Model Railroad Terrain - Grassy Knoll Final (Part 4) | River Road - Vlog # 157

This is the final part 4 for this particular scenery component on the HO Scale River Road Layout. Section two is a huge undertaking and the task has only begun as I am only half way there. Feel free to subscribe and activate notifications for the next exciting episodes on this progressive and lengthy build.
KZbin Studio Library Music
DISCLAIMER: I pay for all the products and materials I use in this video content, unless otherwise stated. I do not receive any affiliate sponsorship, fees, funds, support, or gifts from company products, and/or any other companies, (unless otherwise stated). I only endorse products for the benefit of the community and my own personal use, apart from indicated sponsors

[@DingoDunksy]

The fence brought back memories Boomer, it was in the late 70’s early 80’s I was doing this but with matchsticks. I did I it this way for powerlines too! Cheers mate, great vid and ‘keep em comin, because I’m a lovin!’ 👍🇦🇺

[@boomerdiorama]

I remember using "toothpicks" for fence posts when I was kid playing in the garden. ;-)

[@DingoDunksy]

⁠Necessity, the mother of invention. My how information/learning such as in your videos, are one ‘great’ cause attributed to technology.

[@bobainsworth5057]

Well Boomer, now I feel better about my abilities. I use thread for my electric wires. I have also been using washes on gray painted "rock" and my rock has always been foam. However my wash has been India ink and alcohol. I will be changing that next time I'm at it. I feel I've missed a lifetime of modeling . Never too late to start. I so much want to build one craftsmen kit (wood) , but knew I'd mess it up with the paint. Your series haS calmed my fears of that. "LESS IS MORE", SO SIMPLE. Thanks you once again.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Bob. Lol . . . I also feel I have missed a life time of modeling and yet I have had the priveledge to model most of my life. How strange that is. ;-)

[@bobainsworth5057]

@@boomerdiorama I guess a true artist, like the rest of us, needs to keep creating . Trying to make it just a little better and being able to share that talent is the ultimate high. God's reward for loving our neighbor by sharing our joy. That sounds like a win-win.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@bobainsworth5057 There is something about creation that binds a community together that is for sure. The act and practice is also very healthy for the soul as well in my experience.😁

[@bobainsworth5057]

@@boomerdiorama 👍👍👌👌👏👏

[@schlthss33]

Excellent modeling work again!! I want to just also say thank you for putting so much effort into making a professional video. Your voice is clear, your camera work is stellar and smooth. There are so many hobbyists who seem to think attaching their iPhone to their forward and constantly moving around is good viewing. It makes me wonder if they have ever watched their own work! I know it takes more time, but it makes your channel stand out. Not only is your modeling exceptional, but the viewer is treated with exceptionalism and respect! Thank you!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank for taking the time to write that. I still would like to get better at it. Sometimes I run into lighting and video issues that seem to be out of my control. It is a learning curve and the support of the subscriber base community has gone a long way to help with the learning curve. Thank you again! Cheers ~ Boomer.😁

[@railfan1956]

Wish I had thought of looping the string around the post and locking it with matte medium. Made a couple of 24" sq. pastures for my large scale layout. Used 3 eyelets for each post anchors. Took a while for all the post around the pastures. I could have saved much time doing it your way. Learn something every day!

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds great. We all reside someplace in the learning curve of this deep complicated hobby . . . lol. Cheers and thanks for sharing! ~ Boomer.

[@marcelsteensma5422]

Another great video, thanks Boomer. I'm new to this hobby and your great instructions gives me confidence to really start.

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad to hear it!

[@johnschutt9187]

Simply outstanding. It's SO realistic. I love watching you work and learning how it's done right. Thank you for all your time and efforts for us.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much! Have fun!!

[@PeterTillman3]

Outstanding Boomer! Hard to believe that it’s been 2 years since the beginning of River Road - what a ride 👏

[@boomerdiorama]

I know. Barely half way there as well. ;-)

[@ronhill5118]

String works well with large scale for a barbed wire fence also. 3/16 dowel rods for post. But it works well.

[@boomerdiorama]

I love barbed wire fence and don't know why really . . . lol.

[@jeffwhite3679]

Another great video! I loved how you made the fence. My track is 53 inches off the floor. A week or so ago my wife (60" tall) was helping me replace the fluorescent lights with leds and was on the ladder and she said "wow, I've never seen the railroad from this perspective".

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . That is awesome! I go through the same thing when I get up on the step ladder as well. I like it actually because it allows a fresh view easily forgotten when operating from the floor.

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

As ever, excellent video. I don't know if it is just my inattention or if you have been recently teaching us the use of contrasting warm and cool coloration. Either way, thanks. I hope to be able to apply the knowledge that you have been sharing with your viewers since the start of Glover Road. It looks like tying flies for fishing makes looping thread on those tiny posts possible. The scene looks great.

[@boomerdiorama]

Great point!

[@allenlandis4504]

Like the fence.

[@boomerdiorama]

I have always loved the cheapest and simplest details on the layout. I think we underestimate them.

[@Azure-Scenic-View-Railroad]

Hi Boomer, picturesquely! I would recommend a drop of Liquin for fast drying of oil paint. If necessary. 🙂

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for the tip!

[@zozocreek8327]

Medal gold models makes a nice barbwire fence that would look great for ho scale.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for the tip!

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear Boomer, great to see how you take out the diorama island. Love the Windsor-Newton wash, even when you’ve barely brushed it on, it already changes the opaque look of acrylics over the foam rock base. Just plain cool to see your barbed wire method. Love the simplicity, plus the glueing of the barbed wire with matte medium, that’s just an awesome idea. Oh,and the crow shots from the forest floor; didn’t notice the mossed up fallen tree before. Very cool detail indeed. Cheerio

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks Vincent!👍

[@4everdc302]

57" eh. Will be starting a shelf gig and dually note👍👍🚂🇨🇦🎨🖌🖼 thanks Boomer

[@boomerdiorama]

😁

[@rockton160807]

looks great Mr modeler!

[@boomerdiorama]

Many thanks!

[@Howie2025]

Love that fence! I'm finding your modelling series is transforming for me. First I watched to get new techniques now it's become my daily chill out, de-stresser. Somehow watching you model combined with your music choice totally relaxes and unwinds me. I should get you on my Therapist insurance list 🤣. Keep up the excellent work

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. Modeling has always been a de-stressor for me as well. Can't think of a better pastime. Cheers.

[@jstockton303]

Great details, I'm going to add a barbed wire fence to my next scene, first I'm going to start with learning how to paint the pink foam rocks with oil paints.

[@boomerdiorama]

I love barbed wire fence on a layout. In fact I plan to add more soon!

[@randygates364]

You continue to amaze! I can’t wait to build a barbed wire fence-something I never would gave attempted before. Thank you.

[@boomerdiorama]

😉

[@donaldshroyer8633]

On perspective, 48" high track bench work with a rolling barstool to sit on works pretty well.

[@boomerdiorama]

I like that idea! I wish I had a rolling barstool for 57"

[@davidherriman448]

As always, great. I went out the other day and bought some Tule so that I can build the wire fence featured in one of your other videos. Looking forward to that, thanks.

[@boomerdiorama]

That is awesome! Tule makes for great chain link fence. Scale fencing always looks cool on the layout.

[@ewoodrailway]

Looks so realistic

[@boomerdiorama]

You should see it live. I love staring at it without trains as well. ;-)

[@bobhastings6464]

That’s a great video Boomer. Always lots of useful info. Keep ‘em comin’! Cheers from Ontario Bob

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Bob! Cheers.

[@frankcerne7613]

It adds that extra detail to the scenery. just awesome work man.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks a ton!

[@PostmoderneModelWorks]

the old dozer from Glover road would be cool abandoned on the bluff.

[@boomerdiorama]

Great idea!

[@bobsterndlschauer5923]

Amazing, great job

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!😁

[@GeraldMabry1970]

Man you do good work!

[@boomerdiorama]

I appreciate that!

[@FarlandHowe]

I enjoyed the tutoring today. Cheers

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad to hear it!

[@heabow]

Amazing - thank you for explaining and making everything look easy.

[@boomerdiorama]

You are so welcome!

[@harperlarry49]

Very nice. Love the foam stone work. Can't wait to get started on my new layout. You have given me so many ideas, tips and techniques to use. Thanks for sharing. Cheers - Larry.

[@boomerdiorama]

Have fun Larry!

[@schadowolf]

Another outstanding video and the fencing looks incredible. I have taken notes from each of your videos and realized I'm up to 38 pages of 12pt font on everything from styrene, scenery, building, etc LOL. Am now trying to organize it all in sections as a handy notebook reference guide. Well done sir!

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome, thank you! Maybe you can write the book . . . lol.

[@schadowolf]

@@boomerdiorama The book has been written - by YOU! And available to all of us for as long as we live!

[@boomerdiorama]

@@schadowolf I understand the value of a published book in the traditional sense. This is how I learned a lot growing up in the hobby. On the other hand, I would have given my eye teeth for instructional videos on model building growing up though. There is no doubt that KZbin has become one of the best educational/how-to platforms there is. It is much easier to teach this kind of hobby with a video format over a book in my opinion. KZbin makes it easy to publish, book publishers make it cost prohibitive.😁

[@zozocreek8327]

Nice👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks ✌

[@parkereberhard7580]

I have watched so many of your videos and thank you for your expertise, humility and words of wisdom! One thing I was wondering, and maybe it’s been addressed in a video I haven’t seen, but how do you go about prepping / priming styrene for paint? Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

I use Tamiya. Tamiya is a primer. 😁

[@donsunden5906]

Love your choice in music today Matt.5:14 keep up the good work. Looking forward to what you have next!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks! Will do!

[@mikemettelka7432]

I've been waiting to see this one! Really appreciate the effort your putting into this channel. It's been inspiring me to get back into the hobby, because I didn't have the knowledge of a starting point to get the results that I wanted to achieve. As I have been binge watching your videos, I realize that I need to go back and take notes for the tips and tricks that you drop! The Era that I want to model is different than yours, but so much is transferable (scenery is the same regardless of era) and I am putting together a paint and tool kit to get there. You have inspired me to get an airbrush and step up my skill sets.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. Much of the content I produce crosses all the eras and scales as you say. Cheers and happy modeling to you! ~ Boomer.

[@Palanthon]

Absolutely beautiful Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mikedowell8978]

Nice

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks!

[@firvedamodels]

Essa maquete e outro nível.👏👏👏👏👏

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@jamesfisk2758]

Wow, incredible detail. This is next level and inspiring. Was that just polyester sewing thread the barb wire?

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes it was!

[@ericp6612]

I love matte medium! Been using it in my layout and it works great and dries quickly. Excellent work once again Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

You can also tint it with paint and mix up a slurry of foliage debris, etc, and pack it into places and when it dry's it looks natural. It dry's tough and flexible as well. If you ever need to alter it, just soak it in IPA and you can move it easily. ;-)

[@Andries1963]

Yet again , another brilliant informative video Boomer - your layout is amazing, I love how you make overhanging growth on your riverbanks and slopes, in fact I think your the only modeller who actually adds this detail, me and my wife love it - question you use a nifty ruler during this video when you where gapping your fencing could you possibly tell me where I could get one from please as it would save me a lot of time working ratios out !! Many thanks and please keep those videos coming 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. Any model railroad shop should have scale rulers. Unfortunately, you have to hunt around to find them.

[@Andries1963]

@@boomerdiorama thank you, I shall now go on the hunt lol 👍

[@phillipwerner3476]

I'm going to use matte medium on my layout. You've convinced me.

[@boomerdiorama]

It's the most user friendly, versatile (water-based) adhesive one can use on the model railroad or diorama. You can use it straight from the bottle, dilute it, mix paint with it, etc. It works fantastic for ballasting track as well and if you get some in the linkage throw bar or points you can dissolve it away easily with Isopropyl alcohol.

[@bncsystemsshortline]

Looks great man!! Keep it simple and get great results.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks! Will do!

[@wilzdart]

Very cool series, I have an area above a tunnel portal I plan to do it like your grassy knoll. My N scale layout upper deck is 50" from the floor, my bench work depth is 18 ". The industries are all dioramas , working on the bench like you said is best when you build and detail them. The other plus is you can change your industries with another diorama. You put out a wealth of knowledge and have been going back to ones I have missed. Thanks again Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

I always like to build in options just in case. ;-)

[@tracyfry8216]

May I ask you about graffiti on train cars and structures on my ho layout. The best way to actually do to make more realistic. May I also say that I really appreciate and enjoy all of your videos. I always go back and watch them. Thanks again keep up the amazing and excellent work.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. I only apply "graffiti" (decals) on one side of the car so I can switch them around when need be. ;-)

[@djsadventuresandtrians3959]

Is this the new age Zapruder film ?? Looks great Love watching your videos and learning.

[@boomerdiorama]

😁

[@hondachopper6978]

This year will be the 60th anniversary of Zapruder & his 8mm camera on a grassy knoll in Dallas.

[@vsrrfan9977]

I was going to ask about a scale 2nd shooter

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol. Imagine playing a wargame on this layout with 25mm figures. Lol . . .

[@boomerdiorama]

. . . or a hunter after Bullwinkle the Moose. ;-)

[@hondachopper6978]

Need to create a " Rocky " that could be seen above ' Bullwinkle's ' head no matter where he roams. The northern flying squirrel may be found in forests throughout most of Canada.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@hondachopper6978 Duly noted. I will put him on the list.😁

[@randysrockandrollrailroad8207]

😊

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Randy! Cheers.

[@paulmccormick5042]

Wot, no sniper?! LOL

[@boomerdiorama]

One never see the sniper ;-)

[@ralphrenzetti22]

Quick question Boomer, how did you finish off the last post and the thread? To me a knot is too big and the loop unravels if you let go!

[@boomerdiorama]

I finished it off with a knot. You need to dab on some matte medium when you pull it tight and then hang a small tweezer clamp from it. This shouldn't be to tough for a modeler like you though Ralph ;-)

[@154Colin]

Ahhh... But does it MEET Dusty's approval?

[@boomerdiorama]

She still covets the parking lot. One day, down the road it will be occupied so she still has some time. ;-)

[@154Colin]

@@boomerdiorama 🤣

[@painter662]

A serious request. Could you do 1 video simply on the versions forms of Evergreen styrene you use for different jobs. Yes you mention the details as you go, but you are always doing so much more, tge details get lost in the dust. Where I am at I have to order most of that stuff from Amazon so sense of scale doesn’t exist until it arrives.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for the suggestion. I will try and include this feature you request down the road when I go back to building structures soon! In the meantime, I would order Sheet packs of .010", .015", .020", 030", .040" for starters. These are the primary thicknesses you will need for most projects to start. After this, I add strips, rod, tube, as I go with each project, but at least you can still cut strips from sheet when you are in a pinch.

[@JRossHunter]

Not to butt in on Boomer's territory, but here are the notes I've made watching various of his videos. The check marks are items I have. I can't always remember what I have when I get to the hobby shop.🙂 I keep this list on my phone. Evergreen Plastic 103 .010 x.060 strip ✓ 106 .010 x .125 strip 113 .015 x.060 strip 132 .030 x .040 strip ✓ 142 .040x.040 strips 154 .060 x .080 strip 166 .080x.125 ✓ 8112 1x12 strips ✓ 8203 2x3 strips 8204 2x4 strips ✓ 8612 6x12 strips 210 .030 rod 214 1/8th rod 218 .020 rod 219 .025 rod 220 9/32 tube 221 3/64 rod (scale 3 1/2”) ✓ 224 1/8 tube 225 5/32 tube 242 .080 half round 247 quarter round ✓ 254 1/4 square tube 291 angle 292 angle 4041 clapboard ✓ 4517 3/8 square sidewalk ✓ 9006 .010 clear sheet 9007 .015 clear sheet 9010 .010 plain ✓ 9020 .020 plain sheet ✓ ✓ 9030 .030 plain sheet ✓ 9060 .060 plain sheet ✓ 9080 .080 plain sheet

[@boomerdiorama]

@@JRossHunter Evergreen plastics is an investment you will never regret as a burgeoning modeler. I do the same thing, I keep a list of what I have with me in my wallet or on my phone. I also keep each category with rubber bands or twist ties to organize them as well. I just add what I need as I build. Angle stock is a big one for me.😁

[@pgronemeier]

I can't tell/see...Did you wire the (new)telegraph poles?

[@boomerdiorama]

No. The wires are last with the painted backdrop, otherwise they get torn down. Cheers.

[@pgronemeier]

@@boomerdiorama Ahhh... Of course. You're always thinking ten steps ahead of us mere Mortals! 🤔🤣👍

[@davidballoid2118]

Is the song that's being played in the background "This Little Light of Mine"?🤔

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. It's from the KZbin Audio Library as well. ;-)

[@davidballoid2118]

@@boomerdiorama I sang it in Sunday School with the rest of the class. I was 3 yrs old at the time in 1977. Good times! 😁

[@boomerdiorama]

@@davidballoid2118 I remember it well in Sunday school as well. ;-)

[@neilrogers1571]

Boomer the one question I have about the fence what do you use for the wire, in the past I have used black cotton but it seams to pick up dust etc very quickly, do you treat it some how to stop that or are you using a different material. Neil

[@boomerdiorama]

High quality thread then paint it with thin paint.😁

[@danielfantino1714]

Only grass eaters are almost always standing. Dogs and cats are lying down or seating most of the time. Human invented chairs for comfort at the workbench or on the layout In real life i can´t see boxcar roofs. So why should i do in HO ? And with wheels, you and the chair can follow action. And if a feel for an helicopter trip, i just stand up. 😊

[@boomerdiorama]

I walk trackside on the layout and the speed limit max is 15 . . . ;-)

[@danielfantino1714]

@@boomerdiorama lucky to don´t run TGV. Be happy.

[@easttexastramps]

please don't get an owie on that fence, boomer.

[@boomerdiorama]

A big "Grey" owl perhaps . . . ;-)