Making James | Caleb's Trains HO/OO

Heeere's James! Y'know honestly, I think these videos are just a log of every misstep I make putting these things together, and that's okay. I think I learned some valuable lessons, and I hope that they are in some way helpful to you, too. (also I forgot to put the materials in the actual video lol, but they're listed below)
Chapters
0:00 Introduction & Safety
0:30 Background
1:06 Sanding, Priming, & Filling
1:20 Fleeing the Country
1:42 A Friendly Tip
2:03 Devastation
2:37 Rebound
3:32 Love Me Tender
3:45 Chassis
4:45 Handrails
5:55 Lining
7:16 Running
Materials:
Humbrol Filler
Tamiya Primer
Tamiya TS-14 Black
Tamiya TS-49 Bright Red
Super Glue
Tools:
Dremel 100
Body Shell/Running Board: @The_LBSC_thomas
Extra Bits: @jamostrainos
Faces: @Rexecutions & @the_chairlord
Printing: @TheTrainModeller
Logo: @BrendenReis10
🔴 James' Triumphant Theme -- • Thomas & Friends - Jam...
🎵 Cover by Luke Pickman -- / instrumentmaniac
#thomasthetankengine #James #ttte

[@dagrounderzone1307]

RIP Bachman Busy bee James. You will forever be the king of the bees

[@CalebTheBusyEngine59]

*the bees*

[@johnathonmcjohn3]

*BEE*

[@jamesproducts-ru4bd]

Rip brother why busy bee james

[@Calebtrain]

He will 'bee' deeply missed.

[@Caledonianpug]

🐝 🐝

[@InstrumentManiac]

The detail in the lining still blows my mind 🤯 great work on this model!

[@evertonmignac-D7101]

Wow,Luke!? Man,it's a surprise to see you here.I didn't know you liked Thomas (model) customization videos,but still happy to see you around here.

[@Calebtrain]

Much appreciated dude! When deciding on the music it was a very close toss-up between your 'Triumphant' & 'Jazz' covers of James' theme, both are absolute ear candy! 😁

[@Enterprisingengine93]

Splendiferous

[@Calebtrain]

uno reverse card

[@FaysalIsGoated]

James is my 2nd favorite character in the series next to Thomas. He’s just too impossible to hate. He’s the kinda guy who’s a little cocky, a little narcissistic, and a little bit of a douche, but at the end of the day, he’s a true friend and always has your back.

[@Calebtrain]

You can't help but love him!

[@DeathAlchemist]

I realized this entire series is Caleb still making great looking models despite numerous mishaps and I love it.

[@Calebtrain]

Somehow it usually ends up okay in the end :)

[@thomasthetankman111]

Damn that is a shiny bright engine. Loved it!

[@Calebtrain]

Thank you, ThomasTheTankMan111!

[@ABellEngine]

I can feel the pain of not getting everything exactly how you wanted. Regardless, your James model is really good! Definitely one of the best James models I've ever seen.

[@Calebtrain]

Most of it isn't very fun until it's finished haha, thanks so much!

[@trainstorm1225]

Of course an another outstanding video, Caleb! Mad respects for keeping on with this model despite all the trial and errors! I’d say it paid off! Well done! ❤️💪✨

[@Calebtrain]

Thanks so much dude! Definitely a LOT of trials...and errors, but somehow it seems to get there in the end. :)

[@DZM0N]

It’s incredible that fans are starting to make prop accurate replicas👍 plus it’s nice that your switching back to the classic series roots for your channel❤

[@Calebtrain]

The CG stuff was fun, but I do prefer the classic style :)

[@rians_railway2362]

He looks amazing!!! If I ever make a TVS style James, I pray it'll look half as good as your's! Great work!

[@Calebtrain]

I'm sure he'll look absolutely fantastic--thank you! :)

[@Krystal_kevin]

I’ve been a fan of Thomas my whole life and it gives me an idea that when I get married and have a family il build a model railway along with accurate Thomas models from the classic series with inspiration like video and project tiger moth. We’ll done my man ,Keep the nostalgia real my man 🙏

[@ExpressRhubarb]

absolutely fantastic result Caleb :D It's always a pain when things don't go exactly to plan but it's that much more satisfying when you've finished :) James is looking very splendid indeed!

[@Calebtrain]

Many thanks man, I appreciated you letting me vent about the mishaps to you xD

[@Gooberengine]

the James model when being painted in the fall: MY PAINT WORK >O

[@TheRealTrampy]

BANGER 🙌👏

[@Calebtrain]

🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@Legomastr365]

BEE JAMES NOOOOOOOO Seriously though he came out stellar! I still cannot get over how you mask the lining rather than vinyl or waterslides, but it's such a look!

[@Calebtrain]

I don't know how I ended up here but I guess I'm committed to it now xD

[@leviboi8634]

The models just keep getting better and better! I could tell this was more of a challenge to make, and he looks absolutely SPLENDID! (As he should)

[@Calebtrain]

Thanks so much! Yeah he was one of the more difficult ones, but managed to get there in the end :)

[@Thomas__Blue]

He looks splendid. Amazing story of preserving when the going get's tough too! He came out wonderfully in the end!

[@Calebtrain]

I’m happy you enjoyed watching! 😄

[@gtcreations7666]

James is my absolute favorite character in the franchise too! Hooray for James Hooray for James

[@Tmstrains]

As expected, Caleb, yet another outstanding video from you! 😍 Mad respects for your persistence in perfecting this model despite the numerous trial and errors along the way. Your hard work has certainly paid off, resulting in an absolutely incredible outcome. Well done! It's always tough when things don't go as planned, but the feeling of satisfaction when you finally finish is indescribable. And my, oh my, the intricate detail in the lining of this model still has me in awe! Hats off to you for your unwavering dedication and remarkable attention to detail.

[@Calebtrain]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Yes, he was certainly a project with a lot of challenges, but somehow managed to turn out in the end. :)

[@ItsTrainBoy]

The king strikes AGAIN ❤️‍🔥🫰

[@Calebtrain]

Thank you icon 🙏🏽

[@bryantan863]

You have done very well on your model of James. Even though you had a few problems making him but you managed to get it finished.

[@bensonthejoker5255]

James is my MOST favorite Thomas & Friends character in the world.

[@drevianedwardsproductions9244]

Really Impressed of how you captured James and he looks accurate Wonderful that quite made my day because it's my birthday.

[@Calebtrain]

Hope you had a wonderful birthday! 🥳

[@zakthemrconductor5920]

He’s so shiny with that red paint, outstanding work 😃👍

[@Calebtrain]

Many thanks! :D

[@jamestheredenginefan5268]

*JAMES!* James: WoT? *STOP FILING!!!!!*

[@Calebtrain]

:0

[@amitysluzara2022]

What a truly splendid model! Stellar work as always

[@Calebtrain]

Thank you! :D

[@amitysluzara2022]

@@Calebtrain no problemo :D

[@mr.c.railway]

Literally another banger great job!!!

[@Calebtrain]

Thank you!!

[@potatosspilled6621]

Imagine, just imagine. Imagine being forced to redo a James around 30 times.

[@Calebtrain]

I can imagine it, but choose not to for mental health reasons

[@macnavi]

I don’t know if someone already told you, but you can also do the lining the other way around. Spray the model black, use masking tape that has the right width (you can get very narrow ones) to create the lining, or cut the thin stripes with a new blade from your masking tape. Then spray the model black again, to block the bleeding with the body colour under the tape and then spray it red. Or what ever colour the body is. And always thin layers. Better spray it twice than once too thick.

[@rottenroads1982]

Sorry, the addition of memes makes this a whole lot funnier. Also, one day, I hope I could do modeling and make my own OC’s with OO models. I live in the US too, and I can’t start right now because I don’t have the Time, Money, Tools, or Resources to start.

[@the_north_westener]

Another amazing model!

[@Calebtrain]

Thank you!

[@HenrysHelpful]

this series has been amazing! keep it up

[@Calebtrain]

I'm glad you're enjoying it!

[@HenrysHelpful]

@@Calebtrain which engine is next?

[@Charlie_FX6]

Caleb really is just posting his model-making videos to not only remind us not to do this because of the pain, but also the entertainment behind the pain itself

[@ScrapyardStudios]

you heard of Posca pens, my guy? If the colour leaks onto the black by the tiniest amount, or needing to do lining on spots that are tedious to get to, a quick adjustment from a 0.7mm can save valuable time that would've been masking & respraying

[@Calebtrain]

Ah sweet, thanks for the suggestion! :D

[@engineboy53productions15]

Another outstanding and impressive model work.

[@Calebtrain]

Many thanks :)

[@NWRKRIS]

James looks amazing!

[@Calebtrain]

Many thanks!

[@joshuaW5621]

James has one of the nicest liveries I’ve ever seen.

[@bruhforlife1710]

I absolutely love these videos and beautiful models, keep up the good work 👍

[@Calebtrain]

I'm glad you're enjoying them! :D

[@KnapfordProductions]

I've been waiting for james

[@Calebtrain]

Glad your wait is over!

[@Jujy_Models]

bro, this is amazing

[@Calebtrain]

Thanks dude!

[@TheNewStoryteller]

That lining of what you said on your mistake got me laughing.

[@Calebtrain]

I'm glad it made you laugh :)

[@Mr.toasterandclay]

"Make way for important engine!"

[@MidlandProductions1429]

This is just art

[@Calebtrain]

😭 🙏🏽

[@ryandellarmo6808]

Beautiful model as always Caleb, and I’m not saying that just because James is my favorite too. I think you also deserve praise for the way you move the camera around when you showcase the models at the end on sets, you have an innate talent for filming that you are able to make these models and sets feel real and truly big, something I think is important when filming Thomas content with these sorts of models. Can’t wait to see who the next showcase will be on!

[@Calebtrain]

Very kind words, thank you! Making these little models feel life-sized is always a challenge, and I don't always hit my aim, but I'm definitely learning. Thank you so much for watching!

[@Fanofmurdoch9702]

Yes

[@SudricAdventures]

He looks splendid!

[@Calebtrain]

Much appreciated!

[@SudricAdventures]

@@Calebtrain thx!

[@saltymyntt]

Ohhh the end product is totally worth the hassle, he looks so good!!!

[@Calebtrain]

Thanks man!

[@BigLadStudios]

I've been excited for this one, if I didn't know any better some of these shots look gauge 1!

[@Calebtrain]

Many thanks, it's always a challenge to make these little models look large, but I'm trying! :)

[@mr.slowking_64]

What an incredible James model, 10/10

[@Calebtrain]

Many thanks :D

[@mr.slowking_64]

@@Calebtrain anytime you magic man

[@setheatontheautobot4586]

7:27 Shunting Dirty trucks from Dirty sightings!

[@Calebtrain]

"Yeeehck!"

[@theamazingadventureofeduardo]

Splendid, absolutely splendid. I wonder how many times we can get Splendid in the comments.

[@Calebtrain]

at least 3 more times

[@abbeyroadfan94-J.P]

awesome james

[@Calebtrain]

Thank you!

[@TheModified_E2]

Different toned James whistle? I likey

[@Calebtrain]

Thank you :)

[@oohwhop716]

Man this amazing

[@Calebtrain]

Many thanks :)

[@TTTEoliverFan]

Amazing job with James, and I’m sorry for the pain u have to go through with every model 😭

[@Calebtrain]

Thank you haha, once I finish it I'm okay 😂

[@thetrainman5740]

Your models are Amazing 👍

[@Calebtrain]

Thank you :)

[@thetrainman5740]

Have you done Edward yet?

[@michellenorton926]

Awesome work breaking models great job

[@michellenorton926]

Sorry ment to say breathtaking models

[@Calebtrain]

Hahaha I am also good at breaking them xD

[@Northerner_Transport_Hub]

I LOVE your models so much! The best thing for me are the separately fitted handrails and new faces are my favourite additions and the red coat looks incredible The ironic fact that he was printed by Train Modeller and the rest of your engines meaning theyre british made! Also *do tell about this Tesco incident*

[@trains_with_faces_23]

Love it

[@Calebtrain]

:D

[@samuelpark505]

Hey Calebtrain James looks awesome, keep up the good work.

[@Calebtrain]

Thanks so much!

[@samuelpark505]

You're welcome.

[@clockwork3494]

While I currently don't have the funds I do plan on creating my own realistic takes on the Sodor engines at some point, and I plan on James being one of if not the first model I make. I'd definitely say I like almost every Thomas character of the original cast equally, but James is the one that I like that _little_ bit more. I often see people saying James is either unlikable or a very "barebones" character but I have to respectfully disagree. I think I like James for both his design basis and how relatable he is as a character. James always looks up to Gordon and Henry, the Island's biggest engines and wants to be just like them, he tries to be cool and act like them only for the two to point out the fact he's almost the same size as old iron Edward, and a mixed goods engine. Sound familiar? I think many of us experienced that in our childhood, we saw these really cool people and wanted to be just like them, to be friends with them, trying our best to fit in only for them to outright reject the idea of us being anything like them. James is snooty and very full of himself, sure, but under that overconfident persona I believe is a more scincere yet insecure personality that we never got to see too often. I think James' paintjob reflects this idea too, his bright red is such an attention grabbing colour because he wants to stand out, yet at the same time he only manages to make himself more of an outcast. James is so relatable to me because at one point in my life I _was_ the James' of my "friend group" until I stopped trying to be cool like them and more like.. me. That's why James is my favourite engine, he's the one trying to hide behind a mask and be "cool" even though he's actually one of the loneliest out of the original 8.

[@cadenthethomasexpert1379]

I Love How You Did The Wii Menu LOL By The Way Your Model Is 20B/10

[@kronos_Shed]

I KNEW IT I KNEW IT OMG OMG OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG YES I LOVE JAMES HE IS THE BEST YES MAYAMKAYSJ

[@Calebtrain]

:D :D :D

[@jadondinobile4403]

you did a wonderfull james model vary nice james model! i ope you have a wonderful day today i cant wait to see the next video

[@Calebtrain]

I hope you have a great day too!

[@CobaltBlue07]

thanks man

[@Calebtrain]

:D

[@the_atsf_railfan2926]

Hey here's a tip if you make any mistakes, first mask up the part you don't want to be painted and take a plastic cup and spray paint the cup about 1 inch away so the paint builds up and makes it a brush paint and you can just brush on the paint instead of completely putting on a new coat. Tell me if this works well for you because it does for me.

[@Calebtrain]

You know I've actually tried that! Gordon's got a story...

[@CTTE06]

6:06 oh… *IT’S NOT EVEN!!!!! MY LIFE IS P A I N !*

[@pringlesjames]

i would love to see henry next

[@Calebtrain]

He could be 👀

[@pringlesjames]

@@Calebtrain alright now this is a necescity

[@railfan475productions3]

I'm sorry but at 5:14 the minecraft glass breaking sound effect made me laugh. I'd recommend using a pin vise to widen small hole like that.

[@Calebtrain]

I'm happy to hear it made you chuckle, and thanks for the recommendations!

[@matthewgersch1901]

Nice

[@Calebtrain]

:)

[@Numpey]

Beautiful man. I’m currently making models myself, but my problem is is that while I prefer printing every individual part of the engine, I don’t know how to make everything fit to scale.

[@Calebtrain]

It's challenging especially with resin to make it all fit together seamlessly due to warping, I already struggle enough getting the shell and running board to go together!

[@jamestheshinyredengine4350]

ITS ME … What? I’m just happy

[@Calebtrain]

:)

[@stephenkostiak3929]

Show us how you build Edward, Gordon and Henry as working models next.

[@Calebtrain]

They’ll get their videos!

[@Sheepblade1]

YIPEEEE

[@Calebtrain]

:D

[@EngineShedStudios]

I love him i love him I love him

[@Calebtrain]

❤️ ❤️

[@radicalblue]

J a m e s

[@showboyninner]

Great work! How do you get the faces so smooth looking after painting?

[@darkstone_official_2427]

I just had a thought and would like to know your opinions on it. Since there's this thing like 'magnetic lights' that can stick to other magnets as well as transfer electricity to the light through the magnet or a small area around it.... Wouldn't it be possible to wire up all 3 of James's lamp iron places and then use a lamp or 2 with a small magnet at the bottom to connect to the running board in place of a lamp iron, and then have it ALSO work by powering the LED within? Technology's come a long way since the old model series where Gordon and Edward had visible wiring sticking out of their headlamps, I bet if you could somehow pull that off it would look AMAZING and allow you to have functioning lights for nighttime running on the layout for cool video shots.

[@josecastroramos8241]

What kind of spray did you use to make James’ dome and boiler stripes gold?

[@jamesproducts-ru4bd]

IT'S ME JAMES

[@Calebtrain]

:0

[@isaacshomemadevideos85]

Will you do a video on How you make the Bachmann Troublesome Trucks and Annie and Clarabel?

[@TrainsCatsOtherStories]

The funny thing about Bachmann James is that he looks like the CGI model almost because of how taller he is. Bachmann inadvertently predicated the future lol.

[@Calebtrain]

That is very true haha!

[@ThomasGuy]

I bet you’ll create the whole model series

[@Calebtrain]

I'd certainly like to make A model series :)

[@Thomasremakes55]

He looks good 👍 can’t wait for the next model I could never do something like this because what I have to work with is the original Bachmann James and now I have to get another mother for him I’m gonna have to order a New motor so I feel your pain man rip Busy bee James I hope you don’t have to do that again and I think Edward should be next

[@Calebtrain]

I'd like to do Edward next! Good luck with James' new motor!

[@gordonpacific04]

If I had a nickel for every time James was having trouble with leaves, I would have two nickels. Which isn’t alot I realize, but it’s weird that it happened twice.

[@Calebtrain]

always love a phineas and ferb reference

[@potatosspilled6621]

I have the Bachmann James, aaannnnnddddddd your right. That model is extremely flawed. Also nice video!

[@Calebtrain]

It's nice to at least have an HO James, but definitely a lot of room for improvement.

[@Your_Local_Express_Locomotive]

I'm planing to get a bachmann James, I'm gonna Zane it from hell and back to repaint it, and I'll replace the couplings as well, and I'll get actual coal for the tender and weather parts that would have coal dust on them

[@youngbab6895]

Where did you get the vinyl for the wheel arches? I've been trying to find them so I can make my own James model

[@BigLightning4360]

So, you've refined the miniature models of our three main stars of "King of the Railway" and "Tale of the Brave". Very well-crafted! Also, what sparkling magic effects did you use for the "James" text in the beginning and which software can I find it, please? It felt similar to those "Thomas and the Magic Railroad interviews and would like to use that technique for my occasional projects.

[@Calebtrain]

I used this! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJK5hpV5aNOXl6M

[@BigLightning4360]

​@@Calebtrain Thank you very much.

[@user-hk416D]

The Thomas model How were the steam emitting system and the smoke emitting system when the whistle sounds in the Thomas model implemented?

[@jjbackon]

TESCO IS IN MY HOME COUNTRY, IT IS FROM ENGLAND

[@Calebtrain]

YES

[@FranksTrains990]

How long does it take to make these because they look good

[@Calebtrain]

I did these off/on over the course of a few months, but it can definitely be done in a timeframe of a week or two if you're dedicated!

[@gojiboy3543]

Whenever i see the finisehd model. They look like they were the actual models from the model series

[@Calebtrain]

That's very kind of you to say, thank you!

[@TSTM84]

I’ve tried looking for that masking tape but I don’t know where to look 😓

[@Calebtrain]

It's on Amazon!

[@j88productions]

You should get a new chassis for the bee

[@Calebtrain]

I really should tbh

[@j88productions]

@@Calebtrain or Modify the shell to make an entirely new bee James

[@rodimussupreme2329]

Will we see Caleb’s Trains videos on rolling stock and non-rail vehicles as well?

[@Calebtrain]

It's likely :)

[@cardboardsinan3420]

Even do the lining on the tender is not even is still looks great tho

[@Calebtrain]

Thank you :)

[@user-lj2sc8hy3l]

PLEASE DO MODEL CRASH BLOOPERS

[@train7691]

4:31 Thomas is DED

[@ThatBlueTailsRecolor]

We all know who will be the next… _its henry_

[@Calebtrain]

it could be 👀