The Shelf Layout Fiddle Yard & The Imaginary Empire | Boomer Diorama ~ # 297

[@roady1710]

What’s a fiddle?

[@boomerdiorama]

A fiddle yard is a type of (off-layout) staging for the imaginary world we have no room to model. The imaginary sections we don't have room to model are not necessary. Where the cars go and come can be simulated as they come on and off the layout we build and see. In this case I use the Ferry as a "Fiddle" yard when it leaves port and goes down below (on another shelf) to be fiddled with new cars. Therefore, the term "fiddle" just means that we fiddle (replace or rearrange) the cars, off stage, and then we bring the new actors (trains) onto the stage (layout) we operate (and act) on. 😉

[@tcmr4250]

Sometimes you get lucky, and you take a break at work and a new Boomer video is released!

[@boomerdiorama]

😁😆😉☝👍✌

[@jesselomas8626]

😂

[@Fred-Wilbury]

Boomer the best modeller on the tube , he deserves a million subscribers

[@vsstub]

Fantastic as always! Absolutely love the low level shots looking through the ferry showing the ribbing/trusses above the rails. Brings me back to the days when I built balsa RC airplane wings.

[@boomerdiorama]

I can remember the Balsa building days when I was a kid. We had a club that was called - "Balsa Bugs" . . . lol. ;-)

[@Jan-hx9rw]

I never would have thought of adding ski wax to the bottom plate of the sliding support. I probably would have never thought of adding styrene to the bottom as a more slippery surface in the first place. Genius ideas!

[@boomerdiorama]

My wife was the one who suggested ski wax. She had some left over when she used ski in Switzerland. ;-)

[@kelvinbranom10]

In the opening panorama view I got a sense of the real layout size which is (small) shelf operations, however the detail and operations are so much larger within it's size.

[@boomerdiorama]

I will go out on a limb and say this is the layout of the future for the younger generation, including the retired. There will always be exceptions for those that have greater resources and time. The small shelf layout genre encompasses a certain philosophy as well. No fast clock. No Time Table. Last Mile Operations, Slow Maximum Speed, Eye Level Operations, Story Driven Narrative, Emphasis on Details, and Heavy Immersion which makes the layout feel huge. 😁😉

[@johnschutt9187]

Wow. There are no other words. Thank you.

[@boomerdiorama]

My pleasure!

[@What_If_We_Tried]

I also have trouble finding sufficient words - other than those I've already used - to describe how much I admire, and enjoy Boomer's modeling skills.

[@frankbernard6819]

The whole series of videos of this layout are amazing. Some of the finest modeling out there. Boomer is on a whole different level and we are lucky he makes these amazing videos.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for the encouraging words. This whole build is on a long term plan for me. Some come and some go, but River Road will continue on regardless. As long as my health is good, I plan to keep sharing it. Furthermore, there is still twice the linear length to plan and build as well. Cheers and thanks for sharing. 😁

[@patrickmoore3104]

​@@boomerdioramaLong live Boomer!!! =)

[@apathtrampledbydeer8446]

Not does it only look good, but it is also so very well engineered.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. This is why model railroads take along time to design and build. You can't think up these ideas over one cup of coffee . . . lol. ;-)

[@michaelimpey1407]

Boomer, great explanation, and demonstation on how the ferry works in with the layout. Awesome. You can do any fiddling and interchange you want via the ferry, which save so much space. Thank you for sharing, and PS, I loved the music theme to the episode. Cheers, stay safe, and happy modelling, Michael

[@boomerdiorama]

You are correct. It is a real space saver. I hope it makes things a bit more interesting. Cheers.

[@Tom-xe9iq]

Simple and elegant solution!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks, It is always a challenge to make it look simple.

[@Tom-xe9iq]

@@boomerdiorama I never would have known where to start! It is a privilege to be able to 'peek over your shoulder' while you've done such amazing work. It has given me a lot more confidence when I start a project! Cheers!

[@ajkleipass]

That is a brilliant way of handling the removable ferry. LOVE IT! ❤

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks. I think it was a good way to keep the fiddle yard operational.

[@djhiggins4303]

I watch different modeling Videos from model RR ,1/25 scale cars and airplane subjects etc. Yours I always look forward to no matter your topic. Yesterday I was catching up on a few creators I watch. And I heard "Boomers diorama" several times from several different creators. You truly are an inspiration.

[@benmoreau8404]

I know right, I watched several hundred videos in a period of a year or two and his name comes up several times. This man deserves the attention !

[@boomerdiorama]

It's always great to hear that my work inspires others, thank you!

[@jimh7557]

Love the detail. The weeds growing on the deck of the idler flats is really something!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! The weeds on the idler flats were just one of those details that I knew needed to be there for the effect.

[@isaiah68able]

Form and function at its best Boomer! You’re taking your shared gifting to the highest degree of creativity. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks! It's all about the fun of the creative process.

[@Camcodrummer]

You know the whole thing is just an impressive piece of art! Im glad you share all that you do and im glad to watch someone enjoying their craft and inspiring others to do their best!! Thank you

[@boomerdiorama]

That's really kind of you to say - I appreciate the positive feedback.

[@GreenRC24]

That's absolutely magnificent, beautiful work. Those night images look amazing.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. Working on more night shots . . . ;-)

[@alexlowe1840]

It’s so cool to finally see the princess on the layout! What a massive achievement! 🎉

[@boomerdiorama]

It took a while to get her there but I'm pleased with the result! 😊

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

Outstanding design. Impressive work.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5yYZoONpahnntE

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Beautifully done.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@mikeh2412]

The level of modelling here is simply outstanding. I am in New West and would live to come see this layout some day.

[@boomerdiorama]

That's really kind of you to say. Thanks for watching!

[@FarlandHowe]

Keeping the cars from falling into the Fraser River is always a good thing. 😊

[@boomerdiorama]

I am sure it has happened before in thee real world. ;-)

[@deejayjonez599]

Looks incredible!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@2swingline]

Very imaginative layout. Fantastic attention to details

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words!

[@HartfordWhaler]

Beautifully done project start to finish.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks, it was a lot of fun to build.

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

great vlog nice work keep up the great vlogs thanks for share thanks lee

[@boomerdiorama]

😁👍

[@realmagicjon]

You had me at the firstnote/horn.cheers from Australia.Jon.

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers from North America! ~ Boomer.

[@K27fan]

Incredible modeling. The ferry turned out amazing, the interior detailing, lighting and weathering. I think we need to invent a new word to describe your modeling.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for the compliment!

[@Raginmund33]

When you make a book about the River railroad build with all you tips, tricks, materials and tools, I Will definitely buy it!

[@boomerdiorama]

That's a great idea!

[@KandWRailroader]

Sale #2!

[@jefwisse1957]

Every time I watch one of these videos I feel ashamed of my poor efforts to create a model railway but unfortunately I'm not blessed with these amazing modeling skills.

[@boomerdiorama]

You can do it!

[@jefwisse1957]

@@boomerdiorama Thanks for your confidence.

[@skruloos1]

Absolutely beyond words..

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@stephenhottle6783]

Dusty cracks me up. Looks like she was trying to decide if she'll fit into the ferry 😹

[@boomerdiorama]

She alway checks out every opening there is . . . lol. Hoiping of course to climb in and fall asleep. Dusty is a real sleeper - thank goodness. ;-)

[@MRR_Shadowolf]

What a pleasant surprise! A mid-week Boomer video! Excellent idea for a fiddle yard, never would have occurred to me heh. Well done as always Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you enjoyed it! It's a concept I’ve been thinking about for a while and it’s been fun to finally make it a reality.

[@stevenz4432]

Absolutely outstanding design and process and superb functionality

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for the inspiring compliments!

[@markwakeley3835]

I've really enjoyed this series and must say, of all the different KZbin channels I try to keep up with (way too many), yours is in the Top Five in both Content and Music. Great tubes. Keep up the great work.

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. I appreciate that. Than you.👍

[@PatrickScott-k8h]

Incredible attention to detail, just fantastic. Love your videos and have learned so much from you. Alas...I am still still making mistakes, but not afraid to try.

[@boomerdiorama]

I am also still making mistakes and not afraid to try. It doesn't matter how much experience we have, we still make mistakes and still push ourselves to try. It's the beauty of the inexhaustible learning curve of model railroading - and the rewards are great! Cheers. 😁

[@SpringfieldAndWestern]

This is just absolutely amazing!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. It feels awesome. ;-)

[@AemJaY]

This is just next lvl! 👌

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. It's nice to have things to feel a little organized as well. ;-)

[@johnkelley4874]

Remarkable piece of kinetic art and engineering 😊 forgot it was an HO shelf rail road long ago!

[@boomerdiorama]

I think "shelf" refers to the construction style I hardly think of anymore. Thanks for sharing. 😉👍

[@realmagicjon]

Lock n load,love it.

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers! ;-)

[@Tcostello105]

Purely incredible

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@stevenlitkey9354]

I gotta say Boomer, the shot of the SRY power pushing the idler cars to the ferry at dusk with the boat all lit up has to rival the Brewery Alley as the “ Money Shot “ 😃👍🏽👍🏽

[@boomerdiorama]

I wondered about that. I really love the Brewery Alley, but the barge slip approach is becoming my favorite as well. ;-)

[@bigislandrailcorp7278]

Simply beyond amazing…. You have to be so proud and so happy with this showstopper! A few more grey hairs after this build? Loved the scene with the lone SW switcher drifting onto the ferry. The lighting really shows off the precision workmanship of the rail deck interior!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for the kind words - it was a lot of fun to build. Yes . . . that little SW Atlas Switcher is my favorite locomotive. ;-)

[@Coreyhkh2]

such a simple yet practical way to do it!

[@boomerdiorama]

It is all about making it work for your needs. ;-)

[@brucec954]

A masterpiece and operates too! Of course, now you need to build another Ferry/Barge so you can quickly swap them out during an operating session.......

[@boomerdiorama]

I know what you mean!

[@marksh5003]

Great work so realistic!

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@Vman7757]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@boomerdiorama]

You bet, happy to share the journey.

[@steves.922]

Awesome! Well thought out.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@idahobuckaroo8348]

Amazing ingenuity… very impressive. 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for the feedback! I'm really enjoying this build.

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Boomer, that ferry backstop with individual knuckle coupler plates that can be slid up or down, is in itself a work of art.

[@boomerdiorama]

I think that little device turned out pretty good. I was really nervous about the cars if you know what I mean. '-)

[@What_If_We_Tried]

​@@boomerdiorama I can easily imagine many potentially disastrous scenarios... LOL

[@chris-ryan]

American rail isn't my thing, but i like this layout. It has that feel of something special.

[@boomerdiorama]

I built a Welsh layout similar to this years ago for film and a museum. I admire some of the U.K. and European Railways as well. Thanks for sharing. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@Perfusionist01]

nice music 🙂 The idea of a "flexible" staging yard has been in the vast emptiness of my mid. I don't need a ferry (not many of those in Nebraska!) but a "cassette" might work.

[@boomerdiorama]

You raise a good point. That is all the Ferry is in theory. An over elaborate "cassette" for staging trains on-and-off the layout in order to expand operational possibilities. It keeps thing feeling rather inexhaustible knowing there is another extension to this railroad (as is the prototype) that does not have to be tactile or physical. It also future proofs the layout some as well. ;-)

[@djscotty06]

Love it 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for watching!

[@musoseven8218]

Remarkable stuff, the parts of the model are superb individually, but the sum of those parts? Stunning, remarkable! 👍👍✌️✌️💜💜😊 As an aside, if I had a ferry? I'd call it Brian......I'll get my coat (and leave)😀😀

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . O.K. Thank you! . . . and you are welcome to stay as well. ;-)

[@dancanoe]

It's really great!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@bobhastings6464]

Hey Boomer love the video . Craftsmanship is amazing . I have had some recent bad health news and your videos are a great getaway for me. I know, too much information right? lol Just keep doin what your doin man As always Cheers Bob

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for your kind words, Bob, I'm glad the videos provide a bit of respite.

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

Wow the night shots... I want more.

[@boomerdiorama]

I need more lights Bill . . . :-)

[@simonbangart]

And now we want to see a lot of short films with the trains working in the Kingdom in different camera positions and light settings (day and night, morning or late afternoon) with music or poems or what ever the artist wish to perform for us.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds good!

[@SPSteve]

Very nice, beautifully done!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks!

[@mustachemike802]

A modeling and engineering marvel! You're truly the mad scientist of model railroading.. or is it WITCHERY?!?😆😉

[@boomerdiorama]

I think it is more like obsessive creativity in a miniature world of your own making. Cheers. ;-)

[@daviemaclean61]

Had my heart in my mouth - I thought Dusty was about to literally jump ship! My two cats are idiots and are kept well away from my layout! ;-)

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . The thing with Dusty is I raised her on an earlier layout (Glover Road) as a kitten, so she fears the wrath of Boomer when she is around the layout . . . lol. 😉

[@JohnPodowski]

Nice idea boomer with that carrier

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. The Ferry was always in the plan from the very beginning three years ago. It was just a matter of getting to it. This hobby consumes time beyond measure . . . lol.

[@JohnPodowski]

@ this is true in all aspects of model railroad and modeling models I myself have gotten rid of my layout and now going into shelf layout in the form of switching you giving me a new prospective on shelf layout’s

[@janetlewis7145]

Love the super detail. It's like I'm there in British Columbia. We have visited Victoria in 2006 and in 2008 we visited both Victoria and Vancouver. Did the actual ferry go to Vancouver Island? Bill and Janet from California

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. Thank you Bill and Janet from California! I have been to Crescent City and through the Redwoods. Beautiful state California is for sure. Cheers and thanks for sharing. 😁

[@derz-crackmodellbahnvideosinsp]

" ❤ " ...😊 💪

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@CraigBelcher-wg1fn]

Mechanical and electrical engineering adjoin with art. Boomer you’ve outdone yourself again !Every time I face a new challenge on the layout I ask myself how would Boomer approach this .Lucky you don’t live close I would bug the hell out of you lol!

[@boomerdiorama]

I think it is a good thing to challenge ourselves even though we think it might not be achievable. At least we will learn something along the way . . . lol.

[@timbober1]

I commented on this before, the audible click when the “Princess” joins River Road says everything about the standard of precision you have built into your empire.

[@boomerdiorama]

I never looked at it that way but thank you for bringing that up. It does feel cool as you mentioned for sure. 😉

[@chrisbailey4254]

Wow !

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@kimknowles3681]

Way cool. Is it cool to still say cool. Well it's still cool.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes in deed! It's still cool to say "cool." ;-) Thank you!

[@sigmanfloyd7179]

Do you have a locking door knob on that room, just in case your wife or a visitor forgets to knock first before opening it while the barge/ship is attached to your layout? I can just image the distruction that would take place! Also, have you ever thought about installing blue lights above the layout to simunlate a full moon effect while performing night switching moves?

[@boomerdiorama]

Absolutely no damage possible when accidently swinging the door open. It happens already. When the door is opened, it hits the cradle square on like a super strong door stop. The benchwork is incredibly strong and easily absorbs the blow as designed. The whole structure from the Oak Cradle, Ferry and Maple Barge slip has a solid oak and maple spline running all the way through it. The door would fall off before anything can happen to the Ferry. ;-) Cheers.

[@sigmanfloyd7179]

How about installin one or more blue lightbulbs to give a full moon effect when performing night moves on your layout?

[@boomerdiorama]

Here is the link where i show how to make a coupler plate: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHvMgJ1thbt_qKs 😁

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Thanks!

[@RonStanek]

😁..........only leaves the question of........do ferries wear boots?..😆 Not this one it rides on a waxed snow ski..😂 .....oh, that Boomer humor!

[@boomerdiorama]

Barge hulls in themselves are unique. ;-)

[@PeterTillman3]

Bonus video!! Night ops looks scarily real Boomer. You have to check yourself to say this is a model and not the real thing :)

[@boomerdiorama]

I know, the lighting really helps bring it to life! 😊

[@mapit07]

What did you use to make the ferry click into the land rails?

[@boomerdiorama]

The click comes about due to a "snug" fit. It's all plastic so when the blocks line up they just click into place naturally. ;-)

[@mapit07]

@@boomerdiorama thanks

[@Fred-Wilbury]

Genius Boomer 👌😎☕️

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for supporting the channel!

[@johnhaney-copineyriverandpaint]

Hey Boomer., Appreciate the video. Well done! What’s the make/model of the electrical connecters you used for the track bus? I’m needing to connect my staging to the layout, and they look perfect to utilize on any type of detachable staging fixture.

[@boomerdiorama]

They are called 'Dean" connectors. They use them for RC Cars and Batteries , etc.

[@johnhaney-copineyriverandpaint]

Perfect! Thank you!

[@leondeklerk6410]

Great work. I have noticed that you do not use figures on your layout, unless I missed them. are you going to add some at a later stage or not ?

[@boomerdiorama]

There are some figures on the layout. I am quite particular about posing figures on a layout where there is animation. Most figures look like mannequins to me, frozen in time, and only serve a static photograph. They usually look silly in video to me. But that is just me. I may add more figures down the road when I feel I can fit them as a passive pose that doesn't distract from the serenity of the scene I have come to love. This also may seem strange to you. I don't mind looking at my layout without any trains on it as well at times. Real railroads are like this all the time. No people, no trains. Cheers.

[@leondeklerk6410]

@@boomerdiorama thanks for replying !

[@troyb1733]

Boomer 2 questions...1) Where is the Corsair? 2) Did I miss a video on the flatcar you are using as a idler car (With the distressed wood and weeds)? The coupler plate is genius.

[@boomerdiorama]

The Corsair is sitting on my to-do list and the list is very long. I mean jeesh, I just built the Ferry . . . lol. ;-) I do plan to release some flat car videos soon as they are on the production que. If I covered everything there would be no layout. Video production is incredibly time consuming and can be a distraction to me. As you know, Layouts take time and patience is a virtue. ;-) Cheers!

[@DRCRailroard]

Well done, Boomer. Did the real Princess have the same rail car coupler anchoring points like the ones you modled?

[@boomerdiorama]

No. If you look on the bow you can see the little car jacks I modeled as well (some are yellow and black). They used those under the jack pads on each end of the car, at each end - bow and stern.

[@ainsleyperry5192]

Boomer, now that the Ferry has arrived, when viewing the layout it looks a lot longer than it is from certain angles. Did I hear the wife say, " She's going out to buy you a bi-folding door to replace the existing door. So you can get an extension out and down the hallway"? I'll let you get on as the Ferry has a 6p.m. sailing. Cheers, Chris Perry.

[@boomerdiorama]

You are aware that I have another twenty feet to model behind what you don't see in the photo right. ;-)

[@ainsleyperry5192]

@@boomerdiorama Yes I'm aware of that. But your wife and I know that at some stage the hallway beckons to model a granary that extends out in to the bay. Cheers, Chris Perry

[@andybusard6694]

Music made it so dramatic!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@jensknopfrangiert]

What a great job. Every time i look at your channel i'm impressiv, again and again and again. Everything is in harmony to the other parts of your layout. Here in Germany in my model railroad club "Fremo" some people had a very similar idea to your fiddle-yard-ship. They connects two parts of different moduls of a very large layout with a ferry ship: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmabaIaOlqp_fKs. Ahoi & best whishes from Berlin

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. The "Fremo" in Germany is awesome. I watched some KZbin videos from over there and they are awesome modelers as well. Not to mention the model trains in Germany which are on another level compared to over here. ;-)

[@jensknopfrangiert]

@@boomerdiorama yes, in the fremo-club there are a lot of adorable people with great ideas and know-how. But I would be very pleased, that i could learn form you and take a lot of your knowledge into my layout. When i could reach about 60% in the next years from your awasome layout i would be so happy. Thank you so much!