MODEL RAILWAY MISTAKES made at Chadwick Model Railway | 185.

[@jhbluestar]

You know, this video here is the PERFECT example why so many of us accross the pond watch Charlie. Honest, straight forward and down to earth a GOOD man. God Bless You Charlie, you truly are a man after my own heart!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Joseph, for such a heartwarming comment. Regards, Charlie

[@cwam1701e]

5:34 moment of existential crisis successfully navigated! Great video, as always!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks mate, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie

[@grahamlawrance6173]

Charlie this is an excellent video. This is the reason you are such a respected and sucessful railway modeller. You show us what to do and what not to do. Brilliant. Thank you.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Graham for such a heartwarming comment. Stay safe mate. Regards Charlie

[@markspeller5722]

This absolute diamond of a gentleman should have his own TV series, it would beat 90 % of the crap thats on view. Nice one Charlie.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That’s very kind of you to say so Mark. However, I’ll stay in my little room, regards, Charlie

[@markspeller5722]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Yep Charlie thats the best idea 👍

[@dougalmcdougal8682]

Buy stuff you don’t need , surely not 😮 I have reduced my collection by 50%, More focused on era, area and quality 👍 Still gotta hold myself back regularly. Great honest videos, very “human” thanks for all you do for our hobby.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Dougal, for such a heartwarming comment. Regards, Charlie

[@kevinmottram9491]

"The man who never made a mistake never made anything". Very helpful, not to mention honest, video Charlie, thank you.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Kevin, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie

[@alanwhite4427]

As they say, “The man who never made a mistake, Never made anything !!! Great video, thanks again.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That’s very true, Alan. Take care, regards, Charlie

[@Anbregour]

Regarding wooden sleepers on your main lines - there is a very good argument for keeping them. I'm a track Patrolman for Network Rail and the last section of mainline, bullhead, wooden-sleeper, jointed track didn't get taken out near me until early 2021. I was on the last patrol before the renewal - it was nearly all 1936 dated LMS chairs! If you have an area which you consider to have been 'remodelled' by BR, then that would probably be on 110 or 98lb Flatbottom with concretes, but the cash-strapped BR did leave a lot unchanged. Obviously, if you want concretes that's a different matter, but it would not be 'unprototypical' to have woods.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks mate, for such an excellent and informative comment. Regards, Charlie

[@richardfoskett8903]

I love the honesty of this video - it’s not often you find someone willing to admit their mistakes, so I take my hat off to you sir!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Richard, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie

[@paulhowes8756]

Just for the record; Two steps forward and one step back (standard model railway practice) is at least progress! Thanks for letting us learn from your mistakes, I am happy to return the favour sometime as i have made quite a few myself... One of the main attractions of your channel is that it is real modelling, that is with the mistakes left in. This is why so many watch your videos and of course the fact that the video / editing is of the highest quality.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Paul, that’s very kind of you to say so mate. Regards Charlie

[@kenshores9900]

But with me it is usually 3 steps back for every one forward. Cheers!

[@delsdepot4853]

Hi Charlie. Just wanted to say how great it was to meet you at the Ally Pally show. Talking about the phone interrupting your videos. You look much taller on camera. Love your content, tongue in cheek humour.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

It’s always great to meet Subscriber face-to-face at shows. Stay safe, regards, Charlie

[@abbofun9022]

It’s a wise man who recognises his mistakes, it’s a fool who doesn’t learn from them. Your transparency is very much appreciated and admired.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks AF, regards, Charlie

[@MalcolmCrabbe]

Charlie, my old woodwork teacher always told me there is no such thing as a mistake. They are "learning opportunities". Excellent video, and a great reflection on how far Chadwick has evolved

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Malcolm, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie

[@ianbusby2845]

I’ve got quite a few learning opportunities in the bin 😢

[@TheRip72]

To take that one stage further, I think of a mistake as something you do poorly after knowing a better way, not before.

[@davidlidbury1244]

@@TheRip72 Very true, in my early woodwork days it was measure once then cut twice..doh!

[@wmcwings4343]

Charlie, I love the fact that you are so honest and open in your videos. Anybody who is willing to admit faults and show errors scores high marks in my books. Your material is alway presented in such a way that makes it informative and enjoyable to watch. Keep up the great work! Charlie from the USA.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Charlie, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the channel. Regards Charlie

[@stephenwheaton6162]

That was thoroughly enjoyable and kept me up waaaaaay past my bedtime! The best parts were you on top of your fiddle yard working on the wiring, the tortoise switch motors on your helix, and you laughing at yourself -- you had me laughing, too! You are a wonderful evangelist for model railroading. Keep up the good work.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video Stephen. Stay safe mate, regards, Charlie

[@frankwyatt8372]

Charlie, I truly enjoy your videos and have learned a lot from them, I am anxious to see your next video with the installation of your larger computer screen. Thank you (Frank, Houston Texas)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’ll see what I can do Frank. Regards Charlie

[@stephenrushmer833]

Thanks for another great video. In the words of the great Bob Ross; “there are no mistakes, just happy accidents.”😂

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An excellent comment, Stephen, regards, Charlie

[@MrAsBBB]

I totally agree that this is a fantastic video and it’s great information for everyone. I would say, as a guy with autism, you could plan everything before you construct, you could spend years before you build anything and as you said as we get older we may not have the time to get everything A1. Just keep smiling even when we make a mistake. A mistake is something to enjoy the fix. All the best…

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Great comment. Someone said “perfect is the enemy of good”. Regards Charlie

[@jeffjones6107]

Love the warts and all. As my old Foreman Joiner said to the apprentice (me), if you never made a mistake, you never made anything. It's how you get round them is the skill. Keep sharing the videos, Charlie 👍

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You had a wise foreman, Geoff. Regards, Charlie

[@kriso1891]

Very informative and reminds me when i made mistakes with placing points under my baseboard. I was so proud of it had managed only to realise that I had drilled the holes in the wrong place - not only time consuming but my board was beginning to look like Swiss cheese. Hay ho i wont be making that mistake again. Thanks Charlie for the video.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

We’ve all been there Kriso. Regards Charlie

[@marcdempsey5850]

Morning Charlie, well that’s what really happened, video outtakes and then the planned mistakes…. It true that we all learn from each other’s mistakes or under planning. The truth of limited purchases outside your layout is so true. Sounds good at the moment but then after a little time realise the truth behind the purchases. Thankyou agin for a great video, until the next. All best Marc from Leighton buzzard

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Marc, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting. Regards Charlie

[@simonbaker6962]

The Jonny Morris of the model railway world. My favourite channel on KZbin.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That’s very kind of you to say so, Simon. Stay safe, regards, Charlie

[@leestoddart7014]

Oh I like that - sounds about right..

[@andydavidson9440]

Charlie, I agree with all the sentiments expressed in the comments. Honesty and learning from mistakes is the key to future success. From the man, who realised the first job was to go back to improving the location meaning everything had to be dismantled to go forwards again!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased you enjoyed the video Andy. Good luck with your project, regards, Charlie

[@56NeilWatson]

Charlie, it's a case of "if I was going to Dublin, I wouldn't start here". I'm so glad you highlighted the problem with point motor and track. It's exactly the type of thing I do. Hindsight is a fine art. That's the problem with an evolutionary approach.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Life is a journey from one disaster to the next, regards, Charlie

[@alannewman85]

Brilliant Charlie. I’m very inspired by your efforts and honesty!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Alan, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.

[@timsully8958]

Best thing about making mistakes is that the world generally still goes round the next day (just avoid the red button! 😉) and you can always brush yourself off and start all over again 😊 I made so many mistakes over the years I could probably have made a whole extra layout with the time I have had to spend putting things right! But as you say, it’s all part of the process. Hell, even Raphael had to make sketches before he started a painting…though I have to say his bad was a ton better than my good 🤣😂😅 Cheers Charlie. It was a brave thing to change it all around but it really does seem to have all been worth it 😎🍀👍🍻

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Tim, we shouldn’t hide our mistakes, when all we need to do really, is learn from them. Regards, Charlie

[@simonbradshaw3708]

Thank you Charlie for your honesty and helping us all learn from our mistakes, it's all part of the joy of building a model railway layout. As mentioned already a shift video on fitting Kadee couplings to Bachmann MK1 coaches would really be useful as the height of the coupling is wrong. I look forward to your next video.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Simon. I’ll have a look at Kadee’s on Mk1’s. I use the pipe links, keeping the train in fixed rakes. Regards Charlie

[@bazza3643]

Hi Simon, when Bachmann brought out their range of Bulleid coaches, I assembled the coaches in rakes of 3 of 4 coaches per set and coupled them together in the sets with Kadee couplings mounted at the correct Uk height of 3 ft 5 1/4 inches, at the coupling hook height on the buffer beams. Subsequently Hornby brought out their range of Maunsell coaches fitted with NEM coupling pockets that allows the fitting of Kadee couplings at the height of the North American railroad couplings of 33.5 inches which is incorrect, but easier to fit.

[@brianligat2038]

More wit and wisdom from Charlie - thanks. Regarding the knees - watch The Great Escape !!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Brian, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie

[@shornford]

Building a layout (or several versions of one) is a hobby for a lifetime. Each development hopefully brings entertainment and enjoyment - and hopefully our skills improve too!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You make an excellent point mate. Regards, Charlie

[@barryturner2916]

You learn by your mistakes, how true this is Charlie. I can remember whilst serving my apprenticeship the mechanics I worked with would let me (sometimes) make mistakes, wonder why items would not work or fit together properly only to be then told where I had gone wrong and then left to see if I could rectify my mistakes. I was told this was the best way to learn !!! Fully agree with your comment about buying `wrong stock`, I brought items that I thought looked good only to find that they do not fit in with the era I am modelling, thank god for that on-line selling/buying site. I had a little laugh to myself when you mentioned `just jobs` "it will only take me a couple of hours love" two days later I finish it! You have my greatest sympathy with regarding your knees I had to retire somewhat early due to mine, hot and cold compressions helps. Thanks for sharing this video take care regards Barry..

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Barry for such an excellent comment. We clearly share our mistakes! Regards, Charlie

[@ianstrachan7668]

In COVID lockdown, I was 'encouraged' by my wife to clear the loft. Having a large 7m x 4m man shed in the garden, I promptly decided to build a train table, dig out my old Triang models and start a layout. Watched many videos, and decided DCC was the way to go, but replace rusty Series 3 track with Peco 100. A flurry of activity followed, sticking down track, soldering droppers, buying the Digikeijs modules (which never came out of the boxes), and multiple block detection settings. Eventually I realised things had been all done back to front. Far too ambitious I couldn't get under the table as both knees are knackered. Nor could I reach the back of the tables as the 1200mm depth was too much and my weight lying on top of laid track wasn't feasible. Nor had I kept a record of just how many secondhand locos I'd bought!!! In counting them I realised how much it would cost to buy decoders and the time needed to service each loco etc. I ended up selling all the Digikeijs stuff, most of the secondhand locos! My youngest grandson has a large bedroom so awaits one table as soon as I can get it out of the shed - it'll need some track re-working. Oh, and a DC power supply as I don't quite trust all the DC transformers I have! Once he gets the 1200x2400mm table, I'll be left with the decision of what to do with the remaining table...or maybe I should give up and take up a more sedentary hobby, like, um, shopping for tomatoes. The lesson has been to spend much more time planning practicalities!!! But I still admire what you've achieved!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Wow Ian, what a very painful evolution. Both time and money! Regards, Charlie

[@johnmassey7687]

As expected wen I saw the title , a honest example of how many mistakes we make trying to get things right. Never mind Charlie if plan A doesnt work there is always another 25 letters to uses

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes John, that’s a nice way of looking at it. Regards, Charlie

[@andrewstevenson5449]

Superb video, Charlie. Lots of echoes from my experience there. My main lessons learned from 50 years of railway modelling are: 1) Rule 1 applies at all times: it's your layout, do what you want. 2) Even higher up the list of rules than Rule 1 is "you can never have too much on-track storage" 3) Don't throw the boxes away. When you do want or need to get rid of stuff, people will pay pennies for stuff they'd pay pounds for if it were in its box. But with regard to 1) above, you're absolutely right: sticking to a tight prototype and time frame will save you lots of money. building Another lesson I've learned, but never actually done any follow-up learning on (but hope I will when I finally get round to a new layout) is: particularly if your space is limited, learn how to build your own points and crossings, so that you're not stuck with the big manufacturers geometries. For example, I eventually managed to find space for a four track junction: with Peco large radius points, that takes up a lot of room, and every photo I have of it is marred by a kink in one of the tracks that needed to to diverge at a slightly steeper angle that the rest. Another example is that back in the late 60s, a friend of my dad hand built a curved double crossover with double slips (also gently curved) at one end: it fitted the space perfectly, was a thing of beauty, was all live frogs before they were common and was the one piece of trackwork that in over 50 years never gave the slightest problem.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I do understand your point of you Andrew. However, for me time is too precious and to construct hand build points, and I certainly don’t have the skills, regards, Charlie

[@scottmacd1961]

Charlie you and I are pretty close in age. I honestly don’t think of whether I can finish my layout in my lifetime. If I do then great. If not I had fun doing it. Love your vids.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I love your honesty Scott. Stay safe, regards, Charlie

[@GregHale-o1l]

Thanks Charlie for producing such a thought provoking video. We all learn as we get older, and as you say we learn from our earlier mistakes. When I first started in this hobby I constructed a tail chaser, with a :duck under". Well that was okay as I was in my early fifties, then as the years went on I was not ducking down enough, thereby hitting my head to often, so then it was a matter of crawling under on hands and knees, then came knee replacements. Time for a complete rethink. I eventually came up with a dog-bone type configuration. At 85 next month I now simply walk in, no ducking and weaving so too speak.. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, so I would say to anyone thinking of building a layout give a lot of thought as to how you will be operating the layout in say thirty or forty years down the track. Cheers Greg

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An excellent point Greg. If only we could learn these lessons in our younger years. Regards, Charlie

[@jb3222]

As someone brought up in the Tri-ang era and to whom even analogue was (and remains) complicated, I can only marvel at the complexity of your wiring and control systems. Despite my bewilderment at whatever's going on below the baseboard I always thoroughly enjoy these videos though, and really appreciate the self-deprecating and humorous style. Many thanks for sharing your wisdom!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the channel JB. Regards, Charlie

[@petersemus4643]

As someone who has just dismantled his first layout as it was an electrician's nightmare which looked as though it had been constructed by a spider on acid, I found several aspects of this video which will prevent me from making time consuming errors. Thank you Charlie.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Peter, I’m so pleased that you found the video useful. Regards Charlie

[@alancope9962]

You know what they say Charlie. "A man that doesn't make a mistake, doesn't make anything" Great video as always 👍

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Alan, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie

[@tjfSIM]

I loved this one - reminded me very much of my own goofs and it's reassuring to know others have made the same errors! In truth, none of them are truly mistakes but rather things we look back on and learn from. My layout wiring is truly atrocious, and one of the biggest mistakes I made was building scenery over point work before I'd installed the motors 😂 I did chuckle at 16:54 - have visions of you getting stuck under there and having to be rescued by the Mrs. It may be worth fitting a panic button under each section of baseboard just in case! :)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Remember, perfection is the enemy of good enough! Regards Charlie

[@stevetrossell4255]

Fascinating to see how the new Chadwick has evolved. An idea for one of your ‘Swift’ videos prompted by your mention of lack of clearance for under board point motors - the availability/choice of surface-mount point motors?

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

It’s funny, you should mention that Steve, I have some on order. Regards, Charlie

[@steveross129]

Let me second Steve’s comment. Please make a swiftie on surface mount point motors.

[@peterfinch5077]

Great video and will help fellow modellers to avoid similar issues.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I wouldn’t bank on it Peter! Regards, Charlie

[@nathanbrammer8471]

I'm glad I found this, I'm about to build my first small n gauge layout, thank you for some sound advice.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You’re most welcome, Nathan. Regards, Charlie

[@Finnertoncentralmodelrailway]

We all make mistakes, and your right sharing them helps others, I've tried DCC, failed to go back to DC, ripped up my layout, and built another one. Forward planning is critical, something I've had to do 3 steps or more in advance, sometimes I think you need to be Mystic Meg having to think so far ahead. Great video as always Charlie. Brian.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Grea comment, Brian, and good luck with yours. Regards, Charlie

[@leschapman3268]

Cheers Charlie, Good video. Most of those errors I have indeed made however I seem to be able to repeat some over and over! Mind you as I get older I give a lot of time to thinking through the jobs so much I don't get started.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I never thought about that Les, as a downside to planning. Regards Charlie

[@NorthKentTransport1]

it's good to share mistakes,because we all make them but most people dont show them,what a great video charlie.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found it interesting Lewis. We all need to be more honest, regards, Charlie

[@redbank542]

As usual, a very useful video Charlie. My layout is 2.8 mtrs x 2.6 mtrs. I have a lift up flap as at 69 years, I’m not up to crawling on hands and knees 😂. My lift up has 4 tracks running across it and part of a Station. It took some trial and error to get it the hinges in just the right place and get the gaps in the rails as close as possible. It works without too many stoppages considering I haven’t completed the main bus wires. I will/may eventually get it finished. Currently planning an “N scale” layout from track and rolling stock that was gifted to me

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Nice to hear that you’re busy modelling Redbank. Regards, Charlie

[@EM-yk1dw]

Very interesting film, many thanks. You are so right, I’ve bought things over the years which have only run once.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes EM, we must stop being attracted to shiny things! Regards Charlie

[@aircooledorion]

Charlie all these mistakes you have made its called "the learning curve" or "experience in your chosen hobby", I'm just glad you have managed to keep your sense of humor whilst enjoying the experience and are able to pass it on to us lesser mortals and hopefully avoid any knee problems as we make the same journey. You could have made a video titled how expert I am and all the work was carefully planned and executed and didn't need any help!... At least your are being clear and for some of us watching your video, it's a tad too late.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found it. Interesting Pepper. Regards, Charlie.

[@kelvinVAUGHAN]

Hi Charlie. I know what you mean by be careful what you wish for. I have overcome it by building 2 layouts. I have a tail chaser in the loft that i will probably not see finished in my life time as i only work on it during the summer if it is raining. I then have a small end to end downstairs which i work on in the winter. Apart from some scenic work it is coming on and i can actually run trains on it. If i don't finish the one in the loft it will not be a problem as my grandson is in to model trains and will make good use of it when i am gone. I have found both layouts a steep learning curve and have made many mistakes, maybe i should start a third one to correct them all!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An excellent and honest comment Kelvin. Regards, Charlie

[@mikemunley9563]

Charlie, this was the best model railroad video I have seen in a long time. In life we often learn the most from our mistakes and I can say that is certainly true with my own layout. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That’s very kind of you to say so, Mike. Stay safe, regards, Charlie

[@stevebluesbury6206]

Warts and all. Lovely to be able to add your learning curve to mine. Half the time I was muttering ‘Yeah, done that. The rest of the time I was thinking ‘well, that’s one to avoid’ Thanks Charlie, you saved me some angst. 😃

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

The best thing, Steve, is we learn together. Regards, Charlie

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Great, Charlie. Good to know there is allways a work-around, and even though it's fiddley, it very likely will be ok eventually.😂

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Sometimes the journey is more interesting than the destination. Regards, Charlie

[@thelibrarian46]

Hi Charlie. Thank you for your very honest walts and all account of the evolution of Chadwick, and sharing the challenges. This clearly proves that building a model railway is a steep learning curve.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found interesting, Alan. Regards, Charlie

[@afudge6532]

Hi Charlie. Mistakes, now hands up anyone who hasn't made them. As I thought no hands 😉 It was interesting to hear you say you were going to put in a monitor. I have a monitor coming hopefully on Monday. Now that might be a good subject for a quickie video. Maybe when your friend comes over to help you might have a camera rolling to see you put in the new monitor. You can always mute the sound so that we don't hear the air turn blue Tony.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That’s interesting suggestion, AF. Regards, Charlie

[@martynbuzzing3327]

A great and honest video, Charlie. Who doesn't make mistakes? I love your humour and presentation. Thanks for sharing,

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You’re most welcome, Martyn. Regards, Charlie.

[@daveharland9126]

On the mixing of wooden and concrete track, as I recall it isn't just points that remain wooden but also sections of track on bridges where the greater weight of the concrete would be an issue. So there is some scope for interesting elements when introducing concrete track.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

What an excellent point Dave. I have never considered the weight on bridges. Regards Charlie

[@paulgolding1009]

As a mechanical design engineer, I was always told, those who make no mistakes have never built anything and that is so true with modelling. My own layout which is N gauge took a year to design because I made mistakes. Then building it I had to change bits of the plan cause things happen. Another great video and thanks

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I couldn’t agree more Paul. Plans are only the stage one of the build. Regards, Charlie

[@paulgolding1009]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Hi Charlie, my layout, Lofthaven was featured in Modelrail March 2007 issue. They made a mistake in the plan, they forgot the return loop line. Haha.

[@donsharpe5786]

I know we should sit and plan everything before we start. The trouble is that practicalities often catch us out. A good example is point motors and finding that you really do need to have a point sited above the 1" support. The other issue is moving house. In my case, the attic was low and meant that I would have to kneel and then I discover I have no sensation in one of my knees and ended up putting too much weight on it. The alternative room for the layout ended up with a grandson living in it instead. Also trying to adapt an old layout to the new house, which was putting a quart into a pint pot. Thank you for being honest in your videos, because it does mean that others do not make your mistakes. Do you really need to replace your track with concrete sleepers? By the time you have ballasted the track it is difficult to see what the sleepers are. My brother worked as a civil engineer for British Rail in the late 60s onwards. He said that there were much track still on wooden sleepers. Replacement would take place in sections, so it would have depended when the previous replacement took place, how heavy wear was on the track and would be planned in conjunction with continuously welded rail. (Kings were renowned for heavy wear on track, so be careful when running your king) Thanks for another interesting video Charlie.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An excellent comment, Don. The jury is out on whether I replace that section of track, only time will tell. Regards, Charlie

[@iang1107]

I feel your pain - The knees! As an ex-miner if I get down on my knees without kneepads on, on any surface, I am in a lot of pain. On my layout in our loft the build is mostly done on my knees and I never go up without kneepads on. They have to be good thicker foam the better. On any household job inside or outside the kneepads go on first. In the house I will always grab a cushion even on carpeted floor for quick jobs on my knees. Elbows! When laying track etc I am always on my elbows and have developed problems with my left elbow particularly and now wear cushioned elbow straps also. Ditto. My operator position for controlling my DCC layout (now laptop and extra monitor position) has not changed but the wiring is on its 3rd variation as I have improved it and have split it up into 4 zones. I still keep my Dynamis system in use occasionally but now use a Digikeis DR5000, very versatile system. Great video - thought it was only me going around easing gradients.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An excellent comment Ian. Getting old is no joke mate. Regards, Charlie

[@stevemawer848]

Another excellent video Charlie! "The man who didn't make mistakes didn't make anything." Worth bearing in mind. :-)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Steve, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it.

[@RabidWombatz]

Knowing other people’s mistakes always makes one feel better about your own mistakes! I’m up to my 5th board layout, getting bigger each time, with previous ones not entirely finished. Because there’s a point where you know that a mistake is fundamentally because your vision is different from the physical thing you have done. Also, I love “what an absolute nugget!” and “that’s the sound of freedom”. Amen.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. RW. Regards, Charlie

[@davidlidbury1244]

Hi Charle. Yet another brilliant and helpful "warts n'all" video. Being an absolute beginner 14 months ago hit the ground running to build a layout by using a Hornby track mat and their 5 part "how to" videos, didn't know you were around then! Massive mistake laying ballast before track! Just about got over the suffering .lol Keep the videos coming and now look forward to the Swift's, well done mate!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

At least you’ve learnt from the mistake David and your new journey awaits you. Regards, Charlie

[@8nedgehilldieselservicingd212]

Cracking video and very interesting, I’m now on my fifth version of my layout but the mistakes I’ve made and things I’ve learnt over the last few years have proved invaluable.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I totally agree, sometimes the journey is more interesting than the destination.

[@thomasstonge3758]

What a great video sir, just took down half of my layout last week, and glad I did it, wasn't to the scenery stage yet so, basically track work and bench work, did planning and making sure I had room for the things I wanted,it was a stand inside and run around affair, but I did have a swing gate, but as you said about the amount of track you really want to put on something like that, I had 2 lines, on mine, but it did limit,or dictate what you could put on it, or around it, same thing though, when you needed something you went through the gate, and also the bench work turned into a shelf when you were working along the wall area, so I'm just going along the wall which I my case is a good size, and learning from what I just had, I like the backdrop industries/ shallow relief buildings, , I have put in time money, hours building what I just took down, planning and twerking the track plan, laying awake at night, trying to solve a problem,and coming up with something, but I feel like I'm moving in the right direction, still love the hobby, and also I think a person's likes and dislikes change, I have a ton of kits from my father that need building, and with the room I'm saving I can roll out another workbench, I did plan and had enough room for my main workbench before I took down the middle of the layout, but it was cramped, enough rambling, good topic, always like your stuff, you lose me in the electrical department, still use toggle switch block system, and the knees, know all about it, I'm reminded every day at work when I got to climb in my engine, yes even the engineers get bad knees! God bless, keep em coming

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An excellent comment, Thomas. Please take it easy on those knees, regards, Charlie

[@modelrailroader5619]

Great retrospective and lots of philosophical musings about model railroading. Thanks for sharing with us! Cheers from across the pond 🇨🇦

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for tuning in mate, and I do hope that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie

[@dallasthomas9298]

Hi Charlie, another GEM you learn until you are put in a box, may it be a long time from now for us all. Good point on passion purchasers, I've made a few but but still have them all. Rule No 1 for me.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Thomas. Regards, Charlie

[@ShibaInYourWalls]

Fortunately I'm the "bit of everything" modeller; that is, I like having a variety of stock - I have something for most layouts! But I know people who have decided on an era when making a layout and then having to sell old stock since it doesn't fit with what they are doing - and I've often bought their old stock off of them... so a win-win! A fantastic video as always. Thank you for showcasing your layout and process and mistakes. My first layout was the same - a bit of a bodge in places and a couple of lines outright didn't work properly due to bad points! Keep it up Charlie!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks A777, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie

[@kite7214]

So build the lower section before the upper one...... NOW YOU TELL ME !! Thanks for the vid Charlie. Good to know that it's not just me. ;-) Keep it up.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

We seem to trundle from disaster to disaster. But it’s how we cope, that really matters. Regards, Charlie

[@spottedzebra58]

I like your video's Charlie, wart's and all! Show me someone that's not made a mistake, and chances are, they've not made anything! To use the old service adage; Fail to plan, then plan to fail! Keep up the good work Charlie. Cheers...Les.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Les, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie

[@johnoneill5661]

A really great video 👍 not many people would be so honest and open about their mistakes, but I think that it makes your videos much more watchable because you admit to and show the mistakes (mind you I haven’t heard “that will be the phone” for a while). I have had to sit on my hands to stop myself from buying the APT-E as I model in HO European and North American it really wouldn’t fit in, but in saying that I have half a dozen Hattons class 66’s, half a dozen Accurascale Deltics and a pair of Accurascale class 37’s on order and am fighting with myself every day to not order the 6 new ex Hattons class 66’s from Accurascale (I’m sure that they are trying to bankrupt me) and all in a scale that I have no rolling stock for.😂😂😂

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I feel your pain John. I too have a 37 and a 31 on order. Regards, Charlie

[@stmichaelshill7421]

Good to see you at the shop yesterday Charlie!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You too mate, we should’ve had a longer chat. Regards, Charlie

[@1BCamden]

Hi Charlie, learnt so much from you over the years. Such an important point about getting clear about the where and the where of the layout, as it can save you an absolute fortune. Thanks

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks 1BC, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie

[@dgattenb]

My Kato track N gaguge , has grown from a few feet to a 9-foot by 4 foot layout and its still growing .. just added a raised section .. stock .. Mmmmm have everthing from my 1960s locos to kato and modern locos... this is an awesome video that eveyone should watch before they start ... having the room is dangerous, You need to build the layout for the room not the other way around LOL

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An excellent, David. Regards, Charlie

[@ironworksmodels]

“That was the sound of freedom.” ❤️❤️👍👍 How about a video of all the things you’ve done right. 😀

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

But it would only be a short video!

[@ironworksmodels]

@@ChadwickModelRailway 🤣no, I’m serious actually. What are the best things you’ve done that you recommend others also do?

[@stephenlane743]

Another cracking video Charlie. It may even make a newsletter in the near future. We all make mistakes, and its the way that we recover from those mistakes that really counts. As you are aware lots of my customers love your videos because you keep your mistakes in, where as some do remove them. Keep them coming as they are very watchable and entertaining.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Stephen, I’m so pleased that you and your customers enjoy my videos. Regards Charlie

[@ngaugefouroaksstreetstatio6932]

Excellent, regardless of the amount of planning issues will always arise.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it, regards, Charlie

[@acftus]

Oh Charlie, haven't we all been there!! The moral of the story is always learn by your mistakes, never look back with regret. There are so many things when building a model railway (and in life) where you just think "oh I wish I'd done this or done that". The video you have produced is so down to earth that most of us can relate to the things you mention. My main regret is wiring, a thing that I wished to have given more thought to and how to make the underside of the baseboard look tidy rather than spaghetti junction! You mention about your track and concrete sleepers and I think you should leave things be as it would look somewhat out of place to have small sections replaced. You would then need to weather it down and to what overall effect? I continually look forward to watching your videos and for the hints and tips you offer. So much so that I have today become a Patreon. Thank you.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thank you Kevin, for your loyalty. Good luck with your project, regards, Charlie

[@andersholt4653]

Thank you Charlie for yet another borh educational and entertaining video. We all make mistakes, but not all are big enough to admit them. You have all my respect. Greetings from Sweden 🇸🇪.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Anders, that’s very kind of you. Regards Charlie

[@pohl54]

Understand exactly what you mean about time and baseboards. Got all my boards built and then moved house. Couldn't take them with me. As you say it's the time spent building the dam things and having to start over As always a great video.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I share your pain P 54. Regards, Charlie

[@waverleycross4231]

Well done Charlie, so good. I've made many mistakes like you and hopefully learn't from them. My knees also are saying "enough" and as I didn't have enough room in my shed for a layout I could walk around, I raised layout by 600mm so my "duck-under" became a modest nod of the head and i'm through. Rather than dismantle everything and rebuild though, I used hydraulic jacks and slowly raised the layout section by section, bricking it up until I achieved the correct height. Then I cut and installed new legs and braces. I've now got some more space for a fiddle yard, but of course, wouldn't it have been great to have thought of it first? Love your work. All the best from (sunny) Western Australia.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

What a brilliant way of breathing new life into a layout. I take my hat off to you. Regards, Charlie.

[@davidmeynen8120]

hi Charlie it nice to meet you at alexander palace having watched your channel such along time great video mate

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks David, it’s always so rewarding to meet your subscribers. Regards, Charlie

[@TheRip72]

Most of us evolve as modellers. Smaller projects can be more rewarding because you can learn from them & start something completely new. Usually with larger ones, you learn things along the way & feel you could have done them better if you start again.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I think you’re spot-on the money there. Regards, Charlie

[@oceanfroggie]

Superb video as ever. Thank you. Charlie this series is better than many 3rd level courses. Honest sharing of how and how not is really helpful for both newbies and even others with some milage under their belts. You should be on the BBC, such is the quality of your easy to listen to presentation style, clear, concise, no waffle.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks OF, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie

[@tidfordjunction]

Thanks Charlie. This video makes me feel a bit more comfortable about my cock ups. Most of mine are probably like most people. "never mind the planning, I want to get some track laid and trains running!"

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I know the feeling, where is the fun in planning! Regards, Charlie

[@tidfordjunction]

@@ChadwickModelRailway When I was at work I had a sign on my office wall which read "Planning is a waste of time, for by not planning, failure comes as a complete surprise and is not preceded by a period of anxiety and worry" 😁😆😆

[@robertbage5052]

Charlie, Have you considered a tortoise remote mounting for those points where planning fell short? Simple enough, wire in tube from point motor to actuator. Bob

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I have Bob. However, many subscribers want me to try surface mounted point motors. Regards, Charlie

[@hillmanhalt]

Great video Charlie - I'm just starting out on my first layout and I think I've made nearly all those mistakes already! 🙂

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found it entertaining Tim. Regards, Charlie

[@roystudds1944]

Great video Charlie and I enjoyed reading all the comments. I firmly believe that every day is a school day with this hobby and just reflect that the skills I have developed over the past three years would not have happened without making “mistakes “ along the way. I certainly wouldn’t have got where I am without seeing how you and others have done it yourselves either. So thanks for sharing your thought processes on your build so far. Look forward to seeing more in the future. Roy.

[@bobhordern5139]

As an retired teacher and full-time modeller I totally agree Roy

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Roy, that’s very kind of you to say so. Thanks for the comment too Bob. Regards Charlie

[@davidyeates8894]

Thanks Charlie for another great video. At least I’m in good company with respect to a few of the mistakes you highlighted. Accessibility being one of the ones I have fallen foul of. I really need more clearance between the scenic level and my lower level fiddle yard/ return loop. Another mistake I have made is having a gradient on a curve that is too steep for some of my smaller tank locos. Ah well, we live and learn! Regards, David

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Not to worry,David, it happens to the best of us mate. Regards, Charlie

[@peterkazmierczak7273]

If you never make a mistake, you never make anything. Really interesting video, Charlie. A suggestion for a "shortie". What about something on cleaning loco wheels? Mechanical methods, chemical ones, etc... Regards, Peter

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’ve done that one Peter. Please take a look at the back catalogue. Regards, Charlie

[@lynganddistrict]

Like you had Charlie, I have a duck under - or more to a point a crawl under - section to get to the middle of the layout, and i am already starting to think what a bad mistake it was, and am considering a re design, but I'm still good enough to crawl for now so will finish off the original plan, enjoy it and then rip it apart and create a more manageable "breathe in and squeeze past" layout. Like you I failed to plan where I was going to fit a large screen, but will be working on that when I re do the layout, so am sticking with the laptop for now. But thank you for the video, as if you can make mistakes it means I don't have to beat myself up when I do! Regards Steve

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Great comment Steve. Sometimes the journey is more interesting than the destination. Regards, Charlie

[@bertoverweel6588]

We all make mistakes Charlie, and we learn from them, I had a lot of smoke under my layout ones and didn't even had steam engines. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A great comment Bert. Stay safe, regards, Charlie

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Nice update Charlie and liked thanks for sharing DD.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found it. Interesting MMR. Regards, Charlie.

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks Charlie

[@allanmorton6022]

Another great video Charlie. Model railways are great for correcting your own mistakes and to help you learn as you can see the impact of what you've created/changed pretty quickly and mostly things are easy to fix or improve and also great for learning to fault find. I've found so much useful and interesting information from watching you over many videos as the hobby has moved on quite a bit since I last had time to spend on it (more than 20 years ago!). I have to congratulate you on your clear presentation and quality content on so many relevant topics. Honestly, you could base a college course on your video collection! Keep up the great work, Allan

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That’s very kind of you to say so, Allan. Stay safe, regards, Charlie

[@thecnwmondovilinepaulscota7304]

Thanks for this Charlie, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I appreciate your honesty in highlighting your "learning opportunities" so we can learn as well. I think your double-helix solution is brilliant! Yo've given me some nice ideas to apply to my current build of The Mondovi Line, thanks! - Paul

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Paul, that’s really kind of you to say so mate. Regards, Charlie

[@RCassinello]

Hi Charlie - Another great video, as usual. Please don't think your mistakes are in vain, and thank you so much for being open in sharing them, too, as it gives us all a chance to learn. I had planned to just build a big tail-chaser with either a duck-under or flap, but having seeing one of your earlier videos, I had such an epiphany about using helixes instead that me and my knees will be eternally grateful for your content! :)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That’s great news Ron, I’m so pleased you didn’t make the same mistake that I did. Regards, Charlie

[@carltontweedle5724]

Mistakes I have made a few I did it my way. It's a song but we all do it. That is how we learn by making mistakes. If everything went spot on you would learn nothing. Love your show the honesty is the only way to be.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Carlton, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie

[@mikeburnitt403]

I wouldnt worry too much about using concrete sleepered track, it would have only been put in when the track formation needed upgrading, so would have been done intermittently, maybe the 2 through lines were renewed leaving the wooden sleepered track either side. There is still plenty of wooden sleepered track on the mainline through Devon and Cornwall.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You’re talking me into it Mike. Regards, Charlie

[@chasc301]

A really interesting video Charlie. A colleague of mine was a boat builder and explained to me the concept of ‘critical-path’ in engineering projects (socks on before shoes etc). Great theory but if plans change…. Loved the George Best and ‘sound of freedom’ quotes 👍🏽. Kind regards.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found it interesting Chas. Regards, Charlie.

[@johnwalker9750]

Great video as per. In my case, it is not so much mistakes, but rather finding out about products, usually scenic materials or infrastructure, that would have been much better and more easily installed on the layout at an earlier stage of the build. I returned to model railways after over 35 years away, and it never ceases to amaze me what you can buy these days. A lot depends on the period to be modelled.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An excellent comment, Jon. Yes, technology waits for no man, including railway modellers. Regards, Charlie

[@gavinmccall7179]

Thanks for sharing all of this in a video Charlie! Lots of opportunities to learn!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Gavin, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie