Extremely Realistic Utility Pole with Lighting Effects - Model Railroad Scenery

If you want to add insane amounts of detail to your model railroad or diorama then you’ll definitely want to check out this video. I’ll step you through the process of creating an amazing set of utility poles with working streetlights that will take your modeling to a whole new level of realism.
It’s actually not as difficult as it seems… it just takes a lot of patience and time, the secret is to not rush. I didn’t build these utility poles in one sitting, it took me a few days. Sure you could probably build a few of these HO scale power poles in about 4 or 5 hours but it will probably drive you crazy.
The trick to making ultra realistic model railroad scenery is to start small and practice, lots of practice. By making small dioramas to test your skills and techniques you’ll be gaining the experience and knowledge to tackle bigger projects that you’ll be happy with.
For more information about building these model railroad details be sure to visit my website, you’ll also find all the 3D printer files there as well should you like to have a go at 3D printing the files and build your very own utility poles.
www.bouldercre...
Also if you want to help support me and the channel you can check out my patreon page here:
/ luketowan

[@011y89]

I've legit not been so excited to see a power pylon in my life

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol... for the last week all I notice is power poles on the side of the road! I'm even dreaming about them 😴

[@VoxNerdula]

we require more vespene gas

[@malakingdude]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad It's called an Eye Worm lol.

[@Streetsy]

Great job. 👌 Missing some sneakers hanging from their laces.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol... you are the second person to mention that... I totally wish I had thought of that before finishing the video!

[@JohnDoe-fv5cu]

hah, that's a fun stuff. I've see it in my country (Russia) many times, I thought it's only practiced here :D

[@invalidname.pleasetryagain122]

Don't the sneakers mean you get can drugs here

[@Reachermordacai]

@@invalidname.pleasetryagain122 I heard that gang members would throw tied sneakers on to lines to pay respect to fallen homies.

[@mathias150300]

Skaters just do it when their old shoes get worn out 😂

[@ddpnh8223]

11:08 Tiny bug bro finally got to see what it would be like to be big. Very wholesome of you to do this build for him.

[@matthewwilliamsracing]

I dont make scale models or anything, in fact I dont really build anything except Lego but for some odd bizarre reason I really enjoy your videos and find them really interesting.. and thats coming from a 41 year old male from Adelaide, SA. Keep up the amazing works.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Matthew, that a pretty good compliment 😃 I don't mind a bit of lego building as well, can't wait to get some spare time and watch a few episodes of Lego Masters!...

[@KVandendriessche]

Matthew Williams that’s funny! Same here! Coming from a 39 yr old Canadian woman

[@trinomial-nomenclature]

Ha ha ha, now I don't feel so bad playing with Lego's (well sometimes) at 34. I am also Canadian! (As another commenter is as well). I wouldn't have the patience to do this sort of stuff nor am I creative enough to make anything worth looking at.....hell, I'm not even creative enough to come up with ideas for a diorama or anything of the sorts ha ha ha.

[@lorriedmussett4692]

I've said the exact same thing, but a 45 yrs women in Houston Texas...I JUST LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS CHANNEL AND LUKE. TONS OF FUN, AND HELL WHO KNEW AT THIS AGE .....WATCHING THIS AND STAYING UP TO DATE ON ALL HE DOES KEEPS ME OUT OF TROUBLE. ALSO I GET EXCITED WHEN I SEE MORE PPL GET INTERESTED!!

[@KVandendriessche]

I’m beginning to think we need to form a fan club called: The Talentless Followers Of Towan 🤣

[@BobbyDukeArts]

That's so freaking cool mate!

[@CosmicChronicles629]

Bobby Duke Arts 😯

[@crosbykabir2418]

I guess im randomly asking but does someone know a way to get back into an instagram account?? I was dumb forgot my login password. I would love any tricks you can give me!

[@londongrayson4360]

@Crosby Kabir instablaster =)

[@crosbykabir2418]

@London Grayson Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm. I see it takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@crosbykabir2418]

@London Grayson It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much, you really help me out :D

[@chrissharp5073]

As a Brit modelling American Railroads this is a fantastic guide into trying to create the right level of authenticity when your 4 thousand miles away from the real thing. Great presentation and superb modelling. Thank you for sharing

[@hamm6035]

I usually read the comments not make them. Your work is always superior, but this is a video showing why your projects are mind bending. The detail you put into the little things are what makes everything so real. I sent a screen shot of the poles with the sky to a friend that installs these utility poles and he thought it was a pic of real poles. He asked where they were at because he thought it might be some his crew just put in after a storm here a week or so ago. I can't add to that.

[@kevinkinney5445]

Thats gotta be the best compliment possible... 👍

[@lorriedmussett4692]

It's me, your 45 yrs biggest fan in Houston Texas...I JUST LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS CHANNEL AND you LUKE. TONS OF FUN, AND HELL WHO KNEW AT THIS AGE .....WATCHING THIS AND STAYING UP TO DATE ON All you do , KEEPS ME OUT OF TROUBLE. ALSO I GET EXCITED WHEN I SEE MORE PPL GET INTERESTED!!

[@marcineczek0]

I thought that the first 30 seconds of your video was a photo of real utility poles... Man, you are good!!!

[@marcelwildeboer]

Wat een gepriegel, wat een kunstwerkjes maak je toch. Zou zo graag kunnen wat jij daar allemaal laat zien, blijf mij steeds verbazen wat er uit je handen komt, Kijk en luister met veel plezier naar wat je ons allemaal verteld en laat zien hoe jij het maakt. Respect hoor, blijf vooral doorgaan met je waanzinnige kunstwerken.

[@CEntuSify]

I would like to see you create a Mars Settlement Scenery. Or how it could look like. With buildings and machinery... and whatnot :) That´d be rly cool.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

I'd definitely be interested in building a sci-fi type landscape... A mars settlement could be a cool project

[@Zorglub1966]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad No need to bother about trees an rivers!

[@ryans79mc]

I second that!

[@james.black981]

@@Zorglub1966 there's always a way of adding trees and rivers, Luke will find it.

[@TorianCarrConn80]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad Oh, yes yes yes yes yes YES, please. That sounds really amazing, seeing something like this done with your skill!

[@spirosstoupas9085]

Very useful tips for your layout. The best I personally think is that all these things and tutorials are homemade. I am a big fan of your channel. :)

[@Zorglub1966]

I no longer build models; but it's always a great pleasure to see your craftmanship and your skills. Thank you.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Zorg, I'm glad you find enjoyment in watching the videos 😃

[@micaharceneaux1280]

Modeling is not an interest of mine but I always watch your videos because your work amazes me. You sir are a master of your craft.

[@TATICMOOR]

I like to go over some older films when I get the chance to browse KZbin. Luke, your channel never stops to surprise me, and these pole look fantasic. They amazing craftive creations, I bet you have a drawer full of spare or failed prints that will have another purpose at some stage. I wouldn't mind using some of them up on a 00/H0 scene for scrap loads in wagons or dumped at the junk yard, etc.

[@randyrice1429]

I aspire to your level of patience in creativity. You truly are the "King" of realism.

[@leonardosouza6290]

Lovin it ! I want replicate all your teachings in my model railway when i build it!

[@rondyson8323]

You remind me of myself at your age . I was struggling to find a place for a workshop , but managed . Anyway this is not about me , this is about you , and what I see is brillient , well done son .....a pleasure to watch . Cheers modeller ................................

[@BsrlinMAZ]

Amazing attention to detail!! You are very good at what you do. You set a very high bar for others to strive for...thank you for sharing your knowledge, advice and tips for model building.

[@kanga1234567]

Your attention to detail is simply brilliant

[@anitashaw9090]

You have out done yourself Luke. Beyond amazing.

[@Emily-cv2yf]

Again, your videos are so relaxing to watch. I don’t build at all but every time you upload, I have to watch ASAP. The precision and attention to detail is so soothing!

[@clejax]

Excellent models. Even the 3D printed "glass insulators" were so spot-on, they really didn't need painting. (When I first saw the clear green resin, I thought that is why you selected it!) Great video and thank you for sharing your unbelievable work!

[@subascosauce8288]

I don’t think real utility lamp posts are built with as much care as you’ve made these beautiful wee model ones!

[@trade0714]

Like another commenter said, I find your videos very relaxing and an escape from the politicized world we live in. How nice it must be to "live" in a miniature world of your own design. I don't even build models.

[@vibrantvista3470]

These utility poles look amazing!

[@jrioublanc]

Thanks a lot for all the ideas in this video: web sites and processes. I really appreciated this one, saw it twice to gather all possible details.

[@tammylines2779]

I love the fact that you put real lights in them they look so real

[@seven9arts]

Your level of detail is out of this world. Absolutely amazing

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks Sandra 😃

[@Coxie61]

I used to make dioramas when I was younger, but not on the scale and accuracy of this! Cracking work!

[@gz3540]

i have to admit, i've been using your video to help me sleep at night. you voice is very calming and relaxes me. i watch your video at day, and hear your video at night.

[@69A12SuperBee]

You, sir, are an exceptional and meticulous artist!

[@laylasmit7261]

The length you go to for detail is absolutely insane. I'm in no way artistic nor do I even desire to create anything, but I love watching your videos.

[@georgecunningham9175]

"Fantastic looking utility poles" is an understatement! An incredible build, with added bonus that it was shown in an interesting and well presented manner. Really like your channel! I've even gone back and watched a few projects a second and third time

[@eatenkate]

You're awesome. I have to build models for my job from time to time (public art proposals) and I've learned SO many handy tricks from your videos! Thank you!

[@skylerrajsusainathan4231]

Good work Luke ... i have been a fan of your work since you first built the wired apple tree diorama ... gr8 work you inspire me every time. Thank you ... and keep building

[@molitovv]

Can you print a tiny pair of shoes tied together and thrown over the lines outside the run down house that never opens it’s curtains?

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

oh dam... I so wish I did that and yes I could definitely 3D print shoes... why didn't I think of that!!! 😄

[@JamesW81]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad do an add on video!

[@deltanovember1672]

Matt Simpson Definitely! 🤣

[@devinrussell2372]

A trap house;that is a great idea for a diorama of the ghetto/projects. Complete with gang graffiti,and street art/murals;with pairs of shoes hanging on the powerlines.

[@glenngoodale1709]

Every time I watch a new video from you , l always learn something new, l appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences thank you👍

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks Glenn, it's great having a platform like KZbin that enables information to be shared so easily and I'm glad your picking up some new tips 😉

[@caittscott]

How do you make this subject matter so interesting?? I don't even build models and I was excited to catch a fresh video.

[@DJScaleModels]

As an 1:48 scale model airplane guy, I've truly learned alot from your videos about modeling. I used to think railroad guys were weird.. But, I have discovered they are just as weird as us model airplane guys :)

[@atheistconservative6211]

I've seen a dozen of your videos and I gotta say you've more patience than most

[@STEAMBOLTANNIE]

Absolutely stunning work...You obviously have money as you use top of the line tools..etc. I have started to amass my stuff as I retire in two years to a new home with a big empty finished basement...floors cieling and wane scotted walls. My layout is going to be awesome! GRATZ AGAIN ON YOUR MARVELOUS WORK AND SKILLS!

[@joevidal7616]

What can I say, your work is on another level. I have some light poles I thought were great, then you did yours' and my poles look amateurish. Great project, the finished product looks amazing.

[@CMAC86]

Please keep the videos coming Luke. I've been following and watching your channel for a few years now but your videos have helped me through a dark time this past year. Love your models and work. Hopefully you can push out two videos a month if family life doesn't get in the way. Cheers boss man.

[@maxanddad1]

If you ever sell these, Luke you'll be rich! Everyone would buy these including myself! Nice work! Wish I had a 3d printer!

[@cashonly2539]

I just watched a 15 minutes video about utility poles. Good job!

[@RondomhetSpoor]

Lovely again! You're not a simple modelrailroader. You're an artist!!!

[@LlessurHterag]

Hands so steady you’d make a surgeon jealous!

[@sushileafbeats]

Dude your work is outstanding. You gotta give into the masses and do a cool post apocalyptic scene. I know you seem to kinda follow realistic every day type scenes since they fit well into the train hobbies, but I know for a fact you would blow us away with something a bit outside the ordinary! It never hurts to experiment and go past comfort zones! Can only learn and grow through trying new things! Cheers!

[@AlexachEcholot]

I like when everything is done on their own (or with minimal use of a 3D printer), and do not buy in the store. And this miniature with burning lanterns is just gorgeous!

[@tamasmihaly1]

You're like a machine. Much respect.

[@mikejohannessen9772]

The Clickspring of model railroading. Nice video.

[@williamd1732]

I'm absolutely amazed at the things you've created with that 3D printer. Just incredible. Brilliant work on this project! You never cease to amaze me Luke. Thanks for sharing.

[@RobertJohnson-fs7is]

Outstanding work Luke! It's been amazing to see your skills and talent grow over the years. A great number of my scenery techniques came from watching your videos. I recommend your channel to everyone I know! Thanks for sharing your techniques.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks so much Robert for such a great comment and thanks for recommending me to your mates. I'm always learning and I don't think I'll ever stop learning but it's also really rewarding being able to share what I have learnt with the rest of the world. Thanks again 😉

[@alexhatfield2987]

You are a highly adept and skilled modeller, and an excellent teacher Luke!

[@excelsian512]

Interesting to see you do all this from "scratch", I've been following your channel for a while now and I realy like the way you work on and design your models. I might also start making dioramas, it's seems fun to make any landscape you want, just like you want, it looks like it's giving a feeling of you being "god" since you decide how you want the land to be and what you want to "live" on it.

[@CliffordKITT]

YOU sir ... are a prodigy , truly amazing talent .

[@lorriedmussett4692]

I was so excited and pleased with the length because it fit perfect into my lunch break !!!!! So of course I told my coworkers about it when I got back... too much fun!!!! Great job Luke

[@thejellyranger7679]

Wondrous. I do mostly gaming models but I’ve branched out into fabricating and your vids are a blessing. Thanks mate! I gotta snag one of those sweet t-shirts

[@nibeditadas111]

I love watching u make dioramas, except the concept of 3d printing, surely saves a lots of time, make them look more realistic with touch of ur skilled hands, but i may have enjoyed them more if they were handmade, i have no problem watching longer videos

[@amyshaw893]

that intro just looks like you went out into the street and took some photos. they look brilliant. i wish i was talented enough to do this stuff

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks Matthew, I'm sure if you gave it a go you'd be able to make some awesome looking models. Just takes practice 😉

[@disoraj9153]

Your videos are so satisfying to watch ! 😁

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks heaps, glad you enjoy watching them 😉

[@gregbowen617]

Another awesome build from the master builder himself!!! Regards from Melbourne Australia

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Greg, it's great to see another Melbournian here 😉

[@Avidcomp]

Incredible work.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks 😃

[@MP25Productions]

Absolutely incredible! I love the oddball stuff us HO modelers never think of to add to our layouts. Can't wait to build these in the future and add them in various places!

[@MrValkLeroux]

Amazing and beautiful workmanship.

[@glenjamindle]

The realism is just...crazy!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks Glen, glad you liked it 😉

[@hemantshigvan5179]

It's so realistic. All your previous scale models are amazing. Great job sir....

[@AZTECGUY43]

One of the best videos so far. Super useful for me

[@jaguarke069]

Simply amazing. I can't figure out why anyone would thumb this down...

[@ryans79mc]

Not a model maker but am so glad I happen to come across your videos. They’re awesome

[@madmiask]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@pbyfr]

Utility pole is on my todo list since long, nice to see a good example. Nice trick for gluing both LED wires together, I will use it soon. Keep doing the great modeling and video.

[@AmazeTase]

Absolutely stunning work there Luke. You are such an inspirational modeller!

[@Curtis-Randall]

This is one of the very few channels that I clicked the bell to get notifications. I look forward to getting notified when you drop new content. As always, your videos are fantastic!!!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

awesome! Glad you're enjoying the videos Curtis 😃 I don't post often so it's good to know you keep coming back to watch the new videos

[@c31979839]

Great video! I always love watching your whole process of designing and making these models. One thing I noticed was that you called those things in the utility poles fuses, but really they are actually disconnects. Not a big deal just thought I'd mention it.

[@c31979839]

Actually I take back my comment. Most disconnects do actually have fuses within them to protect the transformers from overcurrent and surges. I'm very impressed you knew all the terminology for that equipment!

[@ryanfitzgerald7647]

You're work is absolutely incredible. Amazing to watch the quality continue to get better and better over time.

[@MagSun]

This detail is just marvelous!

[@schuur10]

These wonderfull techniques are very welcome to our local museum for time-frame diorama,s!. Thank u for sharing your skills!!

[@jimmyfandago3211]

Great stuff. Love the quality of everything (editing, production and building). I would love to see a 1980's New York subway train scene with graffiti on it and litter everywhere.

[@2girls1chuck38]

Great idea!

[@tentringer4065]

Adding the Equalizer to the scene would be a nice touch.

[@bojancenikol]

Hi Luke, I will like to suggest filming/tutoring gothic or horror “themed” dioramas (if you didn’t think already about it). Maybe something in “mood” like from movie “Psycho” or similar. Basically with darker colors, or maybe some “spooky “ lights. I really like the one which you made less realistic, some months ago. But I like them all and watched every one so far.

[@nickwaller3823]

Who would have thought that I could get so excited over a powerpole

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol... thanks Nick I hope you enjoyed watching 😃

[@daveogarf]

Astonishing detail! Thank you.

[@bladeslinger1786]

Yes, another amazing video. Love it as usual. It brightens up my day to see that you posted, I literally stop everything I'm doing to watch your videos.

[@bradster1708]

Another great video. I have a suggestion. When doing the very fiddly and precise work like drilling holes you could make a jig. You would only need to line up two holes precisely and you could then repeat these at will with great ease. You could 3D print a jig or just make from scrap plastic or wood. You could also make a jig for assembling the pole, just add a few bits of scrap to your drawing. And one more suggestion, a few small birds perched on a pole would look great, Cheers.

[@paulhayton3423]

Well built, well filmed, well explained.. Well done!!!

[@RicoGalassi]

YES!!!! It's like Christmas morning whenever you upload a new video Also, I will say, since I'm still in college and broke, whenever I get a full time job, you have my word that I will definitely support you on patreon. Can never get enough of these videos!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thank you Rico, all the best with college.

[@EmeraldKnight4611]

Whenever I watch these videos, I’m Always reminded of my dad.... He used to make me all sorts of things....

[@nerukessa]

Amel Heronemus same for me and my grandpa.

[@kankula]

This is just nuts. Well done.

[@otaku-chananime3026]

Realistic. Tiny. You are amazing!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks heaps 😃

[@daveymach6941]

They look fantastic, vary well demonstrated and narrated thank you so much.

[@thekehoeshow..]

I work for an electric utility and i approve your construction practices 😉 seriously awesome work!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

oh awesome! I was wondering how this would hold up to the real experts 😉 glad you liked it

[@thekehoeshow..]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad as you probably gathered by your research, poles are built in a wide variety of ways. Each utility uses different types of equipment and mounts them differently on the poles. So there kinda isnt a wrong way to build a pole.

[@albertofranchi6408]

Super beautiful work

[@bonniehollingsworth1996]

Those perfect insulators looked just right as the color and transparency of the resin looks just like real glass insulators, no need to paint them. I have an O scale substation and these techniques would be the way to finish wiring it! Thanks!

[@ewoodrailway]

Modelling at it's very best, ultra realistic, well done

[@calebpan8916]

All your videos have impeccable quality - thank you for the work you've put into this!

[@russspears4690]

I wish this video had gone up a year ago (when I first attempted some rudimentary power poles), but honestly I don't think I could have done these justice then. I'm not sure I could do them justice now! Another great job, Luke, especially on a tweezer-heavy project. I kind of miss that no bottles were flipped :)

[@19mansellcj54]

As per usual Luke. A fantastic video. Thank you for your expertise.

[@gmgueifao]

I would love to see them integrated into a diorama and with some ageing process in them. Congrats for the amazing project, as always.

[@TheMisterdan01]

So good Luke! Great work, looking at those poles you would never believe they are plastic!