the back ground structures on my chemical plant. The ones I am scratch building are " I Beam" construction and as we all know stairways make it. Thanks to you I am using your method with angle styrene, and yes it works great in N scale just a smaller size. You showed that method on the brewery build and the tug boat build. What was cool was you made railings out of styrene. Thanks!!! You did make a statement that rings very true. You can't watch a video or vlog and get the same results...practice and doing a lot is the only way. Funny the more you do the better you get.

[@boomerdiorama]

Having fun through the process is part of it for me as well.

[@CloneRanger]

First off, the intro tune, good choice. This is the famous staircase, lol, maybe a suggestion: since the staircase is going over the tranis and track some kind of higher prison fence and an over head cover......🤜🤛........You really should do an onsite clinic for those of us that are a little more challenged in the hobby, LOL I'm in Atlanta and I would walk there if I have to, bro.........

[@boomerdiorama]

Maybe one day, who knows. Funny you mentioned "Prison" - the building does have an institutional feel to it. ;-)

[@stevenstorey1945]

Boomer, the Slum Landlord Build is just fantastic! All the different angles really do draw the eye, but, the exposed brick, I must admit, is my favorite. There is so much to take in, but the plaster breaking away from the brick is exactly what happens to those old unkempt buildings- pure realism! Glad to see the Supervisor keeping an eye on things! Every job needs a Supervisor. Also, watched the Second Section Podcast, all 3:08.29 seconds. Even though I have watched every Vlog of River Road from the beginning, I came away with an even greater perspective of the layout itself. Cheers, Boomer and Rusty

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. The Podcast was fun. I decided I would set up a camera for the show. In fact I am in the process of setting up a few cameras in there now. Cheers!

[@205004gs]

Absolutely remarkable! The tenants that once lived in that building, must have had an incredible view of the train action. And its Dusty approved as well. 👍👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much Gene! Dusty is hunting around for a new location. ;-) Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@michaelimpey1407]

Boomer, great tips on building the windows. You have probably forgotten more than I will learn. Apart from Military Modellers, andotehr great source of tips is the War Gaming community, but be careful of the scale, they tend to be a bit bigger. Cheers, and stay safe, Michael

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. Scale mitigation across the board can be challenging at times.

[@FarlandHowe]

Wow, there was a ton of lessons packed into this one. I am excited to try the crackle paste.

[@boomerdiorama]

Have fun!

[@janetcameron4652]

Thanks Boomer & Dusty.

[@boomerdiorama]

Our pleasure!

[@vsstub]

Another stunning video. I gotta say, the comments you made at 31:30 - 31:55 is absolute gold! I wrote it down and can't wait to share it with my students this afternoon.

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow, thank you!

[@andrewpalm2103]

Another great instructional and inspirational video, BD! I got a copy of Ray Anderson's "Art of the Diorama," and have been reading a chapter a day. Very interesting and well worth the price. Also, I wanted to thank you for emphasizing taking chances and experimenting with materials and methods. It has helped me become a better modeller. Cheers from Wisconsin! PS. I enjoyed seeing you on Second Section.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing! That book is a great read from one of the old master's. ;-)

[@ironwolfusa]

Your modeling is inspirational for sure! My layout is going to have several prototype buildings for the 2 small towns that I will be modeling and your tips and tricks are the best I've seen. If I can do just half as good as your stuff, I'll be doing grand! Thanks for the great videos.

[@boomerdiorama]

Throw caution to the wind and have fun.

[@dalehanna8083]

Boomer ,thanks again for showing your technique and thought process of a build. River Road is really coming together, when I look at it now , I feel I am looking at a live scene rather than just a model. Cheers!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks 👍

[@brownie6451]

I sure hope the dinner gets built out the way you previously planned it will look so much better in my opinion. Now I'm a little bummed been patiently waiting for you to finnish that scene. Oh well your R/R not mine. LOL

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing. I get bummed out as well, but it is what it is when the plan is lager than one sees. Cheers.

[@brownie6451]

It's alright with your talent I'm sure it will look great werever you put it. You are an insperation.@@boomerdiorama

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear Boomer, very cool to see you do the modern windows, especially the construction of the middle bar. Love the way you’ve put so many angles and different corners on this structure. It definitely adds to the view lines, hence to the (forced) perspective of depth, the illusion of the slumlord world going on beyond the backdrop. Simply beautiful how you did the right hand side with the exposed Tyvek, just awesome. Very good info on the crackle paste, definitely will do some experimentation on different surfaces, different thicknesses and methods of application. As always, love the stairs and their railings. Definitely agree on the 5% rule, those last little threads weigh their part. Oh, and so cool to see the comparison of the scene with both the diner and the cinder block building. If only for the photo opportunities. Cheerio

[@boomerdiorama]

Yeah . . . the Diner. The Diner was a "good" distraction for me. We need good distractions on long arduous projects. ;-)

[@melvinfackler8282]

I learned to due "peeling paint' effect using rubber cement.

[@boomerdiorama]

Same stuff in away. But yes indeed!

[@folkertvanwijk5168]

Yeah those last 5%... All my buildings still have their chimnies, rain pipes and gutters to be made and added. But I keep telling myself those are the details that wil brake easely while still handling and moving them around. I also not looking forward to trying getting these things straid up on the sloped roof.

[@boomerdiorama]

This is why I like to weld on parts before paint. They don't break off easily. Sometimes we leave out things that we won't notice as well. ;-)

[@jamesharvey1670]

Just here to say you inspire me to build better models and try your techniques! Thank you Boomer

[@boomerdiorama]

That is awesome!

[@ericp6612]

Outstanding video and full of valuable information! So motivating!

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sylwitcha5325]

❤❤❤❤

[@boomerdiorama]

;-)

[@budjamison2149]

amazing build! i vote for the factory i think it serves the scene the best. i love the dinner and i it were me ide put it in front of the tracks on the edge of the layout, i love when the trains go between buildings.dont know if you have room for that? anyway thats me great video.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@greenbaypicker4976]

I was a project engineer for a large global company and used to travel all over the world doing major projects. Always had to push to get the last 5 - 10% done. LOL. Because that's what people would judge us on whether the project was a success or not. Wasn't done? Not successful. And that included all the paper work. Hated that part.

[@boomerdiorama]

I find with building up and super-detailing locomotives to be a personal battle and the last 5% to be the most excruciating as well. When I burn through it, the experience is deeply satisfying. 😁

[@donsunden5906]

I see you use a 6"scale ruler you must of had it a long time a have been trying to find one but can't. I love your work and dedication to the art.

[@boomerdiorama]

Try "Lee Valley Tools" in Canada. They have just about every "niche" tool there is.

[@bobainsworth5057]

This week I have to go get all my Evergreen . So this may sound dumb but here goes. How do you store your plastic so you can identify it quickly? Cubby holds, vertically, throw in a drawer?

[@boomerdiorama]

There are no dumb questions . . . ;-) You raise an excellent question. Each person has their own method for organizing. I have limited space so I keep groups of certain profiles in bundles with elastic bands, etc. For example: All the "Angle" sizes are in one bundle, the rod is in one bundle, the tubes in another, etc. I also keep the smaller profile "Strip" that I use frequently in a separate bundle as well. You will figure out what works best when you plug into a certain build as well. Some particular builds that I stay with to completion, I have all the material on the desk to the side for quick access. I also make sure I have plenty of "Sheets" in the .010" - .015" - .020" - .030" range as well so I can also cut strip, etc. @ different thicknesses. Evergreen plastics is an investment so I just buy a few packs here-and-there to ease the pain on the wallet as well whenever I go to the store or order online. Check E-Bay as well. Sometimes you can buy bundles for great deals! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@bobainsworth5057]

​@@boomerdiorama Thanks this will help.

[@herricmountain]

Amazing once again. One question as to primers, Tamiya has some but light colours only, What do you use as primer that is, if possible, as easy to clean from an airbrush? You got us spoiled with IPA. I don’t remember seeing it in past videos, but I am getting old.

[@boomerdiorama]

Any (XF) Flat color is considered primer by Tamiya standard. If you must insist then I use any light Grey by Tamiya. ;-) I never use "so-called" primer unless the model is metal.

[@herricmountain]

Thanks for that and the aggravation this will save in the futur.

[@bobhastings6464]

Hey Boomer Bob from Ont again! Great stuff! Love the scratch building videos. It is one of my favourite parts of the hobby. A quick question for you if I might. Those small tweezer type nippers you use all the time, do you happen to know what make they are? I have some but I find mine really dull and more trouble than they are worth. Once again , great stuff. Keep it up Cheers Bob

[@boomerdiorama]

I ordered those over thirty years ago from Switzerland. I have only used them on plastic and they work as they first did. Not sure if you still can get them. Maybe try "Lee Valley Tools" in Canada or "KMS Tools"

[@bobhastings6464]

@@boomerdiorama Thanks Boomer!👍

[@pgronemeier]

I hope the 'Slum Landlord' isn't watching...🤔🤣

[@boomerdiorama]

I hope he is . . . lol. Cheers.

[@pgronemeier]

😅@@boomerdiorama

[@danielfantino1714]

Flat buildings are OK when see straight in front at good eyes level. But as soon as viewer is just a little bit on the side, illusion is broke off. But here abandoned house and its elevated land height plus the unconventional shape of the building, illusion is still working. May be that side extension was even added later on in building life. It´s not uncommon to add a floor or two, or extend a building on its side specially commercial or industrial one. When business is good and more room needed, you move or extend.

[@boomerdiorama]

Architectural angles work wonders on our model railroads. ;-)

[@jenniferwhite6089]

was not nice to think of the slum Justin Trudeau like that slum landlord too LOL

[@boomerdiorama]

Once upon a time . . . ;-)

[@Jan-hx9rw]

I've gotta stop watching your videos. My list of Evergreen styrene alone from watching the last two videos that I want to get is gonna top $100. :D I'll let the hobby store owner know where to send his thank you comment.

[@boomerdiorama]

I build up stock slowly. I keep a list and then add a few when I go to the hobby shop. I wouldn't trade my Evergreen plastic in for any kit today - no way. ;-)

[@Jan-hx9rw]

@@boomerdiorama Unfortunately, I only get to this particular hobby shop about twice a year, so I always make a list. And then I'm in the area for a week, I watch more videos, and I have to go back and add a couple more things. To the amusement of both my brother-in-law and the hobby shop owner. :D

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. I get that. If you get into a pinch you can make up profiles and strip from sheet as well. I do it all the time. 😁@@Jan-hx9rw

[@stephenfry400]

Boomer thanks for all your videos. I love them. PLEASE, PLEASE, try not to use such music as it is really annoying to people (like me) with neurological issues. So hard to have in the video and I do not want to miss your episodes and commentary. I have autism and to others like me it may make them not watch anymore. I like your other music, so please use that at the risk of upsetting others. SORRY. Steve

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing!