Building a model railway - Baseboards and Terrain - Ep 1 Modelling the South Devon Railway

Welcome to Episode 1 of this model railway build. The focus in this video is on baseboards and terrain as I attempt to create a beautiful area of Dartington.
For all your modelling needs, please try the South Devon Railway Shop:
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Mold-a-scene www.modelscenerysupplies.co.u...
0:00 Start
0:16 First baseboard
3:06 Mapping out each section
5:41 Which section first?
6:14 Raising the track
7:46 Building the terrain
9:14 Tidying up the edges with MDF
10:05 Sculptamold and other options
11:23 Adding colour and texture
14:43 Details for the river
16:06 Summary
#modelrailway
#modelrailroad
#model
#scalemodel
#railway
#oogauge
#hornby
#bachmann
#accurascale
#dapol
#peco
#layout
#hobby
#gwr

[@carllawton9520]

Thanks where will you be displaying your diorama when it is finished. I am really looking forward to watching the rest of the videos you are so professional with your work. Thanks again Carl

[@DartsideScenics]

Hi Carl. Thank you so much for the donation, it’s incredibly kind of you. To be honest, I don’t have a clue where it will go!! If I can do a half decent job and actually finish it, I would like to keep it somewhere where it can be used. The hobby is so expensive, it would be nice to give anyone the opportunity to enjoy using a layout. Best wishes

[@x-tareverything]

Wow!! This is crazy. Ive never seen someone try and recreate a real railway so accurately, you deserve way more attention for this !!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you! I’m currently stuck on Staverton Station as everything seems to be taking forever!

[@rl7881]

…I was being polite, your music is better than any lullaby!

[@DartsideScenics]

😂

[@jibeji]

Amazing how relaxing your videos are. I could watch and listen to you all day.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you, that’s very kind 😊

[@rl7881]

Thanks for your response to my comment. You have the backing music pretty spot on in terms of style and volume over speech. It’s very relaxing, in fact sometimes a little too relaxing for late evening viewing!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you! A while ago, someone commented they relaxed so much they fell asleep twice - I think it was a compliment!!

[@umbramann1139]

What an incredible skill you have, I'd love to see you tackle an ancient woodland

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you! That’s a nice idea and there is a great place on Dartmoor called Wistmans Wood. I’d love to make that but need to practice the method.

[@_RandomPea]

Genius approach with the map and graft paper

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Ande - I hope it works!

[@auger7074]

This can only really be described as Art... The river bed already looks real! Your step-by-step descriptions are so useful and much appreciated... Thank you!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you so much, I’m pleased you enjoyed it 😊

[@seakr9838]

Enjoyable video. Note: I have had good results in the past by mixing the coloured basecoat ( cheap paint) with the sculptamold etc. then painting, handy against future scratches etc, just a thought.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Seak R. I have never tried it but I see what you mean about avoiding scratches- great tip.

[@lorriedmussett4692]

Oh my, I love that you're doing this!! I'm excited to see more of what you build and share. Please, please don't get to the point that you feel obligated. So many creative people seem to suddenly feel overwhelmed. And it was nice to see you a bit at the end!! I'm in south Texas, USA and I just love what you share.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you Lorrie. You are absolutely right that it can be overwhelming so it’s important to take a break from it occasionally.

[@geraldfitzgibbon7428]

The amount of work that goes into u diarmas that will not be seen is amasing.but every thing some1 does is loads better with good prep work. Ur models are all ways so so good.and way u photo them in realy secenry they look to b real.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you very much Gerald

[@lorriedmussett4692]

By the way....I agree with others' comments....the maps & scaled was very cool and different, then I've seen others do it. Very cool

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you! 😁

[@davidharle952]

Absolutely amazing talent, really looking forward to see the finished item.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks David 👍🏻

[@ericsainte290]

This is nicely taking shape. I particularly like the result on the river bank and the river bed. About the trees, I suppose you'll make wire armature ones with seafoam glued to the "branches" for the foreground of the 'forest' then continue with less detailed ones ? My way to do it is to make the two or three first rows of trees detailed then the ones behind are more "basic" using mainly polyfiber to generate the shape except for the top of those trees where I still use the seafoam as it'll still be widely visible. This helps me save on the seafoam as its cost is quite high and I can't grow any (difficult to do being in a wheelchair ;-) Can't wait to see the next episode to see the evolution of the river scene.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Eric. I went there today to take some more photos to work out what to do. I have a lot of seafoam so I should have plenty but I see why you would use polyfiber (the tree foliage is very thick so you don’t see much of the trunks unless it’s winter). I planned to use polyfiber on the banks and for ground cover. I trying a few things at the moment as a test before I commit to doing it on the module!!

[@robinsweet7170]

Really nice approach and your scenery is top draw. What a cracking choice of prototype, a man after my own heart.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks very much Robin 👍🏻

[@skel3110]

Fabulous Andy, this is going to be a great series! Cheers Steve

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Steve!

[@marksearle6222]

Hi Andy. I have only just come across your channel AND I'm hooked. I'll be working through the following updates over the next few nights BUT it's now time for the Ashes from Headingly! Cheers from down under,

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks very much Mark. Enjoy the cricket 🏏 😁

[@danbrewer]

This is awesome Andy really looking forward to this series

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Dan 👍🏻

[@davewooding7616]

Looking amazing already, will be watching the progress with great interest.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Dave 👍🏻

[@exehavenharbour]

Hi Andy, excellent work, I’m looking forward to seeing you do the resin pour and seeing how it turns out. It already looks great without it. Interesting to hear you grew the sea foam tress from seed I shall try that myself. It’s going to be a large layout to keep, knowing you and your scenics it’s going to look fantastic, would it be worth approaching someone from the South Devon Railway to see if they would like to display it for you? Unless of course you have room at home! Looking forward to the scenics cheers for now, John

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks John. I’m going to try the seafoam again this year as I neglected it last year! I haven’t got space at home so the SDR would be a great place if they have an old spare coach!! I need to see how it turns out as I’m learning as I go. Cheers Andy

[@oswestryroadtmd4850]

Looking forward watching the series excellent video

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks very much Tom 👍🏻

[@LemartesLogistics]

Outstanding, I really enjoyed watching you work. Gives me inspiration for my layout.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you and good luck with your layout 👍🏻

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid on channel thanks lee

[@DartsideScenics]

Cheers Lee

[@goforitpainting]

Cool. Have a great build.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@davestinyworkshopotherprojects]

This is awesome, not just a great review of your own project, but a tutorial for anyone wanting to build their own. Well done!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Dave 👍🏻

[@northernrails4462]

Outstanding modelling Andy,looking forward to see the development of this project ❤️❤️👌🏻

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks very much Craig. It’s great to see you doing posting more of your layout recently 👍🏻👍🏻

[@lorriedmussett4692]

Hey.....I just love when there's a true community of ppl watching & supporting each other. BY THE WAY...I'm always looking for new channels to watch where the host isn't too flashy and the videos have the host talking me thru what & why they're doing whatever their doing. It's because you two chatted here a minute that I found Craig's channel!!! Look forward to watching both of the channels!!!

[@northernrails4462]

@@lorriedmussett4692 cheers Lorrie 👍🏻

[@northernrails4462]

@@DartsideScenics yeah I’m definitely going to get back on KZbin shortly 👍🏻

[@DartsideScenics]

@@northernrails4462 Excellent!

[@robertbate5790]

What a great presentation 👍👍👍👍👍 Got in at the start of this project, so I have subbed to watch your progress. Thank you 👍👍

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks very much Robert

[@pfsmodellingprojects]

You certainly have superb modelling skills, your carpentry skills brought back memories of attending Kevics comprehensive woodworking class, scribing a line with a knife to elliminate break out to create a finer cut. Look forward to your next installment from a fellow Totnesian..

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you and hello fellow Totnesian and Kevics woodwork student!! I was just enjoying one of your videos when you visited the SDR on its 150th anniversary 👍🏻

[@timstrainroom8007]

Again, I am so excited to follow you through this this entire series. I am fascinated by your work, all your dioramas. I haven’t see one that I have any suggestions for, always well planned out. I wish I had such forethought. You are an excellent modeler. Take care my friend. Tim

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks so much for the kind comments Tim.

[@NewModelRailway]

Im loving this series, cant wait to see more and so nice to finally put a face to the voice! 🙂

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you! 😁

[@MattOts]

The scenic work along the front river margin already looks incredible. You make it all look so easy! One thing I'm interested to know about - it looks like you marked out the line of the track bed by hand. Once you start building more modules how are you going to ensure the curve of the track flows smoothly between them - just by eye? Also, I assume you're going to have to cut access holes in the bottom of the main baseboard to be able to get to the dropper wires below the raised trackbed?

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Matt. I really need to pick up some track radius tools to help the smooth transition between boards. When the joining boards are made (hopefully in the next video), I can start laying track. I have some DCC concepts alignment dowels to line up the boards. I'll lay the track across the join and only cut when everything is secure. A lot of this is new to me so I'm going to have to put a lot more thought into this next part! Yes, there are small holes for the dropper wires. When I have point motors, etc, I will cut larger access holes in the baseboard as they will be attached to the raised plywood section.

[@ragozzinehq]

Good stuff - excited for you! Where will the final project live? It’s going to be massive!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you! Yes, it’s currently looking like it will be 50ft long 😬 I don’t know what I’ll do yet but I don’t have to worry about it for a while!

[@The_Modeling_Underdog]

And so the journey begins. Looks very promising, mate. Doing some photogrammetry, I reckon. Did a bit of it for a Japanese glider hangar diorama last year and it drove me crazy. I may keep working on it now that I've watched your video. You're a braver man than I could ever be, throwing all that stuff next to those beautiful guitars. Have a great weekend. Cheers.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks mate. The glider hangar sound cool and worth revisiting. Yes, space is a bit limited so I have to be careful not to ruin the guitars!!

[@ianthomson9363]

I think you've made the right decision to ease yourself in gently with a simple section first. A problem with long-term projects is that it can get repetitive- I've spent the last year or so building 1/72 Spitfires, Hurricanes and related aircraft- a total of 51 altogether and I did find I got slightly bored as many of them were very similar. I've got 6 more to do but I'm now doing a different type of build while the paint dries on the current aircraft- I've started on a Star Wars Star Destroyer to which I'm adding lights- my first attempt at such a thing! Good luck with future sections, I'm sure they're going to look as fantastic as your previous work.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Ian. I know what you mean, some projects can become tedious. The Star Wars project will give you a boost I’m sure 👍🏻

[@scalerailmodelling2846]

Looks fantastic mate, clear and concise on what you’re doing and why too, hugely appreciated 👍👍👍

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks very much 😁

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

Brilliant as always I loved the use of scales and grids on google earth a brilliant tip and a great video as always I cannot wait to see the next one.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you!

[@pacificcoastminiatures]

Great start to this project - can’t wait to see what’s next!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you!

[@alexmorgan2296]

I knew this would be good . . . . and so it has proved. Looks so realistic already - shall await progress with great interest. Thank you, as ever, for sharing.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you Alex

[@Aviation_12]

Love your videos man. Kinda got me inspired to do some modeling.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you. I’m really happy if it has inspired you to model! 😊

[@GeorgeMBennett]

Absolutely wonderful - encompasses so many different aspects of modeling, excellent presentation style and content - keep going, looking forward to the next episode

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you George.

[@jackfrench7240]

Great start 👍nice and informative

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Jack

[@oootoob]

Looking forward to seeing how it all turns out. Looks like you could do with some saw horses though - how many holes did you drill into your garden table ;) So pleased we got to see your face at long last!

[@DartsideScenics]

😂

[@andrewfinch2009]

I really enjoy your work. I’m amazed at the creativity you show, the techniques are intriguing. Also, I’m impressed by your patience. Above all, I find the craft, your commentary and music so relaxing; a great way to wind down. Best wishes

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you so much Andrew 😊

[@davemiller17]

A really excellent beginning to the series. Your commitment to replicate the scale, and the lengths that you have gone to to achieve this, are admirable. The product links and chapters are also extremely helpful if anybody feels brave enough to give it a go themselves. More power to your elbow sir and best of luck with the next stages. Top job.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks very much Dave 👍🏻

[@logstudios8372]

Hey Scenics, will you be attempting the TT:120 diorama challenge from Hornby?

[@DartsideScenics]

I didn’t know about that!! I don’t think II’ll have the time but I’ll look it up as it would be good to follow.

[@SDRM_Model_Railway_Club]

It would be excellent to see you have a go at the new scale, to see what challenges it comes with. I think a lot of us would be hanging on your every word!

[@DartsideScenics]

@@SDRM_Model_Railway_Club thanks Christopher! It would be nice to try something in TT in the near future.

[@rl7881]

What a great start to your layout. I’d be interested to know what ratio you mix the turf and brown grout for the earth texture? Also, I noticed your guitars hanging on the wall; Is the backing music your own work?

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks RL. I don’t measure it exactly but I would say 50/50. Yes, I do record the backing music but would like to spend more time recording better versions and creating more songs. Modelling takes up a lot of time so it’s often a quick idea for a tune and record it on the first take - not ideal!!

[@SDRM_Model_Railway_Club]

Can I ask, have you ever used the original Gorilla glue (not the wood specific) as a build up/filler? It expands like builders foam when sprayed with a light mist of water, just a lot more controllable! (Although I’ve got a sneaky feeling you might already know this)

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Christopher. No I haven’t but that’s a great idea and not something I would’ve thought of. That’s the great thing about the comment section of KZbin - the sharing of ideas 👍🏻

[@SDRM_Model_Railway_Club]

@@DartsideScenics it has the advantage over plaster based fillers in medium size filling jobs of being lighter, it doesn’t absorb moisture from the atmosphere, doesn’t expand or contract at different rate to the insulation foam and also won’t crack or fall out (because of expansion/contraction) it’s also a seriously strong adhesive

[@_RandomPea]

Hey mate, mind my asking. What was the reason for removing the silver foil from the insulation?

[@DartsideScenics]

The glue doesn’t work too well on the foil. Sometimes it peels off easily but I’m often there for ages picking it off!!

[@_RandomPea]

@@DartsideScenics I've acted on that advice and found if you cut the foil with sharp knife in parallel then peel it actually comes off quite well, advice very much appreciated thanks 👍