Heartfelt Layout Tour - Beaverbrook Shelf Layout H0 Scale

In this video I give you an insight into why I built Beaverbrook and the joy it's existence continues to bring to me - watch to see the layout in action, to understand some of the technicalities in it's organisation and operation that make it a success as well as my own personal heartfelt reflections on it's genesis and continued importance.
Further photos of my Canadian H0 scale modelling as a child can be found on the blog: paxton-road.blogspot.com/2020...
The layout itself is extensively shared on the blog under the Beaverbrook label: paxton-road.blogspot.com/sear...

[@SouthDown]

As a Canadian, as a new modeller, as someone who is building their own switching layout, as someone who doesn’t understand how railways work-nor care all that much-I greatly appreciate this laissez-faire attitude of slowing things down and enjoying the moment, less about protorealistic paperwork and more about being drawn in by a setting, an atmosphere, memories of a beloved father. Thank you for speaking my language.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

I’m glad where I’m coming from is a place you enjoy visiting!

[@XBOXShawn12thman]

I live in North Seattle ... I'm about an hour and a half drive away from the Canada border so I have a mix of American and Canadian trains!!!

[@SouthDown]

You've come to the right place,@@XBOXShawn12thman, to enjoy trains from beyond just borders!

[@What_If_We_Tried]

@@XBOXShawn12thman A mixture of Canadian and American trains, that's one of the things I like about the PNW. You live in a beautiful area.

[@nickrails]

Really relate to your meditative sensibility, and your focus on the art of creating interactive 3D spaces as aids to allow one's soul to be temporarily transported through space and time to a place or a feeling you want to visit.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thanks Nick. I’ll do another visit to Beaverbrook in time, perhaps two, one more technical and one more emotional. We’ll see…

[@Justfor1day]

Well done in building it and narrating...the color choice on that green GP10 is sweet.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you - I'm consistently humbled by how many people enjoy this layout - and in particular this video.

[@andrewbaird3098]

Fantastic! I model Terra Transport Newfoundland in Sn42. I just moved from a large home to a Condo and struggling what to do now as I kept all my Newfoundland equipment. I do have use of a spare bedroom so this type of operation and storage idea just may be the ticket! Happy Holidays! Andrew

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

That’s great Andrew, I’m sure you are familiar with my faux history of the Maritimes wide TerraTransport (paxton-road.blogspot.com/search/label/Terra%20Transport) that Chris Mears and I orchestrated too, which sits behind the story here why there is a Halifax South Western liveried GP9RM!

[@andrewbaird3098]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways Just did a quick measure...19" deep and 9' long to start with. I have CN/Terra Transport, Grand Falls Central and ASARCo...the struggle is real!!! I like the box frame idea. Help keep the cats out! :)

[@detroitterminalrailroad1467]

Very nice work, thanks for sharing your layout and operations in detail.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

literally my pleasure

[@colinjones2974]

I like your philosophical discussions and yes, anyone can create a layout and there is always space. My current HOn30 layout is 60cm x 30cm made of foam board and foamcore, so really light with a 40cm x 10cm fiddle yard.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thanks Colin, philosophical discussions sounds about right. I suppose as many will find them dull, but I am pleased you’ve enjoyed them. Your layout sounds a great size, I’ve enjoyed plenty of small 009 myself in the past.

[@radio645]

Love the simplicity of the design and layout, nothing pretentious here, no towering skyscrapers, 5ft high mountains, large obnoxious canyon scenery or trains operating at out of scale speeds. There's just enough on the layout to be interesting without overcrowding much like any side street area you might happen to walk past. The lighting is beautiful inside the shelf, adds to the realism of the overall scene, warm and inviting. The eye level placement adds to the realistic environment, you're looking directly at the trains not from above like a typical layout. Wonderfully intimate, I'd railfan here than any other layout I've seen, good job!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you, and seasons greetings! I’ve been railfanning there already today!

[@radio645]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways Nice! happy holiday to you, have fun railfanning!

[@adriengadson3544]

This is a clean and simple approach that works well. The world has plenty of massive layouts and they are not for everyone. They can take forever to build , include massive funds and most need the help of others. Also not to mention taking away for real world stuff and family. I choose small with availability of extensions later as i am going for high detail. Only thing i see on your shelf is that the wall, buildings and track are parallel. If one plane was changed it would give more dimension. Anyway nice video to watch.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

It wouldn’t fit then though! It’s only 7ft long by about 12” deep. It is parallel on purpose, to give it a sense of the real place and the real straight of the road. Your point is, in a general sense, valid though and I usually would suggest such a thing when designing small layouts.

[@moghobbystuff]

Very inspiring! I still haven't worked out how or why I'm drawn to the North American prototype yet! I'm just planning my next shelf layout and this is a handy reminder to keep it clean and simple, thanks! I came into model railways via Carl and micros.. (Please take a look at Greenville, my last HO shelf layout, over on my channel, NOT a micro;-) )

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

I will take a look and good luck.

[@SpringfieldAndWestern]

Wow, extremely nice shelf layout - thanks for sharing. I´m currently a little two turnout switching layout myself - albeit in N scale.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@ajkleipass]

Thank you for sharing this with us. I've a similar 2-switch layout that's six feet long, which I built in what was then my parents guest room. It's since become my refuge following my dad's death and the need for me to live with my elderly mother.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you, I’m glad you have something to act as a safe place, these layouts are wonderful escapes.

[@williamsheret4234]

Have really enjoyed this video and the ‘Mindful operational principles’ in one of your recent blogs (which I can’t quite work out how to reply to!). Huge inspiration for a future project, and also focusses the mind on what one might actually like to get out of the project. It’s all too easy to get mission creep and build something too big, expensive and complicated that you can only operate once in a high day. I’ll definitely be looking to make something ‘mindful’ in the next few weeks!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thanks William, it’s great to read you’ve enjoyed the video and some of my other meanderings on a different style of layout design - one that emphasises the joy of living with the layout rather than working on it.

[@John_N_Quay_Harbour]

That's a brilliant explanation and story, James. More than a model railway - part of you and your life. Merry Christmas 🎄🎄🎄

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you John, very kind, seasons greetings too!

[@thomaswilt4194]

Wonderful video James. I appreciate you sharing your personal thoughts; they make me reflect on what I am trying to accomplish. Best holiday wishes to you and your family..

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you Thomas, I’m glad my honest monologue has that impact, making these videos takes time but it’s always worthwhile when people say it has not only been enjoyable to watch, but to make them think.

[@AndrewUnderwood-sm7qd]

Thanks for that, James! I am constantly that guy that says, "But does it feel right?" To me, the "feel" is sometimes better than going for a super accurate representation of the real thing. Beaverbrook looks fantastic, and I'm happy to see the green TT engines moving around!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thanks Andrew, you might have something there yes, feel means more than pure accuracy to me as well.

[@doctorno3912]

Beautiful layout and an innovative use of space with the storage. I'm debating if I do my first layout as something like this myself. Only drawback is I sometimes like a hands off approach and just enjoy watching trains run. I'm not entirely sure if I can give up on a loop of some kind. All and all nicely done.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

I’d say just give it a try, but I think perhaps you need to make that decision first, in a way, to ensure you get off the starting blocks. Good luck! Any layout is surely better than no layout?

[@boxryde382]

I’ve really enjoyed your videos this year, and have to wait until til Christmas to read your book as the wife has wrapped it and is under the tree. I think this is either my favorite, or is in the top three videos that you have done. Looking forward to your efforts in the future. Dave in America

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Dave, that’s so kind, and thank you for the reflection. Not long to go, the book will be in your hands soon, I do hope you enjoy it. Best wishes!

[@CNR5154]

Always love videos of this layout and your accompanying commentary. I know the prototype spur quite well, and the TT-HSW or TT-DT locos are brilliant as ever. Gifted myself your books for Christmas, plus the RMC weathering book in which you are featured. Very enjoyable and very inspiring. Happy New Year to you, Jame!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you, and I do hope you enjoy the books! Glad to have provided a little inspiration, find your own story and use that to fuel your own adventure!

[@PostmoderneModelWorks]

Great stuff, James. Very enjoyable video.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@aeyb701]

I just subbed. I photographed some of the last Terra Transport 3’6” gauge locos on the island province of Newfoundland in august 1990. These were involved in rail removal after CN shut down the line in late 1988. Many were sold to South America and some to Africa. Like others I like your philosophy on the hobby. Jon Archibald in Canada

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Hi Jon, thanks for the sub, and the story. My TerraTransport story is told on the blog and is a blend of adventures (long after the railway was gone) with my late father in Newfoundland (2001) and friendship with Chris Mears in Nova Scotia.

[@rayronvr]

very nicely done. just goes to show how simple you can make this hobby.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you

[@thordandersson5802]

Less is more, wonderful I got a lot of ideas.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

That’s great, glad to have helped just by sharing my passion for model railways.

[@GreenRC24]

Beautiful layout, fantastic work!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it, a lot has happened since the video was made, I must do another. It’s shown in my latest workshop tour briefly, if you’re interested.

[@GreenRC24]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways Great! Yes, I'm indeed interested. I am in the planning stages of my new shelf layout and I don't want anything real large.

[@trainswithnickyt]

I really enjoyed this one, I have a similar affinity for US models, despite the fact I've never been Stateside. My particular passion is for the Alexander Railroad in NC, originally part of the Southern, but taken on as a shortline in the transition era, indeed the borrowed a Southern steam loco for 2 weeks before purchasing their own diesel switcher to run the line and it's still in active use today with Sw1500s and a 44tonner operating the line.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thanks Nick, there are so many modellable shortlines across North America, it’s usually a case of trying not to be distracted than a lack of inspiration!

[@Tractor3Thrasher]

Hi James just came across your video thank you for sharing your amazing work. I left the hobby 9 years ago due to downsizing and sold all my equipment etc. Now having seen most of your videos you have me inspired and I'm currently doing a shelf layout. Have a great Christmas and all the best.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

That is fantastic news, I’m so pleased to hear my videos have encouraged you to build a new project and get back into this wonderful hobby. If you haven’t got it already, a copy of my first book ‘Small Layout Design Handbook’ might be right up your street. Thank you for the festive wishes, best to you too!

[@Tractor3Thrasher]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways I will have a look at that it may be very useful as I've went from 00 gauge to N gauge I'm still trying to get my head around the scale size 😁.

[@trainswithnickyt]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways Do you have a link to where I can acquire a copy of your first book? I am eager to read it, but all of the usual avenues are out of stock, (including LRS).

[@Maurice00PA]

The ability of a layout to transport you to another place and/or time is part of the magic of model railroading. Thanks for all the great videos throughout the year. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Cheers!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you Maurice, that’s very kind. Seasonal wishes to you as well.

[@andybmodelrailways]

Love the minimalist design, often when looking back at my layouts I feel that I over designed my track plan, as I plan my new layout I will be trying to implement some of your design cues.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

I think a track plan evolves yes, but should never be over complicated. The prototype is a good place to start! I mean, if you look at my latest layout it has no turnouts… can’t get much simpler, but actually is good fun to play with! paxton-road.blogspot.com/2023/12/mosslanda-captures-blandness.html

[@bernicemeade3232]

This is a nice layout to work on Great job keep doing it

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thanks Bernice, I will do!

[@user-cy2rj7up3f]

Hello James, can you tell me what is the length and width of this module. And how many sidings? Thank you for making us dream and good luck for you and your family. Jean-Marc from Switzerland👋

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

It’s a little under 8ft long, and from 12-14” deep. Just two turnouts, so three sidings.

[@bernicemeade3232]

Nice layouts More videos❤

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you Bernice, I will do my best

[@lakesteam5425]

You’re videos are extremely helpful. I’m wondering where you get your figurines/scale people. They are very realistic!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you. The figures are from a British company called Modelu, they are 3D scanned and printed from real people dressed in period clothing. Often nice static poses too, so they look believable in photos.

[@smallrails6831]

❤from nz

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you!

[@SilverGear_]

It just goes to show that to model a true to life CanAm prototype that both looks good and has plenty of "play" value one doesn't need a basement empire. Thanks for sharing this personal project and story with us. I picked up your Small Model Railway Handbook and so far it has been a great read. Will be able to use it to rekindle interest for my own small layout that has sat idle for most of the year! Seasons greetings and I look forward to seeing you in the new year. PS: do my eyes deceive me, or is that a Beep on the workbench?

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you, it’s still a work in progress, and one of these days I’ll do a proper ‘explanation’ style video where we look at each part of the layout and discuss its inspiration and how it was made - but for now, this was about the story of why it was made.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Oh, and yes, it’s a Sweep. The next locomotive for the layout!

[@clive594]

First class layout what code rail have you used also were do you buy from in the uk ?

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

It is mostly Peco code 83. The turnouts are unifrog with one piece switch rails that look amazing. There is a yard of code 70 on the Co-op spur. I buy it from Rails usually, but had used Hattons in the past.

[@chorlton4]

Are the wooden storage draws an Ikea product? been searching for something similar to yours but with no luck

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

I honestly can’t remember! I think they might have been from eBay.

[@garypyke1576]

That is a great sounding locomotive. What brand is the locomotive and what sound decoder are you using? I also think your shelf layout is great. Im thinking of building a shelf layout as well

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you. The model is a Kaslo Shops resin kit of the CN GP9RM in a custom paint scheme. It’s mounted on a 30 year old Proto2000 GP20 chassis and uses an ESU Loksound with the GP9RM sound file through a quality sugar cube speaker. Good luck with your project!

[@lukestevens8735]

Hi James. what is the height to the letter box viewing area? Do you have a recommendation? I've used 15cm and I'm not sure it's really enough.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Luke, it depends. How close do you operate the layout? My window isn’t that much taller than 15cm and on my other projects it’s smaller. A lower window can help make the layout feel longer, and focuses you down onto the scene in front of you rather than allowing a view down on to the trains from above. I’d probably say a 8:1 ratio works about right, but as I say depends on how close you stand when operating.

[@colinjones2974]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways How interesting, my HOn30 letterbox is 15cm. It just felt the right size. Why, do 3 different people in say different parts of the world (I'm in Aus), come to the decision that is the right size for the envelope. It must just look right.

[@lukestevens8735]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways Mine is also mounted about eye-level and is about 7ft long (though only 8in deep). The reason I asked is about uncoupling KD's with one of their uncoupler pics. I think it is that you have vertical clearance because of your deep pelmet. In terms of operation it's probably 30cm from the layout (length of a Roco multimause!) so I can easily reach to the back of layout on the third yard track to uncouple stock by hand.

[@owenacaster]

that "sweep" on your desk by Kaslo?

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

It is - and you’ll find more about it on my blog.

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Thank for sharing this deeply personal representation of your Canadian layout with us. It's very much appreciated, because watching your videos helps me to think thru my reasons why I want to create my switching layout, and where, by explaining your personal reasons for modeling this railroad scene, and how you feel transported to Canada during your operating sessions, and totally immersed in the moment, . Early in the video you mentioned the complexity of railroad switching orders, and so on, and the creator of the Seaboard Central KZbin channel might be able to give you some North American operational insights, as he's an engineer for Norfolk Southern, and his HO scale layout is beautifully sceniced, and based on prototype standards.kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2aWoaWfd9xnhKc

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you, I’m glad you have found it helpful. I would suggest my first book, ‘The Small Layout Design Handbook’ might help you further but thinking about location of your layout in the home, picking a prototype that matches the space and some scenic composition ideas. You mention the Seaboard Central, I’m familiar with the layout. I have a number of contacts in the Maritimes who actually do switch the real Beaverbrook in Moncton as well, but as yet I don’t think adding that detail will improve the experience at all for me. Good luck!

[@What_If_We_Tried]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways An error on my part by suggesting an American instead of Canadian source of information. LOL Will consider your book. Thanks...