Incredible huge model railway layout in a basement

Welcome to Glendower, a huge model railway layout, created over three decades in a basement in the UK. It's of incredible quality with many model train formations running throughout.
This video was produced for BRM Magazine (British Railway Modelling) in 2014. Find more great railway and model railway content on our website, www.world-of-railways.co.uk.

[@ianslater5550]

Given that this video is from 2014, I wonder if Mr. Parker is still enjoying his layout?

[@world-of-railways]

Sadly, we heard of his passing a few years ago...

[@craigthelej]

@@world-of-railways I hope his prized possession is being passed down. Rest in peace

[@leeludlowart237]

British Railway Modelling oh no that’s so sad. I hope he is resting in model railway in heaven and his earthly layout is being loved as it always was.

[@hntrains2]

The amount of work! Under the circumstances, too! Insane! I was hoping there was nothing left to do now - except, of course, maintenance - so he could just enjoy being on his layout, and then I read the comment here about his passing away; while all men have to die, this is still very sad news...

[@DarylLewis]

Rest in peace Mr Parker, what a lovely layout

[@a.m11558]

Mr. Parker may have passed away, but now look at this. A million and a half people have seen this video and many more will come. It’s wonderful, he created something truly special. Rest in peace, Mr. Parker, and may your engines always run on time.

[@nickm2483]

I really would love to know what kind of a person 'dislikes' a video like this? I've got no interest in model trains and I only came across this video by accident. Having said that I can appreciate the pure love and passion this guy has for his train set and it's clear he's invested thousands of pounds and thousands of hours getting it to look the way it does. It really is a work of art! I just don't understand how someone could watch it and not be impressed?

[@harryrobinson2901]

Sometimes people are just idiots.

[@braindeadtoo]

A very sad and jealous person, who is most likely responsible for creating nothing in his life and knows it.

[@WilliamSmith-mx6ze]

Just imagine if all the tens of thousands of pounds he's spent digging out the basement, putting in the trap door, buying all the model kit, painting up the walls etc etc etc; imagine if he'd given that money to his kids to put down a deposit on a house! They wouldn't now be living in a grotty flat with the paint peeling, paying the landlord thousands to live in a rabbit hutch. But of course all that is just "jealousy" or because the younger generations "spend all their money on Pret coffee". Baby boomers really don't get it. Micturate tens of thousands on a model railway and it's fine, but Gen X are responsible for their own plight by spending £2 every now and then on a coffee.

[@Steven-ff4wl]

@@WilliamSmith-mx6ze Thank you for proving Harry Robinson and braindeadtoo right.

[@jonathankelly7430]

@@WilliamSmith-mx6ze I'm sorry but what does that have anything to do with this video. Is he not allowed to enjoy himself? Does he have to give his hard earned money so his kids (if he has kids) can get a house? Why can't he have a hobby? I'm only 16 and I have a model railway too. I understand very well the pains this man went through to have such an amazing layout. I struggle to see your logic. You dislike this video because a man spends his own money on a hobby which he enjoys instead of giving it to his kids which we don't even know exist. Just because you are frustrated about something in your own life doesn't mean that you have to resent those who enjoy what they do and create something as fantastic and beautiful as this man's model railway.

[@jimsmith3971]

I wish I had a person like this in my life. What good vibes he gives off. Rest in Peace Sir.

[@kungfuwitcher7621]

RIP Mr Parker. What a fantastic layout this is and I hope a family member took it on.

[@Liofa73]

You walk past peoples houses all the time, you never imagine something as amazing as this would be inside the average house. People would pay money to see work on a much less grand scale than this.

[@TheSighphiguy]

i dont think anyone would pay to be buried alive.

[@jakemarch-jones2789]

Mr Parker has left behind an amazing legacy! Beautiful!

[@stormbowman7148]

It never ceases to amaze me how creative people can be, when it comes to finding room for a model railway. Well done!

[@bigsai4472]

I remember watching this three years ago. This video really touched me and changed my life. This video actually inspired me to make my own Railway, which is still in progress, and it reminded me of a video that I had seen years ago. So I searched and searched until I found it again; I found this video once again. Thank you very much, you have changed my life. It is a very wonderful railway that you have. Take care and I hope you have a wonderful evening.

[@nataliegrn17]

How's your railway coming?

[@josephbennett4236]

Love your story, Big Sai45 Productions. Will you publish a vid of your railway when it's finished? Or perhaps a time-lapse of the build process? I'd be interested to see it, as would many others, I'm sure.

[@tiger.6509]

A you Gotta do is thumbs up 👍

[@bloba4443]

How’s progress coming

[@MakeLifeExtraordinary]

The quality of his background painting is impeccable. I can’t believe that he built that entire train set underneath his house. Just amazing that he can get around in it the way he does. I am probably half of his age and doubt that I could do so. God bless him.

[@A66omd]

Dennis, you deserve an award from the Queen for this magnificent effort!

[@EthanUnknownn]

I agree

[@Dan-ji2gw]

It's beautiful Dennis you should be very proud

[@jraybay]

Danielle Roberts Yes

[@rwexpress]

Escape the wife under kitchen? Here here!

[@nickygmp_350]

He truly is an artist, the backdrops are fantastic!

[@Breakzoras]

Was. Rest in peace to him.

[@gameofthronespembrokeshire2718]

Such a class gent, fantastic layout and brilliant story :)

[@davidparry1982]

I love the way this gentleman has spotted the opportunity presented by. 4' void and created this amazing layout - bravo!

[@j.ochsenreiter]

Thats just insane. Theres other houses you can buy with a full size basement. Screw that

[@GaryHardin]

Kept telling myself I don't have anywhere to have a layout because I haven't any rooms available. Then I see this and I'm inspired as I do have a partial basement. Thank you,

[@peterartboy]

I was feeling a little glum to-day, but stumbled across this wonderful presentation. What a truly lovely bloke he is, you have to just love him for his endeavours. I hope he is able to continue on for many more years. And, now I've fortgotten why I was glum Thankyou an God Bless. Peter

[@SkyDigital_01]

Lovely words peter

[@lenalliston5224]

When you think where this layout has been constructed it is just incredible - RIP Mr Parker.

[@paktoysreview8377]

The quality of his background painting is impeccable.

[@johnnywilson1616]

One of the nicest, detailed layouts I've seen! Well done! I pray you're blessed with many many more years with your trains. God bless......Johnny

[@KapybaraKSP]

Sadly he wasn’t able to spend too many more years with them... he passed away a few years ago apparently...

[@flamingmonarch7988]

Oh how sad

[@CycolacFan]

I'm in awe of this fella's talent. He races those trains round at some speed too.

[@haydsumner5912]

It looks cosy and a awesome layout to keep you entertained I could sit down there all day with snacks

[@nh83]

What a legend... What a masterpiece. for some reason I feel really sad watching this. I think its because time is against him now and what used to be a smart, easy access area has now become quite harsh on his old bones. Bless you Dennis.

[@nerdbot37]

I felt the same. And not to be morbid, but--perhaps because I'm dealing with parents whose health is failing--I kept wondering if it would be possible to move the layout someday so that Mr. Parker's amazing labor of love could live on and allow others to enjoy it.

[@neomaidrix]

I just hope someone will take care of his masterpiece.

[@jennyhaynes4598]

this guy is one bloody person who is dedicated to his trains well done mr.denis parker you should get a station named after you for tour dedication

[@SammyBFilms]

Wonderful man and an awesome railway! 😀

[@nigelcraig9641]

What an amazing layout

[@KapybaraKSP]

nigel craig yes, I hope it’s still doing well after his passing 😢

[@tancakar8987]

one of the best lay out i see in a house

[@madnessbydesign1415]

As someone who builds war-game scenery, I'm always blown away by 'train guys'. Look at his eyes when he talks about it - this isn't just a hobby, it's a labor of love. Beautiful work... :)

[@CODHELPUS]

I just love that his seat is also landscaped, brilliant layout, you should be one proud man !

[@Collwila]

I salute the time, energy, ingenuity and artistry that this man has put into this project. Marvelous. I wonder if Rod Stewart has visited this guy

[@WesternCenturion]

Full admiration to you Dennis, you have created something very special there and for some, a dream, thank for allowing BRM into your world and sharing your inspirational creation with us all.

[@josiahdrake2632]

Now that’s what I call the model railway in the world.

[@tenchu65]

Congratulations on your layout Sir , wonderful experience just to watch !

[@samsrailway6149]

My huge 3 year old railway is in my loft

[@pauljohnston6790]

That puts a whole new meaning to the saying, " UNDER HER FEET " well done,

[@Masties518]

Amazingly awesome. I am speachless .

[@kat71580]

What a magnificent layout..trains, village And town..I've just seen this website..sadly Mr. Parker has passed..R.I.P. such a beauty creation has been left for us too enjoy. Thank you.

[@christophertmunro4503]

The amount of detail in this layout is absolutely some of the very best I have ever seen!!!! ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!

[@MarkHenstridge]

I have seen many many layouts on KZbin and in real life and I want to say that this period layout is one of the very best I that have seen. It has everything a real railway enthusiast could want, the lighting on the layout is to me spot on, most other layouts are very brightly lit which I believe takes away from realism. What a superb use of an area right under the floorboards, you have built a monument in a confined space. Credit to the person who did the filming, I watched it a few times so well done. I envy you not just for your layout but your very understanding partner in life. Good luck to you both and thank you for sharing your railway paradise with us.

[@Ralph2]

Such an achievement, and to have done it in a space that meant sitting or kneeling the whole while makes it doubly impressive. Well done sir.

[@adamosuilleabhain324]

Ralph111417 im 4 foot 5 and i wouldn't be able to do it

[@growinsane9123]

I'm not sure whether to be more impressed by his determination to create something detailed or to do it all whilst having to be hunched over and crawling about! I am sure there would have been a museum somewhere that would have given him all the space he wanted if they could have known what a marvel of an end product he could create.

[@PAULPINBALL]

The Bat Cave! Incredible work!!!

[@oliverthehero5964]

you've heard of the London Underground now met The London North Eastern Underground

[@nityking1]

such a beautiful railway and a wonderful controller.

[@wrbergner]

Stumbled across this diamond in the rough. What a dramatic and bold layout is such a diverse location ever! I am totally blown away by Dennis' imagination and love for his hobby.

[@williamwoolhouse3702]

My Dear Dennis,You have restored my faith in human nature.A sweet and Gentle man in every respect.I too enjoy my Garden railway.It keeps me sane !!!

[@curtisgrindahl446]

Wow! That is commitment and ingenuity. Beautiful work... the work of a lifetime.

[@thefwaynes]

the nicest man I've ever seen

[@curtisgrindahl446]

It was this video that hooked me on watching model railroaders, especially from Great Britain where love of trains is so great. I'm in awe of what this man accomplished while crawling through the shallow basement of his home. Watching him emerge through the hole in the kitchen floor really made me smile. What an amazing gentleman. He has given us all a great gift by sharing this world with us.

[@marke9699]

what a fascinating gentleman. clearly loves what he does. a fantastic layout

[@dougborrett3566]

Lets hope you don't get a bad back or arthritis where you cannot get down low and enjoy your magnificent layout.

[@user-un6pb2un9m]

Doug Borrett andreas

[@alanfbrookes9771]

I was thinking the same thing. I'm 72 yrs. old and I have a layout in three rooms in the basement of our home in Oakland, California. It's 00 gauge, based on the Birmingham area of the Midland Region in the period just after nationalisation. I'm fortunate in that the basement has 6'6" headroom. I can't imagine having to be doubled up within 4' all the time. This may seem a daft idea, but couldn't you dig out the area between the layout a further couple of feet, which would make it more comfortable for you? It would also make the tracks relatively higher, so that you would get the same perspective as you would standing by a full-sized railway.

[@mmouse1886]

@@alanfbrookes9771 The Pipes could run under his house preventing him from digging, or maybe fibreoptic cabling, not to mention the pipes in his own house could be right under his feet because he's build right under the kitchen.

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

Commercial utilities are always in a public right of way or easement, they shouldn't be under houses. Reasons not to dig: breaking up concrete floor, need for a building permit, shallow bedrock, disturbance to foundation.

[@blakemcnamara9105]

Sadly the man had passed away.

[@marcnews75]

a very impressive layout like that he used the space available to its best potential

[@KapybaraKSP]

I’ve heard apparently this great man passed. My grandfather who was working on building a set for me and my brother passed before he finished it. I was hoping to complete it but still haven’t yet but I need to take time. It seems the best of us go first, but they’ll make sure that up there is better for us for when we go. My condolences to his family.

[@CockneyRooster]

What an amazing layout..new to the channel and the hobby...reading the comments that the gentleman has since passed away ...what an amazing talent....giving people inspiration and a smile long after you've gone ...what a legacy well done fella ...who could wish for more

[@FatguyInthedeli]

My real question is how did he build all the landscaping, and town features. It all looks so impressive

[@jerryr7641]

There’s a pretty cool layout

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

Bless you Denis, you had a great run and a fantastic layout, not many of us will be able to say that, thank you for showing us your amazing work

[@tristansmithrailwayphotogr2730]

This is a stunning layout and a beautiful video . I wish my layout was as spectacular as this. Just watching this brings a smile to my face

[@RetepElpmet]

Man, this one is good! I'm impressed!

[@keithcamcom8639]

Absolutely awesome it is nothing short of superb, what wouldn't I give to have something as beautiful as that, it must be so relaxing to sit and watch and enjoy away from all the rubbish in this world hope you have many many many more years of enjoyment you certainly deserve it having built something so wonderful, I'll just sit and dream! your very lucky, look after yourself and Glendower and thank you for putting it on You Tube, take care.

[@darthtool8131]

Its this video that got me caught up in it again, last foray into model railways was as a lad back in 1990.. loft conversion in progress and track layout designed.. the bank balance taking a hammering, its coming along.. slowly!! so happy this stuff still exists and hobbiests are keeping the scene alive.

[@petrofilmeurope]

Congratulations with a most beautiful layout. Fabolous work this is Dennis :)

[@marystralkus1319]

Amazing, love it, a true craftsman

[@JimmyKraktov]

After 37 yrs you've created a whole little world down there. I love it :~)

[@pirozcontractor6006]

A video which even now gives as much nostalgia as 5 years ago when I got into the hobby. May Dennis rest in everlasting peace.

[@jonnybeck6723]

Remarkable!!! Cheers to the gent and his beautiful imagination!!

[@keithfritz6280]

F A N T A S T I C My brothers and I thought we had a near perfect layout in the 60s and 70s. What we could have learned from you is not able to be told. From Salt Lake City, Utah. Good one, mate!

[@arnold894]

He did the amazing! I could not believe he did so well in the section you couldn't even stand up in. Well done!

[@sebastianmillward6601]

This layout beautiful its better than the one i had been dreaming about. May u have many years with your trains

[@FiveElms]

I bet his knees are shot to bits! Lovely layout. Jason.

[@Bruno.Trains]

Beautiful Layout!!

[@kevinsharp6323]

He does not seem to be able to stand up in the basement...makes me wonder how on earth he built all that in there unless done outside then carried in and assembled. This guy is beyond a master of the art, in other words has achieved a higher rank than a master of the craft. A very skilled and artistic creation.

[@chriswilson2431]

Absolutely superb. Such a modest man. I’d be shouting from the rooftops to tell as many as possible how good my layout is, if I had built one even close to that. I’m lost for words. I hope you keep managing to clamber over those lines! You’re an inspiration.

[@samsrailway6149]

It's all amazing isn't it! It's truly amazing

[@EdVanMeyer]

Great layout!

[@Rob-jf9jn]

Just discovered this. Amazing layout under the kitchen, wow. I’ve watched this 3 times it’s such good viewing. Well done to u sir.

[@coloursmoke]

Fabulous layout, great features and all tucked into a tiny space. Amazing work Mr Parker! :-) Rest well my friend

[@jamesday4142]

I really do that love this layout , the details are just stunning

[@DJSOfficialUK]

Nice video and what a good layout. Loads of detail. Done a good job to create and build/construct this. Nice Job. 😆🖒

[@dianetodd1256]

You think about this and this man is just:playing forgive me if there's more to it than this but this man might be inspiring so many other generations including myself I don't have model trains but now I want to try and get some. The magic engines have bought to people's lives is amazing simply amazing.

[@montparkmodelrailway300]

I am attempting model English steam in OO, and find this one of the most inspirational videos, which I re-watch every few weeks. Love your work Dennis

[@ModelerManMike]

Excellent, thank you! :) Really enjoy your video's!

[@nigelericogden3200]

An inspiration ... congratulations on creating such a beautiful layout ... it truly is a work of art ... my very best wishes to you ...

[@BrendanShoreland]

The things people get up to in the privacy of their own home! This is amazing - thank you for sharing it with us :)

[@stephenwilliams1269]

Amazing detail on a spectacular railway layout. Long may this continue to give you pleasure and by sharing this video many thousands of viewers that either no longer have layouts and just enjoy watching. Thank you.

[@mrgarrytoo]

absolutely amazing

[@warlordsquerk5338]

Beautiful :) That's amazing work mate

[@qbsaber]

Dennis you are an inspiration to all and such a modest outlook, fantastic layout

[@PhoenixCustomPrimiti]

This is the first video I watched on model railroading after I was taken to a model railroad show that was held locally about 2 or 3 years ago. This video is where I got bitten and I must admit I would love to do this in my crawlspace basement. Thank you so much for the inspiration.

[@donaldwalker5963]

Why would anyone give this a thumbs down. I think this is a great layout.

[@WilliamSmith-mx6ze]

Just imagine if all the tens of thousands of pounds he's spent digging out the basement, putting in the trap door, buying all the model kit, painting up the walls etc etc etc; imagine if he'd given that money to his kids to put down a deposit on a house! They wouldn't now be living in a grotty flat with the paint peeling, paying the landlord thousands to live in a rabbit hutch. But of course all that is just "jealousy" or because the younger generations "spend all their money on Pret coffee". Baby boomers really don't get it. Micturate tens of thousands on a model railway and it's fine, but Gen X are responsible for their own plight by spending £2 every now and then on a coffee.

[@JacobMoss013]

William Smith leave it out it’s just an old man enjoying himself

[@davidm793]

How do you know what he gave to his kids? He has a hobby and loves it. Perhaps he shouldve wasted his life on social media like kids today.

[@Toby77c]

This is the best layout ever!!!

[@TheSupradude26]

Google "George Selios Franklin and South Manchester railroad". This one is amazing, but George's scenery and structures put every other single railroad I've ever seen to shame. It has probably 5 times as much fine details as any other in existence.

[@whitedovetail]

WoW!! I do not own a train set. I am 65 and remember when I was a small child and playing with a train set that I got for Christmas one year (during 1961?). We traveled a lot with our family following my Father as his work finding oil in Texas, Peru, and Indonesia dictated. So we never collected many things that required frequent transportation to a new town or city. I have enjoyed videos like this one because all little boys were train freaks, slot car freaks, or playing army out in the front yard till late at night. I really like this view of my past. Cheers!

[@AXE668]

Remarkable layout and it probably helped Mr Parker keep fit and able given the physicallity of accessing and running the layout!

[@michaelposetti2826]

Your an inspiration fantastic layout

[@antman5474]

Even if the track was lifted and the rolling stock relocated imagine buying that house in the future and thinking.. ... I wonder where that hatch goes?

[@jasonhazell2163]

absolutely breath taking and beautiful layout dennis you should be proud of the hard work you have put into it over 36 years

[@Danstraightedge]

Brilliant. I love people who have a passion for something. Good on this chap for making such an effort with his hobby.

[@bullet2daheadx]

I would Love to have a layout like this

[@dgattenb]

wow ! in such a small space

[@dawnnosair3995]

What an awesome layout. My little boy age 3 loves watching this video. We are just starting on his first layout, a 6x4 board oo gauge.

[@heidim6468]

How many times do you think he has banged his head. I have to say this is truly a train guy to have to craw around to have this train layout. Thumbs up to him......

[@MarcelGodfrey]

Amazing...