I Built a Complete Model Railway in 8 weeks - Port Dinorwic

Port Dinorwic is a micro model railway set in a Welsh slate dock on the last day of mainline steam in 1960. It features OO standard and OO9 narrow gauge track with all 3D printed buildings and details.
Hornby A Model World TV show which will feature this layout (briefly I bet) on the first episode of series 2 on Yesterday. That's a free to watch (in the UK) channel for UKTVPlay.
This micro layout took 8 weeks and I shot over 2 days of footage! It has been featured in 11 livestreams on my channel and has now been edited down to under 20 minutes!
The layout was inspired by this video of Port Dinorwic from the British Film Institute: player.bfi.org...
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#modelrailway #scalemodel #scenery
Music
Omega by Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:19 Inspiration
00:55 Baseboards
01:14 Track
04:11 Sky and Lighting
04:54 3D prints
05:23 Groundwork
05:55 Dock Front
06:24 DAS Clay
06:59 Painting
09:06 Slate and Ballast
09:53 Greenery
11:21 Locos and Wagons
14:37 Details
15:31 Finished Railway

[@railway187]

An incredibly big job. How on earth could manage to finish it at such a high standard in just eight weeks time? You must have 48 hours in a day… Big wow 🤩

[@Hjerte_Verke]

Lots of shortcuts and time savers; no structure is a model kit, it's just 3D printed of solid resin, painted, weathered and laid into place--everything you see is done quickly for the most part, it just looks like great effort has been taken.

[@DK-nv9zu]

Also helps that she’s a professional model builder.

[@sarabjeetsingh4992]

An absolute genius 😍👌

[@joegrey9807]

@@Hjerte_Verke Unless she's been able to purchase the plans already in Blender then it might well have taken longer than building a kit. I also know people who think kits are shortcuts, and everything should be scratch-built. However, what really makes this is the painting - that has taken a lot of skill to get right. You say that it 'just looks like great effort has been taken' - isn't that the idea? She may have used her great skill and experience to cut down on the effort a bit, but the end result is something I think we'd all be striving for.

[@insomniacbritgaming1632]

@@Hjerte_Verke ahhh yes, those prints don't take hours to do at all...

[@hondablack1]

Nice one! Brought back memories for me. I used to attend French and Latin extra tuition at the big house, top far left. During the 1960’s. Just as it was. Feels like yesterday.

[@KathyMillatt]

That’s amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@bakntime2]

This is gorgeous! I can't believe you packed this much detail into two months. That's absurd for a one person build. And as always, your presentation, editing, and narration are perfectly done.

[@stephengirling7859]

Your use of colour and weathering are especially impressive and i agree with you about the base of buildings not being bedded in. Lovely work.

[@sattambiswas2451]

16:40 Someone please help the fallen man 😀 This is fantastic Kathy. Really a masterpiece.

[@bill1047]

He’s just having a rest, pointing at the stars (LEDs) :-)

[@LeonardoDaVinci01]

This was some excellent content! So cool to have a female diorama builder, my daughter loves watching you!

[@Steven_Rowe]

Vivien Thompson, Shirley Rowe and KATHY MILLAT, you truly are one amazing artist. Railway modelling has generally speaking been the domain of men and I think the hobby is enriched by women and I can only imagine what a group of women could do building a club or exhibition layout. You leave in awe of the creativity. I believe we are all artists but of course some are simply exceptional and you are in that category.

[@TankEngine97]

The fact you built this in 8 weeks is really impressive. A very nice looking one too. 👍

[@Beatlefan67]

Fantastic Kathy, I truly admire your skills and work. Would've been good if the 'Yesterday' channel actually showed what was scheduled tonight as well!

[@CymruRails]

Absolutely incredible layout. I saw this at Warley 2023 and it was an absolute gem. You should be very proud! I wish I was as talented as you

[@KathyMillatt]

Thank you very much!

[@Christiane069]

Just found your channel. Sorry couldn't wash the show, I live in the US. I doubt that it will ever be on US TV or even cables. Good work, very inspiring.

[@fotomakr]

This is impressive! That you did all of that creating, building and painting in just 8 weeks and with that great music at the end is absolutely amazing.

[@tacfoley4443]

Absolutely brilliant!!!!! Both Mrs tac and I were entranced watching you build it! We were actually staying in Y Felinheli in the beginning of the year, and watching you build this fabulous model we were eagerly picking out details on the quayside that we recognised - thank you......

[@KathyMillatt]

That’s so cool that you could recognise it from staying there!

[@pgwargamer]

I can honestly say this is one of my all time favorite layout builds. Absolutely beautiful!

[@SC68]

Hi Kathy, fantastic layout build and I love the fact that it’s modelled on an actual location and all in just 8 weeks!! What a deadline to meet but just watched it on TV as well and it gets some great coverage! I love all the scenic techniques that you use and it all flows so well! Cheers Gary

[@ronm6585]

Fantastic work Kathy. Thank you.

[@revrup]

I watched the Hornby: A Model World episode. I was pleased to see that you were featured quite prominently! I thought it was terrific!

[@ColorMeMozart]

Stunning layout and thanks so much for showing the process in so much detail. 🚂

[@richardcrosk6428]

Saw this on Hornbys programmes on tv and loved it. Was blown away with it. Absolutely awesome Kathy

[@carlmayne3519]

Couldn't do something like this in 48 years never mind 8 weeks ... you outdo yourself every time ... absolutely stunning :D

[@MakeItWithCalvin]

All I can say is WOW from the realism of the scenery to the overall simplicity of the track plan, but it works. I am someone who loves to balance operations along with realism and I think this did just that.

[@kevinhale9400]

Hi Kathy. What an absolutely fabulous layout. It is so realistic one can almost imagine being right in the middle of it. I love building things myself but could never achieving the level of realism you have achieved. Gorgeous. I am about to start a layout of my own, at age 71 and I am looking forward to it since I have had a shed built in my garden to accommodate it. Wish me luck.

[@johnkelley9877]

Congratulations on completing this stunning diorama and having it on television! The diorama looks very realistic and the work you put into it really shows. Thanks for sharing this tutorial.

[@DeclanBurger]

Editing 48 hours of footage alone is one hell of a task holy crap. Great job turned out excellent! Thanks for sharing.

[@bill1047]

Quite a bit made it in to A Model World. It was great seeing it from both sides. Remarkable achievement 🎉

[@hondamonkeyboy]

My first visit to your Channel. Your modelling skills are exceptional.

[@OONeal]

Very enjoyable to watch Kathy. Thank you for sharing your hard work with us.

[@johnspisak9729]

Is there anything you can't do? So impressive. Love seeing you working with model trains and related scenery again.

[@wbbartlett]

Looks incredible. The attention to detail is great - you even have a drunk welshman floundering around on the ground. Top marks!

[@geoffcarter]

A very interesting watch. I really enjoyed the process. Very well done 👍👍👍👍👍

[@picshooter]

I'm not sure why, but this video really resonated with me. Just the right amount of info, with plenty of pro tips at a nice pace. It helped that you know what you wanted to do and executed it. It's amazing what you accomplished in 8 weeks

[@lucgagnon5241]

All left to say is : Finally we got a woman in Model rairoading who knows what she's doing ! An above all, she's doing it like a pro. Congratulations.

[@tacfoley4443]

See Liz Marden, whose painting of models in all scales is nothing less than remarkable in every way.

[@jeffmorris6381]

New subscriber. Brilliant effort Kathy. Thank you for posting.

[@Mike-tg7dj]

Highly commendable. To do all this in eight weeks is awesome and definitely a full time profession. Wow!

[@Guitar6ty]

Professional model making. For weathering I use ordinary water colour but mixed with a small amount of liquid soap. It dries matt and can take handling. You can make it permanent by spraying it with varnish. Top marks for a superb model.

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks for the tip!

[@js4folk]

You are such an inspiration! Everything you do is amazing. Thank you so much Kathy.

[@philippeleblanc7293]

8 weeks, amazing. I hadn’t realized that I spend most of my time painting my model railroad until you mentioned it. So true. Thanks!

[@KathyMillatt]

Definitely!

[@baffiehalt3383]

Fantastic - truly inspiring. So much to admire and comment on but there’s one particular detail I’m delighted you made reference too - lighting. In my experience visiting shows - many excellent layouts are let down by the lighting and the backgrounds. I thought it was great to hear you talk about defusing the light etc (no doubt one of the things your growing TV experience is helping?) and I also liked (and will copy!) the use of curves to enhance the “sky” effect. The buildings, people, locomotives etc were all as usual excellent but the theatrical framing of it all impressed me too! Congratulations 👏

[@ralphgiles4754]

I absolutely enjoy watching your videos. Keep them coming please Kathy.

[@rafaelvoncina6036]

A big thumbs up for the desaturated colours. And wonderful weathering. Lovely work.

[@elizabethkirton6063]

What a fabulous display and video! Really needed something to get me back into modeling, and I think I've found it, thank you!!

[@philbartlett7898]

Fantastic work Kathy. Very very nice but a real labour of love for you. I have seen your work online before but this really has taken it to a new level. I was brought up in Corris in Wales in the period 1971-1980. The industrial nature of slate quarrying was hugerly absorbing for me and I was lucky to visit the Braichgoch slate cutting sheds, which still retained their machinery even though there were just two men producing slate house nameplates and the odd snooker table by this time. I was actually able to push a flat wagon around the track inside the vast sheds, and use the cranes inside. Thanks for sharing, and now I have "refound" you I have clicked "subscribe"

[@Kemylar1]

Wasn't expecting to see this pop up, I live just over the bridge from this scene and drive over it every day, amazing to see how it all used to look and how much is still the same! Great job :D

[@KathyMillatt]

It’s great to hear you can recognise it!

[@elmo2you]

Gorgeous model, beautiful shots and a fitting sound track at the end. Well done, much appreciated. A joy to watch.

[@jacqueso8424]

Really a lovely layout, full of character and atmosphere for the scene depiction. Im not a UK citizen, but from ZAR. Also great to see a lady doing the modelling hobby, in SA its rare but not uncommon to see ladies in the hobby, you girls have the potential and certain ability to make layouts and make them look fabulous. Well done for 2 months😀

[@brenthopley874]

Hi There Kathy, here's wishing you a great 2023 and thanks for sharing this clip. Apart from being an absolutely stunning piece of work, it clearly illustrates the impact and benefits 3D printing has bought to the hobby. Take care, Rgds BH

[@rustysmommy50]

Absolutely love all your projects! This one seemed special! It warmed my heart!

[@ScottTaipaleRail]

Splendid build! Love models that actually model a historical location and event!

[@brucejohnston8510]

Fantastic layout well done cheers from Bruce.blenheim south island new Zealand

[@GrayJack9]

Thanks to the algorithm for pointing me at this. Standard of work is on a different level to most layouts - certainly made me think about what I should be aiming for. Thank you Kathy!

[@brianmccutcheon3205]

So well done young lady

[@rwest1818]

Amazing work, my neighbour is actually building a live steam Hunslet loco, I live in North Wales too , always been fascinated by steam and modelling, your work brought it to life, thank you for sharing x

[@alexnorfolksouthernmedia]

You're always an inspiration to us all. I, too, have eight weeks to complete a train modular for an upcoming n scale model railroad show.

[@sathyasmodelrailway2023]

absolutely loved it Kathy. Amazing work and thank you for posting it. Especially the combination of the music and the mainline train slowly chugging in. Makes one go back to the era.

[@KathyMillatt]

Thank you so much!

[@Flightline_fanatic]

This is extremely impressive! I love this.

[@peterfinch5077]

A beautiful model which has a great balance. The subtle use of colours/weathering brings it altogether.

[@JPoulAndersson]

Such a lovely layout, and in such short time! Beautiful! Rgds, Joachim

[@jamesshuttleworth6967]

This is such a brilliant, evocative layout. Also, a really succint but detailed video on how it was built, thank you :)

[@stephencameron4032]

Hi Kathy, been following this on the livestreams, and as always, the finished results are stunning, looking forward to the next one, anyway, take care, all the best from Scotland, Stephen.

[@jonathanbutson1385]

Thanks, it brought back memories of Bangor student days in the 90s, when you could still wander along some of the track way.😊

[@tonetonic2013]

multiple high level skills here great work.

[@edwilson5727]

simply splendid.. excellent work!

[@TrainDetailsbyGuss]

Love the backstory and video. Good Job.

[@Hvn1957]

Very nicely done video. I’m old enough to remember the last days of mainline Steam in the US. My dad took me to watch, and those amazing machines left a huge impression on me. I must confess, the end of this video, with that evocative music, brought those memories flooding back, and got me a little misty. Thank you.

[@KathyMillatt]

Thank you for sharing. Such great memories!

[@philipsmeeton]

If there ever was a model railway genius it must be you. I am far to lazy in my approach. Impressive work.

[@MisterTee2010]

Love it Kathy. Happy New Year !

[@vipervette03]

Kathy, this is fantastic work, very much enjoyed the video.

[@thomasm1964]

Just watching you on UKTV Play (Hornby : A Model World). They've given you quite a lot of airtime! It does mean I now know about your lorry and "smushed" building problems!

[@platformten5958]

Hi Kathy. Just to point out that a bottle of PVA from Hobbycraft is very cheap. You just water it down to a milky consistency and 'drop' it over the grass/stones or whatever using a pipette. It penetrates and dries transparently, and everything sticks in place permanently. I use it for putting 'real' coal on my steam locomotive's tenders and I swear by it, especially as it's cheap and goes a long way. You can use Isopropanol first if you wish, but I have never found this necessary. Regards, Paul. 👍

[@KathyMillatt]

Hi Paul. I prefer matte Mod Podge as it dries matte and some PVAs can dry shiny but otherwise, the idea is the same.

[@platformten5958]

Kathy. Fair enough, each to their own. Just thought I'd mention it as other viewers might like to be made aware of PVA's usefulness. All the best, Paul. 👍

[@timneil9418]

We'll done Kathy, you're brilliant,Tim.🥋👍

[@TheCadwgan]

I live just round the corner! The buildings and bridge are exactly correct! So cool, brilliant craftsmanship!

[@KathyMillatt]

Thank you so much!

[@stephenhall922]

Stunning. I am currently building an N gauge layout for my Grandson. This has inspired me to look at 3D printing. Thankyou for sharing.

[@ericloken7445]

Gorgeous work!

[@ashpitcher3]

Absolutely fantastic work Kathy! Lovely modelling, great use of 3d printing and a well put together video. Highly enjoyable to watch. Well done!

[@KathyMillatt]

Many thanks!

[@ulli6295]

Perfect! Thanks for sharing!

[@johncourtneidge]

Hurrah! Well done!

[@dragonheatgaming5005]

Just saw the episode and i came on here to suggested video so i immediately subscribed

[@redbarnz]

Getting ready for a video deadline really 'puts a pep into your step'! Great job, Kathy!

[@KathyMillatt]

It certainly motivated me!

[@jasonfernee2401]

Level of detail is truly amazing. I'm not sure I would have that patience when I do mine.

[@chodi4641]

I somehow found this video and I’m so glad I watched it. The effort you put into this makes me so happy that there’s someone out there doing justice to steam trains because they are so beautiful. As a train lover myself, it amazes me just what people can do and how realistic they can make their models. Thank you!

[@KathyMillatt]

Thank you so much!!

[@prussia1557]

I wish I could get as good to build such a layout in 8 weeks! It's absolutely amazing.

[@99AVB]

Loved this. Thank you.

[@generalbaillie]

I’m personal glad you gave up being a accountant. Truly inspirational and passionate teaching!

[@davidjohnfarrell4579]

I think that is fantastic. And I totally agree with you about "That gap at the bottom of the building" Some of the absoulty fantastic professional layouts are ruined by that "Big gap" it makes the whole scene unprofessional. Keep modelling Kathy xx

[@stevio7777]

Hey Kathy thanks for that. It was good to see the 2 ERF lorry’s on your set. I started work there way back in 1970 at Sandbach when I left school. I was able to actually build one from scratch after a few years. All the way from the chassis to dropping the engine in cab on and wheels on. Then driving it. I’m gonna give TT120 a go in a spare room. Once again thanks Steve x

[@KathyMillatt]

Impressive! Enjoy the TT - I’m moving to larger scales as I get older!

[@danbrewer]

Fantastic work 👏

[@ritchiehoyle9062]

So clever. Love it!

[@simonbaker6962]

One of the very best railway modellers!

[@chrisbailey4254]

Mate thats bloody way cool. True artist.

[@KathyMillatt]

Thank you so much!

[@tonycampaign5337]

I really need to get back into model railroading. I have what I need, just don't have the drive to get going. One day I will but at the moment I'm stuck. Great video love the energy the build an passion. Thank you for the video.

[@ivortomana]

Excellent layout ! Very nice details ! 👍👍

[@rtalbot87]

Impressive skills. I learnt a lot. Thank you

[@Boxer456-u9e]

Absolutely Brilliant as we say in welsh anhegyol, mind blowing seeing my hometown as model railway, exellent work kathy

[@jb57utube]

Absolutely incredible. You really are a fantastic modeller!

[@rc-fannl7364]

Nice scene, amazing work

[@vinniemaiorino6473]

Great videos. Keep them coming please. It's nice to see you back into model railroading.

[@Tharus12]

A wonderful layout, love the attention to detail.

[@Ratty_Rex]

An impressive layout at the best of times, made awesome by the fact you completed it in 8 weeks!!

[@KathyMillatt]

Thank you very much!

[@CassidysWorkshop]

Great job, Kathy. Nice workaround for the couplers, sorry you guys over there are stuck with those. But so many other aspects of the railroad look charming, I guess it's worth it.

[@LKBRICKS1993]

Wow the model railway looks amazing.

[@KathyMillatt]

Many thanks!