Mindful Operation - for a calmer mind...

[@HeadstoneRailway-xs6zz]

Hi James, you are the Bob Ross of Model Railways! :), i really enjoy your content and while it is insightful modelling content, i think your "angle" is different and refreshing from the other (equally enjoyable) content. Just a note of thanks for the inspiring content and showing what is possible in a small space. Look forward to the next ep. Regards Mark

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Mark - that is probably the best compliment I've ever had on KZbin! Bob Ross... class! I think I've got a few other mindful video ideas to work through when the time feels right - and some more esoteric content!

[@Haymarket47]

I’ve been saying to my sceptical family about getting lost in my model trains and this sums it up perfectly! I do enjoy the variety and the way you express your thoughts behind the construction and design of your layouts. Thank you for taking your time to share.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed this and other videos - and of course, I’ll continue to use video as a secondary means of articulating my ideas alongside the daily blogging.

[@TheSpitfiregoggles]

I've really only seen shunting in reality a handful of times (Eastbourne, Class 73 shunting 16Ton coal wagons, circa 1980 being the first), but each time I've really felt drawn into it, in very much the same way as happens shunting a model railway. Other activities can have a similar effect; for me, using Morse Code over the radio, while my Wife plays various musical instruments. In the current circumstances of waiting for our house to sell, having Schinkendorf set up at home is great, as it's literally "plug'n' play" so I can either run a goods train in and sort the wagons into sidings, perhaps swapping ones that are aready there, even just run the railbus in and out... I guess that if my playing draws me back to any time, it's when I was about 10 and had learned to set up the track and wiring myself, and could run the Dock Authority Shunter and few wagons I'd traded from the knackered remains of my early childhood train stuff round and round, then the accidental discovery that there didn't need to be a complete circuit for it to run, which led to a simple 1-point shunting "layout" on the floor!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Simon, you’ve bailed it there, the realisation that you can enjoy just the simplest of layouts - the honesty in that, how distilled and pure in essence the result feels. it’s magic.

[@philbartlett7898]

Those Lilliput Austrian class 2060s are a little delight. I had one many years ago. Really love your videos James

[@rich_rich90]

Your micros are always a source of inspiration for both myself & other modellers. Really considering a tiny Euro outline layout after watching this!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thanks Rich, this was again a bit of an experimental video, not the usual sort of thing at all but great to hear it is well received, inspirational is quite some accolade!

[@alexmorgan2296]

Very thought-provoking; much to be said for a simple shunting layout.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you Alex 👍

[@marktaylor3564]

You have captured why we love building model railways. I'm digging out that n gauge 37 :)

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you Mark - go for it - and enjoy the play. I can wholeheartedly recommend the new Farish 08s too - wonderful models that run like clockwork.

[@thomaswilt4194]

Your presentation style and voice make your videos themselves a source of relaxation. I am curious what are your thoughts on sound? Do you feel it would disturb the calming effect? Here in the US the push is for sound: bells, horn, brake squeal, coupler "clank", engine speed, and the list seems to be getting longer. I think peace and quiet is nice too 🤔

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

I have sound on my Canadian layout, I think there is space for both here… agree that quiet is good for this, but equally the sound on Beaverbrook makes it immersive in a different way.

[@vikingofengland]

I have a lot to say about this subject, too much for here. But for mental health it is good to have a hobby and like you a small micro layout is the perfect thing to whisk one away to another world.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

thank you, it’s a great way to enjoy model railways

[@raymondmarkesteijn3198]

Very nice little layout totally agree with little stock and 1 or 2 loco's you can have a relaxing layout

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you Raymond. I think it's giving ourselves the chance to accept that by limiting stock and layout complexity we can actually have an almost more rewarding 'mindful' experience.

[@stevebrown6665]

Indeed!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

thanks Steve

[@LyntreeTown20132]

great video and explanation of Mindfulness

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thanks Lyndon, perhaps a good one for a Sunday morning too!

[@steveNCB7754]

My problem (and I acknowledge it is MY problem), is that I find it difficult not to try and cram as much operating potential into my proposed layout as possible. As mentioned before, I'm currently making my first 'Cameo' layout box and have worked up four potential layouts. In descending order of already purchased equipment (and thus ascending order of additional cost), they are; US (HO) switching layout [have a sound-fitted loco, all the rolling stock and track I would need to operate immediately, just need to build the scenery and buildings]; a c1980's end of colliery steam in S. Wales (like your Mountain Ash) [have some locos and some of the rolling stock and all of the track, just need to build the structures and scenery]; a 1950's/1960's quiet country line in Mid-wales (like 'Llandinam' in your first book, near to where I now live BTW) [have none of the locos required, nor any of the passenger stock, again would need to build the structures and scenery]; a Welsh 009 narrow gauge layout [have none of the locos, nor the rolling stock or track required]. The US (HO) would seem to be a 'no-brainer' in terms of build speed, operating potential and least cost, the trouble is that at the moment, it is absolutely packed in there, with multiple 'spots', etc. The thought of stripping that all back to a bare minimum, makes me question building it in the first place. Doubtless I need to see a councillor of some kind LOL.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Steve, my layout design service starts from £175, we could work through the US scheme to strip it down to its key elements to better balance your real needs rather than worrying too much about it being too boring? You know where I am!

[@Daveyrd11]

To quote British rail, let the train take the strain!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Very good!

[@royharris9808]

Very nice video. Shunting can be very absorbing. I add in other factors like slowing for road crossings and waiting a few seconds while the shunter supposedly walks over and couples the wagon. It helps to have faultless tracklaying like yours. This loco runs beautifully. What make is it, please?

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thanks Roy, the locomotive is from Liliput

[@SouthDown]

Your own version of EMDR therapy. That’s what I find mine does: quiets the mind, helps to reflect, and in a way it is a form of meditation. Tried reaching out to you using your blog’s contact form to no avail. Doesn’t seem to work for me. How else can one reach out to you?

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

I’m sorry you’ve been having trouble contacting me. You can email me through the Facebook link on the ‘Modelmaking Commissions’ page - no FB account required.

[@jeremynorman1330]

My Buddist Priest would love you.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thanks Jeremy, I’m sure I’ve got a lot to learn!

[@jeremynorman1330]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways You have the basics...all you need.

[@StevenWoolley-d8p]

What scale is this, please?

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

H0 thank you