N Gauge Model Railway, SettleCarlisle68 June 2024 Update, Its the End of the Line for Hellifield!

[@TwoRailfans]

Incredible layout! Change can be fun though. I just found your channel and will follow the project.

[@SC68]

Hi thanks for your kind comment and glad to have you onboard for the new project! Cheers Gary

[@Elvenhome]

The only thing that matters with our hobby is that it gives us enjoyment and it isn't a chore. You achieved a lot with Hellifield and you can put all that learning into the new project which of course I keen to see and hear about. I am sure subscribers will continue to follow you Gary, certainly I will. Stephen

[@SC68]

Hi Stephen, Your spot on with your wise words as always Stephen, and yes I have learnt hell of alot and hopefully put it all into practise on the new 00 layout! Thank you for your continued support it means alot! Cheers Gary

[@iansngauge]

Good morning Gary! Well, this was indeed a surprise and a bit of a shock! However, hobbies are supposed to be enjoyable and relaxing, so you need to be happy with what you're doing! I've enjoyed watching Westmorland and latterly Hellifield take shape over the last couple of years, and will continue to follow along with your OO journey! I look forward to you revealing the plans for the new layout, and watching it take shape too! All the best, Ian.

[@SC68]

Hi Ian, yes a shock for alot of people I guess but I built up to it for many weeks and I am convinced its the right decision for me. Thanks so much for your kind words and appreciate you sticking with the channel, I hope my 00 exploits will go down just as well! Cheers Gary

[@peterhealy9044]

Gary!!!! Omg mate. That was an unexpected video. Still you do what's best for you. I'll keep watching whatever. Keep going. Pete Cumbria 🙂

[@SC68]

Hi Peter, yes not one I had expected to make, but I am convinced it is the right decision given I had lost my mojo with it mainly as a result of the N gauge situation with steam trains! My 00 layout you will be pleased to hear will be return to Westmorland 😉😊. Thanks for your continued support Peter, Cheers Gary

[@martincomber-evans8779]

Wow! Now that’s a surprise and also a shock. I fully understand your reasons…..if it now longer works for you, then it’s time to change. You’ve given me so much inspiration and ideas for design, cameos, etc. I’ll certainly follow your next project….just love the way you work and describe your thought process and then translate that into actual tangible projects. Good luck in your next project…looking forward to it. Best wishes, Martin

[@SC68]

Hi Martin, yes quite a shock and took a good while to come to that decision. I am humbled by your kind words and it makes the videos all worth while as I have channels that I feel the same about so thanks for that ☺ Yes looking forward to the new project its coming together slowly but I think I've decided on a theme, plan etc...cheers Gary

[@thegrowler-blackwoodngauge]

Hi Gary - can totally understand your decision to dismantle your superbly detailed layout. The hobby shouldn't be a bind and if the layout wasn't living up to your expectations and providing that sort of "escapism" then your decision is the right one. I'll still follow you - even in OO 😅 - I do follow some OO channels ! I'm sure whatever you build it will be to a very high standard if Hellifield is anything to go by. Take care - Euan

[@SC68]

Hi Euan, yes I had grown out of the layout if that makes sense and the quality of the N gauge steamers tipped me over the edge, I think going modern image was a mistake for me, great models but turned out just not for me unfortunately. Appreciate your continued support and I will certainly keep following all my favourite N gauge layouts/channels! Cheers Gary

[@Battlefield_Sleuth]

A big decision and bold to jump in. Your scenery was outstanding. Good luck with the future plan.

[@SC68]

Hi, Thank you for your kind words and looking forward to the future layout, well into planning it already! Cheers Gary

[@PadraigRiordan]

I am shocked Gary. I did the same a number of years ago. Went from 00 gauge to N gauge. The very best of luck with it. I am sure it will be outstanding. I very much look forward to seeing the new project developing. Best of luck mate.

[@SC68]

HI Patrick, yes I guessed it would come as a shock to alot of people but I'm convinced its the right decision! Looking forward to the new project! Cheers Gary

[@wimbletrain]

Hi Gary, I really enjoyed your Hellifield layout build and look forward to your venture into the world of OO gauge! All the best from the underside. John

[@SC68]

Hi John, Thanks for your kind words and yes 00 gauge should be fun and a dam sight bigger to see! Cheers Gary

[@alexmorgan2296]

Glad I’m not the only one swapping N gauge for OO gauge for the many reasons you mention! Whilst sorry to see your layout go, it must be the correct decision if, like me, you cease to enjoy the smaller gauge (the old joints find it too small!!!). Shall follow your progress with great interest. Sure you’ll sell previous stock etc. easily it was so well designed and constructed.

[@SC68]

Hi Alex, Thanks for your continued support and glad I am not the only one but it is a shame that N gauge is suffering due to the poor quality control of the manufacturers! Cheers Gary

[@highlandersixtysix]

Wow, I didn't see this coming... I checked, only a few weeks ago, to see if I'd missed a notification, but I wasn't expecting this., your scenic work is simply outstanding. In any case, you know what you want best for yourself, I've made the opposite journey from OO to N. I'm certainly interested in your items and will reach out to you. Wishing you the very best in your next adventure.

[@SC68]

Hi, Thank you for you kind words and yes its taken a lot of pondering to come to the decision as there is no going back now so just hope its the right one!? Please feel free to contact me on Facebook, Messenger but you can also contact me on [e-mail] Cheers Gary

[@breintonjunction791]

Hi Gary, sad times all your hard work that went into SettleCarlisle 68 but exciting times to look forward to with the new layout cheers Al

[@SC68]

Hi Al, Yes it was sad as lots of work had gone into it but it was a great layout to learn with so onto my next challenge and project! Cheers Gary

[@jeffbrewer9515]

Hi Gary, well that was a surprise. As you effectively said, if the enjoyment has gone, move on. I wish you well for your future projects and my thanks for your videos thus far and for answering my questions. All the best, Jeff

[@SC68]

Hi Jeff, yes I was guessing it would be a surprise to most but as you say if the enjoyment has gone to move on, its a hobby at the end of the day! Thank you for your kind words and glad to been of help 😊Cheers Gary

[@northernrails4462]

Bloody hell Gary I’m shocked however I can’t fully understand your decision. Good luck with your new venture mate. Keep in touch. I’ll most certainly be keeping my eyes open.

[@SC68]

Hi Craig, yes it was a bit of shock for me too and was a tad sad when dismantling the layout and especially my farm 😔 but I am looking forward to 00 and doing the scenery! Cheers Gary

[@lord-al-2024]

Onwards and upwards Gary..Very best of luck on the rebuild . Look forward to see how you plan it out . Regards Lord Al.

[@SC68]

Hi Lord Al, good to hear from you, thanks for the support and looking forward to entering the 00 gauge world 😉😝 Cheers Gary

[@lord-al-2024]

@@SC68 Enjoy . let the fun begin

[@ksld]

Hi Gary, interesting! Wish you all the best in your new endeavours. I’d keep tunnel top as a diorama and reminder of Hellifield. I’ve done same with my layout a couple of months ago and like you, pondering what to do next. I’ll be sticking to n gauge but will keep watching what you do next. Cheers Mike

[@SC68]

HI Mike, I must have missed your video?? But yes it is a big decision and as to what to do next, its funny now it all gone its almost a relief I can get on with something new which is odd! Looking forward to what you do next??? Thanks for your support 😊 Cheers Gary

[@ksld]

@@SC68 hi Gary agree totally, feels like an odd relief to start afresh as running issues was the most frustrating thing towards the end. Like you, looking forward to what comes next. All the best Mike 👍

[@Wickford_N_Gauge]

When the fun stops, stop ✋️ Although sad to see the end of Hellifield 😢 and your N Gauge era 🫣 it's always exciting to start a new project 🤩 I will definitely be joining you on your journey 👍 although you will need to study hard 📚 the scaling of mud for OO 🤭 very best wishes from the Emerald Isle ☘️

[@SC68]

Hello Paul of Wickford, wise words and totally agree, I am sad to be moving on from N gauge but looking forward to the new project, hope the grass is not just greener and 00 live sup to expectations! Mud is mud but may need to add some more detail to 00 Mud?! Appreciate the continued support! Cheers Gary

[@staffordstationngauge8359]

Sad your leaving n gauge Gary. Hope all goes well with the new layout.

[@SC68]

Hi Ben, yes it is sad but I feel for me to carry on enjoying the hobby I need to change. Great work on your scratch builds by the way, look fantastic! Cheers Gary

[@IanCawthorne]

I'm not going to lie, it was a bit heart wrenching to see Westmorland/Hellifield for the last time Gary. However, I have no doubts at all that you will enjoy 00 scale and am really looking forward to coming on that journey with you. Onwards and upwards!

[@SC68]

Hi Ian, Thank you for your kind words and yes it was a sad making the video, in some ways felt like I had let people down but ultimately its a hobby and an interest that has to remain fun to do! Looking forward to seeing progress with your new layout! Cheers Gary

[@ngaugefouroaksstreetstatio6932]

Very sad Gary, i hate to see an "N" gauger leave but i do also follow quite a few other scales. I have had recent email exchanges with Mark Ireland mainly into Loco reliability as i also get really frustrated with stalling loco's and the constant need for maintenance. If you are not confident pulling them apart it could feel like a real nightmare and certainly the enjoyment would wane. Switching to a larger potentially more reliable gauge I'm sure will re kindle your enthusiasm. Anyway I loved your work particularly the farm and your scenic work in general, I will be look forward to the new channel. All the best.

[@SC68]

Hi Chris, yes I think alot of things just built up with N gauge and the layout itself just getting unmanageable but that was my fault! Its a shame really but need a fresh challenge as well. Thanks for your continued support! Cheers Gary

[@endoorrailway]

Hi Gary, a hobby has to be fun else it's pointless - I hope you enjoy 00 when you get to it, though if space was tight in N then it'll be very interesting to see your plans for 00. It doesn't surprise me that the overall quality of N gauge steam in particular has put you off - the manufacturers are doing themselves out of business. You managed to get good detail into what you made at 1:148, you should find 1:76 a breeze!

[@SC68]

Hi Jonathan, yes all the reasons you list have all contributed for changing over to 00 and my plans to change to a smaller sized layout. I will be focusing on scenery and getting some nice 00 steam locos 😊. Cheers Gary

[@Amberlea-Model-Railway]

Hi Gary, I'm sure your new venture will be as impressive as the previous one... I would'nt mind taking the trees off your hands for Amberlea....... Chris

[@SC68]

Hi Chris, Thanks for support and kind words! Trees will be on their way on Monday....Cheers Gary

[@skagerraksoftware2642]

Hi I love the realism of your dry stone walls, can you tell me how you achieved that! I've seen a few good attempts but yours look the best. :) Thanks !

[@SC68]

Hi I paint them with a grey aerosol primer, then then paint all over with a weak black acrylic wash and once dry and give the walls a dry brushing all over with white paint to gain the effect. I do then add other details such as moss etc....good luck with your walls! Cheers Gary

[@skagerraksoftware2642]

@@SC68 Thanks ! I'll give it ago ! :)

[@wamgoc]

This looks like it was a great layout! We are building one with the same idea at our club! Sorry you decided to take the layout apart!😢

[@SC68]

Hi Thanks for your comment and good luck with your club layout! On to my next project in 00 which will have a very similar theme ☺ Cheers Gary

[@moorlandmodelrailwayandy]

Wow Gary Hellifield is no more. Not really surprised after our last communication where you said you'd lost interest. 00 is easier to model size wise but you can still break things. It was a great layout while it lasted but it's new beginnings, 00 here we come. Us it a shunting layout, tmd or a double layer? You know me I can't wait for part 2 lol. Atb Gary keep on modelling but enjoy the holidays too cheers Andy

[@SC68]

Hi Andy, Yes it was sad breaking down the layout but I am sure its been the right decision!? Looking forward to 00 even though the layout will be small by comparison scale wise so its down to 3 coach trains and so on.....! I wont disclose just yet 😉 what I have finally decided upon as still in the planning stage and I'm on REv.12 already but its coming down to tweaks😆. I am going to put the plan out there to get feedback from the experts before making final decisions but cutting baseboards is some way off as yet. I am keeping up the modelling and yes a few holidays to come 🥳 hope you are keeping well? Cheers Gary

[@joechallis7187]

Hi How much would you sell the cement tankers for And how much would you sell the blue GBRF wagons for Many thanks Joe

[@SC68]

Hi Joe please email me at [e-mail] and I will send you the prices through

[@joechallis7187]

@@SC68 ok then

[@PiddleInTheMarshbyMarkIreland]

Well I certainly didn't expect you to be doing that ! For those of us who don't go near anything Facebook can you give us a email address to contact you with please.

[@SC68]

Hi Mark, yes, I garbled on a lot as to why 😂 but I'm convinced I'm doing the right thing??? My email address is [e-mail]