Making a stunning realistic river weir scene for my N gauge model railway layout

[@MartinFutter70]

A fabulous looking weir, just goes to show you don't need any fancy scenic water products to get a convincing result. The 3 quaters spill of water and leaving the end without pays great homage to you picture, truly a fine focal point on this layout... All that's missing is three old minis driving accross, alà The Italian Job... cue any favourite Michael Caine quote. Anyway top-job 👍

[@brilliantman79]

Beautiful work! New subscriber!

[@Chandwell]

Thank you, and welcome to Chandwell! I’ve noticed that this video has been popular recently. I’m curious to know how you found it… was it just via KZbin, or did you find it somewhere else?

[@brilliantman79]

@@Chandwell Thank you! I found it via KZbin!

[@johnleake5657]

Love the tree-trunk and the careful observation of the partially-flowing weir when not in spate. Looks just like our weir in Bath, where tree trunks get caught from time to time. I'm very impressed, and great to see a variation from the orthodoxy of resin. I noted what you said on a reply about using the Vellejo gloss after a year to rejuvenate the river surface - good to know.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you John. The tree trunk is maybe a little on the large size, but I've seen some massive ones on the weir near where I live. I enjoyed making it look like there wasn't too much water in it.

[@roncarter5532]

Well Michael what can I say.....absolutely brilliant video and a stunning river bed👍

[@Chandwell]

Many thanks Ron! Much appreciated! Thank you for watching. --Michael.

[@royfearn4345]

Your command and understanding of forced perspective is wonderful

[@Chandwell]

Thank you so much! Michael

[@EEsmalls]

I know these videos are from like a year ago but I'm about to binge all of your vids because I just discovered your channel!

[@Chandwell]

Thank you! Good luck! :) Michael

[@crompton33022]

Just brilliant. I love your use of toilet paper for the river bed. We can spend a fortune on railway products. You prove that you do not have to use these products to get a great result. Ispiration boosted, ill be hitting my railway later. Thanks for this video

[@Chandwell]

Thank you! Yes - I even had old varnish in the drawer, so bought absolutely nothing for this build!

[@DartsideScenics]

Just discovered this. What a brilliant scene - excellent job.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you!! I was really pleased with how this turned out! Michael

[@CGngauge]

A lot of happy accidents!! Looks amazing and great to see some different techniques. Craig

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Craig!

[@JumbleLane]

What a brilliant bit of modelling, great stuff, I would be chuffed with that.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Geoff. I’m very chuffed with it!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Fantastic 😃 you've absolutely nailed it, I love the colors and the weathering. I've only just discovered your videos but I'll be watching many more, keep up the awesome job 😉

[@Chandwell]

Thank you very much, Luke. Many of your videos were a great inspiration to me when I was planning this build in particular. Thank you for your comment, and welcome to Chandwell! --Michael.

[@scottmarsden1643]

Mate your layout is an absolute masterpiece

[@Chandwell]

That is very kind Scott - thank you. There is a video coming tomorrow afternoon which takes a look at my 20 favourite parts of it - give it a watch if you can spare 6 minutes! Michael

[@bobainsworth5057]

Excellent look.Well planned .

[@Chandwell]

Thank you, Bob! --Michael.

[@jeffreydavies9036]

Great and informative video. Making a river takes up a lot of time. It,s all stop / start. Loved the way you made the weir with the toilet paper. Thanks for posting. Looking forward to future updates. Regards Jeff

[@Chandwell]

Thank you, Jeff! I really enjoyed making this part of the layout, and the video too! Thank you for the comment and for watching! -Michael

[@martinpook5707]

Brilliant! It really looks like a river with a weir. well done.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you! Michael

[@supercharger1958]

Whoa!! Fooking superb young yorkie bar....fooking superb....👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍....❤

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Jim! :)

[@Miertreg1]

Great video, good update 👍👍👌🙋🏻‍♂️ Best regards Gert

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Gert! Thanks for watching and commenting, as usual - very much appreciated. All the best from Yorkshire! --Michael.

[@andrewretallick4614]

That is fantastic, utterly convincing-and cheap! Brilliant 👍🙂 Andrew

[@Chandwell]

It really was cheap! Thank you Andrew! --Michael.

[@incrediblyhandsomeman395]

This is excellent. KZbin suggested this video, and I'd not come across your channel before, but I've subscribed off the back of it. Well done.

[@Chandwell]

Welcome aboard Chris! Thank you for watching, for subscribing, and especially for commenting! I hope you will see more here that you enjoy. --Michael.

[@andrewstevenson5449]

Slowly catching up on your old videos. Don't usually comment on videos older than a year, as they might have been superseded, but I've got to say that that is a superb job. Really captures everything you wanted it to . Also, good to see a gloss varnish used rather than the all too trendy resin.

[@Chandwell]

Thanks Andrew! Yeah, I think for this scale, a varnished painted surface looks just as good, if not better than, resin. Using left-over varnish is a lot cheaper too!

[@paulhargreaves1497]

This is staggeringly good! Inspirational too.....I just love the fact you use such "ordinary" materials. I'm still to start a German / Swiss n gauge layout, and these videos are pure gold! There won't be much northern stone in mine, but the techniques are universal.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you very much indeed Paul!

[@JWitchard]

Though I model in OO your videos are quite inspirational. 😊👍

[@Chandwell]

I am really happy to hear that! Thank you for watching, and thank you for your comment! --Michael.

[@johnfenney2493]

Absolutely fantastic work.

[@Chandwell]

Many thanks John! :) --Michael.

[@354dw]

This is genius, well done

[@Chandwell]

Thank you! --Michael.

[@tymatter5070]

Absolutely outstanding well done

[@Chandwell]

Thank you so much!

[@jamesphillips1006]

Looks great Michael. Very realistic. Very helpful instructive step by step video. No shopping trolley though abandoned in the river.....

[@Chandwell]

Thank you James! I couldn’t get an N Gauge shopping trolley, but I do have traffic cones, tyres, oil drums, and bikes on order from PD Marsh. They didn’t arrive in time for the video, but watch this space, you never know!!! 😂👍👍 -Michael

[@davidtappenden6964]

Wonderful modelling!

[@Chandwell]

Thank you

[@Leonard_Smith]

Your technique, explanation and results are deserving of much more than a single "thumbs up" of appreciation. KZbin need to work on their reward system...

[@Chandwell]

Thank you - that is very kind to say. Thank you for watching - I appreciate your comment. --Michael.

[@bobwatson2531]

The comments below,already say everything I wanted to say.Just brilliant.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Bob! --Michael.

[@pim1234]

Very, very nice work !

[@Chandwell]

Thank you! Michael

[@georgethomas7814]

This is a Masterpiece

[@Chandwell]

Thank you!

[@rzholland]

Your attention to detail is amazing. I am impressed.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you so much 😀 Michael

[@hangar8180]

your my favorite diorama maker!! thanks so much for sharing your talent

[@Chandwell]

Wow, thank you! That is really kind, and I am really pleased that you think so! :)

[@steveharper5536]

Wow that is a river and a half, absolutely stunning.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you, Steve! --Michael.

[@MossdaleNGaugeRailway]

Another superb project and video

[@Chandwell]

Many thanks!

[@gaz740]

Hi Michael. Wow is all I can say. Looking absolutely fantastic. I'm a new subscriber to your channel but I've just binged watched most of your content. Stunning models and you make it all look achievable which is great. I'm looking to enhance and expand an N gauge layout started by my mother in law some 45 years ago. Your layout is just what I was looking to achieve so I may have to steal some ideas. Keep producing great vids please.

[@Chandwell]

Thanks and welcome to my channel! :) I am really happy to know you've enjoyed my videos. I will certainly keep them coming Gaz! --Michael.

[@Andy-SharlstonEastgate]

Hi Michael, fantastic video. Really well made vid with a clear explanation of the build. The result is really impressive, excellent use of colour & textures, nice work..........Andy

[@Chandwell]

Many thanks Andy! :) --Michael.

[@SC68]

Looks great, just discovered your channel looking forward to further videos!

[@Chandwell]

Fantastic! Thank you! Looking forward to making more videos! :) --Michael.

[@elizabethwilcox8006]

So effective, and accurate!!

[@Chandwell]

Thank you very much!

[@vincenthuying98]

Lovely river scene, you very well explained your process and certainly inspire with your use of basic materials. Think the weir looks absolutely splendid, as does the tree jammed up against the high side of the weir. Really makes it look very, very natural and an accurate depiction of the weirs you showed from Sheffield and the ones yours truly is familiar with. Thanks very much for sharing.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Vincent! I am really pleased that you enjoyed this episode.

[@simonroberts7891]

My heart was in my mouth when you had the open UHU tube over your lovely bridge. Knowing what a bastard UHU can be I was half expecting a drop to come out just as it was over the bridge and ruin something. Lovely work as usual.

[@Chandwell]

That would have been a disaster, and I should know better than to wave an open tube of that horrible stuff around! Thanks again for all your assistance as the "Don Specialist" on this shoot! ;)

[@rocknroll527]

Such talent,

[@Chandwell]

Thank you!

[@pauldering195]

Stunning, absolutely stunning.... enough said.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Paul! :) --Michael.

[@PiddleInTheMarshbyMarkIreland]

That looks amazing !

[@Chandwell]

Thank you very much indeed! 👍👍

[@neilarnold6077]

Hi, brilliant video...just brilliant. Layout looking absolutely fantastic. River with weir really goes well in the 'urban' setting and compliments that amazing bridge, perfectly. You should be a goal keeper...some great saves there!! Great work. Thanks for sharing and the inspiration. Have a wonderful Christmas, cheers, Neil.

[@Chandwell]

Many thanks Neil! Yes, I was lucky with the two saves! Thank you for watching, and have a wonderful Christmas yourself. --Michael.

[@nickrails]

Thats very, very good

[@Chandwell]

Thank you!

[@Chris-BognorRegis]

Brilliant just brilliant.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Chris! :) --Michael.

[@pauljames9626]

Hi Michael. I have to say, I'm pretty much lost for words! To say your river scene looks good is an understatement and to think you managed it all using cheap, easily sourced materials that won't break the bank makes the finished result all the more special. A wonderful centre piece that would lift any layout out of the ordinary, but given the surroundings are also of an extremely high quality, the whole effect is stunning. Thank you for posting - it's made ny day watching this!

[@Chandwell]

Wow, thanks Paul! Those are really kind words, and they mean a lot to me. I actually didn't buy anything at all for this scene, as everything I used was just lying around. I have no idea how old the tin of varnish was! As usual, I was just making it all up as I went, although a video suggested by Stephen at Elvenhome N Gauge Model Railway pointed me in the toilet paper direction. I hope I can continue to keep the scenes of Chandwell looking so good. Best Wishes for Christmas --Michael.

[@theangelsmodellingandrailways]

Yes indeed, that is a really nice looking weir, very nicely detailed, the log looks amazing - clever technique using the smaller part to show it slightly submerged in river. The PVA n sand done the trick for the white water. The whole scene looks superb, patience and skill produced excellent results. All the best, take care. Brian @ The Angels.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you very much Brian! Thank you for watching, and for your comment. I was pleased by the way the fallen tree worked out! --Michael.

[@robertbage5052]

Love that. Bob

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Bob! I’m really pleased with how my river turned out. -Michael

[@thescrapline4905]

This ticks all my boxes. Great modelling of scenics, great era and a superb presented video that's well put together. You've just hit my top channel to watch on KZbin. Big thumbs up.

[@Chandwell]

Wow! Thank you! That is very kind of you to say. Thank you for watching, and thank you for commenting. --Michael.

[@roberttemple8462]

Looking good Michael. Can't remember having seen a wier scene on a layout before, a great piece of insperation, well done, regards Bobby 'T'.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Bobby T! 👍👍👍

[@wimbletrain]

Fantastic looking river scene Michael. The weir just looks brilliant. Cheers John

[@Chandwell]

Thank you John, I am really pleased that you like the look of the river scene! --Michael.

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Hi there really nice jo at the river it looks stunning and you have made it look so easy to. your making good progress. Cheers and all the best. Nicholas.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Nicholas. I’m pleased with how the layout is progressing. -Michael

[@alanhudson2986]

You've outdone yourself there. How can you possibly top that. Very well done indeed.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Alan! I hope I've not peaked too early! :) --Michael

[@ITSREALLYNOTYOURFAULT]

Stunning, beautiful!

[@Chandwell]

Thank you so much! Michael

[@meanderingshade]

I just discovered your channel today, normally my usual hobby projects would be firmly in the sci-fi/fantasy genre. But I've had a bit of an urge recently to try something in a traditional scale diorama and N scale/gauge has intrigued me while looking in to it (I may still end up making a genre piece, but we'll see). And colour me pleasantly surprised when you name-drop the fallen areas on the Leeds-Liverpool canal towpath. I know it well, that stretch between Shipley, through Saltaire and on to Hirst Wood lock is one of my favourite walks in the area; I'm practically down there every other day or in the surrounds. I really enjoyed the video, wonderful work. I'm subscribed now and looking forward to checking out the rest of your content. Thank you for the entertainment and inspiration, take care :)

[@Chandwell]

Hello, and welcome to Chandwell! That is one fine area to walk. I used to live very near to that stretch of canal and spent many, many days walking my children in pushchairs down there. I'm less close by now, but still get down there once or twice a year.

[@wheezypalacemodels7726]

Hi Michael, wow, that is a fantastic how to video. Description, faults, materials and techniques perfectly explained. Looks absolutely amazing and being an N scale modeller myself, there was a lot of inspiration included within. Thanks for sharing and very well done on the results. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Chris

[@Chandwell]

Many thanks, Chris! Your comment means a lot. I am glad that it was inspiring for a fellow N-gauger! Merry Christmas to you too. --Michael.

[@GreenhillJunction]

Wow. What a river scene and a great tutorial. I want to do a river scene on my layout and was thinking about using resin but terrified of it. The toilet paper, paint and varnish method you used, along with the stones, cat litter etc have created a stunning effect. I'm going to shamelessly attempt to copy your methods when it comes to the time to do mine. Thanks so much for sharing. Cheers, John.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you John. I was relieved when it came out as good as it did. I was also terrified of resin and was trying to avoid it like the plague! For what reason though? I have no idea. Must be getting afraid to try new things in my middle age! Something I didn’t make clear in the video... I only did 13 coats of varnish on the deep slow river. On the toilet paper river, I did three coats and I regret it. I think it looked better after only one coat. Because of the ripples, I think slightly less shiny was better. Good luck with your river and thank you for watching and commenting. 👍🏻 -Michael

[@GreenhillJunction]

@@Chandwell I think I'm scared of the resin leaking everywhere and ruining an entire board, and I think some need to be heated which I'm def not doing. I like to stick to stuff I know and trust, so cardboard, pva, paint and varnish will do nicely!

[@Chandwell]

Ah yeah, that was also a good point. My baseboard is full of holes and the household groceries are kept in the cupboards underneath. Resin-covered potatoes would not go down well in this house! 😀

[@Colin399]

Very realistic

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Colin! --Michael

[@paulhearn9632]

Great video once again! Love your attention to detail, skill and explanations. Even your 'mistake' with the river path looks a great design feature and the water.....just faultless. Your presentation, explanations and content has made Chandwell one of my favourite channels and already looking forward to the next video.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you so much, Paul. I was relieved that I saved the two mistakes, that's for certain, and yeah, I think it actually looks like a nice little feature. I'm humbled to be among your favourite channels. I hope I can keep it going! --Michael.

[@exehavenharbour]

Hi Michael, that is stunning mate, so realistic and easy too! I watched a similar dockside effect with toilet paper, you may watch his videos already, Marklin of Sweden. I will no doubt be using the the same techniques as you as I will have some water to do on my layout at some point, dockside, river and estuary. I have been thinking about resin but I think the varnish route maybe better. Thanks for sharing, I must say I have been really looking forward to this one, cheers from Exehaven Michael, John

[@Chandwell]

Thanks John! I saw Marklin of Sweeden as suggested by Stephen @ Elvenhome, and it ended up being the inspiration for this part of the river. I think that with results this good, I am glad I didn't try the resin approach. I feel that resin looks better in the larger scales perhaps. Thanks for your comment, and I am glad you enjoyed this episode! --Michael.

[@TimberSurf]

Congrats on 1K. The river looks great, always scarey along the way , as your never sure it will work out well, but pans out brilliantly at the end! Well done! The dry bit on the right looks really good!

[@Chandwell]

Very true! Thank you for your comment. Yeah, I am really happy with the dry bit. I thought it made it look a bit more interesting. --Michael.

[@PrideParkway]

Hi Michael, this looks absolutely brilliant, you must be so pleased with it!, 14 coats of varnish that’s dedication for you lol. The weir looks just like the ones we chatted about at Durham too, especially love the fallen tree detail. Huge congratulations on the 1k too, very well deserved! All the best, Geoff

[@Chandwell]

Geoff - thank you so much! Aye, that was a lot of varnish, but I am pleased with how it turned out. I love the reflections on the deep bit. It really does have the feel of Durham, doesn't it? The old bridge was based on one in Otley, built in the 13th century. I've read up on its history and they built it based on Elvet Bridge in Durham. The Abbot or whatever had seen the bridge in Durham and wanted one in Otley. So there you go - it definitely has the feel of Durham too! Thank you for the 1K congrats. It's just a number, but it feels good doesn't it!? Have a great Christmas if we don't speak till then. Thank you for all your input and support to help Chandwell get to where it is. All the best, Michael.

[@CTRL_SMarcos]

Fantastic work! It's great to see the process and amazing what you get with those materials. By the way, congratulations for having reached more than a thousand subs 👍

[@Chandwell]

Thank you very much! It is hard to believe that I have made it past 1000 subs! --Michael

[@ickhamroad9635]

Another great video. The river looks amazing. Plus I see you have made it to 1k subs. Congratulations Merv

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Merv! Can't believe that I made it to 1000 subs! :) --Michael.

[@roystudds1944]

This has been a delight to watch. I admire your imagination and dedication to getting this right from the outset. The end product looks truly spectacular, but even more than that, your step by step tutorial video is inspirational in itself. I look forward to catching up with your videos and take this opportunity to wish you a great Christmas and happy new year. Stay safe and congratulations again. Roy.

[@Chandwell]

Wow, thank you Roy! I am pleased that you enjoyed this video and found it inspirational. I couldn't be happier with how the river and weir scene has turned out. Many Christmas greetings to you too. Stay safe - cheers! --Michael.

[@Elvenhome]

That really is a work of art Michael and the equal of any scenic modelling that I have seen on a KZbin channel. There is nothing more that I can say than that. Congratulations on the 1000 subs, and the mention in the Scale Model Scenery newsletter this week. Both thoroughly deserved. Stephen

[@Chandwell]

Stephen - thank you so much! Your comment really means a lot to me. I couldn't be happier with how the river scene has come out. I'd been putting it off for months. Thank you for the pointer to the toilet paper technique! I get the Scale Model Scenery newsletter but had not opened it when you posted. What a surprise! To see "Hello Michael" at the top, with a scene from my own video above it! My subscriber count had shot up that morning and I did wonder if something was going on. This year has been a whirlwind in terms of my layout and the little community I discovered on KZbin. I've thoroughly enjoyed it, and am looking forward to next year. All the best! --Michael.

[@thegrowler-blackwoodngauge]

Hi Michael - firstly congratulations on hitting the 1k sub mark - very well deserved. The weir and river is another bit of brilliant modelling - really looks realistic and making the storm drain and placing it where you did is just perfect to lend credibility to the overall scene. Absolutely fantastic👌 cheers Euan

[@Chandwell]

Thank you so much Euan! I’m thrilled with how the scene played out. I’ve been collecting those little tubes from the poo bags for months and months and it was great to finally use one! All the best to you! -Michael

[@jasonpierce-newmodelbarmy3394]

That looks superb Michael, and all achieved without expensive resins, truly inspiring stuff. Another excellent video mate. Congratulations at reaching the 1k sub mark, well deserved. I expect to see that figure double in no time at all.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Jason, that means a lot. I'm really pleased to have managed this "on the cheap" - I didn't use anything that I had to buy especially. Even the varnish was an old tin I had knocking around. It's great to get good effects without breaking the bank - it's part of the fun of this hobby. Thanks for the 1000-subscriber shout too - I never dreamed I'd manage that! --Michael.

[@lilchris26]

Nice layout, love your weir scene. When I made my river a couple of years ago I used the loo paper and varnish technique, wish I had made a weir though now after seeing yours. I started a new layout but I have managed to incorparate the river and viaduct from my old layout, plus I extended the river, now how can I had a weir to mine.....? lol

[@Chandwell]

Go for it! It was easy enough to do! Good luck :) --Michael.

[@LouisPlume]

Absolute fkn genius. You are a genius. Dont like the twig though, it looks like a twig, I think you should replace it with a model that looks like a tree with bark. But you have inspired me to have a go. My other annoyance that is like with every static display where the train has movement, is the static and the moving together clash. So I plan to put an old tablet or phone screen where the water is running with a waterfall loop, a tiny piece of convex mirror under the varnished part where the water hits, to reflect the tempest all; colour graded to fit the paint under the varnish. No idea if it would work, or if it could ever be as ground and breathtakingly wonderful as yours, but as i said. Inspired.

[@Chandwell]

The twig is a bit too much embedded now. It’s on my list to make it better at some point but it’s pretty low down! Thanks for your kind comments and good luck with your phone screen movement experiment. Would love to see the outcome.

[@alecoldroyd6213]

Hi. I have put this video on one side to watch at the weekend. I promise ive not peeked at it or comments, but... Please tell me its based on Sowerby Bridge? I lived near there in the 80s, and honestly thought the title pic was there! Stunning workmanship.

[@Chandwell]

Hello Alec! You are not far off geographically. The iron bridge in the background is only a few miles away from Sowerby Bridge. It crosses the Calder near Dewsbury. The weir itself is roughly inspired by one in Sheffield. The stone bridge at the front of the picture is a copy of the 13th Century bridge that crosses the Wharfe in Otley. I hope you enjoy the video - let me know your thoughts once you have! Michael

[@Wickford_N_Gauge]

Stunning work Michael 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻the effect is a masterpiece 😍 Your video presentation is also a tour de force and will help many modellers add fantastic water features to their layouts 😉 Many thanks for sharing your techniques in such an informative and entertaining way 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Very best wishes from County Wicklow ☘️

[@Chandwell]

Thank you so much, Paul! 😀 I am over the moon with how this all worked out. As ever, I was just making it up as I went along - phew! :) Best wishes from Yorkshire! --Michael.

[@RoamingAdhocrat]

Amazing technique! But how have you done all this without damaging the completed parts, e.g. the railings on the iron bridge?

[@Chandwell]

Umm... I may have knocked off one of the bridge fences at least once during the making of this video... :-/ --Michael.

[@liamhockings7897]

Cracking modelling and video, what a great effect you’ve created! My only question is how on earth did you get all of that done, filmed and edited in 2 weeks?

[@Chandwell]

Thank you! Good question! A few late nights! :) --Michael.

[@DiggerEvans]

very effective result my friend, i enjoyed watching this very much, new sub from me

[@Chandwell]

Thanks for the sub! And thank you for your comment, I am glad you liked the end result. --Michael.

[@DiggerEvans]

@@Chandwell it's a pleasure to support your channel my friend, it's a good way to learn new techniques and ideas for our own layouts

[@stukidson1207]

I’ve really enjoyed watching the progress of the layout but the piano wire under the iron bridge has bothered me since you pointed it out. However, your “accident” with the towpath could have provided you with a way of disguising it by making a small feature of it as part of a simple scaffold that has been installed to repair the underside of the bridge after part fell down and damaged the towpath. It could be left unattached to allow movement for the point motor

[@Chandwell]

Thanks Stu! It’s been a difficult one. The track plan is all points right round the curve. And the whole thing is on the viaduct. I have 11 points above arches and of those, all of them will be on display probably. But... from a normal viewing angle you won’t see them. And many will be hidden by buildings. I gave up trying to think of ways to hide them and decided to just leave them. Your idea is a good one, but couldn’t be repeated. Electrics and such are my least favourite part of modelling and in all likelihood I will never get round to installing the motors anyway! 😂 -Michael

[@stukidson1207]

I’m so sorry Michael. Having just re-read my message it comes across as being rather rude / critical and could have been worded a lot better. I was trying to say that the piano wire “bothered” me because of the hard work you’d put in to creating the iron bridge from scratch

[@Chandwell]

Hey Stu - I took no offence, and I greatly appreciate all kinds of feedback and suggestions. When I started the layout, I thought long and hard about the piano wire. I had hoped to get all the points positioned so that the tiebars were over the viaduct piers, but I soon realised that would not be possible. Then I wondered about using buildings to hide the arches with the wires in, or even bricking them up, but there were so many of them, I don't think it would have worked. In the end I decided to just embrace it and live with it. It's always going to be a bit of a bother. I do like your idea, and one I still may consider for this bridge when and if I eventually add the point motors. Thank you again for watching and commenting - please continue to do so! :) --Michael.

[@stephenbarrs2318]

It's like to me you got the forced perspective of the river right to me

[@Chandwell]

Thanks! Yeah, it looks good I think.

[@daveygivens735]

That is most certainly forced perspective achieved. Well done.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you!

[@GazzaLDN]

Trespasser on the line at 5.05

[@Chandwell]

Well spotted! He was blown into oblivion just before he completed his journey! :)

[@JanjyGiggins]

This looks great but did the varnish hold up over time? Thinking about using the same technique on my layout but the Ronseal varnish says it shouldn't be used over paint and might discolour or lose its shine. Was there any sign of that actually happening or are they just covering themselves?

[@Chandwell]

Thank you! It lasted about a year but did dull over time. I never cleaned it, and it got quite dusty. I got the Ronseal out and gave it another coat and it dried satin. So the next day, I did it again and it dried flat matt. It looked awful. I bought a small bottle of Vallejo gloss resin varnish and painted a layer of that on. It rejuvenated the river perfectly and it is back to its shiny self now.

[@JanjyGiggins]

@@Chandwell Thanks for the reply - that's really helpful!

[@Battlefield_Sleuth]

Tremendous. I'll save a $1m from the lessons in this video and produce better results. Thanks

[@Chandwell]

Thanks !

[@adrianhayes6146]

Hi, can you tell me where you get your fine tip pva applicators from. They seem larger than a well known brand but my age and grip make it difficult to handle them. Thank you

[@Chandwell]

Hi Adrian, the fine tip applicators were supplied about 8 or 9 years ago and it looks like she is no longer in business because her website no longer exists. They are the same size as the Metcalfe ones, but I didn't like those - I found the pin rusted after a few weeks. These ones have lasted almost a decade and are still going strong. Sorry I can't be of any more help. --Michael.

[@adrianhayes6146]

@@Chandwell Hi Michael, many thanks for your reply and help, it is very much appreciated. Although I model in "oo" scale I do very much enjoy your video's. Cheers, Adrian

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Adrian!

[@headstanding_Penguin]

Actually... In my area of switzerland you more often than not have blue/green water and see the bottom of the river...

[@Chandwell]

You are very lucky to live in such a beautiful place. Rivers in the UK tend to be very dark. Not necessarily polluted, but rich in iron and such.

[@headstanding_Penguin]

The model is stunning, no matter what :-) Maybe another factor is, that we have more "natural" manmade embankments and especially river floors...Depending on the area and river it is even allowed some natural flow... Though overal our rivers are quite straightened out and contained too...

[@TPT6148]

Lovely videos, v irritating music!

[@Chandwell]

Thanks for the constructive feedback. Would have probably been better not to say anything at all. Cheers.

[@John-yf8qh]

I'll tell you something, I mess about with real watermills and their infrastructure and you absolutely got this on the nose. Looks amazing. But can you build a watermill to match? :) :) Really, really impressive.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you very much indeed. I’m really pleased with how the river and weir worked out.