Building A Modular Model Railway - Episode 21: How To Build A Level Crossing!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Watch the next episode here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjHnX-qichkj5I 🥳

[@nigelcole1936]

Absolutely fascinating video thanks. Love the idea of the extra modules and now we can really see how your modular approach works. The new section in this video came together really well and I thought your walls and fences look so effective.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Really glad you enjoyed it Nigel, the extra modules definitely allow for more flexibility in the setup. Yeah the walls and fences turned out great... although I'm biased so it's always nice to hear I'm not totally off the mark 😅 Thanks for watching 🤩

[@modelrailfan37]

The scenery on this modular is great! Great work!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, it's definitely been good to finally get scenics on this module after all this time. Just another 4 to go now 😅 Thanks for watching 👍

[@modelrailfan37]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy only four 😂, and some new track and baseboards!!

[@KraigSickels]

Really, really beautiful work on your entire layout 😊 !! Keep it going 👍👍😎 !!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, it just shows what can be achieved with some fairly simple techniques! Thanks for watching 😃

[@StanoverModelRailway2020]

Nice work Joe. Bringing bits of a model railway layout to life with the scenic work, is one of my favourite parts and it looks like you enjoy doing that as well. Looking forward to the next video. Regards. Mark.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It's definitely satisfying to go from a bare baseboard to the fully scenic module like this. Thanks for watching 😃

[@timsully8958]

Hi mate, great to see more progress! 🤓 Just a quick idea (though I suspect I may be a bit late now! 🫣) which I thought of literally as I watched this video: at just about every heritage railway I have been to, there is a siding of ‘stuff to do later’ located seemingly in the middle of nowhere (or by a small poorly patronised halt, such as on the Swanage Railway) containing vehicles which are usually in various states of disrepair, partial restoration, or covered in tarpaulins, along with spare wheel sets, bogie sets and ‘General detritus’ one expects at a railway in places where most punters don’t visit! 🤣😂😅 I suspect it is a little late for the next module, but perhaps it could be incorporated with one of the corners when you redo them? You could maybe even add a simple wooden platform request halt that is about 2/3 of a carriage long, as well as a storage /platelayer’s hut with a ground frame for the siding, and things like lamps, rusted trolleys, discarded tools, etc 🤔 Just an idea which I thought would tie in really well with the scene and atmosphere you are trying to create 🤓👍🍻

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Without saying too much I'll just say stayed tuned! The whole series was filmed over the Summer and those who saw the layout at the exhibition in September will already have a bit of an idea of what's coming up. Thanks for watching 😃

[@EsseaMusic]

As a total beginner I was really pleased to be recommended this vid where I can see the whole workflow

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Ah brilliant, glad you enjoyed it! If you're just getting started you might also like the Model Railway Basics series I did a while back. Thanks for watching 😃

[@tagsdm]

Well done, That Model Railway Guy. Exactly what I''d expect a rural crossing to look like, wire fencing and all. But the dry stone walling really makes it. And to offer this iconic aspect of our U.K. routes available to other modelers is most generous. Don't be surprised if you are besieged with orders, as we're already seeing requests for it in other scales! If I keep watching these videos, I may have to try one more model railway while I'm still able!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks! Yeah I was definitely going for a private farm track kind of look rather than a modern road. I'm really pleased with how the walling looks too and I'm actually surprised at how popular it's been. I originally set out to just make it for myself but obviously it's great to be able to make it available for everyone else too. Thanks for watching 😃

[@mandbhomestead]

Looking awesome, you’re correct the static grass makes a world of difference. Thanks for sharing. Ken

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It really does, it's always such good fun putting it on! Thanks for watching 😃

[@hsbagardenrailway]

Really love the aesthetic you created with the crossing. Extremely well done 👏

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks! Yeah I was really keen to do a smaller dirt style crossing rather than a more traditional level crossing. Really happy with how it's turned out. Thanks for watching 😃

[@adam_fordham]

Excellent progress, i love the footpath crossing, very effective when you look at it. Heritage railways usually have them on the line, and with a bit of green scenery on it, it transform the module 😀

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks! Yeah this one is heavily inspired by one I see all that time when volunteering at Spa Valley Railway so it was great to recreate it. Thanks for watching 😃

[@christofsmanlib1385]

Very nicely put together video, and actual layout finish. Thanks for taking the effort for us all 😊

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Yeah I always prefer videos where you can see a big transformation by the end of the video. In fact all the new episodes in this series start from a blank baseboard and end with a completed module so there's plenty more to enjoy over the next few months! Thanks for watching 😃

[@christofsmanlib1385]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy fantastic, I'll be sure to watch. 😁 I'm doing O-gauge currently, but also have fair size Oo-gauge, the principles are both the same, so brilliant to see how it's done, especially the static grass which I have literally just bought the kit, so brilliant example of that thank you.

[@davidhall5868]

I do apologise for missing the last part of the live stream but I can watch the whole video just to catch up

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

No worries at all, like you said you can easily catch up whenever you want to. Thanks for watching 😃

[@modelrailfan37]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy On the topic of Livestreams, do you plan to do more where your just running trains on the layout? You haven’t in over a year, and they were always really nice!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

@@modelrailfan37 Yes, hopefully I'll be able to do some next year as I really miss doing them. The issue always is that it takes a lot of time to setup which takes me away from filming new videos. That's the main reason I haven't done any this year since I really needed to get the layout finished on time 😅

[@modelrailfan37]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy oh that’s true, yeah it would take a bit to prep for. Good thinking 👍

[@alastairwilson457]

Superb video!

[@andrewstephenson3594]

Hi, enjoyed the video. One reason for adding PVA to the ballast and soil edging one at a time is just in case something goes wrong. The materials can then be vacuumed up and retrieved separately?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Very true, although with wanting to sound too cocky, I feel like I've ballasted enough track at this point to be able to handle a short section like this without too many mishaps 😅 Thanks for watching 👍

[@frankkie3849]

Nicely done, thanks for sharing…

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching 😃

[@LetsGo_41]

Excellent modelling. I am defo going to be buying a pack of your dry stone wall. Thanks Tim.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Awesome, thanks Tim! It definitely seems to be popular! Thanks for watching 😃

[@DYLINGTONMODELRAILWAY]

Another great video, they're always an enjoyable watch. After following your 009 in a suitcase, my grandson has decided he's going to build a 009 layout. Already looking forward to the next one. Cheers James 🙂👍

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Amazing, that's fantastic to hear. I wish him all the best with his new layout project! Thanks for watching 😃

[@davemodz_uk]

Hey, love your channel and this ongoing build!!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thank you! Really glad you’re enjoying the series, new episodes should be coming really soon! Thanks for watching 😃

[@TankEngine97]

Everytime I watch a new episode of this series I always pick up new tips and tricks on building layouts.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Really glad to hear that! I don't really think of myself as a teacher, just someone trying things out to see what happens, but it's always nice to know that others find value for their own projects through these videos. Thanks for watching 😃

[@railwayjade]

Great stuff, great job!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching 👍

[@davidsheriff8989]

Grassy banks look wonderful....when using paper mache I added self raising flour..this makes a very strong structure.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

That's good to know for the future. I think I'd personally still prefer to use mod roc for a layout that's getting moved around this though. Thanks for watching 😃

[@davidsheriff8989]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Matchsticks are good for making fences as well

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

@@davidsheriff8989 I tried those on my original modules for the wire fencing but they were a pain drill the holes through without splitting them. These laser cut ones are just so much more convenient and easy to use, at least in my circumstances.

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Nice video mate. Great to see videos on the modular layout again. That farm crossing scene looks fantastic. The fence really finishes it off. Perhaps maybe a couple of trees would look good but other then that fantastic work. - Nicholas.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yeah it's good to have videos on the layout coming out again. The only reason I kept this particular module clear of trees is because there's quite a few on other parts of the layout and I wanted to make sure I had a few open spaces. Thanks for watching 😃

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

​@@ThatModelRailwayGuyDon't forget the livestock. I've been shouting at the telly whenever that West Coast ML model of Pete Waterman is on. Not one cow nowhere! Not one.

[@Flameskull13]

The opening reminded me of the og top gear

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

That's what I was going for 😉 Thanks for watching 👍

[@dmmtrck6310]

Loving your builds. Great presentations. Just a thought for future fencing and wiring. Why not thread the wire through the fence posts by aligning four or five in a row between your fingers and threading through. Like trying to thread a few needles at a time. Then when it comes to planting them in the model you just lay them flat and space them and plant as you go along. It may be a quicker way than planting the posts and then threading each individually. Keep up the good work.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you've been enjoying them. I tried doing the fences that way on the original corner modules - it seems like it would work but in reality it was a nightmare and took so much longer . It's much easer (in my opinion) to do it this way and the results are much better since the wire doesn't get kinked/bent anywhere near as much either. Thanks for watching 😃

[@malcolm1933]

Looks amazing and that walling looks fantastic wouldn't mind some of that myself

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, it definitely turned out really well. Can’t wait to see it on more layouts in the future! Thanks for watching 😃

[@dinmorejunctionmodelrailway]

I have enjoyed watching the creation of your layout. The scenery is the best it's like painting a picture in 3d. I would have installed the gate first, followed by the fence. This way, you would have both gate posts fitted. Ihave Installed the same fencing. I cut four pieces of grey cotton the correct length. Tied all four together at one end. Dipped end with glue and squeezed out to create a point, then threaded the posts onto the four strands of cotton. Easier than leaning over a board on the railway. Once done, I fix the first post. Space and then the second and so on. A dab of glue on each hole ensures the cotton is pulled thigh and held in place. Each to their own.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I tried doing the fencing that way on my original modules but I actually found it took longer and the end results weren't as neat either. That said, I'm working on stand alone modules so I don't really have to lean over them at all. I suspect it would be more tricky if you were trying to add it to the back of an existing built-in layout. Thanks for watching 👍

[@loispadgett6306]

The modula looks great. That walling you made turned out wonderfully. Wish you did it in N scale and could send to America. Maybe someday. Waiting excitedly for the next one. GOD BLESS from America 🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Never say never, it may be possible to do in the future if the demand is there. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Agamemnon2]

The module turned out really nice and I like the decision to leave it as mostly grassy fields, it gives the layout a bit of breathing room and a sense of place.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes I've definitely been trying to go down the less is more route with this layout. I may add some sheep to fields at some point but that's about it. Thanks for watching 😃

[@pim1234]

Fence looks great !

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you think so, thanks for watching 😃

[@bcsferromodelismo3822]

Excellent video!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching 😃

[@bcsferromodelismo3822]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Your work is inspiring!!

[@neilharbott8394]

Nice stuff - don't forget the "Beware -Trains" and "Whistle" signs near the crossing. The rest of it looks great though.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes the whole layout needs lots of extra details adding in the future. The main push at the moment is just to get the majority of the scenics ready for the exhibition. A layout is never finished though! Thanks for watching 😃

[@ericsainte290]

The stone wall kit looks really interesting, but would you produce it also for N scale ? I'd need lengths of it for my welsh N scale layout project fields so a set of 2 metres of N scale elements would be of great use to me and many other N scale modelers.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hiya, it's something I'm looking into. The material I use currently would be too thick for N scale walling so that's the main issue. I want to do it properly for you guys! It also depends on how well the 00 gauge stuff sells as well. But I'll be sure to keep you all posted if there's any developments. Thanks for watching 😃

[@ericsainte290]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy thanks. The solution may be to find the base material in a thickness equivalent to the wall height and cut strips in the sheet... like I do for my hedges with kitchen scrubbing pads (the green part on the kitchen sponges) before painting brown then flocking with 2mm grass then noch leaves or straight away with scatter from woodland scenics (trick I learned when making architecture models...)

[@ChaosXOtaku]

i used coffee stirrers painted them black to make them look like planks of wood. then laid them across the rails

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

If you’re going for a barrow crossing look then that’s a great way to go about it. Obviously it would be harder to pull off on a curved section like this. Thanks for watching 👍

[@Legomastr365]

This looks amazing! Im so happy to see you're making your own fencing! Just a quick question about them, would you ship to the USA? I know my friend and i would absolutely love some!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Sadly not I'm afraid, it would just end up being too expensive to do currently. Never say never though, if it ends up being really popular it might become more feasible. I'm sorry that doesn't help you much at the moment though. Thanks for watching 🤩

[@Legomastr365]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy no worries, I totally understand. One man banding this is a challenge in its own right. I do hope the demand works out for you though!

[@ph4ntomtr4in]

Is there a chance of your flexible drywalling becoming available again in the future? I think it would work great for a future project.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes, we've done several more releases since this video and are constantly making more. Once we've built up enough stock it'll go on sale. Thanks for watching 👍

[@railwayjade]

I know you have plans already, but I have been following a gentleman who models the ATSF in the US. On his curved modules he makes an industry and siding, perhaps you could consider this? I think it's interesting to see a different detail than a "plain" curve.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

All of this series was filmed earlier in the year but all I'll say is stay tuned for an upcoming episode. That said my curve modules aren't very big, especially with the new lightweight design, so there's not really a lot you can fit onto them. Thanks for watching 😃

[@railwayjade]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy I know whatever you do will be awesome

[@philhanlon89]

Looks great and those walls are quality! Boring question, is that a modelling vacuum you were using? It looks really handy to have

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks! It's just a normal handheld vacuum so not a modelling specific one. But you're right in that it's very handy! I've added a link to it with the rest of the products used in the description. Thanks for watching 😃

[@alanpennington8364]

I'm very much interested in the dry stone walling, but in N gauge . Have read our you said you could be doing N gauge. Have you any idea when this might happen. Cheers Alan

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hi Alan, there's no news yet but if it does happen you can be sure I'll be letting everyone know. Thanks for watching 👍

[@MartinFutter70]

Good luck with your stone walls, they look really good, nicely flexible and an easy fix... ...you'll be a millionaire by Christmas! 😀

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, they've certainly worked really well on my own layout and I've been very surprised at how popular they've been with everyone. Not sure I'll be quitting the day job any time soon though! Thanks for watching 😃

[@S69modelrailways]

Love the vid I'm getting 30 0f them Stone fencing I really wish we had something like that in Australia did you know when they built them all they did was stack them on top of each other in gaps to hold it together!?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Generally the name "drystone" walling means the stones were indeed just stacked on top of each other, held together by gravity and friction. Certainly the ones I've seen in real life are like that, though I suspect there are modern day ones that do have some form of mortar between the stones. I believe it was (and still is?) considered quite an art to be able to build them. Thanks for watching 😃

[@johndegeorge8342]

Hello nice model work. Love the stone wall fencing, would you post to Queensland Australia if I bought the 3 pack. Thank John

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hi John, unfortunately it's UK only at the moment. Really sorry about that, but never say never, if the demand is there we might be able to open it up in the future. Thanks for watching 😃

[@johndegeorge8342]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Thanks mate, keep chuffing along.👍

[@paulmarmion358]

Hi I’m trying to buy some dry stone walling and the laser cut fence posts could you please tell me when you think it will be back in stock

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hi Paul, the simple answer is we're not sure yet. I'm currently working on making the next batch now so it won't be until February at the earliest but beyond that I can't say really. I'll be sure to let everyone know when it is back in stock though. Thanks for watching 😃

[@andrewchapman2024]

This is an amazing addition! Does derails have a USA site as well or is it just UK based?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I believe Derails are only able to ship in UK currently, sorry about that! Thanks for watching 😃

[@andrewchapman2024]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy okay, thank you for the info. I think I'll still go check out the website. Also, thank you for producing such helpful, informative, and inspiring content.

[@stefa6348]

wow very nice

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching 😃

[@StockportJambo]

I really like the wall. I wish it was available in N scale.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks! I'm looking into it and depending on how things go with the 00 scale stuff it might be possible to do it in N too. Obviously I'll let you all know if that is the case. Thanks for watching 😃

[@andybrown9427]

Out of interest what spray glue are you using for layering?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hi Andy, it's PECO/WWS Layering Spray. Thanks for watching 😃

[@oscarwilkinson2096]

Hi, great video as usual! Would you ever consider making the dry stone walking in N gauge because if it was in n gauge I would definitely buy it!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

As I've said to other commenters, probably not at the moment but we'll see how well things go for the 00 gauge stuff initially. Never say never, if there's enough demand it's definitely something I'll look into. Thanks for watching 😃

[@MiLLwallpaul231258]

This is fantastic one question tho how long did it take to do this

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it. This module only took a few days since the baseboard was already built and the track/wiring was already complete too. With several modules to complete before the exhibition I had to work quickly. Thanks for watching 😃

[@ChetNotJet]

10:26 how on earth does that maths work 😂

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

You mix up the 50/50 PVA and water solution first then add a tiny drop of washing up liquid to that. You can say 49.9% mix if you want to be really pedantic about it but I think most people get the point. Thanks for watching 👍

[@pim1234]

You can drive an in scale car over the path to make some kind of real trackmarks

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

While that would definitely work this was intended to be more of a hard compacted surface so you wouldn't get tyre marks. Thanks for watching 😃

[@PadraigRiordan]

Hi There. The flexi walling. Would you have that or could you make it in N gauge? I would take 5 packs.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hiya, not currently. At the moment I'm having trouble keeping up with demand for just the 00 gauge stuff (bearing in mind I'm a KZbinr not a retailer!) but never say never and I have to admit it would be nice to be able to offer it in N gauge at some point in the future if possible. Thanks for watching 😃

[@duntalkin]

Do you have any idea when the walling will be back in stock the stuff I have is to ridged​@@ThatModelRailwayGuy

[@nathanshirley1743]

Would you consider making the stone walls for n gauge ?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

As I've said to other commenters, probably not at the moment but we'll see how well things go for the 00 gauge stuff initially. Never say never, if there's enough demand it's definitely something I'll look into. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Sashin-d8t]

Very good value. If it came from Bachman it would be more like 20 pounds

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It definitely a lot cheaper to create things yourself in this hobby and often ends up with more realistic results too. But the manufacturers do have their ready to plant scenic items for those with less time or less skill. Naturally that comes at a price though. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Enzo-fk1tx]

10:30 *ah yes. Half pva, half water, half washing up liquid*

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Except if you listen that's not actually what I said. It's a 50% mix of PVA and water with a drop of washing up liquid added in afterwards.

[@S69modelrailways]

What???!!!!!! Someone charging reasonable prices in 2023 i think im going to have a heart attack

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Haha, I definitely wanted to keep it as reasonable as I could. Like I said in the video, I'm not really doing it to make money... if that was my plan I would have never started a KZbin channel in the first place 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@jackjones-y9j]

bit naughty copying someones product

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I know of a few different brands that sell flexible foam walling for model railways but this is made from my own original design files. As I said in the video, I've only started making my own since the quality of the previous stuff I used sadly declined. Thanks for watching 👍

[@andydavidson9440]

Great to see the latest update and love the stone walling. It is not something I need yet, but will do in future and that could be at least two ripple packs. I hope that helps your projections of demand

[@jackjones-y9j]

so not a copy in any way?@@ThatModelRailwayGuy

[@tomthumb3085]

What about the guys who pay a premium to KZbin for “ad-free” streaming. What’s the point when you are adding 2minutes of suppliers advertisements and promoting your own proposed product. Come on, play the game mister.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

The simple fact is that these videos are expensive and time consuming to produce. People have been asking me all year to create more episodes of this series and bringing in sponsors allows me to do that while maintaining the high production standards. Additionally these sponsors are model railway related, so are of more potential use to you guys rather than whatever KZbin decides to show you - and you can easily skip through them unlike some of the embedded ads. As a side note for those unaware, very little of the KZbin Premium money actually goes to the individual creators. Of course if anyone fancies stepping in as an executive producer to fund the channel do let me know 😉

[@247Trains]

❤

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Haha, making use of those custom emojis I see - glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching 🤩