How to Build a Model Railway

This video is an example of what can be achieved in building a model railway from start to finish. There are many KZbin clips which provide a great deal of detailed information. It should be remembered that a model railway is what you would like to run and not what a 'perfectionist', sometimes referred to as a "rivet counter" says it should be. You will notice in this clip that I like to run diesels from different era's and different lines. You will also notice a German loco in the typically English setting simply because it is a great model. This is a reposting of my earlier same video which was taken down by youtube because some of the music breached copyright.
Hope you enjoy it and it gives you, the viewer, a few ideas.

[@mikeryan959]

Only just seen this. What a lovely record of your progress. Without being nasty, there is nothing “flash” here, we can all do this but the ooint is that you HAVE DONE IT and credit to you. Enjoy playing trains!

[@user-fr5nm1yx8o]

Looks really great and was really nice to see in person, a great job well done

[@richardberry9984]

Thanks for the feedback. I have since constructed 2 subsequent layouts, which are also featured on KZbin. This fairly basic layout has served its purpose outlining scenic settings/ideas for those enthusiasts wishing to enter the hobby and who need a few ideas to get them going. As you say, there are many good layouts featured on KZbin. All the best with your interests.

[@rtalbot87]

Incredible. I find it uplifting to realise what can be achieved; and rather depressing that I will never achieve such realism with my layout !

[@richardberry9984]

Thanks for the kind thoughts. It all started with a desire and after making lots of mistakes, it all seems to come good.

[@leshall8615]

Another fantastic layout Richard, great work.

[@richardberry9984]

Thanks Les. Really enjoy making them.

[@martinhinsley6198]

Absolutely lush. I`m dribbling at the seams !!

[@richardberry9984]

Thanks for the comments. Glad you enjoyed it. Hope you are also enjoying the hobby.

[@georgethomas7814]

Incredible Music. The results you get for your layout are very impressive

[@richardberry9984]

Thanks for your kind thoughts. Hope your hobby is just as fulfilling. Mixed response from some watchers about the music, but I like it.

[@phil36310]

Rebonjour Richard, All high quality. From track plan to finish. Impressive and inspiring. Great details - everything nicely in harmony. Most enjoyable running session. Excellent photographie and editing. Perfection is the word ! Thanks for sharing. Success & happy model railroading, Filip

[@railway187]

Impressive work!

[@mountainsprings3303]

Wow, really nice. Thanks for sharing

[@richardberry9984]

Thanks for the positive interest. Hope you arealso enjoying the hobby.

[@robinarcher8707]

Nicely done!

[@richardberry9984]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Hope you are enjoying the hobby.

[@user-pu7iu3qo5g]

Love your choice of music...oh the builds ok as well :D

[@richardberry9984]

Thanks for the feedback. Glad you enjoyed the music.

[@daveconno]

Absolutely amazing! Any chance of a video showing the track plan?

Great video, I just discover your channel and I subscribe directly.

[@smallrails6831]

Awesome work

[@richardberry9984]

Thanks for the feedback. Hope you enjoy the hobby.

[@_RandomPea]

How long did it take? I love the entry door, a great bit of work.

[@richardberry9984]

Thanks for the interest. Total time was about 9/10 months, but then I am retired and can devote 3/4 days a week to the project.

[@adminsasdefault2366]

Amazing - but did nothing for my OCD with all the mixed era’s of rolling stock ha

[@richardberry9984]

Thanks for the feedback. Agreed re the mixed era's, but I now have enough rolling stock that I can run set era's.

[@jefwisse1957]

Unfortunately this video comes to late for me. I already built a model railway with lots of mistakes I wouldn't have made if I had seen this before I started. What is the plan for the near future? Greetings Jef.

[@richardberry9984]

Hi Jeff and thanks for the interest. This is my 11th layout. All of them have presented me with learning curves. Everyone makes little mistakes along the way and I am no exception, the trick for me is to learn from them. I am always looking for ways to refine my approach with successive layouts. My interest comes with the actual building of a layout, enjoying running it for a year or so then onselling it so I can start on the next project. Unfortunately you will never get back the value of time spent, but thats not what its all about. You might like to have a look at my 12th layout which features a running session - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXfbh4OCi9Scjtk . This layout has also just been sold as I needed to move into a new home and downsizing became a priority. The new layout will commence in a few months and I will put up a post detailing its construction. It will be slightly smaller than this layout, and probably wont have room for a viaduct as a feature, so I will need to be more inventive. Ahh well, we'll see. Thanks for dropping by and all the best with your layout. Cheers Richard - Melbourne Australia

[@jefwisse1957]

@@richardberry9984 Thanks for your responce Richard. I agree that the built of a layout offers the most satisfaction, especialy if the results are better than the ones before. My biggest problem is my budget. Otherwise I would have bought a 3D printer and several other tools like for instance an air brush. However it offers me the possibility to be creative and that offers me a lot of joy. Seems to me that you also enjoy building. I wish you all the best for the future. Greetings from Jef in the Netherlands.

[@ericlackford6718]

It is beautiful, highly skilled but the first requirement is space.

[@richardberry9984]

Thanks for your appreciation, and yes, space is a major challenge to deal with. In the meantime hope you enjoy watching the many skilled KZbinrs.

[@paulfraser3385]

what was used for track underlay my friend?

[@richardberry9984]

Hi Paul, Thanks for the interest. Track underlay was in two forms. This layout used "Trackrite" underlay (manufactured in Australia so dont know if it is available overseas) which is an extremely good high density rubberised foam. Downside is the cost approx. AUD$14.50 for a 5m long x 50mm wide strip available in a variety of profiles. However for subsequent layouts I have used 3mm thick yoga mat cut into desired sizes. Found it to be an extremely good product as it is designed to absorb human weight but lightly 'spongy', has good sound deadening qualities, is easy to cut and is very cheap. (I purchased in rolls from a local KMart store for only $4 a roll approx. 1730mm x 600mm x 3mm thick) works just as well as the high density foam, and in my opinion, better than cork. Can be glued down to a timber table top using PVA glue. Also easy to cut into desired shapes for points etc with a sharp knife or scissors. All the best with your project. Regards Richard, Melbourne Australia.

[@paulfraser3385]

@@richardberry9984 Thankyou Richard. Layout looks great. I ll look into your ideas. Regards Paul

[@CymruJedi]

Where are those point levers from?

[@richardberry9984]

Point levers are made by DCC Concepts UK - www.dccconcepts.com/product-category/the-cobalt-collection/cobalt-signal-levers/ - a great product

[@richardberry9984]

I also use their point motors which are rated as better than the Tortoise motors as they include inbuilt switching for electrofrog plus another two which can be used for signal lights

[@CymruJedi]

Can you just make me one mate? I don’t have your talents 😭

[@richardberry9984]

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have some success with your interest in the hobby. I enjoy making layouts and onselling them after enjoying some running sessions. This is my 11th layout and the 12th is almost finished.

[@asquithmainlines699]

Who else was waiting for Roy Rogers to come riding in on Trigger?

[@richardberry9984]

On this particular day, Roy stabled Trigger in a nearby farm and decided to catch the train instead, giving him a well erned rest.

[@farmerdave7965]

Apache on steel guitar

[@garysayward9933]

Can you contact me when you are selling your layout I should of bought your last one

[@richardberry9984]

Thanks for the contact. It just so happens I have sold our home last night and it looks likely I will have to sell the current layout but am awaiting to see what space is available in the next house. If it doesnt fit then the current layout will be up for sale. You can view it at kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXfbh4OCi9Scjtk I will keep you posted if you can send me your email address. Thanks for looking and the kind thoughts.

[@richardberry9984]

Thanks for the interest. The current layout will be going up for sale next week. If your interested, let me know. Regards Richard

[@railwaymechanicalengineer4587]

WANT IT TO LAST 25 YEARS WITHOUT WARPAGE ? - THEN CONSTRUCT TOTALLY OF MARINE PLYWOOD !!! Not a method I recommend. Soft wood 2x1 framing, is the weak point with this method as it warps too easily. And if baseboards warp it will "Kill" a layout stone Dead. I learnt 40 years ago that warp free BASEBOARDS, that can even be dragged around to exhibitions all over Europe, need to be TOTALLY constructed in Quality Marine Plywood. Using 15mm ply for the SANDWICH frames with 12mm ply for the tops. Only the "Slot in" legs I make with 2.5" x 2.5" pine, for rapid assembly & disassembly. Joining baseboards to ensure EXACT PRECISION ALIGNMENT every time, requires proper Precision Pattern Makers Alignment Dowels which guarantees alignment to within 0.1mm. Then two Carriage bolts with washers & wingnuts to hold the boards together. Then slot in legs (at one end only of each baseboard) with adjustable feet, where the legs are also used as the racking system for transport in a Lorry. This system also allowed baseboards to be as big as 6ft 6in (2m) long by 4ft (1.2m) wide. And standing in the middle of such a baseboard never showed more that a 4mm deflection (I'm around 13 stone) !!!

[@kevinhickson8099]

would of been better without the god awful music.can never understand why people spoil a good video by putting shite music on.if i want music i'd put the radio on