Build, Paint & Animate a Working Freight House - Model Railroad Scenery

A complete guide on animating a freight house door for model railroad scenery and operations, no programming knowledge needed! Use simple components to electronically open and close the HO scale door.
I’ll not only show you how to animate the door but I’ll also show you how to construct, paint and weather the model to achieve a professional finish that will be the envy of your fellow modelers.
The Scale Modellers Supply paint I’m using in the video was sent to me specifically to be included in the video, it’s a great paint that I’ve previously used and to get the chance to receive some free products that I highly recommend was a bonus. It’s perfect for airbrushing and any general purpose paint thinner for lacquer paints will work well for thinning the paint.
For more information about The Scale Modellers Supply paints and other products check out their website here:
www.scalemodel...
The weathering was accomplished with a combination of Scale Modellers Supply weathering powders and a selection of Vallejo Acrylic paints.
The controller I used for animating the door was purchased from Servo City, it’s not a cheap controller however I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to electronics and programming so having a controller that takes care of all the hard work with some simple pushes of a button is well worth it for me.
www.servocity....
All music is downloaded and licensed from Premium Beat.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

WHAT IS HAPPENING? Hey all, I'm currently working on my next video and also moving house. While waiting for my next video, I've created a new Instagram account for my fans to post completed dioramas you've created (Conditions apply). You can check out the latest activity via: instagram.com/bouldercreekrailroad/ See you soon. Cheers, Luke

[@AnthonyBB]

Can you do a Review on your train layout

[@AnthonyBB]

By the way love your channel

[@joetylerdale]

I was only going to watch the part of how to make the sliding door, but your professionalism won me over and I watched the entire video! I said I wasn't subscribing to any more, but.....one more, lol!

[@lightningmckitten]

I hope to see a postapocalyptic build in the future.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

You know what I am really keen on building... A half sunken building into the ocean where you can see the underwater sections from the side of the diorama. Similar to what they did on the Tested KZbin channel but in a much larger scale!

[@Dan-om4no]

Luke Towan absolutely work on that next luke

[@lightningmckitten]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad It'll be like something straight out of The day after tomorrow.

[@Bwachaauh]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad That sounds like a great idea. I'd love to see a video like that.

[@GwionRhysDavies]

​@@BoulderCreekRailroad That would be very interesting, Tested's video is very inspiring. I was thinking of doing an underwater scene of the BR 8f locos that sunk with the SS Thistlegorm as seen here bit.ly/2Kd6Oao

[@Miniac]

Every day a Luke Towan video comes out is a good day.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ha ha thanks mate 😉 I just watched your awesome guide on paint brushes! I definitely need to get some better quality brushes!

[@johnellison1635]

Mate. Your artwork is getting more realistic each time you create a new piece. You are a very gifted man.

[@trev8591]

Sir, I am in awe of your craft skills. World class.

[@connorh5335]

I don't personally have a model railway, but I absolutely love these videos, it's just really nice to see how you add the detail and make it look like real life.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks Connor, glad you enjoy watching the videos 😉

[@evanfrank399]

Your models always turn out amazing. Great video Luke!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Even, they don't always turn out perfect... but sometimes I definitely surprise myself 😀

[@jamiee172]

Amazing, that door opened and closed by itself! Mind blown!

[@tipi8340]

At last some building weathering tutorial! 😍 Thanks Luke! More, please! 🙏

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ha ha yeah I've been a bit slack with weathering my buildings. This one turned out pretty good and I plan to do many more in the near future with different techniques. Hope you enjoy the video 😉

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Wow, that sort of thing could have a few uses! Thanks for showing us how you did that Luke!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

No worries Steve, good luck with the move as well 😉 Can't wait to see what you do with the new space in the garage! I wish I had that much space for a dedicated layout. I'm sure whatever you do it will be awesome (in a regular guy kind of way 😀).

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Well the loft is about twice the size, but momma said no! Going to try to incorporate some automation, and Arduino into the new layout. Wish me luck LOL! Thanks Luke!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

A fun project, and that door annimation loks super easy. Thanks, Luke.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Ron, when I was building this I imagined you doing something similar in N scale, it would be quite a feat doing this in such a small scale but if anyone was able to pull it off you are the first person that comes to mind. P.S. I really enjoyed your last video about having different projects to jump between to help stay engaged and not burnt out on making one particular model, great insights 😉

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad Thanks. I've been working with some arduino projects, but mostly for lighting effects so far. This project should be very doable in N scale though.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

yeah I've got an arduino starter kit and some books on programming but I haven't really had the time to sit down and get my head around it. I'd be really interested if you did some arduino videos... I've got the stuff I just need the motivation 😀

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad I have done 1 experimental video that turned out pretty well for a first try. It was a campfire effect. Here is a link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXPRaKN-etGXjas

[@IMRROcom]

Look Ron, The Holy Blocks are in Play. Luke is doing some serious modeling now.

[@novianrizqi6798]

since I entered the architecture lecture, for some reason this channel became the channel that I always waited for the new video :DDD

[@reyden1o835]

even though i dont do diorama i always love your vids

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks mate 🙂 glad you've been enjoying the videos

[@hubristicmystic]

Not sure what’s the most amazing Luke - the quality of your models or the quality of your videos. Love every one of them.

[@Dan-om4no]

Your weathering is absolutely mad, the attention to detail is why ur the best mate

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks Danny, glad you liked it and hopefully picked up a tip or two 😉

[@mikafacchinetti2469]

Man I have never been near anything like this is my life yet somehow every week I find myself back here wanting to get into it because of the amazing work you do, keep it up!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

I'm glad I've been able to give you a bit of inspiration 😉 At least you'll have all the tips and techniques to build some awesome models when you do eventually decide to build a diorama 😀

[@KathyMillatt]

Brilliant video as always and very timely as I bought a whole heap of servo motors last month! Thanks.

[@stevemurrell6167]

I discovered Luke Towan and his modelling talent about a week ago and I must have watched at least a dozen of his tutorials already. Stunning work and very relaxing to watch. Some of the results of his techniques are mind boggling. Bravo Luke!!

[@tombuck]

Love it! This is the one that finally pushed me to try making my own models! Thank you.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ha ha nice! It's very rewarding when you finish a model and you're happy with the results 😉 I'm glad I was able to give you some inspiration... Your water tower turned out looking fantastic by the way 😀 It's pretty cool what can be done with a 3D printer!

[@AussieGunzel]

Another great work that'll fit right into a US/Australian layout.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks mate, it's a very generic building 😀 All it needs is a sign nearby to give it a more specific location

[@philRminiatures]

Creative and amazing job, love the door annimation...👍👍👍

[@michaelrzeszuto777]

Again love your videos , makes the rest of us open up and try new things. Thank you very much. Looking forward to seeing your next video. Cheers from upstate New York.

[@FourDollaRacing]

Hello, from a fellow modeler! I dig it the most....

[@SeriusSim]

This looks incredible. What I'd love to see is Luke skill and attention to detail into less realistic genras, like fantasy or even better, sci-fi. I'd love to see him create scenes with mechas and legged tanks à la Ghost in the Shell.

[@ollien3359]

Another fantastic video! Thanks again, Luke! I would love to see a video detailing your work space, as well as your "must have" products. I know you mention quite a few products with each build, but a more detailed video would be fantastic!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks Oliver, I'm writing a few new articles for my website in the near future. I'll take your advise and write a workshop tour article as well 😉

[@johnkelley9877]

That is so cool! The model is well weathered and the instructions are easily understood. Another great tutorial. Thanks for sharing this.

[@lemonsauruss]

the background music is so satisfying. love your vids man

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

oh nice, I'm always a bit worried about background music. It's good to know it's not too distracting and easy to listen to 😀

[@rexkit]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad What is the song called and who is it by?

[@kjamison5951]

I’m only allowed one like... that is an awesome model, looks fabulous and has the added animated door! Strewth, it’s a win, win, win all around!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks mate 😉 it turned out better than I originally had expected, glad you liked it

[@runlarryrun77]

I just started making miniature buildings for a film project. I'm finding your videos really helpful, thanks.

[@ray.shoesmith]

Mate, I’m not a modeller. The last model I made was when I was 13. But I have watched every one of your videos purely because of both the excellent way you narrate them and the sheer artistry that goes into your work. Awesome channel 10/10 would watch again 👍

[@arnaudbreton6969]

Every time I watch your videos I always remember that scene from toy story 2 when the guy repairs woody. So gentle and clean and clam . Love your videos 👌👍

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks mate, it's been ages since I watched Toy Story! I'll have to give it another watch... It's such a classic 😀

[@arnaudbreton6969]

Your welcome mate .

[@LIL_D_916]

Idk how I stumbled on to this channel but I’m glad I did

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol... Awesome 😉 I'm glad you liked it

[@convolution223]

This is one of the most informative tutorials out there! Thanks for going into detail every step of the way!

[@TheMisterdan01]

Another fantastic video Luke! The paint job looked brilliant but then the addition of the moving door topped the model off beautifully. A really nice effect! Cheers, Dan

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks Dan, yeah I was pretty happy with how it came out 😀 I spent ages trying to decide on a color to paint it and also have the peeling effect but I think the light cream/sand color worked quite well. P.S. that water mill scene is looking awesome! Your layout is really coming to life!

[@TheMisterdan01]

Luke Towan Yep I love that colour you chose, it works perfectly with the chipping and also the weathering. Thanks for that re: the water mill, it’s getting there. I’ll hopefully add the extra elements to it this week. Hope you and the family have a great Christmas and New Year!

[@scootscoot2k]

just as i went on my lunch break AWESOME!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ha ha nice! Hope you enjoy watching 😀

[@scootscoot2k]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad I did, its great to see you add some movement to your models/dioramas up next you will actually put a train on one :P

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ha ha ha... you are spot on! I will be doing some more layout videos with my modular layout that will actually have some running trains 😀

[@valborchardt3596]

Awesome Luke, thanks a lot as always from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks Val, glad you enjoyed the video 😀

[@imgertberg5344]

Fricking awesome, well done!

[@TheImpiroGirl]

You make it look incredibly real and it's always fun when you add something like this door opening. Beautiful work Luke, you're one of my favourite channels on here

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks so much, really appreciate the kind words 😉

[@steph2115]

Great Job Luke 👍In your video are again many useful tips. Big Thanks. 😏

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

No worries Stephen, glad you found it useful 😉

[@thekehoeshow..]

You really should add your patreon link in all of your videos descriptions. Thank you for all your efforts, I love your videos.

[@allanatwick1606]

Got to get me a set of those mag clamps, so simple but extremely effective, great vid mate, thank you

[@fynbo1007]

Thank you for sharing your amazing video. God bless you and your family

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks so much Carsten 😉

[@richardbunn1133]

I always enjoy watching you work, keep it up.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Richard 😀 I've got plenty more videos coming in the future

[@richardbunn1133]

I'll be looking forward to them, Luke, your skill at replicating the real world in miniature blows me away.

[@balalunga1]

Love this channel 🙂 Greetings from luxemburg

[@Tonicwine999]

I love this, especially with the moving door!

[@TheJonnysmith10]

You’re truly excellent at what you do. Bravo.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks Johnny 😉

[@peterhorak3602]

Great work Luke. That weathering result is amazing!

[@ericsell9469]

This is some next level modeling. I haven't perfected ground cover yet LOL! Great video as always!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ha ha thanks Eric, there are still heaps of things I still learning as well 😉

[@jvanamb]

Luke, I have had a half dozen Walthers' Cornerstone shed for almost a decade now. But never thought of animating it. Having watched your genius I attempted your technique on one of the sheds, I thought I had ruined years ago. Had a few changes but great effect. I used an Arduino and servos. As this building had been used as a seat filler, coming out of the Helix, so I used IR Block detectors to switch the train to a siding track, cut the track power if the train overhangs onto the main (Helix exit) line, and actuate the servo to open the shed door. As the building is already cemented I had no way to add your roof trusses very well. I did have some spare flat styrene so I built a new flooring structure with some upright walls. With some magazine photos I attached the pics to the walls for a building interior. Another KZbin RxR influencer I follow is mpeterll. A couple weeks back he shared his technique for creating wood-like crates. So I had some partially completed and added them to the flooring to cover the motor on two or three sides (stacked them 4 high) to add interior interest. As soon as I can figure out how to add a few wheat lights above the floor (below the ceiling) I'll be set to secure the structure fully to the layout. While ZAP-ping you I'm waiting for the PA to dry on a trackside deck to attach to the outside of the building. Also I love your browns and rusts style of weathering. I'm am not a fan of slathering black India Ink wash to everything. Just to make the model look filthy. SEE YOU DOWN THE LINE, Jim

[@connormatthews522]

This honestly looks so relaxing and fun man

[@csxbaltimoresubdivision7746]

Great video, the opening door was a awesome bonus, thanks for sharing.....

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

no worries mate, glad you liked the video 😉

[@MattGodzilla2000]

Amazing realism, hope I get to see this with a train going by soon

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ha ha yeah I will eventually be building a scene to go with the freight house 😉

[@macf4426]

Beautiful work (as always) Luke. Thank you for sharing the awesome things you make with us all, and for all the great tips and tricks you throw in along the way.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks mate 😉 and thank you for being a great viewer as well, I always recognize when you leave a comment and I have to thank you for all the great compliments on the videos... How could I miss that crazy looking wet cat! 😄

[@TrainsandDioramas]

Awesome and easy to make animation. Lovely work, as usual!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks mate, yeah it's really achievable for even the beginner model builder. The Actobotics controller isn't cheap but it's great for what it does!

[@AClown]

I want to do this stuff but I haven't the money for all the special tools and materials, and I don't really have a dedicated area to make them, watching these videos is the next best thing, keep em coming!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Kevin, yeah the tools and equipment all together is quite expensive. I gradually bought mine over a few years. Thanks for watching and I'm glad you've been enjoying the videos 😀

[@robertyates9132]

Always the best, very detailed and superbly built thank you 😊

[@randallhermanson7610]

i like this it gives me insight to what i can do to make my scenery look realistic. i also like your video on how to make a waterfall. i am considering building the real McCoy with real water but have not considered all the issues involved. i am basically a neophyte to using electronics like in this video but am interested in learning this even though it is out of my league in aptitude. i am more of the creative type but Michelangelo was an inventor as well as an artist. from my training and background i look at how i can meet challenges like scaling a cliff under heavy artillery fire rather than say it can't be done. being of modest financial resources i am discouraged with buying so many things. i can see that machinists blocks can be replaced with scraps of something, like a two by four drop cut squarely. a good machinist or carpenter can easily make one cut square, precisely enough to do the job. there is so much good stuff in this i am interested in purchasing this video. i can't quite remember all this information when i get to building my scenery.

[@TheBatman-1989]

I'm gonna need a video a day from you.....so DAMN relaxing watching these, I can't get enough!!

[@Bruno.Trains]

Brilliant video great work!!!

[@j4cklive722]

Who else is watching even though they don't build model kits but still watch because its so dam satisfying!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Do it still count if I watch my own video 😄

[@j4cklive722]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad YES!

[@mattwood1994916]

Love these, can't wait for the next and for when I actually pull the trigger to make one myself!

[@Collateralcoffee]

THEEE scale modeller's supply. Jesus!!

[@madnessbydesign1415]

Bad news, bad news, bad news - Wait, a Luke Towan video? Today just got better... :)

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ha ha ha 😄 It's good to know I've brightened your day a little bit 🌞

[@madnessbydesign1415]

Absolutely! When I saw that door open mechanically, I knew this was going to be inspirational... :)

[@AnthonyBB]

Does Hes still have a model layout

[@BrunoLafonPTPM]

Очень супер супер😎😍😀😘😍

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

@@AnthonyBB :-) Yes, I still have a model layout.

[@NortelGeek]

Your scenes are absolutely beautiful! You appear to enjoy building scenes of country roads, nature trails and small-town life, but have you ever (or have you ever wanted to) build a futuristic metropolis scene? That would be really cool! I'd love to see your spin on it. 😁

[@MrBMBuilder]

Great work again, love building dios

[@understew]

You’re the Bob Ross of model building.

[@wwkdiecastmore5647]

Another great video, thanks Luke!...Bill

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

I haven't been able to see your videos in quite a while... I'm catching up a little now!! That's a fantastic animation! Maybe someday I can afford the bits and bobs to do such a cool effect. Carmine 💥

[@PFieroGT87]

Would love to see a rally race setting. Could be spectacular. Great work!

[@kodi13]

Very nice DIY video, thank you!

[@MCsCreations]

Beautiful work, dude! Really fantastic! 😃 I would love to see you make/build something rc... That should be cool! 😃

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

I typically work in HO scale, I've been interested is trying out the faller car system... although it's not exactly radio controlled. I have seen some tiny HO scaled RC cars though! Lots of work went into making the run given the extremely limited space inside a HO scale car!

[@MCsCreations]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad I can imagine!!! I really want to get a small but high from the ground car to convert to rc... So I can run it inside the house, you know? But, always, with FPV! Search about it. 😉

[@happyboar1019]

Waouw, great 👌 thanks for this video. This mechanism is a good idea. I like 👍

[@whyioutta5874]

I want to do what you do for living. Your an inspiration

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks mate, I actually just do this as a hobby for fun. My day job is being a pilot for a regional airline in Australia which I also really enjoy 😉

[@CreativeRails]

Wow this is fantastic! Nicely done!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks mate, glad you enjoyed watching the video 😉

[@jarek12061960]

Wspaniale Pomyśl z otwieranymi drzwiami niesamowity bardzo podoba mi się Z niecierpliwością czekam na dalsze pomysły :-D

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks, I have many more ideas for similar projects 😀

[@johnschutt9187]

Wow. Just wow!

[@Nealeb1970]

A fiddly job but the opening door is amazing Luke, well done

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks Neale, glad you enjoyed watching 😉

[@Ralph2]

If you have to ask yourself 'why', you obviously haven't asked yourself 'why not'. Nicely done :)

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ha ha ha what a great saying! I'm going to need to get a big poster with that quote written on it and stick it my workshop! 😄

[@rickwade906]

Luke, Very nice! I got a lot of great ideas from this video. Thanks for sharing.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks so much Rick, yeah the process for animating can pretty much be applied to so many other applications for model railroading... I have lots of plans to add operational aspects on my modular layout, add extra jobs to the normal operations like opening doors, fences and other little animations like that. Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@glenngoodale1709]

I love listening to your show always extremely informative and always spot-on thank you for the time that you spend and creating it and producing it for us greatly greatly appreciated again

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Glenn, I really do enjoy making the videos. It's like a second hobby to actually making model scenery 😉 So it's great to see that it's truly appreciated

[@glenngoodale1709]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad ty

[@bigmig496]

Wow,nice work! I like it!

[@JustAnotherBuckyLover]

Awesome! I love your videos, so much skill and time put into them.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks mate, glad you're enjoying the videos. They do take a while to build but it's really rewarding when they turn out looking better than expected 😉

[@JustAnotherBuckyLover]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad Oh I can imagine. I'm about as bad as it's possible to be when it comes to making things, but I find myself totally enthralled by people who can make tiny, tiny things look amazing and yours is by far my favourite for dioramas etc.

[@HeavyTone66]

When are we going to see your rail setup? Keep seeing all these awesome diorama builds and stuff you do, when are we going to see it all in place? Love the work you do.

[@normanrowe2831]

As always an outstanding tutorial. Thank you.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

No worries Norman, glad you liked it 😉

[@davidw.9476]

Really cool Building! I like your tutorials, they are always very helpful. Thanks Luke ☺️👍🏼

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks David, glad you liked it 😉

[@tomcarr1050]

So cool Luke...I have this model and I'm gonna try this...Thank You for the how to Tom

[@sofo3559]

Wish I could do this . This is beautiful art!

[@zlee11]

This was a great one. Thanks

[@marqjamescapacion2299]

I think watching this is wort it because its unick to find a vidoe like this as all ways greate work luke 👏👏👏👏😮😮😮

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks Marq, glad you enjoyed watching the video 😉

[@MrRoblox1377]

Another great build! Love the work but... please keep using this song. I jam so hard to it I'm not gonna lie

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ha ha thanks mate, glad you enjoyed the video and the music as well. I'm always a bit worried about using background music that may be too distracting so it's good to know you like it 😀

[@raffyoli]

catch me throwin down on the dance floor to this song

[@zestoryseasand2342]

Soooo geniusss!!!! Congratulations! I Love it

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks mate, I had heaps of fun building it 😀

[@karsonbugg527]

I'm not even into model scenery, but this is pretty much a miniature version of How It's Made

[@NoFear2473651]

Another great video, well done!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks mate 😀

[@OfficialSNIxn]

Great work man! I had an idea for a video it will be hard but i think it would be amazing to see you do. A rice patty type field. With the grass bunches coming up from the water. I was just watching one of your videos and it gave me the idea.

[@brainhamster]

i could watch this channel all day.......... oh wait. i have.

[@shalokare789]

Awesome Build I Love It 👌💯😀

[@ModellingIndianRailways]

Awesome.. as usual

[@shalokare789]

Like They Say 'Always Perfect'👌💯😀

[@shalokare789]

Time Consuming But Worth it!!👌💯😀