A Shelf Layout Sneak Preview & Personal Reflection | Summer 2024 | Boomer Diorama ~ # 267

This Feature episode covers my thoughts and analysis around section one (Marine Terminal) on the HO Scale 'River Road' Shelf layout. The main feature that will complete this scene, for the most part, is the Carrier Princess Rail Car Ferry, which is being built at this time. The Carrier Princess build series will be released later this summer/early fall.
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 company products, and/or any other companies, (unless otherwise stated). I only endorse products for the benefit of the community and my own personal use, apart from any indicated sponsor.

[@jayhealey928]

Boomer, your skills are incredible, as well as your ability to pass on your knowledge and techniques. You have inspired me to try things I would never have considered prior to watching your channel. My imagination is going wild. l am also eagerly wringing my hands, in anticipation of the ferry. Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

I appreciate that. It's fun to share the experience in many ways. When I planned this railroad I was almost certain in the direction it would go. Even with a small layout like this I don't think I have as much control as I think sometimes. I mean, the chronology of the build seems to take on a life and story of it's own and I just go along with the creative ride and hope something good comes out. How I get there really doesn't matter because the journey is so compelling. Cheers and thanks for sharing ~ Boomer.

[@schadowolf]

Great summation and peek into the future, thanks for sharing!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for sharing that as well! Cheers ~ Boomer. 😁👍

[@allenlandis4504]

I always look forward to your videos. You keep me inspired to try new things. Thanks again.

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@tonybasile58]

Your videos and comments are always inspiring. The layout looks amazing and your passion for modeling and helping us stay motivated and inspired always come through !! Thank you Boomer !!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you so much!

[@Tom-xe9iq]

Your enthusiasm has inspired me in building confidence to forge ahead on my own layout! Cheers!

[@boomerdiorama]

Great to hear!

[@jimbates6227]

Thank you for being a teacher and someone who encourages us.

[@boomerdiorama]

You are very welcome Jim. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@stevenlitkey9354]

Boomer, you are sooooo right about the 95% phenomenon. I experience that on almost every project I do. I get the project “finished” functionally but there’s always that last 5% of detail work that goes unfinished for weeks if not months. You’re thought that maybe subconsciously we don’t want to let go may indeed be the reason 😀😀

[@luvindemtrains]

Totally agreed. I like when you discuss these types of topics that I, at the time, wonder if I am the only one. It's nice to know that these things are "normal".

[@terribulspyder]

I think everyone gets that sensation of ennui after finishing something they really enjoyed.

[@boomerdiorama]

I think model railroads are overwhelming in the creative sense. Imagine trying to create a world of details we take for granted. 😉

[@boomerdiorama]

@@luvindemtrains Oh yeah. Very normal indeed. It never ends actually. 😉

[@boomerdiorama]

@@terribulspyder The confidence that comes when you do finish a model is ten fold. 😁

[@Vman7757]

Thank you for sharing. I always look forward to your videos. I get inspired and now my layout is moving a long and things are getting done. Thanks again.

[@boomerdiorama]

You are so welcome!

[@DRCRailroard]

Thanks for taking the time to share. Please feel free to go into as much detail as possible. You always have some great insights with unique perspectives to convey. Your engines turned out sweet. Sounds like a Patton tank starting up. I have so many locomotives grown on me I can't sleep on my sides anymore 😊. The trailers make for a great looking finished scene. I scrath built some girders and loading docks to start. I'm working on a small US postoffice building next. I enjoy scratch building with the styrene thanks to you. For me, personally, I have discovered that some of my initial design ideas have tended to transform into something a bit different and better than I originally envisioned while construting it which tends to keep me inspired, so to those of you who are building a layout, don't get discouraged if things don't initially work out. I find It helps to go with the flow and is part of the enjoyment of building a layout. You'll have no idea how far your imagination can take you if you never take it for a trip.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed - "go with the flow" because something good will come out regardless and it only gets better after every build. Furthermore, your scratch built model will be unique that no one else has. Cheers!

[@Cowboy_Steve]

Howdy Boomer! Really well done. Always enjoy the insight behind your layout. Thanks for sharing 🤠

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers! 👍

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

Great overview of the layout! Looking forward to more.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks Bill!

[@justn2trains]

The layout is looking great as ever. I can wait to get my new layout going(2’x24’), you have given lots of inspiration and I enjoy listening to your dialogue while I build too. Thanks for sharing so many great videos, we all really appreciate it.

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. Thank you. Have fun with your new layout! Cheers ~ Boomer.😁

[@bluefj-wc3vz]

Very nice modeling there, it's most impressive.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. The hobby is seemingly inexhaustible when you think about it. 😅

[@davecrosson5018]

Thanks Boomer! Every one of your videos has helped me refine my modelling skills and so I'm glad you are sticking round for the long haul. Actually, I just spent the evening teaching my 9 year old son how to airbrush his Vampire FB9 aircraft using techniques I learnt from you! We even got the white paper out and I was drawing boxes for him shoot up. I have fallen in love with Tamiya paints with IPA and good pressure! Love the channel, God bless you from NZ!

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad to hear you are sharing and teaching your son about painting models. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@shorty9055]

Wow, has it been three years. I've loved every update and watch them almost as soon as they are posted. So inspiring.

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow, thank you!

[@jeffwhite3679]

Has the ferry replaced the tug or is the tug still going to be part of the scene? Your channel has been an inspiration to me. I've learned a lot.

[@boomerdiorama]

There is no way I am letting the Tug Boat go. As grand as the Ferry will be, the Tug is on a whole new level of detail and supports the Barge ops. In due time the Tug will be finished as planned. 😁👍

[@jesselomas8626]

There will ALWAYS be the 95% factor, evident when you go back to work on sections. Its always going to be "a work in progress". Great to see Dusty looking so well 😁...

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed. Dusty is doing well. ;-)

[@canoeingnav7618]

I love looking at River Road. It is truly a work of art. Happy Canada Day Boomer.

[@boomerdiorama]

Same to you!

[@mojo2551]

Savage video as always.. Ex merchant mariner here.. I’d say prototype slip normally floats, meaning it would rise and fall naturally with the tide.. The hydraulics would be energised to lift the slip when the ferry is docking, then drop the slip down so that it clamps onto the ferry to hold it in place.. At least that’s how the ferry near me used to work! Cheers

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds about right. Thanks for sharing that. Much appreciated. ;-) Cheers.

[@marklewis298]

Boomer...your obvious passion for model railroading and the excellence you attain and that you are willing to share your techniques with all viewers is to be commended!! 👍👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Mark. I appreciate that. I hope it inspires others to do the same.😁

[@johnrose3001]

From the sneak peek of the ferry it looks to be about a 12.5 on a scale of 1-10😜

[@boomerdiorama]

It is difficult but also very rewarding as well. ;-)

[@Jan-hx9rw]

Another knock-it-out-of-the-park video. I find myself going back to older videos to review a technique you've shown, and they always have the answer. Making a funnel for my icebreaker and wound up using the technique you used for the pilings, except I found a plastic toilet paper roller was the exact diameter I needed once it was skinned with .020 sheet styrene. Nice teaser on the car ferry and looking forward to each video as you release it. You are right about scratchbuilding; it's like popcorn. Once you start, you want to have some more. Thanks for a great school on scenery, structures, and railroading in general.

[@boomerdiorama]

I love how you used the plastic toilet paper pin and added the plastic. That is part of the fun when you find things and build them in. It just gets better all the time. Thanks for sharing! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@micah1174]

Hi Boomer, I love each of your videos and look forward to each new one.

[@boomerdiorama]

Hey, thanks!

[@bigislandrailcorp7278]

Thanks for sharing your progress! I really appreciate all your craftsmanship in every nook and cranny of your layout!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. I hope it educates and inspires. 😁

[@ro6742]

This guy and Lance Mindheim are my two favorite layout designers. Lance has a small edge operationally but Boomer has realistic scenery and scene composition just nailed.

[@boomerdiorama]

The potential for prototype operations on this layout is enormous once I get things to a more finished state. It will all make sense according to the overall long term plan. ;-) Thank you for sharing!

[@DonaldPriceIII]

Well Boomer once again I gain a little more insight into your past experience with your comment on working for a museum. Also, your explanation of scenery layers was inspiring. thanks for all your work in producing these videos Donald

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing!

[@berniehalloran6946]

Mister Boomer. In a few weeks time, I’ve become a huge fan. And it seems 😅we have a whole lot in common. It started with the $.39 old-time cars from Woolworth’s, then building bigger stuff in the basement, rubber knights and plywood castles in the basement, tanks from blocks of 2x4s, in 7th grade a 7 foot robot from plans in Boys Life, high school was part time gobs, painting, junker auto body work, year book work, photography, free lance writing projects, for “college” I went to VMI, a vigorous, all male, no cars, and 23:11 no frats, no drinking, 4-year, uniformed no-nonsense state college, worked part time in fine arts, graphics and painting. Screwed up and did a dual major. Built a few plastic tank kits, graduated with 140 credits, No demerits senior year. Not caught. Took a regular Marine Corps commission on graduation. Volunteered for duty in Vietnam. Got wounded during the Tet offensive of 1968. MC retired me for wounds in 1970. 23:11 months . DATELINE: Alexandria VA: lived there for 30 years with Bernie Kapenski and Paul Dolkos as neighbors. Excellent rr modelers. I love them both. I’m not competitive. Bernie Halloran. 410 739 8729 BF [e-mail]

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds awesome! Thank you for your service in Vietnam. Keep having fun with things. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@Perfusionist01]

Thank you for sharing your projects, experiences and techniques. I continue to enjoy and to learn.

[@boomerdiorama]

You are so welcome!

[@everettthepetractionguy4222]

Wow, everything on your layout looks so real. It's only because I see your hand pointing out different areas of the layout, I realized I'm looking at an actual HO scale layout. 😂 This is one of the best layouts I've seen in terms of realism...keep up the MAGNIFICENT work! 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Oh thank you!

[@mikedurhan9941]

"Sort of in your blood" (21:51)? Good Gawd O'mighty, boy; it IS your blood. You beat all I have ever seen. You are so good that it isn't even humanly possible to be that good.......... As for the warehouse that nobody knows what its use was (14:55), well, I hate to have to be the one to tell you this, but it was used to deliver atomic nuclear waste, which was then transferred into caskets at the warehouse and buried at the local cemetery under false names using false death certificates on tombstones. That proved to be much cheaper than dealing with it the way the governmental environmental agencies required it be treated. (No, I'm not serious.) Give my best to Dusty. If you ever come down to Florida, I'd love to meet you. "Dangerous" (a fun-loving joker)

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . makes one wonder what goes on for sure. Probably worse than we can imagine. ;-)

[@555metroman]

Thanks again.. I really enjoyed the 'slum landlord' area.. I learn so much. thanks

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ronaldjoyce7374]

Everything is looking great, thus far. Can’t wait to see the ferry build, it’s gonna be great, I’m sure. I know you said or at least I thought you said, at times you need to put projects off to the side and I believe that’s what you did with the tug? (Or maybe it’s done? LOL). That has been a very cool build as well and the detailing that you’ve done on it is amazing. They could be like two ships passing in the night, again LOL Thank you soooo much for sharing all of these great builds with us. Ron

[@boomerdiorama]

The Tug is still in the rather large lengthy schedule. ;-)

[@johndavidson8883]

Really inspiring Boomer. Quick question from a novice, why is the old restored station building and platform positioned back from the tracks, I wondered if the back story is that the tracks were repaid some time after the station was closed. I unfortunately live in a small city where the railway was closed back in the 1950's.

[@boomerdiorama]

Good question. This is the way the prototype station is preserved here in Fort Langley. They moved it back off the main for preservation and safety reasons. Furthermore, the main line freight would cause undue deterioration if it was close to the tracks.

[@michaelimpey1407]

Boomer, great update, and so inspirational. The layout looks really good, and your enthusiasm is so good, it really helps keeping me motivated. Just a quick question, I noticed a park bench (not sure what you call it in Canada) on the banks in front of the Brewery. I saw it at 0:20, 3.20 and then the back of it in the closing comments. Has that always been there, and I never noticed it, or have you slipped it in recently? It just grabbed my attention in the shots you showed. Thank you for sharing, and I am really looking forward to the Carrier Princess series, that should be very inspirational. Cheers, and stay safe, Michael

[@boomerdiorama]

It's been there for awhile now. Probably hard to see sometimes. ;-)

[@RailserveJohn]

I can almost smell the sea water and diesel fuel from the ferry.... looking good :)

[@boomerdiorama]

😊 Thank you John. Cheers.

[@sparabo3780]

At the moment I noticed to have achieved a very similar color and shade distribution on my tarmac buried track compared to yours. Didn’t suppose to be me that much of a copycat 😂😂. I should use self adhesive roads and colored sawdust again for more individualism.

[@boomerdiorama]

Keep having fun!

[@CraigBelcher-wg1fn]

So speaking of your inspiration and air brushing just did a practice wall for a future viaduct model I plan based on the bridge facade episodes from glover road .What a blast ! Thanks for sharing all your knowledge can’t wait until I due the final project.

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad to hear it. An airbrush is a valuable asset to have in the modelers kit. I still practice on every model . . . lol.😉

[@jeroenvanboldrik4712]

Very nice indeed Boomer. I would like to add a small detail to your story if you use hydraulic cylinders to raise and lower the barge slip they are always positioned like this. With the rod down the cylinder is much stronger if it has to pull the load up instead of pushing. Please keep going on like this I'm looking forward to every new episode every week.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing!

[@derz-crackmodellbahnvideosinsp]

" ✌️👍 "...😊

[@boomerdiorama]

👌

[@scottrobertson56]

I like these interim videos that are a bit of a recap. Keep these up. Regarding the ferry build I hope your installment describes the build of the moveable support system for the ferry. I assume there is some detailed measuring and cutting to get everything perfectly level. I have always been curious how these “carts” work in real time. Always inspiring!

[@boomerdiorama]

The Ferry build (and cradle system) will be covered as interim feature clips as I get closer to finish. I do in fact cover the what you describe, but it's not a wheeled crate. It's a telescoping cantilever support built into the shelf layout. 😉

[@trainglen22]

The Cat is out of scale for the layout. Awesome layout and nice compromise on the size of the industry.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much!

[@bobhastings6464]

Hey Boomer great work! There is a lot of hard work and effort put into that layout buts it’s a labour of love isn’t it. Do you ever build a section of your layout and something about it just bothers you , or just doesn’t look right. I’m going through that right now, just can’t put my finger on what is wrong, even though it turned out exactly as planned. Anyway… Cheers Bob

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed. I know the feeling. Even though this section feels mostly finished, there are still many details I have yet to add until I get that special feeling you refer to. I study photos of the layout to find things from different angles that bug me - then I go back to fix them when I feel inspired. 😉

[@johnkelley4874]

Hope you never get the urge to build a new layout I think nothing can top river road in such a small space 😊

[@boomerdiorama]

Me neither. I still feel like I have only started on this layout. Only been three years and there is so much story to build. Wait until you see the Ferry . . . soon. ;-)

[@steves.922]

Beautiful work and excellent editing of video and sound!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much!

[@davidsteuber7174]

You make my day.

[@boomerdiorama]

How kind of you to say . . . ;-) Cheers!

[@extra-dry]

It's still the best layout on youtube😅

[@boomerdiorama]

You are kind and gracious. Thank you for the compliment. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@ISAACBATENBURG]

Can’t wait for the ship build but I enjoy every video

[@boomerdiorama]

The ship build is very satisfying and it fleshes out the River Road story as it was planned, Cheers!

[@toddarmstrong.trackside.action]

Boomer, if you don't mind me asking? How do you make circles? I agree - love Tamiya making tape. I've got some 1.87 vehicles I'm working on. The wheels have nice detail, but they're molded in shiny black plastic - tire, wheel, hubcap, nuts - all in the same shiny plastic. Hand painting that small doesn't give the even, crisp lines of masking and spraying, but I can't use my x-acto to cut a perfect circle in the tape. Do you have any suggestions? BTW, another fine video - your work is inspirational.

[@boomerdiorama]

Get a circle cutter by Olfa.

[@toddarmstrong.trackside.action]

@@boomerdiorama excellent... thanks for the tip.... just looked it up and it looks like a great tool... thanks

[@donhanley1213]

Do we get a similar overview for section 2? Thanks for the overview and rating of difficulty for the different builds.

[@boomerdiorama]

I'm unpredictable . . . lol. Loads of content, plenty of time. 😉

[@stephenhottle6783]

Dusty cracks me up 😹

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . oh believe me . . . she is a real personality at times. She thinks she is a dog. ;-)

[@JoeM-f1g]

Got a strange question for you Boomer. I bought a fast tracks template for No4 turnouts L and R code 55 and I am slowly learning how to make turnouts. A few problems I have noticed is the track throwbar and turnout doesn't sit in place or "lock" in place, so I need a solution for that. I also am not sure what to do about the straight and curve track. I spoke with a hobby store, and they said that peco and other manufacturers with the commercial turn outs that snap and lock in the chosen direction come in code 70 and 80. So, my debate is do I get more jigs for curves and straight track then build all my rail in code 55? It is just a simple 4X8 with a yard and an oval loop. Or should I abandon the code 55 and simply invest in flex track and turnouts in a larger code, maybe 80 or 70? What do you think? I am considering just getting jigs then I can lay my own ties down and give the rail a more realistic look. My era is 1910-1930, and it is just an imaginary engine servicing area with some sorting of cars, maybe a local drop off and pick up.... freight station.. maybe a passenger line.

[@boomerdiorama]

I use Fast track "Paper" templates for my turnouts. I don't use their aluminum template "jigs" because everyone of my turnouts is custom and different. I can't afford 30 different templates. It's a good thing to learn how to scratch the turnout because it will liberate you from being a slave to commercial turnouts and allow you to design any size you want. The throw-bar question is hard to answer because I can't see it. I prefer ME Code 70 flex track and rail personally. Code 83 is pretty good once you paint it. Maybe this will help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rabcYauvdtWCmsk

[@tomoconnell4235]

Boomer your enthusiasm is infectious and I thank you for that

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for inspiring me with those encouraging words! This hobby and the people around it is awesome! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@bernicemeade3232]

Good job boomer Keep on modeling and keep us entertaining

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks! Will do!

[@johnschutt9187]

Hey, Boomer. Yours is an absolutely amazing layout. I've been following you for a while now. I really like how you make all of your items bulletproof. I love how solid each piece is. I love how items can be easily removed for cleaning or whatever. I'm wanting to build an older quarry stone viaduct. I've looked at lots of other videos, but the foam that they suggest would not hold up to any type of handling in the long term. After building a plywood or plastic foundation for a viaduct, how would you simulate the stones? I really am at a loss to know how. Can you help?

[@boomerdiorama]

I think pink insulation foam is good if you paint it with Gesso. Most of my rock work is foam with Acrylic primer paint over it. This way you can plant stuff easily with matte medium and it all stays pretty tough. ;-)

[@johnschutt9187]

@@boomerdiorama BEAUTIFUL! THANK YOU!

[@CharlesStevens-e2s]

Even though I do my railroading with a computer rail simulator, I have found your videos very helpful for another hobby, war-gaming. Your tips and advice are excellent. I plan to use your technique on the next batch of trees I model. I have always like the dock scene and especially a ferry transfer. When you finally get to do real operations with your ferry will you stagger the loading from side to side and front to back to simulate the weight of the rail cars on a body of water?

[@boomerdiorama]

I remember playing the wargame and I think Run8 is the best rail simulator ever made. It doesn't have the "eye - candy" like some, but the physics are superior to anything else out there and the "sandbox" to play in is huge with AI dispatching as well. ;-) The Ferry ops is a little ways away, but yes indeed, I do look forward to prototype operations as you indicate. That was the plan all along - it's just getting there takes time. Cheers.

[@CharlesStevens-e2s]

@@boomerdiorama Thank you for the reply. I am looking forward to enjoying the journey with you along the way.

[@amessman]

That SD35 is so cool. Great Lakes Central here in Michigan has a handful of ex-MRL units, specifically 383, 384, and 386.

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome!

[@williamdickman7917]

I must say, I'm so glad your water is not swimming pool blue. It's the one thing that ruins the illusion for me on most layouts.

[@boomerdiorama]

The Fraser River is really hard to predict when it comes to color. So many factors to consider, time of day, tides, etc. In the end she is almost always "muddy" green. 😉

[@somotronik7305]

Simply the best, congratulations.

[@boomerdiorama]

Many thanks!

[@rickdee67]

Magnificent, both inspiring and intimidating.

[@boomerdiorama]

I love being intimidated by builds. It inspires me to meet the challenge and grow as a modeler. ;-)

[@davidallen803]

Do you ever look at a change to the layout and think I have gone too far? Not that I think you have gone too far, but I think that it could be a danger in making a scene too busy and maybe have too much that it become distracting. I really love the level of detail you include in the layout.

[@boomerdiorama]

You raise a good point. I suppose one can, but that depends on so many factors that can be hard to determine. I guess the point of a diorama style layout is in the emphasis of details and story opposed to a larger more expansive footprint. Having said this, there are large layouts with incredible levels of detail built and tweaked over multiple decades of passion and fun. Furthermore, if you plan to live with your layout indefinitely , then why not keep adding more details to the world you wish to create and escape into. ;-) Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@davidallen803]

@@boomerdiorama I have been adding something new each year for our Christmas Layout. My wife keeps asking when I will be done - I say never.

[@extra-dry]

I can't wait for the day, that you paint the backdrop wall. It seems to be the only thing that slightly detracts from reality. Everything else looks as real as it gets. Can't wait for the ferry either😊

[@boomerdiorama]

I hear and understand. On the other hand, that is your social media perspective. When you are down on location there is no backdrop at 57" track height from the floor. All the buildings and trees are the backdrop with a clear blue or grey sky. Having said this, I won't paint a backdrop until the very end because an early backdrop "thwarts" the composition. Preconceived backdrops force the hand of creativity to places it does not want to go. Nevertheless, the backdrop would be a distant mountain line through the haze if there ever is one. Cheers and thanks for sharing. 🤫

[@bobhastings6464]

Cheers Boomer thanks for the input, I’m going to take a few photos Cheers Bob

[@boomerdiorama]

Try holding up a small mirror to your layout. Look at your layout in the reflection of the mirror. You would be surprised at what you might not otherwise see. ;-)

[@bobhastings6464]

Thanks so much Boomer , great advice , I only use mirrors to sight along my track to keep it straight 👍

[@troypatterson1864]

What size is your layout?

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for asking. It is two feet deep (average) by twenty six feet long with room for expansion. All the facia is curved with the track level at fifty seven inches from the floor. The minimum radius for track is sixty inches. It also has an overhead valance with Lithonia LED lighting. Cheers.

[@usssaratogacv3lefevre978]

Great update Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you kindly!

[@joesipos2975]

Awesome commentary as always. Your passion and love for the hobby is truly admirable. I love it when you do these "revisit" types of videos. Section one seems like it was built so long ago, yet it feels like it was just yesterday you built the barge slip. Absolutely gorgeous layout. Watching your videos these past 3 years has taught me so much about the "art" of the hobby itself. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your wisdom, experience, and commentary through these videos. CHEERS!

[@boomerdiorama]

I appreciate that. Thanks for taking the time to write down your thoughts and compliments. Cheers ~ Boomer. ;-)

[@wilzdart]

Wow, I have been following your vlog since 2013, June 9th infact. You were rating the level from 1-10 to build things on your layout. Great advice starting with a shanty by the way. Scratch building in N scale for me is a labor of love thanks to your Vlogs is has been easier for me to follow your trechnics. Thanks Boomer!!! Some of the things you build will not work in N scale so I build it in HO and give them to my HO buddies. When something you scratch built is on a guys layout , It is a great feeling.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. Something don't work in HO Scale either . . . ;-)

[@theMudFather]

What about the Tug?

[@boomerdiorama]

What about it? The Ferry gets built first as it was first in the plan. I have a plan Ralph and I follow through. Cheers Ralph ;-)

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear Boomer, very interesting sneak peek of the Seaspan ferry! Love the reflections on the layout, makes the viewing experience even more familiar. Cheerio

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. Cheers!

[@randydobson1863]

Hi Boomer Diorama & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Boomer Diorama & Friends Randy

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers.

[@johnschutt9187]

Thanks for answering my question! I appreciate it! John

[@boomerdiorama]

Any time! Thank you for the contribution to the channel as well! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@PeterTillman3]

Thanks

[@boomerdiorama]

You are awesome and most gracious Peter. Thank you! ~ Boomer.

[@wadejones9613]

Nice

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks

[@bobainsworth5057]

Yes, yes, and yes. Thanks again.

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . O.K. thank you Bob. Cheers.

[@WesleyEast-RRfan]

Do you have a staging yard or a off layout storage system to represent the rest of the world or is your diorama more its own world?

[@boomerdiorama]

I have a staging shelf for the off scene world and bridge traffic, etc. I can bring on and take of rolling stock from both ends. At least that is the plan eventually.

[@WesleyEast-RRfan]

@@boomerdiorama I wondered how it worked, thanks

[@AT_68]

Do you plan to hang wires on your poles?

[@boomerdiorama]

When? . . . Lot's of build yet to go before I start knocking down wires to reach in etc. But yes . . . one day. Cheers.

[@AT_68]

@@boomerdiorama - as you are a stickler for detail, I thought as much. There are far too many who would bypass such detail. You are an inspiration for those looking for mastery of this art.

[@lassunsschaun6859]

If you think across-the-board further "wires on the poles" on a diorama layout are the little brother of "overhead line" for electric locomotive on a club layout -> you need someone with a good hand and time to build it proper and then you need all other club members to keep the hands of it and gently work around it when they got to do something nearby 😉 so yes better towards the end of the build.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@lassunsschaun6859 I installed Interurban (1/48 Scale) overhead wire on a large layout once. Everything was hand - laid and functional. I scratch built the poles and hangars as well with bronze wire. Everything worked well until all the bench work shrank a year later - what a nightmare . . . lol.

[@blaketatar1239]

Have you tried the ESU 18 X 35mm speakers yet? Part number 50348. They are awesome!! Love the layout. You are inspiring me. I have redone the lighting and a lot of the electric. I’m using the birch plywood and Varathan and I love it! I’m also using Golden mat medium for everything!!! Thanks so much for your inspiration!!

[@boomerdiorama]

No but I want to. I'm waiting for the local hobby shop to get them. They sound interesting and plan to try a few. Try the "Liquitex" matte medium as well. It's awesome. Glad to hear you have new lighting and a solid base as well. 👍

[@blaketatar1239]

@@boomerdiorama They sound as good or better than the Tang Band speakers.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@blaketatar1239 I hope to try some soon on the next locomotive build. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@PeterTillman3]

I tried to scratch build the River Road Yard Office. It turned out ok :) The thing I liked about it was the simple shape plus a combination of a wood foundation, styrene etc. River Road is an evolving masterpiece.

[@boomerdiorama]

That is cool Peter. Glad to hear you challenged yourself. Wait until you see the Ferry. I plan to start releasing mini feature videos of the build until it is finished early this fall. There is so much content I need to release in small bite-size chunks. Actually, the fall is not to far away either . ;-)

[@PeterTillman3]

@@boomerdioramacan’t wait to see it Boomer

[@boomerdiorama]

@@PeterTillman3 It will be in multiple segments over a few months.

[@goforitpainting]

Really cool. 🚂

[@boomerdiorama]

It's shaping up finally after three years.😉

[@WarrenFahyAuthor]

Needs a dog.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed, I fully agree. Like a "Black-and Tan" Labrador I once had. 😉

[@stephenhottle6783]

Dusty probably doesn't think so 🙀

[@boomerdiorama]

@@stephenhottle6783 Lol . . . she would have something to say for sure. 🤣