Model Railroad Buried Track Final Tutorial | River Road - Vlog #72

This is a comprehensive tutorial on how I model buried track on the HO Scale Model Train Shelf Layout - River Road. The first part of this tutorial is Vlog #68. Please see the "Community Tab" for frequent updates (and featured thumbnail pics), to the on going build progress of this ambitious "Diorama" Style Shelf Layout.
DISCLAIMER: I pay for all the products and materials I use in this video content, unless otherwise stated. I do not receive any affiliate sponsorship, fees, funds, support, or gifts from Golden products, and/or any other companies, I recommend. I only endorse them for the benefit of the community and my own personal use.

[@johnmcwade1]

Fantastic.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@johnmcwade1]

@@boomerdiorama My one-word reply feels rather inadequate for what you’re presenting in this series, but it’s probably my best superlative. I’m at least somewhat aware of what’s involved behind the scenes, as well as what’s on camera-the prototype research, your planning, your building and painting skill(s), the sheer work experience (the 10,000-hour thing), your artistry (composition, forced perspective, foreground-background focal points, etc.), attention to micro details (bolts, vents, hinges, downspouts, on and on), operational details (how do the trains run?), all that stuff. Like, whew! PLUS the storyboarding (at least in your head), staging, lighting, shooting, and editing the tutorials, all of which of course are arts (and careers!) in themselves. Oh, and the retakes, etc. And the time and dedication and frustration and rewards of all that. I see it. And I’m entranced by your results. I’m not seeing a model, I’m seeing the real word made tiny. Like Kandor, the city in the bottle that Superman had. It’s just so cool. And it’s funny, I watch my wife and daughter knitting soft, beautiful garments that are so artistic, and I’m like, yeah, that’s how girls do it. Guys do art by making things look grubby and rusty and in disarray. All this to say, again, fantastic. Thanks for showing us how, and equally important, for the inspiration.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@johnmcwade1 Thank you John, for sharing this. It is evident that you are an intelligent thinker, and even though you probably never let on much, you really know what is going on. You basically summed up the whole deal eloquently. Thank you again for supporting the channel the way you do. P.S. I still remember that it was you who respectfully admonished me to "slow down the camera" some time ago. I never forgot that great advice! ;-) Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@danielfantino1714]

80 hours ? Wow. You ant it deserve full respect in patience to get outstanding results.

[@boomerdiorama]

It still looks and works great!

[@michaelimpey1407]

Boomer, another fantastic tutorial. Great techniques here. Thank you for more lessons. Cheers, and stay safe, Michael

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks, will do!

[@markhuston9250]

Man……….never-mind the unmeasurable modelling skills you demonstrate……….but the time and effort you give us assembling these videos deserves alot of acknowledgement. You are quite a guy………maybe someday if you ever able to give classes or live seminars I will be able to shake your hand and offer my gratitude in person!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. Funny you mention live seminar. I was planning a series of live seminars for a local hobby shop just before the Covid restriction and the whole deal was squashed . . . so I started the channel of all things. The official channel (Boomer Diorama) is only two years old. ;-) Cheers.

[@OtterCreek]

@@boomerdiorama So the only good thing to arise from Covid... Boomer Diorama: The Immersive Model Railroad!! Very grateful you started this channel!

[@boomerdiorama]

@@OtterCreek If it wasn't for Covid I may never have done so . . . weird I know. Cheers.

[@kraigsickels3918]

Absolutely well said 👍

[@modeltrain9500]

Man, I uploaded something like this 10 years ago and it pales in comparison to what you've got here. Incredible, awesome work- you could be teaching a masters level art class with this level of instruction and content. Thank you for posting.

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow, thanks!

[@garyrose8188]

Boomer, your attention to detail, and the lengths you go to in order to not only attain the end result but also share your methodology, is nothing less than awe-inspiring. Bravo and thank you!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Gary. I appreciate that. Cheers and happy modeling. ~ Boomer.

[@joesipos2975]

I am inspired and in awe of how meticulous you are in the "process". I have learned so much! Many years ago, I use to think that if my modelling "looked" good, then it was good enough for me. If other people noticed my mistakes or errors, I would convince myself that "It is my layout and I don't care what others say". Over time, that became a terrible lie, lol. The countless hours invested in the beginning are definitely worth the end result (vs the many hours of frustration afterwards). The great thing about this hobby is the amount of fun from beginning to end (including the hours of running and operating the trains themselves). Cheers!!

[@boomerdiorama]

You summed up the hobby nicely. There are frustrating time s as well for sure. But that is the challenge to overcome and solve the problems because there is a solution for every problem. ;-)

[@joesipos2975]

@@boomerdiorama I agree that overcoming the challenges/issues involved are indeed solvable (and part of the hobby itself), but I must emphasize that it is much more difficult to resolve these once the work is "completed". Hence, the more time invested during the process results in less frustration in the end. Kudos to you!! Your experience and techniques have taught me so much. Keep up the great work. Cheers!!

[@Bruno.Trains]

This must be the most realistic layout I have seen to date, well done!

[@boomerdiorama]

This is the advantage of focusing in on as smaller and more manageable footprint. One is not overwhelmed by an endless frontier of track. It feels huge to me. Thank you for the compliments.

[@gordonkennaway3847]

Undoubtedly the best tutorials around, thanks again Boomer. Fantastic stuff as always!

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you like them!

[@beaumontracer1640]

Amazing Boomer! I'm learning soooo much. What I always thought was "black magic" of some kind is only simple (if not tedious) techniques that all of us mortals can do. Thanks for sharing!

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Hey, Boomer, I have really enjoyed this series. I've picked up a few new ideas here that will be a big help on my own layout. I really appreciate your detailed tutorials, especially coming from a fine-scale modeler and artist. Thanks so much.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds great Ron! N Scale is quite a challenge when it comes to details. I love the scale but my poor old eyes can't see it anymore. Nevertheless, your layout looks fantastic and I love your channel! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@brianhensby2092]

Your videos are inspirational can’t stop watching them 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for taking the time to share Brian. Much appreciated ~ Boomer. 😁

[@centrallosandes]

Boomer the Master. Greetings from Argentina!

[@boomerdiorama]

Greetings from Canada! Cheers.

[@robertlussenburg1770]

You never cease to amaze me! Love it! I miss Dusty the judge 😁

[@boomerdiorama]

Dusty is running out of space to lay around on the layout!

[@boriskucke7053]

Your work and your skills are incredible. I whatch every tutorial from you and i learn with each video more. I build my own turnouts and after whatching your vlog about building turnouts, it works. So i´ve build in the last days 2 #5 turnouts and one 45 degree crossing and it makes so much fun! Thank you for your inspiration. The next way is to get all of the coulors yuo use and try it out. Happ modelling and enjoy your weekend. Cheers! Boris

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome, thank you! I can always remember when I built my first turnout. I felt liberated in the hobby of model railroading! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@sebsg9662]

Another great video! Excellent tutorial, thanks for sharing!! Sebastien

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you liked it!

[@RB55able]

Really like the techniques you employed for the caution ⚠️ zone. Very informative and useful information for finishing and weathering.

[@boomerdiorama]

Hey Ralph. I need some old weathered cars to dress up the parking lot now . . . lol

[@frankhellman6879]

Nice! If I ever have a place to do this, the two things I'll be sure not to have are curves & turnouts. You're a madman! 👌

[@boomerdiorama]

Curves are not that complicated. Fear makes them look that way. They look intimidating but in realty are over-rated. People who overcome them dive in anyway. If you don't make mistakes you are probably not modeling a railroad. ;-)

[@edcvgp9]

Awesome you become my new favorite KZbinr ,close to Brian Bana😊

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow, thanks! Brian Bana is an awesome modeler. Cheers.

[@ErzgebirgsMoBaHO]

What a job, the madness. But it looks very good so far and I'm looking forward to the final result. Greetings Tino

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks 👍

[@LeeK-31]

The masking job is a work of art! The countdown to 10k subscribers is on…

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Lee! ;-)

[@stevenstorey1945]

Eating ice cream and watching Boomer Diorama: PRICELESS!!! Really glad you showed the technique of painting the crossing zone! I was hoping you would. Thanks Boomer

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Steven. You are welcome and I hope you are enjoying your ice cream. ;-)

[@phixer64]

Hey Boomer - Another fantastic video. Some amazing techniques, which I wouldn't have had dreamt of doing. And now, makes a lot of sense. Keep up the amazing work. Regards Jeff

[@boomerdiorama]

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing in support of the channel. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@williambryant5946]

Great content as always. Every video you do I learn something be it something big I'd never have though about or a small little tid bit that helps me hone a certain skill of my own. Good video. Stay well. -Wil 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for sharing William. I appreciate you taking the time to comment as well. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@bertusduiverman4743]

Should you need a longer pencil, don't hesitate to call me. Great work!

[@boomerdiorama]

Those darn long pencils that always get in the way and take up precious benchwork space . . . lol. ;-)

[@frankbernard6819]

Excellent video. Really appreciate all your detailed steps.

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you enjoyed it and much appreciated! Cheers.

[@mkhgn744]

Wow!!!! Your video tutorials are amazing!!!! Your work is impeccable in front of and behind the camera!!!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you so much!

[@DisVietVetUSA]

I was waiting for the ReadiMix truck to show up and fill the gaps between the rails, nice technic, was also impressed with the colors, texturing, placement of everything. Acrylic is anything is far bester than plaster or hole patch, crack patch so on an so forth. Sharing is a learning experience since I am unable to visualize my own layout I cannot build untill I make some space, but I am getting there at a snails pace.

[@boomerdiorama]

The acrylic is way nicer to work with.

[@kraigsickels3918]

Just absolutely amazing 🤩 with everything you did !!!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. Now I need to clutter it up some. ;-) Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@harperlarry49]

A great video with some very interesting techniques. I really like the use of lots of water then adding drops of paint to make a wash for weathering and staining. Very nice. Cheers - Larry.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ericp6612]

Over 80hours! That’s a lot of time put in but the results are outstanding! The tip you gave on cutting the styrene to make the curve was great, I would have tried to cut a curved piece and wasted a lot of styrene!

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome, thank you!

[@deeppurple3489]

Awesome video and an awesome layout! I also have a barge/car ferry! It only holds 8 cars but gets the job done! Mine is nothing as elaborate as yours! I use the car ferry to simulate ferrying across Lake Michigan! Which, I place on a second shelf and unload the ferry above the lower section, which leads into an industrial area, which also transfers cars to the C&O

[@boomerdiorama]

Very cool! I don't have that much space so I plan to build just the front part of a Ferry eventually as a type of cassette staging. Thank you! Cheers!

[@vincenthuying98]

Love how you filled in between the rails, also for the frog plate and the point blades. The perimeter markings for the main, well they make the scene come to life even more. Like I said before, never thought modeling a parking lot could be so interesting to watch! Cheers Boomer, have a nice weekend. Vince

[@boomerdiorama]

I never thought modelling a parking lot could be this much work. It was worth it though. ;-)

[@ollieahokas9179]

wow! I got to give you like No.3 on this one. It is fun to learn about your techics of building things and solving things along modelling as they are somewhat different from what I have seen and there are few "why did I think of that!" moments too. The results of your modelling is amazing. Thanks for taking time to take the time to do these videos! They are among the best I have seen here on KZbin! Cheers!

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers.

[@JeanPierre-jb5ln]

Many thanks for this superb tutorial, your site is inspirational.

[@boomerdiorama]

Many thanks John! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@douglasalan5783]

More genius modeling

[@boomerdiorama]

The buried track was a big project in some ways. I'm glad I did it now. ;-)

[@theangelsmodellingandrailways]

That whole area is a masterclass on buried rail, the icing on the cake is the beautifully executed hazard stripes, another 'banger' upload Boomer. All the best n take care. Brian @ The Angels

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for taking the time to share. I appreciate the compliment. The parking lot was a bigger job than I expected, but well worth the effort. Cheers

[@allenlandis4504]

lots of new tips. thank you very much.

[@boomerdiorama]

You're very welcome!

[@Christiane069]

Thank you for all your efforts to show us your work.

[@boomerdiorama]

You are welcome. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@click4mrh]

Stunning detail Boom, really appreciate how you walk us through not just your preferred techniques, but alternatives as well.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Castlebank_Sidings]

Absolutely outstanding as ever. You must have the patience of a Saint. Watching your layout come to life and how you do your actual modelling has mad me totally look again at my own way of doing things. Thank you.

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@christiannavello1277]

Each and every vid you post is a great modelling lesson to me. Learned a lot since I discovered your River Road project. Thank you so very much Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

Great to hear! Thank you! ~ Boomer.

[@GalgormHall]

Hi Boomer, just discovered your channel and subbed. Fantastic results on the road paving. Paul

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Paul. I appreciate the sub and your willingness to share your thoughts in support of the channel! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@raymondrion6712]

That is a fantastic looking layout,great job,looking forward to seeing more.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much. Check out video's under the home page. I have 250 videos there! Cheers.

[@raymondrion6712]

@@boomerdiorama great.

[@lepetitnabot]

Great stuff as always. Will try some of these techniques soon!

[@boomerdiorama]

Have fun!

[@ThomasKlimoski]

Excellent tutorial! While it took a lot of time, the results were well worth the effort. I think having turnouts that are buried in the pavement are some of the most difficult projects to accomplish, your video shows that it is possible to achieve realistic results. I really like the idea of making trays and filling them with paste. Thanks for taking the time to produce your videos, very inspiring.-Tom

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Thomas. I am very happy with the result. Cheers!

[@cstuettgen]

Fantastic Work! I always look forward to your updates and never fail to learn something!

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome, thank you!

[@PeterTillman3]

The absolute best! No better way to spend Friday night than to watch a Boomer tutorial.

[@boomerdiorama]

I'm into the little yard office now. ;-)

[@schadowolf]

What an amazing build! Great tips and techniques!

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you liked it!

[@Blitz0065]

Never anything short of amazing. Looking forward to more

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you.

[@tomstarcevich1147]

Awesome work 🚂🚃🚃🚃👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you.

[@robertsalido1232]

Hello Mr. Boomer. Again, great stuff and techniques. I really like your take on feather (spline edge cutting)the plastic piece(straight piece) around a corner. I use this technique a lot. Not a trainbuilder per say, but I build a lot of Bridges for freinds who make R&R Scenery. I really think you are way beyond a Master Crafter. So I will just say your a Mechanical Artisan. You can also get great effects with Rubber tipped paintbrushes, used for painting effects and molding. I use them to add streak effects, where an airbrush or normal paint brush can't do so well. Also, you can use fibre-optics for lighting for small lights that dont require a plate or cover. I have used them several times for, Lightning-bugs. Tip the fibre with matte-acrylic to diffuse the light tip. Anyways, great work and awesome job.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Robert. Yes, Fiber Optics. We to used those in film models quite a bit. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.

[@Conrail1731]

I have nothing to say that all the other commenters have said except that they are ALL RIGHT !!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers and thank you!

[@giulius7176]

Wow that looks great!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. I had to solve a few minor issues . . . stay tuned.

[@kcsns]

Out standing Boomer! You inspire my modeling so much, thank you for all you do!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing that. Cheers and happy modeling! ~ Boomer.

[@KatoOnTheTrack1]

This a video I’ve been looking for thanks

[@boomerdiorama]

You're welcome!!

[@luisaraujo4708]

All righty then, I have my answer; there are no expansion joints in your concrete pads. I’m not a model railroad guy but I have learned some valuable techniques from watching this video series. Thanks for the time and effort you put in!!

[@boomerdiorama]

You raise an important point when it comes to concrete expansion slabs etc. However, this is asphalt. No need for expansion joints because asphalt is fluid in mass according to temperature, as opposed to concrete. Furthermore. the rail acts a expansion barriers in this case. Cheers.

[@luisaraujo4708]

Ahhhh! I see. I must have missed the asphalt part. Sorry!

[@boomerdiorama]

@@luisaraujo4708 No worries ;-) Cheers ~ Boomer

[@alessiofs88]

Thank you!

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome! Thank you! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@firvedamodels]

Mais um trabalho de alto nível🤜🤜🤛🤛

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@iflyrattraps]

80+ hours and how many yards (meters (metres)) of masking tape? Totally worth it.

[@boomerdiorama]

A bit if tape . . . yes . . . for sure. One has to move in close to see it as well. ;-)

[@OtterCreek]

The safety striping looks amazing. Is that Tamiya masking tape? Or is there another trade secret tape we should all know about, I only ask because the wider tape looks more flexible than standard masking tape. ~Dennis

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. It is the superb Tamiya tape. ;-)

[@marztube6158]

Sheesh. I thought making the trees were fiddly and time consuming!

[@boomerdiorama]

So worth it though. ;-)

[@SPSteve]

beautiful work! Have you considered EVA foam to create buried track? I'm trying to think of ways to go from track with cork roadbed to buried track. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@boomerdiorama]

No, but it sounds like an idea though. Often times, I will try whatever I have on hand. Cheers.

[@thecnwmondovilinepaulscota7304]

This looks great a always, and thank you for all the tips. Do you know why the prototype only put the yellow stripes over one set of rails and not the other? (30:02) Is it because one is a spur on Axton's property and the other is not? Or just randomness?

[@boomerdiorama]

The caution zone is painted over the "Main" on the prototype. Class 2 Short lines, in Canada, function differently than Class 1 Railroads. They use all their rail for different purposes including the main, switching, etc. Having said this, they also like to keep the "Main" clear whenever possible (like no parking vehicles here, etc.). The paint indicates this. On the model, I revise the second spur, from the big warehouse, into a run-a-round parallel track for the purposes of operational options. It also doubles as a team track as well. The "Main" is still the main in both cases. Cheers.

[@thecnwmondovilinepaulscota7304]

@@boomerdiorama Thank you for the reply! Looks great!

[@tgxleasing5769]

Great video! Any recommendations on where to acquire the small trowels that you use to apply the molding paste?

[@shaunhuckstepp7531]

Any art supply shop will carry them

[@boomerdiorama]

Opus Art Supply is where I get them. store.opusartsupplies.com/sagro/storefront/store.php?mode=browsecategory&category=335 Try Amazon as well.

[@tgxleasing5769]

@@boomerdiorama Thank you. It helps to know what those are called in order to find them. 😆

[@bobhastings6464]

Hi Boomer Just been re watching some of your videos and had a question on this one. I know that you are a champion for Tamiya tape , I noticed large rolls of yellow tape in this video, I’m not aware of any Tamiya tape in rolls that large, can you tell me what it is or where to get it? Love the videos Cheers from Ontario Bob

[@boomerdiorama]

That tape is junk. I threw it out. It's called "Kamoi" tape. I find the automotive shops to have good masking tape if that is what you are after. It is also cheaper.

[@bobhastings3056]

@@boomerdiorama Many thanks Cheers Bob

[@VSLAModelRR]

Question - When you are gluing the .020 to the ties, are you just gluing over the spike details or did you sand those off (or do you not have any)? When I was messing with my ME track to try something similar, the spike details on the plastic kind of forces the Angle out from the rail already (without using Balsa). If you are gluing over the detail, your .020 wouldn't be level right?

[@boomerdiorama]

I glue the .030" plate between the spikes/plate so they lay flat. Then the right angle clears them if it hangs over a bit. Any closer to the rail and it will impeded the flange.

[@VSLAModelRR]

@@boomerdiorama Thanks. I am going to be building a 9 foot 'street running' portion on my layout. I think I want to try out this method. The main difference is that the whole street is a modern concrete grade crossing, so every 8 feet is a cross member, so I am thinking of using T shape for that part. Also within each 'section' are small holes for bolts? I was thinking about attempting to 'stamp' the molding paste with a template for each section before it dries. Probably a ton of work lol...

[@VSLAModelRR]

This area, or any road for that matter where you use the wet/wet acrylic, do you seal it with anything after?

[@boomerdiorama]

I usually spray bomb with Vallejo - Acrylic Matte Varnish # 28.531.

[@graemebrumfitt6668]

If you haven't glued your finger to the model your not fit to call yourself a modeler :) TFS, GB

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . yes indeed. Furthermore, if one is not making mistakes, one is not modelling a railroad! ;-)

[@click4mrh]

What is the difference between coarse and heavy molding paste? Would heavy work in this circumstance? M

[@boomerdiorama]

Viscosity and stiffness. Some of this stuff is just "splitting" artistic hairs. You can use either.

[@beyondDCC]

Why not just use model girder rail??? Such as Orr. It's off the shelf at Trolleyville.

[@boomerdiorama]

Why should I support them with all the tools you need as well??? Feel free to use whatever you want. I use whatever I want and have on hand. I can scratch build anything whenever I desire. :-)

[@beyondDCC]

I have no connection with Trolleyville except as an admirer. I just assumed the purpose of tutorials was to inform and cover all the bases.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@beyondDCC Maybe so, but these tutorials are specific to a particular subject. They are not generic in nature. Cheers.