Neville Grove - bringing realism to model railways

NEW! Check out Steve's brand new dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here:
/ @nevillegrove
You'll see stunning videos not available on my channel, so please subscribe!
Steve transforms Hornby and Bachmann model trains with subtle weathering. He can create both the distressed appearance of an old 4F workhorse, as well as the 'oily-rag' sheen of a gleaming express locomotive. Simply filmed using an iPhone, he then synchronises sound of the actual locomotives, using original "Transacord" recordings made in the 1950s and 1960s.
More details of Neville Groves's bespoke weathering service can be found here: neville-grove.weebly.com

[@royfearn4345]

Just the right amount of muckiness! Happy trainspotting days remembered, pack of sandwiches, bottle of pop and my bike propped up nearby. Aaaah........

[@MrTBrearley]

If you haven't checked it already Roy, I can heartily recommend this video made by the same chap: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWiWoaeId7GFp9E

[@davemiller6893]

I'm not a railway modeller and I thought your layout, lighting and realism where excellent. Well done.

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks, Dave, you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@mikebeeton4982]

EXCELENT, thank you so much for sharing your layout, I just watch and listen , quite heavenly. Well fo me !!

[@MrTBrearley]

Mike, thanks for this. It's made by a guy called Steve Croucher under the name "Neville Grove" in honour of his grandfather. I posted it while he was setting up his own YT channel which is now in place. His videos just get better and better and you might enjoy this latest example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWiWoaeId7GFp9E. He'd love you to subscribe, I'm sure.

[@paulgabolinscy2502]

Wonderful 👍🏽

[@paddycoleman1472]

Stunning models, amazing layout and truly wonderful video.

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks Paddy. Video is my trade, but I can't claim credit for the astonishing filming and editing on these. you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@philabraham658]

Fantastic, very inspirational, and loving the careful selection of viewpoint and angle to reinforce the illusion

[@MrTBrearley]

It's a stunner, isn't it? I can take no credit, as I was only hosting this whilst Steve got his own channel set up. I wonder if you've looked at his KZbin channel (under the name 'Neville Grove") since the recent videos have been even more remarkable. Very definitely worth a look, and the hot link is in the description for this video. Glad you enjoyed

[@philabraham658]

Ahhh, right, thanks for the link👍🏼

[@kalicom2937]

Really really good synchronization of audio to visuals. Good stuff.

[@nigelmitchell351]

Wonderful Mrt.! Love your civils too. Amazing what a perfectly timed sound track does.! First class.!

[@MrTBrearley]

Delighted you liked it, Nigel - but I am not worthy! It's all the work of Steve Croucher (trading under the name of Neville Grove). There are some lovely videos on his site: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. Brilliant use of archive sound from Peter Handford's own Argo records which Steve carefully syncs with the models. I used to do video myself but couldn't film models the way Steve does. Worth a look on a rainy afternoon!

[@princenoah1950]

I've just started modeling a couple months back,and I gotta say I definitely love the layout,I also have a 4F model myself numbered 4312

[@johnjephcote7636]

Ah, that opening scene with the 4F...I remember just that on a Sunday morning at Manton.

[@angelamurtagh1221]

A masterclass, superbly done

[@johndaarteest]

That's a brilliant video, well chuffed to have found it.

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks, you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@jimparlett4099]

A brilliant layout, fantastic scenery and design, and the videos really did seem quite life-like. There is, of course, one obvious thing missing, which is signals. In real life, a railway like this would have signals protecting every route and junction, and once you notice they're not there it somehow just jars. And nowadays, working semaphore signals are easy to use and means there's so much more going on at any one time.

[@MrTBrearley]

Hi Jim - Steve agrees! However, I don't want him to make signals until he's weathered all my locos! By the way, you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@keithnaylor1981]

Wonderful! Playing with trains in the 60s was never as thrilling or realistic as this! The sound effects are really well done!

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks Keith, you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@dougbull3289]

Well done, great modelling.

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks Doug, I've been hosting these videos while Steve - the man behind Neville Grove - got his own KZbin channel established. It's worth subscribing to him as he has some films not on here, and plans for some interesting pieces coming up.

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Great video .Like the detail.thank's

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

There are so many good things about this layout, running a the right speed is important, the back scenes are wonderful how is it done? I love the multi levels !

[@stephenwilliams1269]

Superb video. Thank you.

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks Stephen - not my own work, I have to make clear, but you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@davidcrosby7564]

Enjoyed every moment.. Well done..

[@MrTBrearley]

Hello David, Thanks for your kind comment. As you may have realised I've been hosting these videos for Steve at 'Neville Grove' while he set up his own KZbin channel. It's now here! kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. and you can see two splendid videos that I haven't got on this page. He'd love you to subscribe and help him spread the word. Incidentally, I got to know Steve after he did some work for me and I can't recommend him highly enough!

[@steveblixt9437]

Attention to detail is exquisite. This layout is so realistic that you can hear birds chirping @3:15. Amazing

[@nigelmitchell351]

Agreed Steve, beautiful but for me the 4F is too uniformly grey.

[@Tom-Lahaye]

Nice! The synchronisation of the wheel revolutions and wagon clicking noises was perfectly performed, even the clicking of the passenger coach bogies appeared at exactly the right rhythm. One small note of critique are the gaps beneath the walls, these detract from the allover realism of the layout and can easily be covered with some static grass or flock.

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks for the praise, and the useful critical note, Tom. you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@tarleton8874]

Great video - one of the best videos like this that I've seen. You've earned yourself a subscriber.

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks. Video's my trade, but I can claim no credit for Steve's skilful work here. I simply offered to host some short films after he did a superb job transforming a Bachmann tank for me (also on site).

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks Tarleton, you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@billyharper2678]

Truly a model railway to be proud of, smashing!

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks, Billy, you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@fentoncentral-ngauge]

Magificent! Cracking layout. Can't wait to see more of it..

[@MrTBrearley]

Hi - you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@fentoncentral-ngauge]

@@MrTBrearley Thanks now subbed !

[@ronnronn55]

Excellent background paintings. I found the train a bit long for each scene when I had to wait for all the cars to run past. Camera angles worked very well. Nice work on the layout etc. Thanks, Ronn

[@MrTBrearley]

Ronn, Thanks for your feedback - you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe - and to get this kind of useful critical response.

[@donsharpe5786]

Loved it. It was good to hear steam engines chuffing with the correct sound along with the correct sounds of wagons moving.

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks Don, you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@mikeykaney]

I had a train set as a kid, seeing this I feel I have missed something, this is impressive, well done! Such a crafts man with an eye for detail. You should be well chuff chuffed with yourself. Thanks for sharing!

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks! I have to stress that the skill is all Steve's and you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@lucasquintanilla1673]

@@MrTBrearley realism of this kind is very impressive on a model railway! Being from the United States, and being a O gauge type of person, I am more than a little disappointed that it’s very hard to find O gauge models of foreign locomotives, particularly British. (what I would give to be able to get good O gauge models of GWR city of turro LNER flying Scotsman and Dwight D Eisenhower, one of the LMS coronations a SR Q1 from World War II and the A1 peppercorn locomotives both the new one that was named tornado, and maybe one based off of the original members) I must say, however, that the noises and sound effects used in these videos, and the ones in Neville Grove are absolutely stupendous. The only other time I have ever heard anything close to this was when I have watched a program that was sold on VHS back of the day called “ I love Toy trains” because of the fact that they frequently used sound effects in the videos of the model railroad layouts. Perhaps the two biggest reasons I love the Neville Grove KZbin channel is that the sound effects are very realistic as far as I can tell (I’ve never actually been near a operating steam locomotive in the time that I’ve been able to remember things and I’ve never been near British diesels so my knowledge of what they sound like come primarily from videos). The second thing that I love is that there is a nice mix of British steam and classic diesel on the layout, which gives off the idea that the transition era between steam and diesel never really ended. I say this as someone who likes diesel locomotives just as much as steam engines and I really wish you could get O gauge models of British rail deltics Westerns, and the LMS number 1000 which was the first British mainline diesel locomotive, which was completed and entered service right before nationalization, and is to my knowledge one of the two only locomotives of the diesel variety to carry one of the original big four Road names. It’s kind of made me wonder over the years what diesel locomotives would’ve looked like if nationalization hadn’t happened. I’ve been under the impression that if the class 55 Deltic had still existed, then they very well could have been used by the LNER. Also, while I have never seen your videos about the commemoration of war casualties, I have to say that I appreciate that you are keeping peoples memory of the past alive.

[@billmasen3923]

Lovely layout, I think the Kadees are more discrete than the horn hooks.

[@ddpeak1]

Brilliant thanks for sharing, I’m still enjoying my stainless steel too.

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks, you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@simmo151]

Is it just me or is the level of detail on the models, the realistic weathering and the crisp clear close up video (suprised to read its an iphone) almost makes the scale bigger than it is? At first i thought this was at least O Gauge but i assume its OO. Really good upload!

[@MrTBrearley]

It is OO, Dave, and agree that it's remarkable both in terms of the detail achieved, and in the skill of the filming. Video is largely what I do for a living and I would struggle to get the amazing results that Steve achieves with an iPhone. Depressing!

[@dibsyardshuntinglayout]

Great work Steve, both on the layout and your superb weathering! My J39 is on its way to you on Monday!

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks - you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe - as I'm sure you will as a fellow fan of the great man!

[@dibsyardshuntinglayout]

@@MrTBrearley - too slow Mr B! I already subscribed days ago! 😉

[@MrTBrearley]

@@dibsyardshuntinglayout Excellent! I've been trawling through all the comments to let people know about his new channel. Want to spread the word as it's such an amazing service he offers. You should see what he did with some 'blood & custard' coaches I sent him. Amazing.

[@dibsyardshuntinglayout]

@@MrTBrearley - yes he is a very talented weatherer indeed.

[@Celtic2Realms]

Very good

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks for your kind comment - you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@theeventhorizon-valebridge9512]

What, no diesels!....... :) Great stuff, you are hitting your intension. I bet you're fed up gluing and cutting card / paper? I'm currently in that process with Scalescenes' downloads and I must say it does get rather tedious! Who'd have thought how expensive glue and grey board can get! All the best Mr T B.

[@MrTBrearley]

Try this! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rarWnXeihdCLo80. Just posted by Steve of Neville Grove. A great channel

[@musoseven8218]

Wonderful model and sound effects - superb in fact (has this layout been published in Hornby Magazine? Beautiful model). Not sure what sort of realism you are referring to? Eg Surely on that first freight it would have had a fitted head with all/nearly all the vac fitted vehicles at the front? I'm being a pedant about the video title rather than the wonderful models btw. 😊😊👍👍🤔🤔😊😊

[@tony52497]

... Brilliant

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks - you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@phil36310]

Bonjour Mr T Brearley, Well produced video. The real sounds make 'the difference' when it comes to realism. I observed that you also use Kadee couplers and they look much better than the ugly 'standards'. Nice weathering on the loco and wagons. I admire your civil engineering of the different bridges. Home made ? I'll check your other video's and hope to find your track plan for it seems and interesting layout. Thanks for sharing & greetings from France. Filip

[@MrTBrearley]

Hi Filip - thanks for all your comments. Hope you can subscribe to Steve's new channel as he'll happily let you into (some!) of his secrets I'm sure.

[@phil36310]

@@MrTBrearley Thanks!

[@SevenWelt]

Hi a nice train👍

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks - you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@AlanLancasterAlanRLancaster]

VERY nicely modelled Mr Brearley ... but. Generally if you have fitted vans or wagons on a train they're at the front of the train behind the loco. Unfitted vehicles follow between them and the brake van. In the case of a train with fitted vehicles a fitted brake van is called for. On mineral trains in steam days an unfitted brake van could be used, as back then mineral wagons were generally loose coupled. From 1958 Iron Ore Tipplers were brake fitted, although not before 1962 were they marshalled as fitted and brake pipes linked between loco and brake van. Aside from that detail discrepancy I think this layout is really good. I'd like mine to be this good when it gets that far!

[@RoamingAdhocrat]

perhaps the leading mineral wagon has through pipes… but I forget how such vehicles were marked up

[@AlanLancasterAlanRLancaster]

@@RoamingAdhocrat Fitted mineral wagons such as the Iron Ore Tipplers were liveried in bauxite, unfitted wagons generally in light grey. As I said, there weren't that many fitted mineral wagons until the early-mid 1960's. The Iron Ore Tipplers were originally introduced by the GW, and the BR versions followed their design.

[@MrTBrearley]

Hi Alan - I blush at the compliment but must explain that it's Steve's modelling skill on display. Furthermore, I'm a video professional of many years standing, but I also have to confess that the astonishing skill in shooting and editing is all down to Steve too. Incidentally, you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@MrTBrearley]

By way Alan - if you subscribe, I'm sure Steve would welcome the chance to discuss the interesting freight points you raise.

[@AlanLancasterAlanRLancaster]

Plus also lettering and numbering pre-TOPS on bauxite liveried vehicles was plain white, later in white edged boxes; unfitted vehicles - generally mineral and many opens, some vans by BR days - was light grey with white lettering and numbers on black rectangular panels pre-TOPS, later black lettering and numbering in rectangular, black lined panels divided horizontally for traffic, weight, originator and number.

[@martinpattison4018]

A very nice layout and a great video. It just needs some narration. I have also subscribed. Martin. (Thailand)

[@MrTBrearley]

Thanks Martin, you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe! Perhaps you can then persuade him to do some narration. I think he'd be very good.

[@Tauraco00]

👍🚂

[@MeldaSayson]

i love this can i ride the train

[@alantraish3368]

This is why I won’t waste ££££ on sound fitted locos . Talk about synthetic! Far better doing this and I like to hear the sound of the track too(rolling stock). Not the silly sound like a marble on glass. Rant over. Superb video what I’d aspire to. Thank you 👍

[@jackmarshallD9525]

"Silly sound like a marble on glass" That to me sounds like all you've listened to is some very poor quality soundfiles on some unsealed speakers. DCC Sound can produce fantastic effects when done properly, in both Steam and Diesel. Please don't dismiss something that many modellers like myself work so hard to create, just from a few bad experiences.

[@alantraish3368]

@@jackmarshallD9525 I think you misunderstood me. I was referring to the track sounds rolling stock makes with locos when there is no sound fitted. I do appreciate all the hard work that goes into it especially where it’s as synchronised as yours . I have a layout currently stored and I’m looking to recreate the sounds of trains going over girder bridges rumbling along . Also station announcements. Regards Alan

[@eddherring4972]

Not seeing the realism unfortunately, but it’s a great layout. Realism requires attention to detail. Perhaps I’m just being picky. Certainly I’m not trolling and no I couldn’t do better but unless someone tells you it could be better how will you know? There are some great touches such as cleaning the locomotive number and as I said the layout is spectacular and interesting, obviously a lot of care and attention has been given. And then it all makes sense, Neville Grove bespoke weathering specialist, absolutely, the weathering is realistic, I leave my comment in tact, to be ignored, read, scrutinised or cause outrage. Realistic weathering I completely agree, it caught my eye and I cannot fault it. Great job 👍🏻.

[@MrTBrearley]

Hi Edd, interested to read your points. I love Steve's work but it's eye of the beholder and all that. you might like to know that Steve has now set up a dedicated 'Neville Grove' KZbin channel here: kzbin.info/door/cVfL87Ws2b4Tq0Q68_Ir1Avideos. It's already got one video that isn't on my channel and there are more to come. He'd love you to subscribe!

[@patchysmum]

#Spamfest

[@cdz12v]

Impressive but it's still playing with toy trains😀

[@whiteroseBR]

Doubt

[@Mr_Fancypants]

I dunno man, at what point is a hobby so expensive it isn't just a toy?

[@memyshelfandeye318]

.. and first 2 sounds the wrong way 'round, lol. And later on the left/right channel balance is off at times as well ...