Layout visit: Shades of Mountain Ash

[@vanessahawarden9028]

So simple but so much detail at the same time. The static grass really comes into its own, the footpath being such a clever touch. Genius

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you, all our scenic tools come to life when we have a story to tell. Keep that in your mind and you’ll find a step change in your own work. This is the focus of the new book.

[@neilstephen6761]

A superb layout

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you, my customer was very pleased with it.

[@douglasdownie2587]

Thanks for sharing your beautifully crafted and highly detailed layout. There is lots to like in your creation - the track, the retaining wall, the grounded wagon, the tree, and that path through the grass! I enjoy your relaxed approach to the hobby and look forward to seeing more!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you Douglas, there will of course be more, at some point!

[@westhavengwr4613]

Very enjoyable video. I have a Rapido 16XX too and love it.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you, these videos are quite the undertaking compared to writing the blog, but it’s always lovely to hear from viewers that they’ve enjoyed them. The 16xx is a wonderful model, yes, and suits this particular setting too!

[@davebarnett4262]

Superb James 👍🏻

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you Dave!

[@larsheydecke887]

Audio is fine for me 😊

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Very good 👍

[@tomtomtom731]

James, this is a magnificent model; I've been glued to my screen watching your videos! I'm getting back into this hobby after 40ish years and have recently decided on OO gauge, after much deliberation between N and OO, and after viewing what is possible in such a small space in your superb cameos; would you recommend a static grass applicator, as there is a wide range available from cheaper to better quality ..?

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

I have two - a Greenscenes 'Flock-it' (which is a big capacity unit) and at the other extreme, a Peco 'Precision' one (tiny capacity). I much prefer using the small one - in fact I don't even use the big one at all these days. The small one means you're frequently re-filling - I also use a blend of colours in every 'fill' as well as varying lengths (2 and 4mm mostly). The small Peco Precision will handle 6mm fibres, just about, which I use sparingly for dead long grass. Hope that helps, enjoy and good luck. If you've not seen my book, the first one is being reprinted and will be available again soon and might help you out with your layout - the second one will be released shortly too, hopefully bags of inspiration wrapped up in their pages!

[@tomtomtom731]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways thanks for that very detailed lengthy reply, James, appreciate the info.

[@tomtomtom731]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways cheers!

[@larsheydecke887]

Realy inspiering and im tempted to let you do something for me Ive got a started cameo in n scale but very lite time for modeling at the moment il send you a mail when im redey for it 😊👍

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Hi Lars, by all means get in touch and we can take a look at how I might be able to help.

[@MarkWilsonUK]

Thanks for creating this video James. Your craftsmanship is incredible and it’s a lovely layout. One question, if you don’t mind, is about the technique you used to paint the stone retaining walls. I’m really struggling with mine. South Wales valleys seem to have a very dark grey and mine look too “flat”. Yours are lighter than I was planning but look spot on… how did you do that please?

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Hi Mark, thank you, that’s very kind. The walls are sprayed with grey primer IIRC. A wash if thinners applied over the whole lot, then black and fret paint added neat, and then worked in… I can’t remember if needed to wipe any off, it was an experiment that worked well, and I should have made a note!

[@MarkWilsonUK]

Thanks for taking the time to respond, James. That’s really helpful - I’ll give it another go!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Good luck!

[@alessiofs88]

Your approach to model railway is very inspiring, I really like this way of presenting the final work in such a way that it makes it look like a piece of art. I have one question: what material do you use for the display case of your layouts? It seems thin enough and easy to work with without having to make too much woodwork in the house. I look forward to your future projects!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you, it’s very kind of you Alessio. I’m pleased you enjoy the work, and I hope it is encouraging. You ask a good question about materials, the case work on these larger projects tends to be 5mm ply, but on the smaller sub 1m layouts you can get away with 6mm MDF as the extra weight and less strength is less of an issue, plus it’s nicer to finish.

[@nickpalette4729]

Absolutely stunning as usual. I was interested in what you said about the backscene - where did you get it from?

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

It is one from the old Art Printers / ID Backscenes range - which are still available: www.idbackscenes.com (no connection other than a satisfied customer).

[@jackoszuscik6669]

Awesome yo!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thanks!

[@johnvincent2792]

Audio louder👍❤️

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thanks John, tinkered with volume in the editing software.