Is The Model Railroad Genre Evolving? - Vlog # 116

[@user-on9ql6ji5f]

And yet I see so many people posting on facebook about their layout and they are building the very old and outdated 4x8 sheet of plywood way. Same for people joining our local mrr club - the predominant layout by far is a roundy round, 4x8 or similar footprint, no thought to operations or any type of prototypical running. My current layout (2016-current) and previous layout (1994-2014) were both shallow shelf along the walls layouts. It seems far too many (and usually newcomers to the hobby) are still influenced by old style track plans and layouts, whether that's from what they see in magazines from remember from childhood, I don't know.

[@boomerdiorama]

You raise some very interesting points. I think the shelf layout concept comes in at the intermediate stage after a few builds that get abandoned. Most beginner builds are usually from impulse in reaction to an emotional response concerning a train or locomotive.😉

[@user-on9ql6ji5f]

@@boomerdiorama Probably the beginner goes to a hobby shop or grabs a magazine and sees the typical small roundy round which does lend itself to continuous running, another feature beginners want. I do recall long ago (like 40 years ago) that the point to point concept seemed odd to me - you move your train 10 feet and its done???? Another aspect is the less is more idea which has become more and more apparent in our hobby. But sometimes beginners want as much 'table top space' as they can get. Videos and discussions like yours are very helpful to get people thinking a different way.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@user-on9ql6ji5f 😁

[@kevinmacomber1336]

I own NGMC and shelf layouts are the norm now. Enterprise layouts are very uncommon. Regarding the plywood, that is all they know and many refuse to put any work into developing a story for their layout or a track plan. And that is why there is so much disappointment by them.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@kevinmacomber1336 Story pulls you in and keeps you there. I still feel super motivated on this layout. Nice to relax and build for it as well. 😁

[@anthonygunter4064]

Love the sound track! It fits the mood set my the diorama. Is it Windham Hill Records?

[@boomerdiorama]

No. It's from some royalty free music called Bensound.

[@paulthomann7911]

I am coming into this hobby from years of construction experience and my other 2 passions woodworking and photography. What I see is an improved ability to achieve depth through improved illusion. Whether the layout is smaller or larger I am not sure that it matters. We have so much access to better learning tools not only teaching us the patience of layering but how to see those layers in the world around us. Once that is in your head it is hard to accept anything less. Then there are people like you who give us a pathway to make real what is in our minds eye. This is the delicate tapestry of the craft and how it progresses. At its core it fundamentally comes from sharing our talents. Pass it forward.

[@boomerdiorama]

Your construction and woodworking skills are a great asset to this hobby as they are transferable to modeling. Dive in and have fun with this inexhaustible hobby.

[@michaelurias8936]

I agree 100%! The internet has really connected not just us model railroaders but many other people with hobbies and creative ideas. It has allowed people to share ideas and has brought the hobbie to a new generation! It has helped it evolve as well.

[@boomerdiorama]

I agree! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@jstockton303]

Very good content on the evolution of modeling. Where is the prototype yard in the beginning of the video, very interesting track plan?

[@boomerdiorama]

The Prototype yard is "Trapp" Yard - SRY Rail Link, New Westminster on River Drive on the North Arm of the Fraser River.😁

[@jstockton303]

@@boomerdiorama thanks, found the details using google maps, I like the yard configuration and there are more up north.

[@paulc1964]

Totally agree shelf layouts are increasing in popularity as you are aware with my Riverbelt layout. Myself and a friend started the Facebook group HO scale shelf modelers 18 months ago and we now have 13k members in the group and the posts are outstanding. So yes I believe the hobby is moving towards more shelf and modular layouts. Keep up the great work best regards Paul C

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Paul! It's always nice to hear from you as well. Cheers ~ Boomer

[@Christiane069]

I also noticed that you have a good sense of motion in your presentation. I guess it spread on you to work in the movie business. I really like when you use real sound with the models.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes! Thank you! When I worked in film I used do a little video work (with Super 8, etc.) when things were slow on set. Video is tough to do because the demand for lighting is huge and the heat it causes becomes very uncomfortable fast. I plan to up my game a little more this year and the next as well. Cheers and thanks for sharing ~ Boomer.

[@Christiane069]

@@boomerdiorama Well, there is good news coming up, the lights system use LEDs nowdays, therefore goodby heat.

[@nynscaler2482]

Agreed. I discovered micro layouts a couple of years ago and really like the concept so far. Since the layout is small and inexpensive, it provides more opportunities to concentrate on detailing and experimenting. I also like the challenge of fitting as much as possible into a small space. Thanks for the video.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Jeff-ne1lh]

What I've noticed is that not only is the hobby evolving, but the people who are part of the hobby is evolving...it's pretty awesome actually.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes, and the technology is a well, like 3D printers. I wonder how long it might be before they 3D print larger terrain sections, etc.

[@williambryant5946]

@@boomerdiorama That's an interesting notion.

[@bnrailfannz8262]

Shades of Al Borland peeping over the garden fence..(Tim the Toolman....*tv*. :-) Love the 😺

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@travisjodyh.842]

I was very lucky to meet Don in the late 90s. He lived in Tempe Arizona, a few miles from me, and was just as generous with his time and sharing techniques. I still have a few of his trees and they are amazing. He was absolutely right about the direction of the hobby, but I’m surprised it took as long as it did. I haven’t seen or heard from Don in about ten years. He used to show up at Roy’s Train World in Mesa from time to time, but that all ended when the shop closed a few years back. He also authored a few articles in Mainline Modeler magazine around 2000. I can find the exact issues if you don’t have them, they were revolutionary back then. Thanks for mentioning this relatively unknown scenery artist.

[@boomerdiorama]

Likewise! Thank you for sharing this as well. Cheers ~ Boomer.😁

[@TheNorthwestWind]

truly amazing work my friend

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank You!😁

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank You!

[@rayoneill5485]

Totally agree, modeller like your self and others taking there time to show others, that most thing are achievable, the bar has been lift to new heights!

[@boomerdiorama]

Model railroading has to be the most diversified and rewarding hobby I have ever know as an artist. Even more so than painting and sculpture alone. It incorporates the latter and then some. It serves every artistic whim and passion I have ever had. Cheers.

[@albertjones1386]

Over and above the subject of this video, I found the opening of you and the cat looking down the loading ramp and the music you choose just a wonderful beginning. You have truly built museum great modulars.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Albert. I love your name! I had a good friend named Albert and I am very familiar with Jones. ;-)

[@mckerrowsiding]

I remember my first train layout it was a Lionel set oval and two switches my dad built a table for it. Fast forward a few years layout number two. A Hornby oval I received from my Scottish uncle I loved it so very realistic for that time. Fast forward to today in my seventies and starting a large basement empire in n scale. The level of realism and technology of today allows us to evolve our layouts to a level that would be unthought of in the 50's I believe that this will continue to be the hallmark of our hobby one that encourages us to strive for more realism more challenges and more enjoyment.

[@boomerdiorama]

I can't believe how many quality layouts are out there now. I probably have not seen half of them as well.

[@raybesignano4967]

Boomer, your comments re the evolving of the hobby AND the modeler are spot on. As I have commented before I have been building model railroads for near 75 years and as I casually take a trip down memory lane, I am astounded by not only the change in the nature of the railroads but by own skill set AND my expectations. Am often surprised to realize when I read an article or how to book that I have already been doing exactly as they say not because I have followed a formula outlined by someone else but because I have evolved and grown based on my own experiences. To your point for example about the size of trees, I have for a while been dissatisfied by the lack of size but been reluctant to install larger trees due to access concerns. After watching your tutorials, and seeing the visual impact, I have begun to upgrade the trees on my layout and couldn't be more pleased by the improvement in realism. Will continue to follow you, not just to improve techniques, but mostly because I enjoy and appreciate the intellectual and philosophical commentary. You truly have enriched my modeling experience! Thank you again.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Ray. That was very kind of you to share that. You nailed it when you said "experience." There is no replacement for experience through practice, skill-development, and failure, etc. Confidence comes from the latter and once you have the confidence there is no limit to what you can achieve in this hobby. The most remarkable modelers I have ever met, and I have met some of the greatest in their craft, had no problem doing the work and spending the time alone actually practicing their craft. The best work the hardest and the best reap the greatest rewards. My father who I assume to be your age, taught me never to accept mediocrity if I wanted to find satisfaction in whatever I do. You can have all the talent in the world and achieve nothing if you don't do the work. I know loads of modelers who are average in talent and skill who produce stunning models due to personal commitment and hard work. They seem to be the happiest people I have ever met as well. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@TMandN]

Ah,the man behind the magic! What an impressive layout. I also believe the hobby is evolving. More options to buy than ever before, but the cost is staggering. For some of the young trying to get into this hobby, its almost out of range. But, if you could make a smaller shelf layout, this affordability could be attainable, given time and patience. You have proven that. Unfortunately the costs are going higher, forcing hobbyists to evolve as well. Thank you for your wonderful contribution to the Worlds Greatest Hobby, my friend!

[@boomerdiorama]

Hey . . . cheers to you. I keep checking your channel for updates. ;-) I agree about the cost of trains, etc. Personally, I can't afford to buy anymore trains to be honest. I don't have a very large collection to some but it is large for this particular layout. Being a very "picky" collector, I have a very modest roster, and even then, I can trim it down some and be content. Cheers.

[@briankistenmacher]

Boomer, I agree with you. As an impressionable teenager, I was enthralled by the large layouts-John Allen’s Gorre & Daphetid, for example-but my own modeling the past 50 years has been focused more on the trees, not the forest. I want my modeling to tell a story, and modeling a fictional shortline railroad, backwoods or small town, HO or On30, allows me to do that, and at a pace that suits my lifestyle. The model railroad magazines devote some space to this point of view, but they still like to showcase the behemoths that occupy entire buildings, or snake around the many nooks and crannies in a basement, layouts the modelers may been building for years, if not decades. I respect that. I’ve seen many large layouts, even operated on a few of them, some with scenery but quite a few with hardly any, but I’m always glad to get back home to the little world that best expresses my personality, which is why your channel has so much appeal to me and the many thousands who also view it, not only for inspiration but also validation. Thanks.

[@boomerdiorama]

You voiced exactly my sentiments! Model your own little story and you will stay enthralled for years to come. Cheers and thanks for sharing that ~ Boomer.

[@taz2065]

Hi ya' Boomer... Just wanted to let you know how spoiled I've become watching you and Luke Towan. YOU are the Master. I can barely watch anyone else in the Modeling field, they just don't compare. I've had an insatiable desire to model realistically all my life (I'm 59). I'm sooo envious that you made a career out of it. I went to Commercial Art School instead. It's neat hearing all of the jobs you've held in your life, our paths have been VERY similar, I worked for a Landscape Architect in my teen years, drove Tractor Trailers across the U.S. and loved those UP Trains out West. I would like you to know that I SOAK UP everything you demonstrate, I'm being forced out of my comfort zone, and loving EVERY minute. I could & have watched you for hours on end. I've watched every Scenery episode dozens of times, and will watch them dozens more! Copying is the greatest form of flattery, and Sir, you are being copied to no end. Please keep in mind that there are thousands just like me that could watch hour long episodes of your work and NEVER get bored. My only request would be that you do 1 episode of Scenery Techniques, focusing on your layering of foam materials, bare earth, painting etc. from the ground up. (Interested in the color choices, size and why, in particular). If you and Mrs. Boomer would ever like to take a vacation in the great South Eastern State of hot, humid Georgia let me know. I have a room ready, and the meals are free. Feel free to venture into my train room and work on anything at your leisure. Sorry about the Southern accent, but we both speak Trains, so communication should not be an issue. Lovin' you, and all you do. Your #1 Student, God Bless (P.S. I watch all the commercials too!)

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow! I'm am flattered to no end! I appreciate all those wonderful accolades and am glad to hear you are enjoying them. You confirm the reason why I do it - to inspire other modelers to greater heights in their hobby, whatever it is! Thank you for the invite and will definitely drop by if my Wife and I find ourselves in Georgia. I will also consider your request and try to include more in the tutorials. Cheers and God Bless you as well. ~ Boomer.

[@tomt9543]

Quality over quantity! In the late 70’s - early 80’s, I was consumed by the desire to have a huge basement layout with a dispatchers room. The years have totally erased that dream, replaced by the enjoyment I get by building individual models and dioramas. Way too much time and money in layout building to suit me! I love the shelf layout approach.

[@boomerdiorama]

I tried the same approach as you mentioned as well and failed. I just kept failing forward until it clicked. Glover Road was what really turned on the light for me. Now I can't get over River Road. It just feels right - finally. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@hamoostaffat]

I found the same happened to me, i was always told my dreams were too big for my abilities growing up, so I went the route of just making little scenes rather than a big world, turned out a few years ago I noticed I had a "genre" for want of a better term* Was looking through what I had one day and noticed with a few little additions joining certain 'scenes' together I actually had a layout I was fairly happy with all told My shelf ones ended up getting linked with hidden track and becoming a long journey through multiple environments, I was very suprised what I had created basically by accident Knowing what we are capable of, building on that and not giving up because a big dream failed is the key to reaching these things we want, dreamers put a man on the moon after all, lol Happy building 🤘🤪👍

[@tomt9543]

@@hamoostaffat Very well said Sir!

[@tracynation2820]

Super. 💙 T.E.N. Edit: I still have a few freight cars with Mantua loop couplers, and run a DC layout where most of the locomotives don't have sound. I feel so Cro-Magnon. Hello from the Tracy Mountain Railway in Colorado. 💙 T.E.N.

[@boomerdiorama]

Right on! Rail on bro! I still plug in my DC transformer - DC "wave" over DCC "notch" is cool! 😁 Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@twitch1965]

I've come back the hobby after giving up on it in High School. For me, now closer to retirement, I want a hobby I can enjoy and model trains feel like moving dioramas to me. I really like the idea of having several shelf-style layouts that I can pull down and run depending on weather I want to run a puzzle or build out a mainline train in a yard or just a simple point-to-point "beer run". This hobby is an extension of my scale modeling pursuits.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds great. Go for it and have fun! 😁Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@andreasatlars4281]

Things are changing for sure. Definitely for the better. As much as my way of enjoying the hobby includes all the stuff I couldn't afford to get in the 90's I still want to present it in a "modern" way when it comes to the "presentation" (style of layout, construction methods, scenery and weathering).

[@boomerdiorama]

What I also love about the hobby is no one really masters the comprehensive learning curve because it seems to go on-and-on with greater challenges and problems to solve as well.

[@coasterball]

I also believe that smaller higher detailed layouts is the future. I personally have modular style layout just in case I have to pick up and move. I don’t plan on moving but you never know. I have been working on my small n scale layout now for 8 years and I still have so much to do. I have dumped a extreme amount of time and money into what I have and I couldn’t fathom if I had to move and dismantle it because it was permanent.

[@boomerdiorama]

Exactly the good plan my friend. Good wisdom there. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Great new video you done like and share thanks DD.

[@boomerdiorama]

Much appreciated

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Thanks very much for replying to my comment. That's the great part about the hobby sharing ideas and learning new ideas from other people to improve my Channel. Take care and stay safe DD. @@boomerdiorama

[@jpbassseniorbasssenior323]

Thx for this 😊soaking it up

[@boomerdiorama]

No problem 😊

[@205004gs]

At first, I thought that a modular or shelf layout was going to be limited as to what I could achieve with it and then I constructed an 11' by 11' angel shaped layout, and the sheer volume of things I have added to it is amazing. Economy and space saving by compacting the particular scene is awesome not to mention the tons of fun I have by operating it. I would definitely agree that the modular or shelf layouts are rapidly becoming the new norm in model railroading!

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes Gene, you are right. I am holding out a little before operations. The one down side to protypical scenes is the vast amount of space needed to switch them. I can't use the barge slip yet because I have not laid down the lead fully yet. ;-)

[@kenaf4157]

I just finished laying N scale track on a 2 x 6 x 6" module foam based landscape (not flat), I'm about 80 hrs in, the module layout has 2 portal tunnels which will plug into future modules, weight completed will be approx 30lbs, outside 6" walls is 1/2 popular. I really enjoy your vids ..thx

[@boomerdiorama]

That sounds awesome! You can accomplish a nice layout in N Scale for sure. Cheers.

[@bobharris5872]

I agree. It is changing. Better details and accurate scenery is more important now. Wish I could share a picture of my trees here. Bob

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed. If you have a Google account upload a pic to KZbin under your account. It's free!

[@randygates364]

First, your intro reminds me of Wilson on Home Improvement! I do agree the hobby is evolving. There are so many craftsmen out there (like you) who share there skills and their results through all the media we consume that the hobby has risen to a new level. My skills have grown significantly as a result of this as has the focus of my layout. Although it is a rather large n-scale pike, I now spend most of my time perfecting one scene at a time.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds great Randy! Glad to hear you are having fun and building the railroad of your dreams. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@Grainexpress]

I flip out when people use my layout as an armrest so I was yelling at you to get your arm off your layout. 😂 Totally agree with you. I am going to build modulars and not work anymore on the permanent layout. I want my son to take the layout with him after the groundhogs start delivering my mail.

[@boomerdiorama]

I hear you . . . I designed the armrest feature into the layout. ;-) With everything being made from "professional" acrylic, it's almost bullet proof. Experience is a valuable teacher. ;-)

[@peterhunt2723]

I had an LGB layout in my garden here near Nottingham uk for more than 40 years but lifted all in 2021 as I’m unable to get down to maintain it at 80+ years, now building shelf layout in garage!

[@boomerdiorama]

I had a small garden railroad once as well. Eventually the weeds took over. I did manage to salvage some of the track though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqiUiaOrbJ2Cq8k

[@HeavyMetalOne64]

In my opinion, the real evolution in modeling is with the materials. I started in 2016 and it was almost impossible to find a static grass applicator at that time. Now all my local hobby shops stock them. The materials needed in order to build realistic scenery has advanced generations in just the last few years

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow! You raise a very important point - The Evolution of Scenery Materials. Static grass has been the big one for me, for sure! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@Sardschka]

We in O can learn so much from you HO guys!

[@boomerdiorama]

O is an awesome scale! Good on you! ;-)

[@rodwarren2508]

I remember seeing this module when attending an NMRA convention on a visit to the USA with a good friend and a great modeller back in the mid 90's. It took my breath away and that of my mate's. We looked at how good the scene looked and to scale as we both modeled in N Scale. In 1994 I started a new larger and more adventurous N Scale home layout with narrow shelves (10 inch everywhere except I went to18inch in the yards). It was also set to 54 inch track height for the overall view. Then in late 1999 the two of us built a modular N Scale layout to take to train shows called, Thompson River Canyon. Same idea narrow bench-work with Valances and Fascia all painted flat black with black curtains to the floor AND really tall trees. This layout has had over 340,000 views on the tube so it must have hit a button. I'm currently building a HOn3 layout and yep is narrow and high off the ground. Many mates are doing the same now and it is a trend I see at train shows. Great subject Boomer. Rod from down-under.

[@boomerdiorama]

That sounds awesome! I can vaguely remember seeing a really outstanding N Scale layout in Vancouver many years ago depicting the Thompson River Canyon as well. Thanks for sharing that. Cheers.

[@brucejohnston8510]

Totally agree with you things are changing moving forward we would never have opportunities back in the early 70s or even 80s to show on social media like you tube Facebook would have sounded like science fiction small shelf layouts are fantastic great fun for all ages cheers from Bruce.blenheim south island new Zealand

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank You Bruce. Cheers!

[@brucejohnston8510]

No problem mate

[@brucejohnston8510]

Just watched your podcast nice one anymore podcast in the future I'm keen to watch them very interesting conversation cheers from Bruce

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear Boomer, absolutely agree on the evolution going on in model railroading. Humbly think the way people are sharing info on their hobby is picked up by others, who either start or refreshed. Also, the building of our tiny worlds can teach us something on how to better the true to scale one. That’ll be something for the rivet counters, pun intended. Anyhow, love this point you’re on. Like I may have said before. After having a cycling accident, I got back into modeling/model railroading. First just as a means to keep up my skills. Then I read about the NMRA having this program through which they assist people with building their own worlds, to teach them how to cope with the issues they’re facing, faced with, or have been faced with. That’s just awesome.

[@boomerdiorama]

You raise an interesting point. Model Railroading has been very instrumental in helping me solve problems in life. Model Railroads, real and fictional, present problems all the time we must learn to overcome. It's very cool that way. It is also very cool in the multiplicity of solutions to achieve similar results that are unique to each individual. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@markreed3433]

You are spot on, Boomer. Although I am building a medium-sized, 3-tiered HO layout, many sections - corners and long runs - are shelf-like, only 11 to 25" deep. My modeling decisions have always been to depict the most realistic scenes possible (and hopefully I will get better at it with practice and learning from my mistakes. My approach is that less is more (involving track and buildings), bigger is better (especially with trees), and more is better (with regarded to detailing and weathering of scenes). Your videos and perspective have validated this philosophy as I build my layout. I want my layout to have that "diorama" look-and-feel and it doesn't bother me that I may never fully finish the layout. I'm thoroughly enjoying this creative process, learning and experimenting as I go. As always, thank you for sharing your perspective on modeling and the hobby - more so than the techniques and methods themselves.

[@boomerdiorama]

"I'm thoroughly enjoying this creative process, learning and experimenting as I go" - Same here! The whole build process is a thrill, and when you get a sizeable chunk done it's a joy just staring at it. ;-)

[@hmathewsk28]

Boomer, I recently discovered your video series. I am returning to the hobby after an extended break away. I left out of lack of interest from the constant bombardment of layouts have to be these double decked empires etc. That said, I have become a fan of the English style layouts of small baseboards focusing on a specific topic. My feeling is that a section of modelers are shifting to more of a finescale type approach, scratchbuilding and learning skills beyond rattling a box. Perhaps it is the use of 3D printers and laser cutters that is driving this or just like me a desire to do things differently. My preference is in using the old school methods, even using paper. Thank you for taking the time to share your work as I do find it educational and worth my time to watch and learn from. Your painting and scenery “lessons” have been superb.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and welcome back to the hobby. You summed up my approach to the model railroad as well. Cheers.😁

[@WSHChief]

I thought I was the only one that felt like the commercially available trees are much too short. I model in 1:48 scale and mature pine trees are on average 90 ‘ tall! This equates to tree that’s trees 30” tall. Fortunately I was fortunate to have known Beat Hug of Old Pullman and attended many work session on his showroom layout in which he introduced me to his techniques in modeling these magnificent examples of scale trees. PS I have been in in 1:48 scale and have been involved with several variations of modules and found that the module that you can use as book shelf when not in use.

[@boomerdiorama]

O Scale trees work out best in a shadow box style layout with upper valance and matching facia. This way you don't need to model the tops. This is why I designed mine like this even though I model the whole tree I don't care to see the tops.

[@jeffvandergraff2574]

You are correct...the trend is discussed in several different forms of media...Lance Mindheim has written on it...Model Railroad Hobbyist Magazine ..which is an electronic publication has discussed the smaller layout and building modules

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. Lance understands the artistic side of model railroading for sure.

[@jeffwhite3679]

Like many of us I started in the hobby with a 3 rail O gauge train set when I was 4. My dad and grandfather mounted it on a 4x8 sheet of plywood painted green with gray roads painted on it. I got my first HO layout when I was a teenager. Packed it away when I enlisted in the Army and didn't get back into the hobby until after I retired from my second career. I always built models though, mostly military in the interim. I started by reading everything I could in magazines and online. The concept of building small, highly detailed modules appealed to me, especially as a way to combine them together into a large layout. I have a 30x40 space for my railroad but I'm building it in modules. That allows me to complete a section at a time and detail it to a higher standard then I would if I was building the railroad all at once. The hobby has changed and for the better.

[@boomerdiorama]

I like the "one module" at a time approach as well as I poke ahead a little here-and-there. ;-)

[@GUATAPARO1]

When my friends see my layout their eyes bright up and there is a wow on their faces. That is greatly do, not to my level of expertise, but to the more realistic kits for available for sale. Engines now sound like the real thing, box cars, tank cars, trucks…look better, and just about every accessory for sale, now has greater detail than it did 20 years ago. KZbin and many others sources of info, help the modeler with great videos that bring the realism as high as they possible can. Let’s not forget the inclusion of 3D printing. People can proudly share their photos on Instagram and many social media sources out there. Therefore getting additional motivation when receiving multiples likes. Even those that have big aspirations but little time, can now have the possibility to buy built weathered items that contribute to leave behind the toy like aperan of the past for many of us. There are many more reasons why the hobby entered a new technological era that is inspiring more and more people every day. Sergio, Michigan.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed. You summed up the present day reality of the hobby. There is so much out there it is overwhelming at times. It also makes it hard to decide on what scale to model as well. ;-) Cheers.

[@OTRWA]

Definitely evolving...noticed some chat on What's neet about NRMA and this topic as well...its changed so much since my first blue box in the 90s. The electric key is so fine now that scale lighting and realistic motion in once static models is now a norm.

[@boomerdiorama]

It was the Athearn "Blue Box' generation that really pushed the envelope and set the benchmark in this hobby. Maybe this high fidelity RTR market will cause the younger generation modelers to go soft - who knows. ;-)

[@OTRWA]

@@boomerdiorama True...one thing I have noticed...and its not just model trains...if we provide everything completed...as convenient as it is...the ability to solve problems and manage ones own stock seems to have left the building leaving disgruntled model buyers with no clue about what they purchased. While in retrospect the bluebox generation knew from having to make it work an intimate and in depth relationship with their models or purchases whatever they may be.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@OTRWA I go over all my models for details eventually, except maybe not Tangent, which are superb HO Scale models out of the box.😁

[@ericcoughlan]

Boomer, you are correct in stating that the hobby is evolving. It has been for the over 60 years that I have been in the hobby. As new and improved products came/come into the market, so each one takes us a little further down the line in being able to create a scene. Add in the social media, especially KZbin where we can learn from the likes of you, and the speed of the evolution just increases. Whilst I have my own layout, I spend far more time working on a very large club layout. One of my fellow club members is currently stripping down old buildings that were built up to 40 years ago, and creating new and much improved versions of those buildings. I spend most of my time adding detail to sections of the layout. We have split the layout into a number of key scenes where we have put in basic scenery so that everyone can get the feel of what we are trying to achieve, and then go back and build up the detail. I have to say that your tips and techniques have been taken on board and are used by me in adding this detail, and I really appreciate the time you have spent producing the videos that you have. However, I feel that another of your views is much more important - that what we are building is art. We are building a 3D, animated, artistic piece, and if you approach the modelling along those lines, we seem to be able to create better views and make our models so much more realistic. I have talked about this view with my colleagues at the club and a number now see that adopting this view does improve our own modelling.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed the layout is art! I can remember the days when I worked on club layouts. Man did I ever learn alot in those days. There is something about building your own layout though where you make all the decisions without the politics ;-)

[@ADAPTATION7]

Such detail. Size doesn't matter. It's the level of realism that's the most important.

[@boomerdiorama]

The layout, although small by today's standards, feels huge to me. ;-)

[@SmallTown_Studio]

I think large layouts with continuous running look absolutely stunning! But the more I think about it, I wonder if the option for continuous running is worth it. The option to have that is nice, but the entire layout is a loop? If you’re anything like me and have a tiny amount of space to work with, a Point-To-Point layout seems like a much better option. It does keep you engaged in running the layout, makes for easy portability, and they’re actually much easier for beginners. Not as much material is needed for a small Point-To-Point layout as a conventional 4x8 layout.

[@boomerdiorama]

Big layouts are grand and expensive indeed, but they take thirty years to finish as well, not to mention the cost. Every one I know with a big layout always says, "don't come over today I have to clean the track" . . . lol.

[@SmallTown_Studio]

Really? Oh hang on a second... Right. They have all that track to clean.

[@heidim6468]

I remember when some train guys put there layouts up around the top of the rooms that went all the way around the room. Now that made space for the room…..

[@boomerdiorama]

I used to go to a restaurant like that. It was called Choo-Choo's ;-)

[@dankamikubo7002]

The idea of modular railroading isn’t exactly new, the Belmont Shore Railroad Club has been promoting the concept since the early 1970s. It is the birthplace of NTRAK, where not only can an individual make a detailed scene, but also link up with fellow modelers from around the world. The club layout is also linear, a train will not run through a section more than once, and it’s footprint is 90 x 25 feet.

[@boomerdiorama]

Cool . . . although the point of the video was not really about the NTRAK concept. The shelf layout is a different genre than modular club layouts. It's more about the individual "introvert" modeler as opposed to the "club" culture which focuses on disjointed modules that lack a more focused realism and continuity in my experience.😁

[@dankamikubo7002]

The BSRR layout in San Pedro is a permanent installation. Although we have an NTRAK layout downstairs, the club layout is double tracked folded dogbone with staging loops at each end. It has scenery that is continuous throughout.

[@Gaz3801]

Smaller layouts are on the up and up. Modular layouts, shelf layouts, switching layouts, they are all growing in popularity. To be fair, it was the British that made the small shelf layout (sometimes called 'planks') very popular and it has taken at least 30 years for the US model railroader to catch on. As you mentioned, you can build and super detail scenes to make an outstanding layouts. It can be affordable to have a layout with a single locomotive, a dozen freight cars and a nice track plan that has well manicured scenery. It is all achievable in a short time or take as long as you wish. For the last 25 years I have been building layouts that are modular in design, so they can be pulled down and moved when house moves are called for. In the last 15 years, my layouts have been smaller modular layouts, of a few manageable baseboards all built light weight for easy break down, moving and setting up. I do it this way as I also exhibit. In the last three years here in Australia, the popularity of small shelf style layouts have really taken off, especially at exhibitions. Cheers, Gary.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing! Cheers.

[@donaldkormos5529]

I remember ... and still have ... the Lionel train my father bought for Christmas 1954. I was born a few weeks later in January 1955. Back then, a Christmas tree wasn't complete unless it had a train underneath it. When was the last time you saw a Christmas tree with a Lionel ... or any other model train ... underneath it? Definitely agree the hobby has been changing ... more realistic details and scenery (3D printing), sounds, lighting (LEDs), motion and automation (Arduinos) and lots of other stuff. But it still takes an artist ... still takes a dreamer ... in my opinion to capture a moment. For fun, checkout video made by Anthony Dodge The Model Train Outsider ... Parody Sound Video #9 ... titled Digital Killed the Analog Guy. Brings back memories of how a simple train layout could garner so much interest in minds young and old ... All the best ...

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds great. I'll check that out. I'll link it in my Community Tab. There is still something about operating a model Trian with a standard DC transformer in "wave" that I like. It feels more connected. But hey . . . I run DCC now so go figure. ;-)

[@travisjodyh.842]

One frustration I have with the 18” shelf is adapting it to On30 or Sn3 narrow gauge layouts. Everything takes up so much space, just wish I could design a visually pleasing layout in these scales on a narrow shelf. Hopefully we’ll see more layouts like this someday, but I worry the compression in those larger scales is a little too much to overcome.

[@boomerdiorama]

I built several narrow guage layouts on narrow footprints. It's about perspective and close proximity of background scenery. Most people only think about linear compression and overlook depth compression. River Road has far more depth compression than linear if you see the prototype location. A good example is to take a standard SLR camera and zoom in on a scene from a distance. What happens then?

[@jonathanjones35]

One other way to overcome this issue in the larger scales is to do more editing. Larger scale models have more "presence", on a per model basis, than smaller scale models do. That means you need less stuff around them and can rly more on the models themselves. If one can exploit this, it may become easier to come up with a composition in a larger scale that will fit on a shelf.

[@iangerahty3422]

Be inspired by what can be done in 1 Gauge 1:32- kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnLQmXiehql7nbs Also check out Toyman channel. He models in even larger scales and his wife does a lot of structures like shops that are highly compressed.

[@rwissbaum9849]

It seems to me that more and more layouts are following the shelf approach - even when they are not truly shelf layouts! If you look at Gary Cruise's excellent series on the UP Evanston Sub, even though his layout occupies an entire basement, it's really a bunch of shelf layouts stuck end to end. From the videos, it appears that the widest portion of his layout is about 30", and in most locations, it's much narrower. I think the drive to shelf layouts is driven by a number of factors: (1) it's difficult to reach more than about 24" from the front edge of the layout, making it hard to place scenery, structures, etc.; (2) it's easier to plan, build, and appreciate shallow scenes as opposed to larger expanses of layout space; (3) a shelf design means the layout will be easier to disassemble and move if that should ever be required; (4) time spent on details - like trees - is more likely to be appreciated because of the shorter viewing distance in a shelf layout; and (perhaps most importantly) (5) a shelf layout will always look more like a point-to-point design (even if there are means for continuous running) due to its inherent linear nature. This makes the overall scene more believable. I used to be awestruck at photos showing several trains on several levels passing through the same scene. Now it just looks contrived.

[@boomerdiorama]

You raise great points there. I guess I also grew tired of wasting stuff like scenery elements , etc. Then there is the evolution of skills we all achieve when pursuing the hobby, so the things we build become more valuable and less expendable.

[@JoeyBPhotography]

I'm not sure on the broader range of modelers out there, but for me personally working on a small modular layout only increased my interest in model railroading. I attempted to start "big" and the overwhelmingness of it discouraged me. I then, fortunately now that I look back, decided to try a small shelf layout, and wham! I got sucked into the hobby, in a good way. It forced me to hone skills, try things out and not worry that I spent too much time/money/space on a particular approach, etc. These days I'm interested in pursuing something larger down the road, but now it'll be easier to transition into that mindset because I have a foundation to build on. Thanks for sharing the thoughts, it's a great topic to think about!

[@boomerdiorama]

I think you basically summarized my approach to the hobby as well. Thanks for sharing Joey and good to hear from you. Looking forward to the updates on your new build! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@Castlebank_Sidings]

Here in the UK shelf layouts are pretty much the norm because of the lack of space (no big basements or very few) so many of us build shelf or micro layouts. Plus the absolutely ridiculous price of models in this country. My layout I'm currently building has a 4ft 10in x 18in scenic section with a 4ft fiddle yard. I've never built a large layout as I know it'd never be finished.

[@boomerdiorama]

I love the U.K. model railroad culture. They had it figured out long before we did. I used to be a big collector of British model railroad magazines back in the day. I was well read on the subject and actually built a 16' foot "Welsh" layout for a client which they also used in a movie. It was modular as well with staging. Cheers.

[@lilactreehouse]

Prettiest kitty on You Tube!

[@boomerdiorama]

She certainly is. She almost expects to star every video now as well. ;-)

[@30Squares]

Over the last few years I’ve gotten quite an education from reading Voie Libre International, the English language edition of Voie Libre from France. As well as shelf layouts, it features a wide variety of small and relatively small layouts in a variety of scales and gauges. Most importantly it has given me a new perspective on what a layout is and can be. (No, I don’t have a business connection to the magazine. I’m just an impressed reader). Also, inspired by your channel, I built a little 2’x2’ HO-9 layout last winter, the purpose of which was to act as a test setup for trying my hand at making scale-like, non-compressed trees of a few eastern Ontario species. My tree modelling results were mixed, but one thing that came through loud and clear was that getting the tree sizes and shapes right makes a startling difference in the appearance of a layout.

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

Thanks 30, was not aware of this publication. ☮ Bill.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed! The tree size makes a remarkable difference when they are composed into the scene. Cheers!

[@railroad1970]

I think most of us reach a point where we'd like to have that "Basement Empire." And most of us will not be able to attain that. Money or time... whatever your pinch point is, it's always something. I know a guy who's got plenty of money. But his job keeps him on the road much of the time. He's even got a room picked out in a house he owns. I used to own a condo and I had a layout in one 8.5'x9' bedroom. It was small and restrictive, but it allowed me to learn so much about modeling. And it was fun. Because we were in a condo there was no outside work to do, LOL. Now we have a house and there's yard work. There's a lot of folks with really long commutes, and who work very long hours. For a lot of people, building a couple of modules or a shelf layout is just the right amount of hobby. They can start and get that to a level of completion that's very satisfying.

[@boomerdiorama]

Just the right amount of hobby can be demanding as well if you focus in on the details. I have been fortunate to have a chapter of my life, even in semi-retirement, to find the time to build this shelf layout which is very modest by todays standards. Even then, I can milk it for years to come and it's only 2' x 26' Feet - more than enough railroad for me. A larger layout would do absolutely nothing for me in terms of serving my modeling desires anyway. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@eptahkal]

Railroad moddeling is evolving in many ways these days, with giving everybody with a small or big purse, little or much space the oppertunity to make their dream diorama or lay out. It is only what you want, and how many time and money you want to spent. The diorama however makes realism more suited because of the small size and the possibility to see it in a closer way.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed, and if you plan the little diorama as a piece in the puzzle of a larger scene, anything is possible.

[@randytaylor1258]

I have the same thought when looking at layouts with mountains. You're making full-size scale trees nut installing them where they won't be overly intrusive. But that's not possible with scale mountains. You could build a full mountain with a single track meandering along below, in the valley. But that isn't a scale model railroad -- it's a mountain with an accessory train.

[@boomerdiorama]

That a great point on how we should evolve our thinking when it comes to composing a railroad scene. Do we normally view the real railroad as a fantasy or a reality? If so, how much can we get away with the fantasy before it is no longer a model railroad?

[@wesbrackmanthercenthusiast4695]

I have a space in my attic where I could build fifteen by twenty mountain up the ten twelve pitch of the original roofline and build a logging railway on that mountain

[@johnmcintosh3626]

That hits the nail on the head! We are modelling trains, not mountains, not trees! Lets keep make those mountains, and trees, and make them as well as we can, (or well as we want to!), but keep them in the right proportions to our trains. "Boomer's" trees are right on the money! Because they are to scale, (and we can't see the top of them!), helps make the locomotives and rolling stock look real! - they are adding to the realism of the scene. When we get up close and personal to a train in real life, we don't see the tops of the trees, we see the train! Thanks so much "Boomer" for prying open our eyes to enable us to view our model trains at their best!

[@thetrainboard2772]

@@johnmcintosh3626 I tried ho while I still also had an o gauge layout. In video or in photograps, shot correctly, an ho setup reminds me of real world stuff. In person, that ho scale give me no real world feel. Seems especially toyish in person. But. I'll admit an o gauge really requires 072 curves, a crazy budget, and is easily overwhelming and leads often to burnout. Still, I'll always luv trains and this mutifaceted hobby. Gary j

[@boomerdiorama]

@@johnmcintosh3626 😁👍

[@muir8009]

I could say Boomer, that shelf layouts were the predominant form (at least in the UK) from at least 1895 - 1905, on occasion in modular form. As a qualifier though although shunting "switching" layouts were there, most tended to be of a continuous nature, clockwork and live steam being the predominant propulsion of course. Also, for those inclined to achieve a miniature reproduction of a railroad on a shelf, yes I would very much agree: however, for a very large segment on the modeling community this is not an aim they particularly want to achieve, with a different form of realism, but executed with a similar level of skill, and one could say, contextual empathy for the subject. I feel that modelers can all too easily represent the aim that they want to achieve as being what should be achieved in model making, whereas possibly the achievement one should be aiming for is a model that ticks all the boxes of what one wants out of their model? I'm splitting hairs of course, but if ones aim is that, there definitely hasn't been a better time, not only in tutelage, but the availability of resources. And of course a modelers acceptance that true proportions are not only achievable but can be desirable. I could also add, as you have demonstrated in the past, simplification can be such a great asset :)

[@boomerdiorama]

Great analysis you share here. I have often wondered what really constitutes a model railroader from a model train collector. I think the line is somewhat fuzzy at times in American culture due to the high degree of consumerism, which I am sure model kit manufactures love. Having said that, I think alot of hobby shops that have overstocked in model trains are in for an unpleasant surprise due to ridiculous inflation. Furthermore, I always admired the modeling culture in Europe/UK since I was a kid. I always felt in the cultural sense they were decades ahead of the curve. One example would be the evolution of the "diorama" concept into miniature form - in this case the model railroad. I mean, most of the early American masters and writers in the hobby were of European decent anyway so they understood the genre.

[@chrisdaniell2990]

How do you stop your cat from going on your layout?

[@boomerdiorama]

I trained her "Dusty" as a kitten on the Glover Road layout. She knows better unless I give her permission under supervision. Furthermore, she knows how to tip-toe around things remarkably well. As it stands she is not allowed to walk on Section one as it is primarily finished. ;-)

[@jimboson2010]

True my friend. I went from a 240ft of track layout in my basement to a shelf layout switching yard in my spare room.the build and enjoyment of the smaller setup is better for me.trees buildings etc I have put more time into.and have less but looks more.i have over 100 dcc sound locomotives (most in display cabinets) but I only like running about 2 on layout.funny how you get favorite locos lol. Take care everyone from down under in New Zealand.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes! Favorite locos for sure. I have more than I need but I have two favorites as well. ;-)

[@Tom-xe9iq]

My 40 y/o son is looking forward to WiFi-based, battery-powered sound card locomotives. Forget the power packs and electricity through the tracks! Shelf layouts that the modeler takes one set of scenes and concentrates is always more satisfying than the mega-empire warehouse layout. The British have had satisfying napkin-size layouts for decades!

[@boomerdiorama]

I was always a fan of dead-rail, so I hear you on that one.😁

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

Hey Boomer! I really agree with what you said about social media, there has never been so much information shared before. Is it just me, or do others read all the comments before watching the video? Anyway, my point is, the comments are all so intelligent and well-articulated! You've attracted a classy group of people here, and I'm glad to be a part of it. Take care - Bill.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Bill. I appreciate you! Yes indeed, the community here is very intelligent and classy as well. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@mr.e1944]

I think the hobby is evolving because the old guard are passing away or moving on and the newer generations are finding their expression in the hobby. Me I make small portable 24” long x 6” to 12” deep dioramas (only6” tall backdrop). I could put them on a shelf to call them shelf layouts, but I also mount them on tripods. Made of foam they are really light. I run Prorail on dead rail, so I don’t have to worry about getting plugged in somewhere. My pike is easily transportable to take to shows, to a friends house or on vacation with me. This is very different from the plywood monstrosities of yesterday year, that filled a basement and had a road going around the furnace and water heater midst cobwebs.

[@boomerdiorama]

Shelf "style" layouts, as you described, are in for sure. Dead rail is cool as well. Thanks for sharing. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@mr.e1944]

Your welcomes Boomer. Keep up the great work!

[@johnsolimine1164]

An accurate circular layout in Fn3 would be huge... So, yes to shelf or point to point dioramas.

[@boomerdiorama]

😁

[@bin6514]

If it’s evolving you are at the forefront

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you and I appreciate that, but I do know their are many superb modelers out there who don't publish as well. 😁

[@bin6514]

@@boomerdiorama yes but please understand we quiet type appreciate you more than you know

[@IowaGrandpaTrain]

I’m a boomer who has been an active model railroader for over 50 years. I also belong to a model RR club. Our club is thriving because new younger members are replacing those of my generation. One of the things I’ve noticed about the younger members is that they are more “operators” than “builders”. When I started the average modeler could only afford the kits that Athearn and others made. You had to be a builder to be a model railroader. Now you can hardly find kits. The younger modelers want the ready to run stuff because they want to RUN TRAINS! Operations is their thing. So yes, the genre has evolved and layouts have evolved too. When I described a model railroad op session to someone who is not a model railroader, they said “it sounds like a 3-D gaming session”. The trend is definitely towards model railroads that can be operated like the real thing.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. I would agree some. Modeling a Railroad is a whole different ball-game. Modelers who model railroads are not excluded from operations. They are not anxious about it. It's the railroad modelers who define the authenticity of the hobby, not RTR operators - ask the John Allen's who also operated the beautiful layouts as well - and so will I, when the time comes. ;-) Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@bobainsworth5057]

I see a trend, a trend in just the comments. Us older folk see our start with Lionel( American Flyer ), we went to Ho in the 70-80:s. We saw greats like John Allen and others. We tried to build better. Most of the "great" railroads were club layouts or large layouts in the magazines. I remember seeing layouts that were in mags and surprised how small they seemed to me. The great scenery layouts were those narrow gauge guys. So we built layouts that had a lot of track and went round and around. Then we found electronics, or should I say electronics found us. Emphasis became ," running trains at each other" , then sound. That got me into it. Too much, too soon? Maybe. So now we decide to do a better job on smaller areas and spend the time we need to do it. However, our backgrounds and so our make up is still large layouts. One other thing, we did a lot of negotiating to get that space. So where are we? Planning smaller so we accomplish what we planned but when were completed with that, ,this is for you younger guys and girls, we CAN add another small module. We get the satisfaction of doing it , completing it and holy moly we can do it again ---- without burnout. The best of all worlds. Thanks Boomer and others for leading the way.👍😄

[@boomerdiorama]

Model railroad real-estate is getting more expensive for sure. A lot of people don't realize how much I had to bargain to get the space for River Road after Glover Road . . . lol. So you raise a good point there. ;-)

[@DungeonStudio]

Interesting stuff. Having fiddled with numerous gauges in my young years (O, HO, N) and winding up focusing on Z scale through the 80's and 90's, I pretty well achieved my dream layout around 1995. However work and such kept me from truly enjoying it. By 2000 I discovered Microsoft Train Simulator. Thinking it a cheap way to get my fix, I soon found myself getting deep into modifying routes, making 3D buildings, and correcting sounds for a truly awesome and near prototypical experience! Yet sadly my Z layout got so neglected for the next 15 years. As things got more difficult to control and run MSTS - reinstalling on new computers, OS anomalies, freeware vs. payware vs. hacks, etc. It became too much of a headache for me to keep up with and enjoy. So today I've dismantled my Z layout, and selling it off - which sadly isn't getting as much attention as I thought it would. All my MSTS stuff is on HD's and CD's somewhere on a back shelf. And I simply watch your great videos and other layouts here on KZbin. Would I like to get back into it now - yes and no. I see your work and think 'yeah, I could do that...' But then I think of the time, the mess, the cost... And too, there's no hobby stores near me anymore. They've all gone out to the suburbs where rents cheaper and space is larger. And though there's a plethora of on line options I could shop from - it's just not the same no matter how many pictures or description is given of an item. Be it a Rapido Train, or a Atlas shanty kit. It's when I see them in a display case, have the box in my hands, or see great videos like yours I get revitalized.

[@boomerdiorama]

I get where you are coming from, including MSTS. "Run8" is an awesome Train Simulator. It does everything MSTS did not do and is virtually "bug-free"! It doesn't have the eye-candy that some tout but the physics and operations are off the charts for realism. www.run8studios.com/ As far as layouts go, the reason why I chose this particular size and genre is for the reasons you mentioned - there is no real mess or over cost because the footprint and focus is small and I love it now. It's easy to keep my work space clean and a pure joy to enter the room and settle into the hobby I, but more so now since I finally figured my needs out. I hope you can sort things out. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@PeterTillman3]

I guess I am looking at a big scale layout in my new basement but that doesn’t stop me appreciating the shelf layout as in the form of Glover Road and River Road which are both phenomenal and inspirational. Building a big scale HO layout may be the stupidest thing I have ever done but retirement beckons and I really hate golf 😁. I do agree however that the modular approach is pretty much the same as the shelf layout approach and there is definitely a huge appeal to focus all your time, skills and effort on a smaller footprint. For me personally, one the most significant evolutions or advancements for/of this hobby has been KZbin which has allowed modellers from around the world to access your world and learn from the Master. So thx again Boomer for all of your time and dedication to our community. Btw - the photo of you and Dusty is priceless.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing Peter. I also hate golf as well - although I must admit it makes for great exercise which I lack sitting at the modeling bench day-after-day. If I had the space you claim, I would not be opposed to a larger layout, but I would have to hire a crew though . . . lol. I simply do not have the creative energy for a larger layout. Part of the problem is I would never accept anything below the standard I model in, and that would be a recipe for total exhaustion and burnout for me at the end of the day. The trees would kill me. But . . . hey . . . it's your railroad, have at her. ;-)

[@PeterTillman3]

@@boomerdiorama completely understand Boomer. I actually have hired someone to build the layout because I don’t have time to learn those skills but I am going to scenic the layout and build the models, which is what I really enjoy.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@PeterTillman3 That's a great idea. When I used to work commercially in film, theater, museums, etc, I hired artists and modelers to do alot of the work where I would come along and work on other features etc, to put my signature on the work. It sounds silly but that was how they got built.😁

[@PeterTillman3]

@@boomerdiorama cool - i just think given my age with retirement coming up, i can just focus on the things i enjoy the most about the hobby which is learning how to create the scenery and models which is why i am such a devoted fan of your channel; it is simply the best. A university degree in modelling and scenery. I also get to support the professional side of the hobby by engaging an excellent US based designer/builder who will remain nameless but if it all goes pear shaped, maybe i will have to take up golf lol

[@boomerdiorama]

@@PeterTillman3 😁

[@micheldescoteaux7192]

Boomer, you are exactly right 👍 I honestly can say going from our old standards and growing up and learning new techniques and involving with myself as a model railroader, has improved over the years. The new generation has it lucky. They have the gifts provided and technology today to create, where when we started. We always want to achieve and improve but a lot of the products information etc was at a minimal back them. I have noted a lot of videos with the younger guys and girls, techniques that they are now doing is much more advanced than what I originally started with. Especially when it comes to weathering. So yeah the younger generation should thank us for the info 😂😂😂 , no offense to the younger modelers. I'm actually kind of jealous and wish I known this many years ago and would probably have had been a lot more advanced than now.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. I agree with what you wrote. Video is also a powerful learning tool as well. Something we never had as kids growing up. It was all books, trial and error with hands - on. There was no RTR like there is now.

[@PeterCPRail8748]

Been behind on vids Boomer, summer and all. The evolution of model railroading is a real thing. With the modernization of electronic digital control especially, one now has detailed prototypical signalling, block controls, down to the proto looking handheld inner cab stack controls on real life locos. With such a real life focus on layout control and newer motive power. Everything else has to look as life like and authentic to match these new highly detailed motive power, rolling stock and controls. Naturally a hyper focus on realism, can only be achieved with a simplification of the modelling process, cost, time, and materials used. The only way this can be truly achived is by shrinking the medium. A shelf or modular layout is the only phisable way of accomplishing this. More and more I see fantastic looking shallow around the room layouts in smaller rooms, simple switching shelf layouts, and diaromas. The larger layouts other then a few select forefront scenes are rather generic and simpler in nature, a by-product of larger scale canvas.

[@boomerdiorama]

It is unbelievable how much space a small addition to a model railroad can consume. I mean, no one builds a diorama with large a footprint because they are impractical static displays, yet people attempt to build large unfinished model railroads which soon become static displays as well. It's a bizarre conundrum which I feel the smaller shelf layout solves. ;-)

[@PeterCPRail8748]

@@boomerdiorama exactly the large model railroad empire can simply be explained by using the "your eyes are bigger then your stomach" metaphor. They tend to never be finished and many times then not taked down and rebuilt.

[@shaunhuckstepp7531]

Hi boomer , very interesting topic. It really opens up a can of worms, I suppose the layout depends on a lot of different factors , room size, budget and scale. Speaking from my own experiences I have a HO 22ft x11ft layout , a few years ago now I bought my son a small N Scale layout it was what you call a operational yard some switching and industry basically point to point. It was what he liked to run as he was a member of Nscale club , disregarding the scale it is really fun and interesting run trains on . Friends have commented on how much enjoyment they have running something that is compact so uncomplicated . If I had my time over again I would build something similar to Glover Road .its a manageable size ,cost and materials would make it more affordable its surprising how much fun you can a have with just a small layout or diorama . As with a large layout it can after a while become some what overwhelming at times, back when I was a lot younger the trend was to build big . After many enjoyable hours watching you build up this diorama I have a greater application for this style of modeling. I remember an old saying my father used to say, Big things come in small packages , somehow I think he was trying to tell me something . I know every time I watch these video's I'm bound to learn something new , keep up the great work thanks

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for taking the titmen to share. In some ways I feel like I found the "Holy Grail" with the smaller shelf layout. It provides a little bit of everything when it comes to modeling a railroad and all the enjoyment of operations without the associated anxiety of burn-out, loss of interest, etc.

[@anthonygunter4064]

Are you the one on the right or left? 😁 Now my serious question...I'm a beginner and hang on every word you say so, if I can't find an OMNI 5000, would an OMNI 4000 do? .

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes . . . to the airbrush question . . . lol. Back it up with a decent contractor compressor and all will be well.

[@anthonygunter4064]

@@boomerdiorama Done...

[@anthonygunter4064]

@@boomerdiorama Great news! I was able to fine a new Omni 5000 so I bought it. What brand and model contractor compressor should I get?

[@boomerdiorama]

@@anthonygunter4064 The Makita MAC 700 is excellent. Check out this review link: aircompressorsusa.com/makita-mac-700-review/

[@anthonygunter4064]

@@boomerdiorama Thank you for the tip. I was able to buy one online for a GREAT price! My Omni arrives today. My Vallejo paint is arriving tomorrow and the compressor next week.

[@karlhutchings4175]

I suspect that the changes we might be experiencing are not so much the realism and adhere to scale, in my experience there have been people doing that for almost the 40+ years I've been in the hobby, but certainly the *proportion* of modellers that hold that as a concern has grown immensely, especially it seems since somewhere in the 90s.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. The article was written in 1991, so you confirm the influence for sure. Thanks for sharing.

[@donhanley1213]

Boomer, nice picture of your cat and that other character. I also have a 22' shelf layout located in my garage. My layout divided into two switching districts that are separated by a block of "downtown" . The commercial and industrial buildings are large, between 18" and 36" long and 6" to 12" tall. I use the large buildings as a scenic break. Each section is further divided blending from the commercial / industrial to residential on the ends of the layout. I never liked the small trees and buildings that seem to populate many layouts. I would say that beginning with the proto meets promoting extensive detailing rolling stock and locomotive in the 90's has led to this evolution you're speaking of. Who really wants to have exquisitely detailed equipment running through a toy like scene? Another factor were the military modelers with their highly detailed dioramas. The model railroaded who choose to see what they were doing, soon realized it could be done on their layouts as well. Since my lovely wife and I are planning to sell our business, retire and move not much more is likely to be done on the layout. That being said I will salvage what I can and use it on the next layout. Of the many lessons I have learned is to build the next layout for disassembly. This includes removable structures as you have shown. Don

[@boomerdiorama]

My wife to the pic ;-) Your layout sounds cool. I am sure you will have fun on the next one. Cheers.

[@PostmoderneModelWorks]

This is an incredible model, but I honestly feel Glover road is is better in this way, complicated simplicity. It’s footprint is about as small as you can make an HO layout operational, but the same dimensions create the opportunity to enhance the illusion of dynamic perspective. You’ve definitely showed how apply basic skills I already had and apply them to this hobby, and I’ve taken those lessons to enhance my own Glover road sized diorama. My grandfather’s basement was an HO wonderland and I can’t think of anything better to dedicate a basement or spare room to, but building a small shelf layout to high level of detail isn’t a compromise or downgrade and can be equally rewarding if not even more. I don’t know if I’ll ever get the chance to work on a full size layout again, but I also don’t feel like I need to either since I have a fully functioning diorama.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes Glover Road was special. I still have it though. It all comes down easy because every thing was built with portability in mind just like I am building 'River Road.' The actual flat base (footprint) hangs on my wall like a painting. It was my wife's idea to boot. ;-)

[@sanjuansystems]

I think the biggest thing now of days is that a lot of people just don't have a lot of space. Its not viable for a lot of people to buy a warehouse to have a MRR collection sit in it and take up room. Personally, I intend to make a bunch of modular switching layouts that are fed off of a standard NMRA/Free-mo Modular piece. That way, if I am at home, I can swap out to whichever switching layout I want to use, picking and choosing which pieces I want to use. Or if I go to a Modular layout, I have the option to bring along a switching layout branch off thats only connected to the Moduals by a single NMRA approved piece. I mainly want it built this way however so when I build my shop, I have the ability to roll in and roll out different pieces. So if Im working on my cars, I can open up shop floor space by store the modules and not get them dirty, or if I want to operate, the loop around the walls can stay in place, and I can roll in different modules to create more opportunities that a large circle can't create. The stagnant design of MRR clubs that has been the norm, and the NMRA "modules" that are just a very standard square I feel are what's holding a lot of creative and a sharable experience back. However, these "norms" are necessary for any kind of passenger train operations as you need a LOT of track to really stretch out the engines and make it feel better than "Im hitting station 1 of 2 for the 50th time today." I think Free-mo is doing a LOT of good for the modeling community and The Christmas Tree Lane layout really has opened my eyes to what a little imagination, some creative thinking and a "small" area can be constructed into. Running passenger trains on Robs layout is truly a great experience and actually feels like there's a lot more going on and the layout is "thriving" and full of life. I feel we are moving towards a more dynamic and fluid MRR experience, and with time we will see more unique and transportable layouts that can host interesting and unique locations and switching possibilities wherever the creator is willing to drag them to.

[@boomerdiorama]

I like the modular (interchangeable) style you speak of. I take it you are familiar with Ian Rice. ;-)

[@sanjuansystems]

@@boomerdiorama yes I am! One section of my layout plans was highly inspired (ripped off is more like it) from one of his track plans but scaled up and spaced out for "smoother operations" I hope I eventually get around to making that module but I really want to hone my layout skills before I get around to undertaking that spot as its visually and operationally one of my favorite parts of the layout.

[@ThomasKlimoski]

Yes I agree with you, the hobby is evolving which is due to many of the factors you mentioned. The scenery products available today are far superior to what was just a few years ago, which helps make layouts more realistic. Model railroaders like you, Tom Johnson, and many others, are demonstrating that a smaller model railroad can be just as fulfilling as a larger one. A smaller layout allows you to focus on the details like scale sized trees and super detailing rolling stock, vehicles, etc. For me a smaller layout is the "right size" because of my goals in the hobby. I place a high value on slow speed realistic switching operations so I don't need a large layout to have a nice ops session. Modelers need to consider what is right from them after they examine their space, time, and money they want to devote to the hobby. I think smaller layouts will be much more common in the coming years.-Tom

[@boomerdiorama]

Planning the perfect size layout is harder than it seems. I would have to say I have learned a lot making mistakes by building too large a layout leading to burnout due to poor planning. The big difference for me was when I researched, planned, and went smaller and more focused. I don't experience anxiety or boredom when I work on River Road. I have also never been intimidated by other modelers my whole life - they actually inspired me to do better. The main reason I work so hard on this channel is to help engender the latter to others so they, too, can experience, practice, and grow in their skill and confidence because the rewards are awesome! Thanks for sharing Thomas. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@werta5000]

I know that the locomotives and some of the rolling stock has been completely overhauled. I have a select few Athearn RTR units from the yellow and blue era, I do have only plastic handrail units but I know about the brass hand rail units. the new RTR units are as good as what the Geniuses units were ten to fifteen years ago, the new Geniuses units are now well out of the time I have to detail units. Some of this is Rapido, some of this is Bowser, and like with the excerpt about the wide motor Athearn units, now that we have these well detailed units most have not looked back

[@boomerdiorama]

You can still make average look great as well. I love my Walthers "basic" GP9 which I added details to. I use it all the time and I think it looks great!

[@werta5000]

@@boomerdiorama I have put some good effort into a pair of Walthers GP9's. One is CP1627 that I repainted removed the dynamic grills, got a MBE number board and bell, hogged out the boars, made lit boards, step lights and track lights. the second is CP 8203, same light setup with ditch lights front and rear, with enlarged sand boxes. both i would say quack, they are close, they are not perfect but close enough. Also got a Kaslo body together built on a P2K chassis

[@boomerdiorama]

@@werta5000 I believe the Walther's GP9's only have one flywheel and they run remarkably well.

[@werta5000]

@@boomerdiorama yes, as long as you dont get paint in the pickups, i need to clean the one out a bit

[@boomerdiorama]

@@werta5000 Yes. I need to do a deep clean on my units as well. They get oxidized just sitting around as well.

[@keaganwright124]

Hi Boomer, this video and subject really speaks to me as I am modelling a 8 foot shelf layout based on 95-2005 BN I am wondering how do you decide which freight cars and locomotives to put on a small shelf layout? I'm finding it so hard to decide how far to go in terms of realism! Case in point covered hoppers should I restrict myself to designs that the railroad would have had more of or is it ok to have a PS 4750 (which I know in reality were a minority in BNs fleet in the 1990s but there is a very nice Tangent model just released!) 😂

[@boomerdiorama]

I would go for the Tangent model for your period if you model locals, etc. I have several in my fleet and I model around 2010. In fact I wish all my stuff was Tangent. ;-) There are lots of early units still around that I use from the 70's - 80's etc. Although, they would be heavily weathered, patched or repainted in some cases.

[@keaganwright124]

@@boomerdiorama That makes sense, I figured as long as the car number was not scrapped/repainted in my era and it is the same railroad then it shouldn't matter so much as to "what percentage of this particular design was there really around" as long as there were some and they were in the same livery! I as a "Gen Y" want to thank you for how much of an inspiration you have been to me and many others!

[@boomerdiorama]

@@keaganwright124 Sure thing and you are welcome! Thanks for sharing as well. Cheers ~ Boomer.😁

[@tabletop-glory]

Sorry in advance for how long this is i just wanted to share my experience, So I was born in 91, I have grown up with parents that over indulged my desire to get into HO model trains. I have had 3 "board" layouts that fit under my bed One large table layout that was 3Ft by 8Ft, None of these have been a anything more then track tacked down with unpainted model buildings. Recently thanks to TikTok of all places I bit the Train bug again. The question on my mind was what do I want to build. Shelf or Table?...Do I sell my mismatched collection and get a different scale? I was so convinced I wanted to change to N scale and build multiple shelf layouts with hidden helixes to connect the shelves together that I started buying product before measuring and planning my space. My mind raced as I imaged different shelves dedicated to different Subjects mining, logging, intermodal yards and pier with boats. How many shelves could I cram on wall without loosing playability; should the shelves stretch out into the room so they don't all end in a dead end or a simple tear drop loop? Honestly my brain still thinks and dreams of this layout. However I ultimately chose to build a second HO Table Layout. This time an L shape 4X7Ft with a 6 Foot yard on one side that tapers from 1.5 Feet down to 4in behind a door. This yard doubles as a kick yard and my main line is a humble loop that cross's itself inside a tunnel to give the allusion of two main lines. My plan is to run my industries off the inside loop. Honestly for as much space as the layout is consuming I would have made it bigger is I could have. So has the Shelf Layout replaced the Table/Museum Display style layout...outside of a clubhouse yes I would say it has. For as much as I love my current layout I would by a liar if I said I wasn't already making plans for my shelf layout. Although given the space and money I will probably create a hybrid between the two.

[@boomerdiorama]

That sounds great. It is always a good thing to read as much as you can about the hobby as well from accomplished modelers, as well, to help make decisions. Ultimately it's up to you.

[@rickmills4801]

Yes, my friend. The Craft is, and always has been, evolving. My dad worked for the Railroad for 42 years, and when I was of Scouting age, he built an HO ga. double-loop layout, along typical 4X8 lines. While still a kid, I was fascinated like everybody else and had a blast running the trains, actually filling-out real bills-of-lading, from the real forms that were in abundance at dad's office. I was also doing regular scale model building. Today, at 62, I have taken up building HO scale buildings and dioramas, without a train in sight (actually not true, as I live in an apartment next to a large-ish BNSF freight yard, so I can drift-off to sleep listening to car-knockin' all night. They truly do make a sincere effort to keep it down after dark, though, which surprised me! Sounds like a steel surf at times... Anyway, I have been delighted with the modeling advancements between my boyhood and now, as I strive towards photo-realism. In a past life I was a Navy Photographer's Mate, and so, a detail freak. I love to take pictures of the stuff, and do it in such a way as to make people do a double-take, and have actually been argued with that "It's GOTTA be real! You're pulling my leg!" Which is quite amusing and rewarding, as you can imagine. The thing I have the most fun with is scratch-building. It is very strange to me to feel inordinately proud of my "rust", and the building of things like dumpsters! But I DO HAVE FUN! I would have been perfectly suited to building museum dioramas, or movie models, before CGI came along, and the digital age ruined everything. That's TWO professions I have had jerked-out from under me by the pocket-protector crowd in Silicon Valley (actual, chemical, photography being the first!). Anyway, I do think that our Craft is, and will remain, a steadily evolving one! Cheers!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing your modeling aspirations and experiences Rick. You know the hobby well by the sounds of it. It also sounds like you live in a neat place by the railroad as well. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@rickmills4801]

@@boomerdiorama If you're interested, would you like some pics? I can send just a few by text, if you'd like, but I'll bet you're snowed-under by people's stuff all the time, so I could understand.

[@BNNT]

In my limited experience with model railroading, it does feel like the ebb and flow of the hobby resonates with quite a lot of other industries and how they are evolving (art, technology etc); it oscillates between expansion of scale and quantity to detail and quality. What can be achieved today technologically with electronics and manufacturing does allow greater realism and detail to be added which subsequently requires more focus and time spent from the customer to maximize its value. That seems to be in alignment with where the scale modelling community as an example - more detail and emphasis on achieving realism, potentially at the cost of a typical hobbyist completing fewer kits in a given year. The economic climate we live with now, particular with the generation of hobbyists looking to purchase a first home, will have less space available for hobby use and instead use their money and time to achieving greater resolution and quality. Social media also plays a big part in accelerating trends, educating (!) and bringing together distant communities. I am confident however that the pendulum will swing, to a certain degree, back towards scale and quantity at some point and we would start talking about multi-deck shelf layouts or having several different scenes and narratives to tell different stories because one just isn't enough anymore.

[@boomerdiorama]

If you have the resources and long term stability, building a large layout is a monumental task, even if you have help. Funny thing as well, all the big layouts on KZbin get very little traction (subscribers) these days as well.

[@andrewpalm2103]

My largest layout was built on a hollow core door and was switching only. But I expended all my energy and interest on the trackwork and structures, and when my operating partner moved away it went into storage without groundcover and detailing. When I picked up the hobby again a couple of years ago I took my age (mid-70s) into account and built a small switching layout on a 1 x 6 foot shelf (based on the Inglenook Sidings Puzzle). The small size has allowed me to go to "the next level" in rolling stock weathering, scenery, and detailing. And I built it to be portable, should I ever decide to take it to a local show. In any case, it's enough for me and has spurred me to improve my modelling skills beyond what they once were. In addition, I can share my efforts on social media (FB under my name here). From my point of view, socal media (like this YT channel) and on-line forums have been a great advancement to the hobby, both for knowledge and inspiration. Cheers from Wisconsin!

[@boomerdiorama]

Your layout sounds cool Andrew. You raise a good point about portability. I could easily re-set up Glover Road in a few days as well if I decided to show it. Everything is portable on it as well. Cheers.

[@randysrockandrollrailroad8207]

😊

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@perryamicangelo4008]

I prefer a shelf type layout design. They always seem more realistic, more detailed and personal. My attraction to model trains goes back to the 80's when I was still working....

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed. The shelf layout style focuses in on the scene as we would view it in the real world in terms of being up close and personal.😁

[@jwrailve3615]

My biggest flaw is always wanting the most with space available. This is the official lifelong project though. Even if I had to move it would only ever to be in its own climate controlled building and what’s existing would be just a part of a even larger club/museum size.

[@boomerdiorama]

I like "Climate" control for modeling. I put my time in cold basements and sheds. No more for me! Cheers.

[@jwrailve3615]

@@boomerdiorama I’ve done a shed and garages both are just a complete dust bowl and saw dust. And it’d be 110 with full humidity summers with 30 degree winters. And bugs haha.It’s either gotta be indoors or I just will do without haha

[@boomerdiorama]

@@jwrailve3615 I tried an outdoor railroad once in the garden. It was cool but the maintenance, fouling weeds, etc, became a nightmare and the whole thing disappeared into the woods . . . lol.😁

[@jwrailve3615]

@@boomerdiorama what got me into model railroading goes all the way back to early 2000’s one time and one time only a garden railroading special was on cable, and every year I’d tell my parents that’s what I wanted, I’d be told every year that that summer we’d start it never happened. Whenever I move onto my next piece of Land would likely be the place I’d give it a go and do a logging themed garden railroad. What scale did you use?

[@boomerdiorama]

@@jwrailve3615 Narrow Guage 1

[@wolfgangpfeilergartenbahnd6530]

It's an interesting question as to whether the model railroading hobby is evolving. That's very difficult to say when I look at the price development of the locomotive and wagon models today, the price jumps that many can no longer afford. 3D printing is an alternative, but not affordable for everyone. I hope that the manufacturers stop only building models for collectors and well-heeled people and come up with something child-friendly to play with again.

[@boomerdiorama]

Good point! Maybe the burgeoning 3D "cottage" industry will step in and make cool and affordable stuff available?

[@wolfgangpfeilergartenbahnd6530]

That would be a good thing.@@boomerdiorama

[@wilzdart]

Boomer, I read most of the comments guys gave feed back on the question. The answer is yes it has and will evolve more, just like our skill level. I know as a N scale modeler back in the 80's the equipment was bad, the buildings were very limited. I feel 3D printers ( I have one) have opened many doors to details you could not have before, without spending countless hours doing. My layout takes up 26 ft. x 16 ft. My goal was to have a visitor have to walk into the layout and not being able to see it all with just a glance. Explore it, at their own pace. So I built a continuous 18-24 " deep shelves with an upper and lower level. My other goal is to make it as real as I can and as you said about trees, others about mountains. Two years ago we vacationed on the Rocky Mountaineer train ride through the Canadian Rockies.... ride that and then tell me high high a tree can be or how high a Mountain is.

[@boomerdiorama]

The trees in the article, (N Scale), were 10-12 inches high. When I saw that then, I was blown away.

[@IronHorseRailways]

Is it evolving? I'd like to think so, especially in terms of 3D printing - already there are some amazing products available to folks and the files are easy to edit and change around to suit the individual... Ten years from now we won't recognise the hobby... Manufacturers will be charging £350-£400 for a OO/HO locomotive if not more .. The average modeller won't be able to be a part of that game, But with the home 3D printing market? All you'd need is a chassis and motor, you can print the rest yourself... So it's not just trees, it's the whole lot that's changing, I think

[@boomerdiorama]

That is great! Especially with 3D printing as you say. There is no denying it. Cheers and thanks for sharing! ~ Boomer.

[@makeart5070]

Effectively this takes it back to model building, as opposed to collecting models built by others

[@boomerdiorama]

@@makeart5070 Yes it does . . . and most notably painting and weathering!😁

[@handlaidtrack]

I think modelers are becoming more detail oriented and smaller layout spaces instead of massive layouts with less detail.

[@boomerdiorama]

I think so too. It makes sense now-a-days. At the end of the day it has the same effect, if not more, than a larger unfinished layout.

[@mikemenecola9240]

What the book u looking at

[@boomerdiorama]

It's in the video. The text is clear. It's N-Scale 1991 November/December issue.😁

[@rickansell661]

Not watched yet (am on a work break) but a few points: Thing I would like to see happen: Better modelling and painting of humans on layouts. Ages spent on modelling superb buildings, track and rolling stock and then misshapen lumps with plastic-pink eyeless faces populating Platforms etc. Thing I expect to happen: Virtual modelling starting to take off. Scale less of an issue and the bounds of the layout as large as what you have built rather than as large as the space you have to build in. It's already happening, in a way, with Railsims. And with VR evolving... I also expect: Photogrammetry of real and modelled items to take off, coupled with 3D printing (with a bit of manual editing). eg. Build one or more 'Hero' tree models, scan them and populate the backwoods with successively smaller 3D prints before a backdrop print of a even populated with even more. Related to the above, VR 'walkthroughs' of layouts. More "Forced Perspective" as various technical aids, such as 3D printing at different scales and image (and 3D model?) manipulation, make it easier to achieve.

[@boomerdiorama]

You raise a great point! Part of the reason I never use figures in my "HO" scale layout is I find the sculpts to be of poor quality. I would prefer to paint them myself as well. I think that is changing with 3D printers though . . . which is a good thing.

[@williamrathwell766]

The cost are going insane.

[@boomerdiorama]

I know. I am pretty much done buying trains now though. I have more than I will ever need on my layout including bridge traffic that comes on and off the layout through staging etc. My longest trains for this short line rarely exceed six cars.😁

[@JeanPierre-jb5ln]

Comments are food for thought, as always thank you Boomer🎉

[@boomerdiorama]

Comments are good . . . yec. Cheers.

[@johnarthur6302]

Astute observations, boomer. I’d add that the smaller layout with its fine detail can also be outfitted with track and electrical components that work flawlessly. Further, I’d much prefer to operate on a smaller layout with beautiful scenery that runs flawlessly than an expanse of plywood or base scenery that spans multiple rooms and requires the use of an 0-5-0 constantly. But what’s this gen x’er know?

[@boomerdiorama]

A lot of model railroaders share your sentiments, including me. Most never bother to share it, but they do experience it. Cheers.

[@mitchoner]

i feel one big change of the culture is the addition of graffiti to layouts and model trains. it's expanded the demographic.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes it has. Some don't like it on their models. On the other hand, graffiti is a reality and to model graffiti means you model historically and prototypically. 😁

[@mitchoner]

@@boomerdiorama absolutely. you can't have a diorama after the 1990's that doesn't include graffiti somewhere in my opinion. At least if you want it to be prototypical. It's nice there are a few graffiti writers who have done some nice work worth adding to a display piece. It's actually kind of impressive how long this graffiti art movement has lasted and continued to grow over 50 years. Anyway, I digress, great video and things to think about!

[@boomerdiorama]

@@mitchoner I don't mind graffiti as art in the model world but I hate it in the real world and you want to know why? - With my job I have to remove it and it ruins my day every time because it is a nightmare to remove and costs huge tax payer money to remove and restore the surface. On the other hand, I am O.K. representing it artistically in a model railroad scene because it represents reality as being authentic. I hope that makes sense.😁

[@mitchoner]

@@boomerdiorama that definitely makes sense and i can respect that outlook on it! the reality is most of the graffiti in the real world is quite distasteful, although i have noticed a handful of them who seem to take care in the work they put out and the surfaces they pick. noticing lots of work on freight trains that strategically avoids the key markings, reflectors, etc. However, we'll always have the ignorant guy drawing genitals on everything haha. take care.