Going The Distance With Your Model Railroad | Boomer Diorama ~ Vlog # 199

Shelf Layout Wisdom and Living With Your Layout. What are the most important factors to a successful layout that you can live with for a long time. It doesn't matter what your layout looks like, if you don't have reliable track and smooth running locomotives you may quickly loose interest in your model railroad.
KZbin Audio Library Music
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[@galewickell6061]

Thanks! Boomer, you continue to amaze and inspire me, even though my passion is HO slot cars instead of trains. I also love the music interludes and your lecture style...nice presentations...I watch them over and over. Wonderful inspiration and entertainment. Thank you so much!!!

[@boomerdiorama]

You are awesome! Thank you so much for supporting the channel! Cheers ~ Boomer.😁👍

[@ericp6612]

I look forward to a cup of coffee and your videos on a Saturday or Sunday morning! Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

😁👍

[@garryhansford3743]

I was lost in the authenticity of the introduction and then suddenly the “Hand of God” comes in to move the forklift! Made my day.

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . The Friendly Giant . . . 😉

[@mobahartenholm9289]

Dear Boomer - first of all, I want to thank you very much for sharing your knoledge with the hole community. I watch now all of your publications and I must say that your work makes the difference between creatio and reproductio very clear. and there is a difference. Your work is art in a very technical dominated stuff. You raise me up to a very next level of layout building. Can´t thanks enough. Reproduction cant´t satisfied. Creation starts when your eyes noticed a diorama and your mind is going to tell a story. regards from Germany Rainer

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for taking the time to share that! Cheers Rainer! ~ Boomer.

[@amessman]

What an absolutely beautiful layout. The most realistic I have ever seen by far. I am at a loss for words on this whole project, truly excellent!

[@boomerdiorama]

I hope you are inspired! Thank you!

[@herricmountain]

Just in the few second of the video my jaw is dropping just by the beauty of your scenery. I have been following you channel almost since the beginning of it and I am still marvelling at your accomplishments. Thank you for the beauty and also the teaching you bring us. Yes I remember thin the paint and thin it some more.

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome, thank you!

[@dan8402]

That building in blue really adds so much to that scene. It adds depth at least to me it does. I can't wait to see what industries will grow in the new section.

[@boomerdiorama]

I thought a little blues would shake things up a bit. ;-)

[@Whites-Creek-Railroad]

This is probably the most realistic layout I’ve ever seen! Each shot looked as good as real life!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for the compliment!👍

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Agree 100%, and my impression was that this was a movie prologue with wonderful thought provoking music to pull us into the story.

[@douglasalan5783]

The level of realism on your layout is astounding. Even a slow video tour with no ops is completely captivating. Bravo, Boomer.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. I love staring at it endlessly as well. The trains are a bonus. ;-)

[@debbiemilka2251]

Thank you Boomer for an excellent video with wisdom. It's encouraging.

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. You are welcome and thanks for sharing. 😁

[@thomasblaschke8556]

Hey Boomer, you are always a inspiration! Greetings from Munich, Germany.

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow! Nice to hear from Germany. Germany is on my bucket-list to visit! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@user-bf1oc6zt1z]

Greetings From Colorful Colorado WJ, Once again your video looks like it was produced by a major film maker. Your intro footage and music choice is award winning. I have left you many comments in the past but not like today's comment. WJ, your choice of the supplies you use, the way you use the supplies and the way talent you posses gives an impression of CLASS. Yes sir WJ, you are one classy Artist and Modeler. I have a small favor to ask. Next summer, could you show me a good fresh water fishing hole not too far from you. There, I would like to tell you how you changed my life... John Millard Arvada Colorado USA

[@boomerdiorama]

Look up Murray Lake (on Googler Earth, etc) off the Coquihalla Hwy North of Hope, B.C. - near Clearwater Exit. Go the end of May to the beginning of June and it should be good. Troll a green or black Doc Spratley and you should be good to go. ;- )

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Agree 100% about the opening movie scene feeling of this video.

[@ChessiePAdiv]

Totally agree about track integrity and a reliable running loco. I would add that properly weighted and dependable rolling stock adds tremendously to the enjoyment also.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. Weighted cars for sure.

[@nedmerrill5705]

Thanks. You've motivated me to spend the last few days cleaning my track and wheels to get my trains to run reliably. It's a chore but it's worth it.

[@boomerdiorama]

That is awesome!

[@benoitevellin8796]

100% agree on the benefits of a good track, a good locomotive and a good shelf-sized layout! It is so rewarding. Nice idea to have a vacuum for the brewery. Can't wait to see it on your layout! I took the opposite option: a chute to unload grain. I also represented the winch to move the hopper. Again, you brought that inspiration to me, through your video about Milner grain elevator. Thank you! .

[@boomerdiorama]

Yeah. I can't wait to rebuild the Milner (Grain Elevator) Scene.

[@stewartframpton716]

Boomer you are a master modeller. Absolute superb layout. Stewart UK

[@boomerdiorama]

Many thanks!

[@RonStanek]

Great! Job! ...on the Second Section show...Boomer! Didn't get to watch it live...but caught the replay....life called. Railroads....the drone of the engines....and the call of the distant horn....as it fades away...across those far off grade crossings...in the night. Sort of sounds like a scene from a Boomer Diorama Layout. Cheers....and Happy Trails!

[@boomerdiorama]

Love the little poem there . . . ;-) Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@RobW4814]

I must say, you have given me the confidence in building my first new layout in 40 yrs. I am moving down under and was struggling with “only” a 12ft shelf layout. We all want the big full room thing,but in reality, never get it completed…. Not that we ever do on any layout. Lol I have changed my thinking and am going to focus more on smaller detailed ,scratch building and not put too many tracks in a space. Your focus on so much detailing is some of the ..if not the best I have seen. Only wish I could have seen it in person. I have learned so much from your videos. You are a treasure to our hobby.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Rob. This layout may seem small but it feels huge to me. Thank you for sharing the encouraging words. Cheers. 😁

[@TurtleAir]

OMG! This is true ART! Love the music too! You are amazing!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much!

[@DisVietVetUSA]

Viewing sensitivities = google eye's (sorry ha ha ha ha), I suffer from Vertigo and understand viewing stigmas , thanks for the great presentations every time to post

[@boomerdiorama]

I get a little of it myself depending on the speed of movement.

[@ADPeguero]

Beautiful work!. It's Hollywood level work Boomer. Very inspirational.

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow, thank you!

[@dalehanna8083]

Hi boomer! Congratulation on your Silver Creek diorama. The layout looks great and very inspiring. You are so right on workmanship and quality of products that you use.Thank you for the archives of videos I view them many times and quite often for reference and inspiration. See you on Second Section tonight, Cheers

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. Sounds great and looking forward to the show!😁

[@usssaratogacv3lefevre978]

Like the way you explain your reasoning for each thing you do.

[@boomerdiorama]

I try . . . ;-) Thank you.

[@kenrutherford8777]

Nice to see a bulkhead flat loaded with MacMillan Bloedel kiln dried lumber heading off Vancouver Island for eastern USA. I worked for MB for 38 years and saw a lot of those loads leave Port Alberni.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed! Thanks for sharing your experience as well. Cheers!👍

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear Boomer, I gather that’s the advantage of ‘the immersive model railroad.’ Didn’t notice it before, the three way on the barge slip, is that a stub switch? Absolutely agree on the quality of track work and the preferred power. Cool scene btw with the plywood load on the team track. Always wondered how those large packs get loaded/unloaded 😂 pun intended! I’ll check out the slum lord vids!! Cheerio

[@boomerdiorama]

The three-way is a stub switch on the barge slip. It is also functional. It was my best attempt from a photo since I was unable to access the ramp.

[@patmccarthy1624]

True artistry. Great inspiration. Perhaps the best there is. Thanks for letting us along on your journey!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you kindly!

[@tonypetts6663]

"Small, linear 26ft." Had to smile at that, here in the UK that would be considered a large layout. Most modellers here would be desperate to get their hands on a 10ft x 12ft room for their hobby😁. As for your layout it never ceases to amaze me with the depth of detail you manage to incorporate. I know there's the old saying a layout is never finished, but your modelling skills take that to a whole new level. Every time I watch you I can hear your passion for what you do and I'm very glad you share both your skill and passion with us.

[@boomerdiorama]

Well thank you for that. It was the U.K. style of modeling that inspired me through the likes of Ian Rice back in the day. Even though many of his concepts were overly ambitious they were the most beautiful renderings of shelf style layouts I have ever seen in a style that reminded me of a water-color painting. I quickly realized that we can compress whatever we feel like and still make a scene work and yet everyone would be unique in it's own compatible footprint across a linear space. All my work is inspired by the masters who carved the path before me for sure. All I do is follow their philosophy and develop my own "signature" style like we all do if we throw a lttle caution to the wind . . . ;-)

[@thecnwmondovilinepaulscota7304]

Those "slum" background building are fantastic, really changes the whole feel of that scene, and I mean in a good way. If you start at the fascia, just like the scenery has layers (colors, texture, etc.), you can see the layers of the scene as well. The weeds along the fascia, the siding, the main tracks, the weeds and tie piles, the warehouse, the alley, the background buildings. It just builds upon itself, and adds real interest to the entire scene in only 24 inches. Awesome! - Paul

[@boomerdiorama]

The next 4 part mini-series covers the whole build.

[@cliffwoodbury5319]

This is a true piece of art, and the intro feels epic watching it with the music!!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. It was a fun piece to do. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@What_If_We_Tried]

"Epic" is a great description of this short movie.

[@robertlussenburg1770]

So far the story only get´s better. Overpasses, residential, I love it. See you in the next one .Cheers

[@boomerdiorama]

😁

[@greatnorthernrailwaytother4711]

Hi Boomer, thanks for the quick mention of the ramp/barge trackwork. That makes sense prototypically. We don’t have any rail ferries where I am from (Melbourne, Australia) but as I retired railway mechanical engineer in the perway area I would have put the turnouts on dry land not on a ramp or ferry for ease of installation and maintenance. Cheers, Peter.

[@boomerdiorama]

You will notice the painted tape over the threshold of the ramp. That is to be peeled away so I can model in the standard for coupling the ferry which I have yet to build.

[@jamfjord]

Wow, Boomer - that opening shot with the new buildings 😚👌 parfait!

[@boomerdiorama]

I think it's a scene with potential and plan to show quite a bit more of it over four episodes. 😁

[@funnelfan]

Great layout. I will echo the statement about investing time and effort into making track and equipment as close to flawless in operation as possible. I had a Rapido SW1200 that stalled a LOT, so I worked on electrical pickup and added a ESU PowerPak and now it glides through my complex paper mill track without issue. My Paper Mill layout is only 8' long by 30" wide, but features two mainlines, a 3 track yard and 14 industry spots and is a lot of fun to switch.

[@boomerdiorama]

The paper mill sounds cool. An ideal subject for a small switcher. Thanks for the tips on the Rapido SW1200. I have two undecs on the shelf yet to build. ;-)

[@mr.e1944]

The Slum buildings really change the look of that area. Good job. Everything is looking great Boomer.

[@boomerdiorama]

👍

[@modelrailroader5619]

Just great, Boomer, everything looks fantastic. I always consider “failures” as learning opportunities and move on and yes, I like my layout. Could it be improved? Absolutely. On another note, the forklift operator got that bulkhead flat unloaded in record time!😉😂

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . the imaginary world is almost perfect . . . 😉

[@wilzdart]

I am looking forward to the slum series…. Your views on layouts, scenery, painting and composition have a been so helpful…. Like life , you only get out what you put into it.

[@boomerdiorama]

They are coming!

[@phmoffett]

Thanks for sharing your talent and knowledge. As a non-artisan, I hope to stretch what basic skills I may discover along the way to achieve something close to what you have accomplished.

[@boomerdiorama]

You can do it!

[@phmoffett]

@@boomerdiorama Next time you're on Second Session, please bring Dusty along, too.

[@rickbaugnet8984]

Beautiful layout Boomer, you are a true inspiration. I’m looking forward to seeing you again on the Second Second Podcast.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. Should be fun in a few days! ;-)

[@mrdisco102]

Boomer, thank you for sharing your gifts with us and more importantly, thank you for making learning so much fun!

[@boomerdiorama]

My pleasure!

[@mrdisco102]

Boomer, I forgot to ask how long you break in your new locos on DC before turning them over to DCC. Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

I usually run mine in backwards first in a circle for half an hour at 25% throttle. Then run it forward the same and it should be good to go. Never pin (full-throttle) the motor on your locomotive if you can avoid it.@@mrdisco102

[@bobyoung1698]

I love your work. I don't build or operate a layout anymore (I occasionally weather HO rolling stock to relax), but I haven't lost interest in the hobby. Your videos intrigue me, and keep me in the loop.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. I am hoping to paint and weather more cars whenever I can fit them in. Building the layout is taking up all my time. ;-)

[@johnmalley4355]

Looks great Boomer, looking forward to more of your project in the future. I agree with the Mp15 by atlas. I got 1 last spring, sweet runner, love it all…

[@boomerdiorama]

Mine was originally an Amtrak livery and I stripped it ;-)

[@johnmalley4355]

If I remembered right, you did your MP15 on the Glover Road project. I’m still catching up on your past shows. Have many more to go still. Awesome teaching tools they are. Thank you…

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. You are correct, and I still love running that little locomotive. It brings me so much joy because it is so smooth and reliable. 😉@@johnmalley4355

[@stevenstorey1945]

What a great content overview, Boomer! After finding your videos on Glover Road some years ago, I was so impressed by the shelf layout (especially Glover being only 8') that I started building my first one. I found it so much more rewarding than struggling through a big layout that I never finished. Due to downsizing my home and my 12'x18" shelf layout, I have started work on a shelf layout being only 10'x10". This will be a challenge, especially in depth of field in only 10". However, your encouragement to everyone is to keep moving forward because there are no problems, just solutions! Best advice ever! Thanks, Boomer

[@boomerdiorama]

Building a small shelf layout allows one to experience the joys of model railroading without being overwhelmed.

[@muir8009]

I was the same. Did an NZR layout in about the same space. Did? Still doing lol :)

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome!@@muir8009

[@michaelimpey1407]

Boomer, thank you for sharing your philosophy on the layout, you do indeed have great words of wisdom, and I look forward to your videos. Pity the time difference is so great, but hey, they are still great, even if I am behind everyone else. It is so true that getting the track right is so important. And a great running loco really helps. Cheers, and stay safe, Michael

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for sharing. Subscription is free and the content is ongoing so you can't really fall behind. ;-)

[@frankcerne7613]

Very nice layout boomer.. awesome modelling.. cheers

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank You!😁

[@paulc1964]

Great episode look forward to seeing you on second section, hope your well

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks, you too!

[@stl1321]

Just incredible, thanks again.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you too!

[@FarlandHowe]

Lovely overview. We don't get to see that very often. I very much appreciate what you do. Rob

[@boomerdiorama]

👍

[@brucehayward8733]

Congratulations! on Silver Creek winning the Best Diorama at the IPMS competition.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@ThomasKlimoski]

Boomer, I completely agree, I place a high value on smooth running locomotives and reliable track work. My motto is, "if it don't run it's no fun!" Time spent getting your track work as perfect as you can pays off in the long run. You have a lot of ops potential with your layout. Just lining up the cars for the barge takes a lot of time. If you follow some of the prototype rules and procedures you can easily have over an hour ops session on your layout. I see the 20351 building is still in place on your layout instead of the diner. I know you mentioned someone really likes the diner, but I like the current configuration. 😉 Thanks for posting all of your videos and commentary on layout building. Tom

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for taking the time to share Tom. You mentioned the Diner. I will show what the Diner looks like in the space as well for those who like it. It does sort of look cool as well. Yes indeed . . . I'm saving the Barge Slip ops for later down the road (no rush). I have tried pre-lims and it takes quite awhile to classify unload/load etc. Very fulfilling ops for sure. As you know, I was never worried about ops anyway because I know the potential for this space once I get things settled in a bit more. The more I get done the more passionate I become about the whole layout and the plans ahead. Cheers ~ WJ

[@UBME2]

I run HO scale Kato’s, 25 years old going strong! Another great video!

[@benoitevellin8796]

"Just lining up the cars for the barge takes a lot of time." So true. I have the same layout topic, and it takes me up to 40 minutes to arrange the 9 cars that have to be loaded. I don't even need to build the barge, as the fun is already there. But a layout named "The Barge Job" with no barge might look odd! :D

[@boomerdiorama]

Barge ops can take awhile for sure. Long lead is required as well. 😁@@benoitevellin8796

[@benoitevellin8796]

@@boomerdiorama I have the rest of the layout as a lead. 😁 I would love to share with you some picture of my layout. I could be interesting to share our thoughts on how we took the same layout prototype and then went on different paths. Maybe one day!

[@WarrenFahyAuthor]

Totally next level.

[@boomerdiorama]

Loads of work in this section for sure.

[@vikingofengland]

As ever your content is spot on. Love what you do from the other side of the pond 👍🏻

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for taking the time to compliment and share your thoughts. Cheers.

[@joesipos2975]

I love when you revisit the "older" parts of the layout. The barge slip looks great, the tracks running through the pavement look fantastic. The slum landlord postage stamp scene looks surreal. The entire canvas is one beautiful masterpiece. Thanks for the inspiration! CHEERS!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much!

[@JohnS-jj9by]

Great information and food for thought!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for watching!

[@_steffinwolf_]

The company where j had worked, and have since retired, made those unload systems for rail car and trailer off loading. Both pressure and vacuum types, and a lot of the ancillary equipment inside the buildings.

[@boomerdiorama]

I noticed they use them for plastic pellet cars as well.

[@muir8009]

Funny you mention operations in that size space. One of the great layouts, Rev. Peter Dennys masterpiece, of course grew in trackage and operations over the 50 odd years but didn't increase in size. And those who inherited his layout are stymied by not only the complexity of operations (including fully interlocking boxes with bell exchangers) but they can't begin to fathom the now aged wiring of his homemade mechanical computer. Anyway, completely inspiring your layouts, although in the timespan of your masterful efforts I'm still building my NZ Railways effort that Glover Street inspired. Can't work as fast as you and yet my efforts are still crap...

[@boomerdiorama]

With this layout there is an ebb-and-flow, so its not as chronological and smooth going as I would like at times. But it's a great experience.

[@ratbeattie6884]

Thank you, for the inspiration.

[@boomerdiorama]

You are so welcome!

[@donwillhoit6866]

Thanks Boomer, what a fantastic video with inspiring and supportive commentary. However, my wife pointed out that my modeling would improve if I played the inspirational music found here!

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . Thanks for sharing!

[@andrewpalm2103]

Nice video, Boomer! My layout is 1 x 6 feet so slow running is mandatory. My best runners are an old Proto 2000 SW1200 with a custom paint job and retroactively fitted with a Soundtraxx decoder and a Walthers ML-8 Plymouth. Both are excellent crawlers. Even though the layout is small (based loosely on the Inglenook Sidings Puzzle) I have an interchange, seven industry/warehouse/team track spots and a couple of off-spots. Depending on the number of cars on the layout (usually 6 or 7) an operating session is 1 to 2 hours long. Thats enough fun for me. 🙂 Cheers from Wisconsin!

[@boomerdiorama]

Cool! Love the old Walthers and Proto Stuff.

[@theMudFather]

Reminds me of Field of dreams, "If you build it they will come"! 20,000 subs, keep on building and they'll keep on coming! Can't say it enough, Great Job Boomer, Thanks for sharing!

[@boomerdiorama]

Your welcome! Cheers Ralph.😁👍

[@Residencebydesign]

Couldn’t agree more - so much so that my current layout is a complete rebuild! Tore the old layout down to the carpet under it as so much of my first attempt wasn’t up to snuff. Lots of lessons were learnt! Watching the latest Second Section podcast before bed lol Boomer, do you ever look at or get sent new products? I’m blending my love of the hobby with my design career and my new passion called Cecil Scale Models. Named it after my grandpa! Anyway, it’d be a thrill to see one of my products painted the Boomer way but BY Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

I have had a few sent to me like for reviews, etc. The problem with reviews is they often come with expectations like a promotion. How do I give my honest opinion about something without bias if I criticize the product fairly and don't meet the expectations of the sponsor? I would rather give my subscribers the straight goods on something that isn't biased and not due to an expected favor if you know what I mean.

[@Residencebydesign]

@@boomerdiorama absolutely! I can’t stand those KZbin “reviews” that turn out to be sponsored etc lol I turn them off. My local train store guys were looking over the products and my site yesterday and giving me the good natured gears but I told them I wanted honest feedback on everything. Spent all night doubling half the product line as they suggested a second colour option would help folks 👍🏻

[@donhanley1213]

I would add reliable rolling stock is a must also.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes . . . but that all fails if the locomotive does. ;-)😁

[@donhanley1213]

@boomerdioramas I was thinking the entirety for operations. One bad link, and it can diminish the entire effect.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds great! Cheers! 😁@@donhanley1213

[@MosriteCharlie]

Fantastic modeling. Kato makes great locos. Wonder why ATLAs went to China for their Classic series when they had such a great thing going.

[@boomerdiorama]

Probably due to an unnecessary (CEO) decision . . . lol. ;-)

[@shadowfaxx5]

Thanks again for inspiring us all!! I see an undec Rapido Bus, I have one as well and I hope to paint it up resembling the old BC Hydro Green and Blue striped version. I love the layered effect of the Slum building in the back!

[@boomerdiorama]

I was planning the same paint on my bus (as a restored one) as well if I can fit it into things. ;-)

[@brucec954]

For good ops you also need cars/couplers that run well. I have also found that there are track sections where everything runs fine until I try a new locomotive or car and it might have a problem in a spot but is fine everywhere else. Turns out that the track had a small issue in that spot and together with a more finicky loco or car, it derails. Of course, I also have a big SDP40F 6 axle loco that tends to have the lead wheel not follow the track in my helix but hey, it's prototypical as Amtrak had the same problem in the 1970's to where they had to get rid of them.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. I have few cars like you describe.

[@goforitpainting]

Awesome

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

Man that Route 1 sign would look good on the overpass, right? I love prototypical signs, they give the viewer a sense of place. Seems like you had a nice Rapido locomotive. Maybe it looked better than it ran? I'm still running my two, after having warranty motor replacements on both. Take care - Bill 😎

[@boomerdiorama]

I have some Rapido stuff as well but having way too much fun with my old Atlas. ;-)

[@ollieahokas9179]

I have quite a few Kato units, RSC 2.s. GP35.s, SD40.s, SD 40-2.s, SD 45.s and Dash 9.s and though they were manufactured some 30 years ago, they still run far, far better than any of the engines I have got ever since. By the way, the new buildings in the backdrop made my jaw drop down to the floor, amazing and how well they fit the scene and the theme! Cheers!

[@boomerdiorama]

I have a few Kato units as well that I will never part with. They are just too good. Believe me, when I say I was a custom painter for Kato Locomotives (in the hundreds back in the day) and I never had a bad one yet.

[@mikerubynfs]

Good running locos and stock are a must. I have an Atlas MP15 still with the original QSI decoder (the only one I haven't removed!) it is one of my best runners, but all mine run well. Some I had to work on, I find making sure the trucks can move freely can make a bad loco into a good one, I have a Proto 1000 GP15 that was terrible, a bit of modification to the front truck and it is now a really good runner. Also have some momentum in the decoder, that makes speed changes smoother. BTW I have some 30 year old Athearn SW1200 locos that run really well, original steel wheels, I did strip and clean the gear boxes and hard wired the trucks to the decoder.

[@boomerdiorama]

I pulled the QSI out of my Atlas MP15 and replaced it with ESU Lok sound V5. Some of the 4 - axle Walthers locos, with only one flywheel, run great as well.

[@mikerubynfs]

Loksounds are my decoder of choice since V3.5, but this loco just runs and sounds so good that I never bothered to change it.@@boomerdiorama

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds good. If it runs good! ;-) @@mikerubynfs

[@bernicemeade3232]

Great job cheers

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@UBME2]

Thanks!

[@UBME2]

Always such a treat! Thanks

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@johnschutt9187]

Thank you.

[@boomerdiorama]

You're welcome!

[@seanhenry2921]

Always an inspiration to see your work. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@boomerdiorama]

You too! Happy Thanksgiving! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@allenlandis4504]

Thanks.

[@boomerdiorama]

You're welcome!

[@patapscofallsdivision2579]

I wonder if your background with professional diorama production helps to educate you as far as the benefits of a shelf layout, ie: limited view shed for the audience, creating separate vignettes, not overwhelming with too much in one view, easier maintenance, etc.

[@boomerdiorama]

Absolutely it does, and that is why I am trying to teach "Diorama" philosophy to the model railroad community. The art of the diorama dovetails with most miniature genres in one way or another. I think everyone can benefit from it if they find something in the approach to how the diorama is such a powerful medium to spin or tell an evolving story while exposing the builder to a diversified canvas where almost anything goes creatively.

[@wrfreemo2006]

Another inspirational video, Boomer. Questions regarding your switch stands, if you don't mind. Are they removable and do they move to indicate point location? Looking forward to your next Second Section visit. Thanks again!

[@boomerdiorama]

I wish they were functional, but they are stand-ins for now. Maybe when I install switch machines I'll change them. ;-)

[@jonathanjones35]

Nice video and great advice, Boomer. As a shelf layout owner myself, I completely agree. Did you adjust your lighting for this video? It looked a little different, more shadows and more dramatic. I liked it.

[@boomerdiorama]

I sort of did, but it's hard to adjust for the sweet spot (sensor) on this camera (Nikon D5500) and layout without washing things out, so I lean more to the lower ISA setting because the trees seem to cast a shadow and absorb a lot of light. When you build scale size trees on a layout they act like the real world for shadows, as do open spaces, when you move over the terrain. It's kind of a cool thing that way. The layout looks really good live. Social media (video) kind of messes things up sometimes so I am always adjusting for light while trying to shoot with the greatest depth of field (small F-Stop Aperture). Cheers and thanks. ~ Boomer.

[@davidcurtis5398]

Boomer, did you ever do a video on how you attach the power drops to your track. I never see them so they have to be good. Your panning speed is spot on and just right.

[@boomerdiorama]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h33PnmaomZ6Hm5o

[@bumpingpost]

Hi Boomer I'm looking for the video where you talked about modeling telephone wires with natural sag... did you use styrene? What video is that? What size styrene? Thank you.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sorry. Can't remember. Try the Search Bar.

[@danielfantino1714]

Boomer is right. Good track, loco and cars. We´re no more in the 70´s with sometimes cheap material that you had to bang on layout cause loco was always stalling at same location. Decor behind is just imagination and practice. Go back in your youth while lying on floor you could push a comb. It was a ship, car, bus etc.. A simple shoe box comes a company. Add a plastic water bottle in front, then it´s a drinking water manufacturer that will ship by trucks, containers or boxcars. Locations where you´ve been, seen in photos, books etc... is your inspiration. Now hou have to work and one day may be you´ll beat him. Starting point will always be choice of scale then good performer equipment : track, loco, cars. Good luck with your shoebox starter. Where´s Dusty ? Scene isn´t complete 😂😂

[@boomerdiorama]

When the scene is complete the story is over . . . why the rush. ;-)

[@PeterTillman3]

Superb Boomer! Would give my left leg to operate on River Road😁

[@boomerdiorama]

Bring a switcher . . . lol.😉

[@forbeshutton5487]

Happy Thanksgiving! Are you going to admit the reason you don't have human figures is that Dusty goes Catzilla and eats the little humans?

[@boomerdiorama]

Good point! It's my own personal build style. For me, figures can come much later to flesh out little micro stories. I don't like getting ahead of myself because it distracts me from my focus. ;-)

[@FHollis-gw4cc]

Wait.. wait! I'm confused! Was doing real good until that photo of Duncan Way. Then, there's clearly a route sign showing Route 1. Except, it shows the emblem (the shield) used for US Routes! US Route 1 is on the East coast of the US. Runs from northern Maine to the southern end of Florida. You guys stealing our symbols? 🤓

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . probably . . . -)

[@pgronemeier]

TWO MORE industries to go??? SOooo, this diorama won't be done for another couple of WEEKS???🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@boomerdiorama]

A few more years for sure . . . 😁

[@pgronemeier]

@@boomerdiorama Yea, I know. I thought I'd give other commenters something to either laugh at. Or get mad at. 🤣🤬🤣🤔

[@jamesbraxton6132]

still need a flying squirrel

[@boomerdiorama]

A blob of glue or resin in HO . . . lol.

[@WestCoastRails]

Hi Boomer, Im sure you know I love all your tutorial videos :) I have two Rapido "Undec" Models, SW900rs & B36-7 for BC Rail , both NIB never ran or out of the box, interested in a trade?

[@boomerdiorama]

They sound good and thanks for letting me know. At the moment I am good. Have you tried Interstate Trains & Hobbies (the old Central Hobbies) now in Langley? They might be able to work something out. ~ Boomer.

[@WestCoastRails]

Yes, thought about that, I acquired these a couple of years ago in a trade for some work done. More of a favor for helping a friend out. Thought maybe we could trade for work, build a Kershaw crane?

[@WestCoastRails]

Finishing Models 130Ton mobile Wrecking crane

[@knuckledragger9322]

I love your modeling, but it drives me crazy that you have a road sign facing railroad tracks rather than facing a road.

[@boomerdiorama]

I did that for the camera and social media. Just flipped it around again when I turned off the camera. 😁Every component on the layout is moveable.😉

[@knuckledragger9322]

I'm glad you answered that. My uncle is pretty high up in the model railroad police!

[@laspiedrasrailroad]

Boomer you on 2nd Section tonight? Catch you live at 5.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes sir!😁

[@johnbutler8388]

Thank you for your videos. I speak for myself, but I appreciate it if you have a email. No I could send some pictures. Let me know and I'll send you some pictures of my layout and some of my trees. I'm fissing to make

[@boomerdiorama]

Sorry. No Email for good reason. If I activate Email, you can kiss the channel goodbye. I have no time to answer thousands of Emails when I spend countless hours answering every comment on the channel as well. Cheers. ;-)

[@Fred-Wilbury]

Thank you Boomer

[@boomerdiorama]

You are welcome!

[@jimrockford3662]

Yes a smooth running loco is key, but still no engineer and conductor, no forklift driver or any other people . “The finish is in the detail” Socrates. The Philosopher.

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!