Building A Modular Model Railway: Episode 25 - How To Create A Cutting!

In this episode of Building A Modular Model Railway I show you how to create a cutting!
Next Episode: • Building A Modular Mod...
MERCH: shop.thatmodelrailwayguy.com
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This episode is proudly sponsored by:
DERAILS - derails.co.uk
& MODEL RAILWAY SCENES - modelrailwayscenes.com
Use the code "TMRG2023" to get 25% off their 3D Printed Range!
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The day has finally come, I'm building the final module for the modular model railway... well for now at least! As the first exhibition for the layout looms every closer, it's a race against the clock to make sure I can finish the module in time for the show.
This module is particularly important as it forms the scenic break where the track passes through the backscene and into the fiddle yard. To hide the trains from view as they disappear, I've decided that the railway will run through a cutting, allowing the scenery to rise up around the railway before it dives under a road bridge.
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Products Used: (contains affiliate links)
Flexible Track: amzn.to/4anAopa
Cork Underlay: amzn.to/3vavg7B
Spray Glue: amzn.to/3GMZGzw
Drill: amzn.to/4amrJU0
Medium Grey Ballast: amzn.to/49fS6dJ
Foamboard: amzn.to/49fnKrH
PVA Glue: amzn.to/3slGSUg
Chicken Wire: amzn.to/3sq0Gpw
Mod Roc: amzn.to/3QohrJI
Filler: amzn.to/3H2Stva
Scenic Mud: amzn.to/3RWJlxd
Static Grass Applicator: ebay.us/79EFDv
2mm Static Grass: amzn.to/3MrxHZz
4mm Static Grass: amzn.to/47hyYtR
6mm Static Grass: amzn.to/3MoSuwJ
Fencing: shop.thatmodelrailwayguy.com/...
Drystone Walling: shop.thatmodelrailwayguy.com/...
Medium Green Foliage: amzn.to/3QFXFLd
Dark Green Foliage: amzn.to/46VPvE3
Handheld Vacuum: amzn.to/3QHCG9t
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:18 - Landscaping
05:44 - Mod Roc & Ballasting
08:42 - Ground Cover
13:23 - Drystone Walling
15:26 - Static Grass
20:34 - Fencing
23:17 - Foliage
25:30 - Final Details
Thanks for watching 🚂

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Get Early Access to the next video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqHSYoGplNSGicU

[@christopherjones5431]

Hi I've been looking at your videos for a the new layout can you use your the livestream on your I've got a live steam and I wanted to one on as well with the other electric of course not all at the I like your opinions please thank you

[@jacobhickson68]

I've genuinely been able to make progress with my layout now which i started almost 17 years ago with my grandad, back then there weren't a great deal of helpful videos so having this series has been so helpful, really appreciate this series 👍

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Fantastic, that's really great to hear! Best of luck with picking up the work on your own layout and thanks for watching 🤩

[@mewsdo]

That cutting really brings that part of the layout to life... Really clear descriptions of what you're doing... Thanks!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, yeah it's a really nice way to gradually hide the trains from view as they head into the fiddle yard. Thanks for watching 😃

[@ericsainte290]

Loves this layout, really. Specially for the realism of the landscape and how the train cuts through it instead of the landscape made around the track or, even worse, track added everywhere like a noodle plate. A shining example for the beginner to follow when making his first layout.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, I've definitely followed a "less is more" approach with this layout. Thanks for watching 😃

[@ModelRailwayFan38]

Great work! It’s so cool to see your layout now with all the scenery, as I remember when almost every module you had was just a bare baseboard with tracks. Really shows how hard work and effort pay off! Now you’ve got me ready to start working on my own layout 😃

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It's definitely taken a while but it's nice to have all the main scenery done - still a lot to do detail wise in the future though! Thanks for watching 😃

[@TankEngine97]

This series has been fun to watch. I've learnt and picked up many tips and tricks which will definitely come in handy. Hope the exhibition goes well. 👍

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

And it's not over yet... the exhibition episode is the longest one yet I think. Plus there's more to come after that too 😉 Thanks for watching 👍

[@tang622]

Great video as always. Can’t believe the layout is almost complete. The series has got me back into the hobby which I used to do with my granddad. I’m starting to build a ~6x4 foot OO GWR based branch line layout for my son and I with a similar track plan to Goford Tynn. Catch is I need it to fold in half so it fits under my sons single bed. Just a possible future layout idea but would be great to see your thoughts on a realistic 6x4 layout that folds and stores under a bed! Keep up the good work!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Really glad to hear these videos have got you interested in the hobby again! Ooh interesting idea, I do have my own 6x4 layout from when I was a kid hanging around in the garage - I have considered possibly tarting it up at some point in the future. Anything is possible now that this layout is getting close to completion! Thanks for watching 🤩

[@TobyOliverHenryFan]

10:48 I've always wondered if you baked the dirt, because you have never mentioned it until now.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yeah, I mentioned it in a video a couple of years ago when I first started using this technique but obviously I have a lot more people watching the channel now. Thanks for watching 👍

[@bentullett6068]

The owners of the cottage have a great view of the railway.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Indeed, I think a fair few of us would like to live there! Thanks for watching 😃

[@bentullett6068]

@ThatModelRailwayGuy there is a house situated literally next to the Severn Valley Railway which recently went up for sale.

[@MaxxD86]

Major congratulations on your layout, I’ve been watching since its conception and you followed through in style. 👏👏👏

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, it's certainly been a fun project and it's not over yet. Thanks for watching 😃

[@lorrainemclay3343]

Marvellous work. Thanks for sharing your skill and knowledge 👏👏🇭🇲😀🌈👏👏👏

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching 😃

[@davidsheriff8989]

Simple and very effective....have a good show and stay on track...lol

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

The show went very well thanks, you'll get to see for yourself very soon 😉Thanks for watching 👍

[@jaredhasanen497]

My favorite one of your tools is the fence spacer

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They're really handy, I actually include a spacer tool in the packs of fence posts that I sell for exactly that purpose. Thanks for watching 😃

[@BrecknockValley]

Great video, cannot wait to see more of this wonderful layout. The PI Victory really looks the part charging through the cutting!!!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

The Victory really does look great on the layout! I know none were preserved but it just looks so perfect at the front of a heritage train. Thanks for watching 😃

[@BrecknockValley]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy I totally agree, they just look the part! Love mine, hopefully PI do some more locos…

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Nice video mate. This has been a really nice enjoyable series. Also learnt a fair bit too. - Nicholas.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Nicholas and it's not over yet - there's still the exhibition to go plus more plans for the future ahead of that. Thanks for watching 😃

[@TobyOliverHenryFan]

I hope you plan to extend it even more. I don't remember if mention a future future extension, but like the only seens I can think of are a small harbour and a small quarry.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Are you willing to fund the extension to my house? 😅 Thanks for watching 👍

[@Jkngauge]

Wow fantastic looks amazing

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, really glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching 😃

[@bcsferromodelismo3822]

🇧🇷🚂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Loves this layout!! Congratulation!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, really glad you like it! Thanks for watching 😃

[@gwr4038]

Love it this is an amazing series

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Ah thanks, really glad to hear that. It's so good to be able to share this build with you all! Thanks for watching 🤩

[@timsully8958]

Fantastic to see you somehow finished it mate! Really love that wild foliage. Did you do a tutorial on it? You probably did but I am doubtless having one of my evermore frequent ‘senior moments’ 🤪 The fences and walls really set it all off brilliantly and I must say I rather like that road bridge! Is it a kit or a Blue Peter job, i.e. ‘Here’s one I prepared earlier!’ 😉 Hope the exhibition went well and look forward to seeing the answer! 😎🍀🥂👍

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hiya, I haven't done a tutorial on the foliage yet - it's on my list to do but I was still figuring out the technique during these videos where for a tutorial I'd want to do it full justice. As for the bridge, I actually did a video on the construction of this last year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oavaqn-fiJifn5I Thanks for watching 😃

[@timsully8958]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy: awesome stuff, thanks for the link mate 😎

[@anthonytsapralis9393]

Thank you for sharing

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

My pleasure, thanks for watching 😃

[@stephendavies6949]

I do like your approach to scenery building. It's the way I was shown to do it back when I was a boy, although many people would use several layers of papier-mache in leiu of the bandages: newspapers were more plentiful (and cheaper!) back then.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes you could definitely just add more layers of paper mache if it was a static home based layout. As this layout gets moved around quite a lot though the plaster bandage just gives it that added strength, but the basic technique is still the same. Thanks for watching 😃

[@stephendavies6949]

@ThatModelRailwayGuy Totally agree. I'm a committed "bandage guy" these days!

[@farmingwithdantheman]

I think when this layout is done you should put a canera on a wagon so we can see first person around thr layout.Great video as always

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I'd definitely like to do that but you'd need a special tiny camera so that you don't hit the surrounding scenery/tunnels/bridges etc. Getting one of those with decent quality can be quite expensive but if anyone wants to fund one I'm all ears! Thanks for watching 😃

[@farmingwithdantheman]

​@@ThatModelRailwayGuyyes very true

[@Tidmouth-River-Studios]

Hello! I've just wanted to say I've been watching your videos for about a year now and I love them. Your videos have helped me through difficult times and make me feel better. It's great to see all the modules finally coming together. I have a question If you had to replace a peace of track on the layout, particularly some in a tight spot like inbetween a platform, how would you do it? I'd imagine it would be difficult especially when its all nailed and glued with ballast on top of it Either way Thank you for your videos They make me so happy:)

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hi there, I'm really glad to hear that! So I'd start with removing as much as you can from the area - definitely buildings but also trees, signals, lampposts if they're not glued down. The less stuff you might accidentally damage the better. If you've ballasted the track using the normal PVA method you can add some water to soften up the glue using an eye dropper. If the track is nailed down, you can usually get a fine screwdriver under the head of the nails and prise them out. If the track is also glued it might be more tricky but if you use PVA then, again, water will soften the glue. The key thing is to go slowly with all this. If you're planning to replace the track in the future then you'll probably need to clear out the existing ballast completely before laying track again, otherwise it'll be too uneven. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃

[@carltonbirds]

Very lovely 👍

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 😃

[@steathome020]

Really enjoyed this series, I have just got into the hobby following in the footsteps of my Grandad and found your videos really valuable and fun to watch.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Ah thank you, really glad to hear you've enjoyed it so far... it's not over yet, still a few episodes to go! Funnily enough that's very similar to how I got back into the hobby myself. Thanks for watching 🤩

[@steathome020]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy I've just been learning how to glue the cork matting down. I didn't appreciated how long it can take to dry. A nice longer term project!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

@@steathome020 Depends what glue you use really - personally I use quick setting spray adhesives because I'm impatient 😅

[@steathome020]

😆@@ThatModelRailwayGuy

[@loispadgett6306]

That turned out so nice. After watching your builds I am going to build my layout from modules. Can't wait for the finishing touches. GOD BLESS from America 🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Great to hear it's inspired you! Thanks for watching 😃

[@alanandammakingnewmemories2950]

Just joined up as a fireman so my little bit can help keep this great channel going love your vlogs and have got so much info out of them so cheers from Australia and keep up the good work

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Amazing, thank you so much and so glad to hear you've been enjoying the videos! FYI if you check out the Membership tab on my Chanel page I just put a post up asking for loco requests on the next running session. Thanks for watching and again for supporting the channel by becoming a Member 🤩

[@tagsdm]

Very convincing work. Sorry I missed the live stream ( one Dr. after another), but the end result is very nice. I sure wouldn't mind living in the cottage on the hill!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

No worries, hope all is well. I know, I imagine there's a fair few of us who wouldn't mind living there! Thanks for watching 😃

[@pjhaywood1]

Are you bringing the layout to any other exhibitions this year? Would love to see it!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hiya, I give a more detailed answer to this question in an upcoming video but the short answer is: I'm not sure yet. I appreciate that's really non-committal at this stage. Thanks for watching 😃

[@TobysTrains]

Will you be exhibiting again at this years Model Railway Exhibition at the Spa Valley?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Not with this layout... possibly with another one (more on that soon) but it depends on how much it'll cost to do as everything has increased in price. Thanks for watching 😃

[@-FreeMiner-]

I've always used autumn mix

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

That's fine too - you use the colours to suit your own layout. There is of course no obligation to stick rigidly to the way I do it after all. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Millsbritish4x4]

These are great video's, looking forward to seeing the exhibition Vid, have you ever thought of putting all of this into a book, I'd definitely buy a copy, even if it was a digital version, Keep up the good work!👍

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, really glad you've been enjoying the series. I have considered doing a book about the general techniques I use although to be honest making the videos keeps me busy enough already 😅 Thanks for watching 👍

[@markolysynchuk5264]

Since it's a heritage railway, I presume that it has been locked down and dismantled at some point, being restored later. Can you make a section of the track that is being rebuilt?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

The problem there is that if part of the track was being rebuilt then the railway wouldn't be operational as most are single line track. I did include a bit of disused track on the embankment module though. Thanks for watching 😃

[@markolysynchuk5264]

I think you should place the building first and then build up scenery around it, or press it into the scenery before the glue fully dried, because the building looks out of place and not integrated properly. You coyld also try making a dirt ridge around the building.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

The building needs to be removable for when the modules are stacked on top of each other for storage. As you no doubt saw from the video, the building sits on a foamboard base so pressing it in wouldn't achieve much. Once I have a bit more time though I'll be adding some extra weathering around the bottoms of all the buildings to blend them in more. Thanks for watching 😃

[@peternewman9682]

Please can you advise when you do your paper mache - what ratio of PVA to water do you use? Thank you - i teally find your videos helpful and encouraging.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I don't tend to mix to any specific ratio but if I had to say I'd guess around 60% PVA - 40% Water. In the past when I'm pushed for time I have just used the same mix as I use for the ballasting, which is 50/50 but that can be a little too watery. That said, as long as it's easy to spread with a brush onto the paper you should be fine. Generally if you find a technique that works well, stick with that... if you'll pardon the pun! Thanks for watching 😃

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi. Scenic mud: Was this a proprietary product, or a concoction of your own (it isn't listed in the More section)? If the latter, what is the recipe, please? The house on the hill looks as though it is sitting on top of the ground with no foundations.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

My apologies, I simply forgot to add the link! It's been updated now but here's the link for you: amzn.to/3RWJlxd (affiliate) Thanks for watching 😃

[@andrewbrown4985]

I have been looking for a fence post like yours for a long time, do you happen to have the 3d printer file that i can get from you? thanks

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

The fence posts aren't 3D printed, they're laser cut. I do sell them though and they should be back in stock in my shop fairly soon. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 👍

[@_RandomPea]

Hey mate, great content as usual. One thing bugging me I know it seems to work for you but the crocodile clip on the applicator isn't that supposed to attract the fibres, so popping it in the glue is not really going to help?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

No, the fibres are attracted to the mesh on the applicator allowing them to fall vertically and remain upright. The wire with the crocodile clip is to complete the circuit, so to speak, so it needs to be in the glue or at least touching the nearby surface. Thanks for watching 👍

[@_RandomPea]

Martyn from wws themselves... kzbin.infoy72wYK7ccr4?si=tgZHK2DOQ_xyY3HO

[@_RandomPea]

Neither really worked the last time I did it as I stupidly didn't check the 9v battery was new 😂😂😂

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

What he says in that video is true for how the WWS applicators work and probably other branded static grass applicators too. The cheaper ones I use work as I described. Obviously WWS want to promote their product as superior but personally I've never found there to be a significant visual difference in the end result for either method.

[@_RandomPea]

​@@ThatModelRailwayGuysurely they all work the same. Would make an excellent video to prove or disprove the logic behind it. Thanks for the excellent video tutorial again. Great stuff. Just a bit confused by the differing theories on static grass

[@Hellonwheels66]

This might be a silly question but how long do you bake the real dirt to kill the bacteria???

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

If the oven is already hot only a few minutes. In practice though the dirt/soil will most likely be damp from being outside - by the time it's fully dried out the bacteria is long gone. Thanks for watching 😃

[@TheGreatWesternExpress]

wait wheres the exibition at?

[@GoofyBucket]

At the spa valley railway I think

[@TheGreatWesternExpress]

wait nvm

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Last September at the Spa Valley Railway, this series was pre-filmed and edited afterwards as I would have never got it finished in time if I was having to make the videos at the same time. Thanks for watching 😃

[@darkfrag83]

No links in the description to products....unless I am being blind...?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Should be there now, was busy finishing off the next episode. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Freddie-iq2wi]

What show will it be at?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

The show was last year at Spa Valley Railway. Thanks for watching 👍

[@simon.revill]

5:51 the crossword has been done this time!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I find it's an extra challenge when the paper has already been ripped up 😉 Thanks for watching 👍

[@Railway_Ben]

what happens if you mix the 4mm and 2mm in the applicator instead of doing 2 layers?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

You just get a slightly more patchy, less consistent grass. You can absolutely do that but personally I find it works better doing one later at a time. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Railway_Ben]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy thanks for replying. I was just asking because I am getting around the stage where I add some grass to my layout! and I think I might get the one you have.

[@gazzasteele2608]

I would really love your help to designing me a oo layout in 4x6 shed . Double track with a fiddle yard please help

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hi there, I'd recommend taking a look at some of Hornby track plans, from memory those are designed to include two loops and fit on a 6x4 baseboard. Thanks for watching 👍

[@ianstewartbrown5308]

Personally I would tone down the colour of the fence wire as it looks too new, but other than that fantastic job

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes I addressed this at 22:31 Thanks for watching 👍

[@ericlalocomotoraj50]

HEY MAKE THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE THE RAILWAY SERIES CARACTERS

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I think there are plenty of others out there who would be much better at it than me. Thanks for watching 👍

[@philipgreenhill1853]

Hi philip here me and my girlfriend are doing my own railway layout similar to yours is that ok.and I also want to buy some of your flexibility wall let me no how I can buy it from your shop .and how much is it.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

No problem with me. The laser cut walling will be back in stock soon but I don't have a definitive date yet. Channel Members will get the chance to order it first. Thanks for watching 👍

[@philipgreenhill1853]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy hi right ok then thanks for letting me know.