Planning & Composing a Short Line Signature Scene (Part 1) | Boomer Diorama ~ Vlog # 183

Not everyone can view a live railroad scene they desire to model for many reasons due to health, economic, location, and regional limitations. However, any publication, photo reference or video can work well enough. Furthermore, visiting a real railroad location can help to inspire a unique model railroad signature scene even if it is not the prototype you wish to model.
KZbin Audio 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.

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

Glad you're back, man. We missed you!

[@boomerdiorama]

Hey, thanks Bill!

[@mydroptop11]

Passion....Motivation.... Patience.... Creativity.... Teaching....The Boomer.....Much appreciated !

[@boomerdiorama]

Much appreciated!

[@usssaratogacv3lefevre978]

Like listening to your thought process and your envision of your project.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. I see your "Avatar" is a carrier. Were you in the navy?

[@usssaratogacv3lefevre978]

@@boomerdiorama Yes, but not my ship. It's the Carl Vinson CV70. My grandson served on her. We were on a Tiger Cruise , leaving Pearl Harbor.

[@princessofthecape2078]

This is the best model railroad I've ever seen. That's not hyperbole - it's not exaggeration. This is the top.

[@boomerdiorama]

I appreciate that. I do hope to inspire the younger generation to embrace the "Shelf Layout" genre so they too can have a dream layout in a smaller more achievable footprint. You can have this in one small 10 ' X 12' bedroom if you really want to build one and take your time with it. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@idahobuckaroo8348]

Amazingly impressive… wow! Very nice. 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

Nice transition to the next section. I couldn't agree more that the building plan you have for that segment will add great interest.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks!

[@jimbarrett1975]

That is going to be absolutely perfect on that site. Can't wait for the next episodes.

[@boomerdiorama]

I was apprehensive at first and almost fell into a "whimsical" idea with the Diner that felt good concerning the Diner model which I really like. However, the Diner made no sense in terms of a relevant backdrop when switching and serving the subsequent industry IPEX Plastics.

[@jimbarrett1975]

@boomerdioramas I must admit, I was wondering how the diner was going to fit in, though I knew if it was going there you'd make it right. Sleeping on it, for however long it takes, is definitely a good thing.

[@frankrigatoni]

thanks for taking us out to your spot for camparison!

[@boomerdiorama]

Sure. It helps to visualize the context for sure. Cheers.

[@CharlieH65]

Wow, how exciting it is to see this build coming!

[@boomerdiorama]

😁

[@jimhedditch2595]

Silver Creek was a very nice journey and I learned a lot. The Tug build is continuing to mesmerise me also… But “Oh River Road” , how I have missed you!! It’s like an old friend coming home for a bit. Thank you Boomer buddy!

[@boomerdiorama]

The whole 'River Road' project is quite involved for a one man show. The tug build should resume this fall.

[@jimhedditch2595]

@@boomerdiorama no matter what you are up to, I’m HOOKED

[@stl1321]

Looking forward to this build, thanks Boomer.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed. Cheers! 😁

[@jcjackson726]

Welcome back, hope you had a great vacation. Thank you for the detailed update! Looking forward to the next chapter. I love it when you mix in the prototype "on location" videos. I was suprised how many empties they pulled out of the plastics plant!

[@boomerdiorama]

IPEX Plastics goes through six cars every ten days or so. They are quite prominent as an ABS & PVC Pipe Industry.

[@tomgrabenstein2741]

Loved your comment that a shelf layout "is in your face modeling." I have built an On30 layout in the shelf format with the height of the layout at 50" (eye level) to allow my operators to be right there with the locomotives and experience the mass of the steam locomotives and cars. Looking forward to more of your modeling philosophy. Doc Tom

[@boomerdiorama]

On30 is a great scale. I built in that scale quite a bit back in the day. I love building in 1/48 scale. 😁

[@bncsystemsshortline]

I'm glad your back working on the layout!! I'm excited to see this scene unfold.

[@boomerdiorama]

Me too!!

[@timwright3592]

I greatly enjoy your artist's thoughts, ideas, and perceptions of what you are building. You've encouraged me to think 'outside the box' and kitbash a normal building kit into a background building. This has opened up other possibilities for my original space I was going to use. In hindsight, it was a fairly simple adjustment that opened up other possibilities for my shelf switching layout.

[@boomerdiorama]

That sounds great Tim. Thank you for taking the time to share that. I will be publishing a "kit-bash" episode after the current warehouse project is done. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@bernicemeade3232]

Real cool Can't wait

[@boomerdiorama]

It feels really cool and I am now quite inspired with the whole idea and it should keep me busy for awhile. ;-)

[@goforitpainting]

Really cool.

[@boomerdiorama]

Shelf Layouts are cool!

[@FarlandHowe]

It is interesting hearing you talk about stacking the scenery. That is exactly how I built my layout Farland. One of my subscribers one day said, ‘hey, you don’t have a back scene, your layout is the back scene. True, I did not want a photo mural behind my layout, I wanted to 3D build the background behind my trains. Brilliant planning. I look forward to the execution. Rob

[@boomerdiorama]

As you know I am not a fan of "Backdrop" photos. I find them to be the "Kitch" of mainstream model railroading. Nevertheless, I understand why people use them because they can be very effective and seemingly the easy way out. Funny thing is, when you stand on the ground close to the railroad you don't see anything but local buildings, scenery and some sky when you model within the shelf layout format when up close and personal. On the other hand, some people use backdrops as the first primary scenery element and seem to build out the rest of the layout subject to the backdrop. I would rather model everything I can get away with first before considering the former.

[@GreenRC24]

More great inspiration as I plan my build. Thanks Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

Oh wow! You are planning a layout . . . sounds like fun. Enjoy it! 😁

[@bobhastings6464]

Great video Boomer! Looking forward to this next build. Hope you caught some fish on your trip. Cheers from Ontario Bob

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks Bob. It's hard not to catch fish in British Columbia. 😉

[@Lionwidow]

Can’t wait!

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds great. I really like the obscure warehouse. They do wonders for model train layouts.

[@tombarnes7196]

Long time no Dusty! I built a Rix bridge at the end of my shelf layout. I'm putting Dusty Road sign on it in Dusty's honor.

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . that sounds awesome! I'll make sure I tell Dusty about that. ;-)

[@budjamison2149]

I have really enjoyed watching you build you layout! The last on and especially this one! I've been working on my layout also its 8x12. Sometimes I work on it while I watch your videos! I've learned a lot and have been inspired so often! Thanks for sharing what you do.

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome, thank you!

[@warrenholmar1129]

Saw you show up on the Podcast with Grant (sar) as he had so many nice things to say about your work I came to check your work out. Also subbed

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Warren. Grant is a great guy and an excellent modeler. Thank you for the sub! If you scroll back under "Videos" there is over 400 tutorials, etc. Cheers ~ Boomer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpnPaXmkpLxgj5o

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear Boomer, excellent vid! Lovethe negative space that this industrial building creates next to the overpass. Awesome how the ‘corner’ of the structure tells the space beyond the flat surface. Even with the mock-up, there’s a whole world behind it. Cheerio

[@boomerdiorama]

Well said!

[@schadowolf]

Great video and discussion on thought process and what you envision. Can't wait to watch the upcoming episodes!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@allenlandis4504]

can't wait for the upcoming episodes.

[@boomerdiorama]

😁

[@bobainsworth5057]

I never thought of it as " sleeping " on the idea. To me it was always , " to do this I have to do that " , and I couldn't settle in with the details so I had no wait . So one day I look at it and say ," what was I going to do there?" , and the answer would hit me. It always felt like, " see dumby , that's what you wanted " . Sort of , I had to ketch up with Gods plan. 😆😆

[@boomerdiorama]

I like sleeping . . . Lol.😁

[@sernajrlouis]

Cool video

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. Thank you!

[@PeterTillman3]

Welcome back Boomer! Can’t wait for the new series. Are you also covering the house build?

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes.

[@donhanley1213]

Patience is sadly lacking in our modern culture. We are in a hurry to get it done. The continuation of the industrial landscape is a good call. Maybe push the building back a bit and add the remnant of an abandoned siding? Looking forward to the build.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed. Patience is a virtue. There is an abandoned siding close to the facia side which ends under the Overpass. ;-)

[@donwhead]

I hope the guys working on the railroad get a chance to see all your work at some point. Even with your "modeler's license" and selective compression, you are doing an excellent job of capturing a portion of their world, and doing it with intense passion and humble respect.

[@boomerdiorama]

Most of the areas I model are easily accessed from public roads. I don't go to the Barge Slip on Annacis Island anymore because of trespassing restrictions, etc. In this situation I asked permission from the conductor to film and he allowed it as I was respectful and safe. Railroads don't like (close proximity) though and I don't blame them either. On the other hand, this whole areas is a homeless campground and I see people sitting on the tracks smoking meth and passed out on the right-of-way. I'm the least of their worries. 😁

[@JackOnTracks]

I love to see how you make your trees. I really enjoy your channel

[@boomerdiorama]

@@JackOnTracks Go to "Videos or Playlists" they are covered in detail there. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqGTmIqXlr6Jfa8

[@boomerdiorama]

Search through videos there are over dozen videos on how I make the trees. Here as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqikdZ6fepifidE

[@nomo69ss25]

Good day Boomer! I revisited model railroading during the pandemic, found your channel very early on , started with a single 8’x16” board and watched and learned from you to inspire “my Glover Road”! I have three BCOL/SRY box cars that I believe need a Boomer and Dusty-esque graffiti theme! If my vision cooperates I’d like to use my impression of your thumbnail and hope I do it justice! You have made a strong impression on me and are an inspiration myself and many, many more! Gotta figure out how them SRY boxes got to Texas! 🤣✌️

[@boomerdiorama]

That is cool. Have at her and have fun! Thanks for sharing ~ Boomer.

[@thecnwmondovilinepaulscota7304]

This looks like it's going to be another fantastic build sequence. I love the simple building with the huge address numbers on the corner! Have you thought about how much of the front and back you will add and detail? The front will look cool viewed through the underpass. How will the back of the building work with that retaining wall, maybe as an alley?

[@boomerdiorama]

I do plan to model the side and rear as well. The rear will show form extreme camera angle but the side will show no problem. There will be a back alley seen with slum buildings as a backdrop.😁

[@josephcosta5161]

Hey boomer I seen all parts.. came out excellent 👍... I'm going to try doing a building as of I have so many plastic. I have tons of windows from a all window building I've never put together. You like the best teacher , the way you word Everything... Can you tell me where you received your telephone power poles??. Those are awesome... Keep up your great work 👍,joe in Florida

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! This Sunday I publish a tutorial on how I scratch build power poles. Cheers.😁

[@HumancityJunction]

How do you define a shelf layout? When does a layout cross from being a shelf layout to an around the room layout? If a layout has shelves on all 4 walls in a room, is that still a shelf layout? Ultimately, I do not think the definition matters, but as words define our thoughts, I think it is an interesting conversation.

[@boomerdiorama]

Shelf layout definition can be subjective. It begins with the smaller profile benchwork (like a shelf) which often focuses on the smaller picture (footprint) of railroad operations. The idea actually comes from the "diorama" concept originally adopted in the U.K. where one would build a smaller layout in the attic because there was no room in the house. If you want a comprehensive definition of the genre I would recommend you read Ian Rice. He wrote the prose on the concept and goes through the whole subject in detail with beautiful drawings and examples. Small, Smart & Practical Track Plans (Model Railroading) - Ian Rice.

[@HumancityJunction]

@@boomerdiorama I just got some Iain Rice books, but have not opened them yet. I have so many books I need to read.

[@HumancityJunction]

"In your face" - Does the height of the shelf change the in your face feeling of a shelf layout? If the layout is designed to be at eye level while standing, so you can walk around and view that layout, is that more ideal than a layout that is best viewed while sitting?

[@boomerdiorama]

Good question. Yes indeed, the height of the layout radically changes the feeling of the layout and makes you feel like you are actually there standing on the right-of-way. It pulls you in. River Road track level is @ 58" from the floor so it feels incredibly immersive when I work and operate on the layout. Yes. I need a "footstool" now-and-again, but I can accept the compromise because the trade off is worth it to me. I understand the traditional (top-down) - eagle eye - view but I never experience the railroad that way and I would venture to say most don't.

[@HumancityJunction]

@@boomerdiorama I am just thinking about all the amazing storage under the layout :) I was considering 43" because there is only one window in the room and I did not want to block it. But maybe I should reconsider. I am modeling in N scale, so higher would definitely be better.

[@Phoenixknight79]

Montana Rail Link... is so sad those units will no longer be around

[@boomerdiorama]

I agree. 🤣

[@colossalbigfoot256]

Does Dusty get on your layout? I have a real adventurer kitty and he’s all over my modeling desk.. I couldn’t imagine a layout like this. He’d be eating the trees..

[@boomerdiorama]

Every cat is different. I raised Dusty on the Glover Road layout and made sure she knew when she stepped out of line. Dusty is excellent when she wants to go up on the layout. She knows how to behave and relax up there. She won't usually lay down where the scenery but stakes a claim on the undeveloped sections.. 😁

[@colossalbigfoot256]

@@boomerdiorama well that’s pretty cool. Mine knows but he just is determined. He’ll watch to see when I’m not looking. Pretty smart as a cat goes too. But I love him all the same.

[@hondachopper6978]

So have you selected a date for your subscribers for a Blackened Trout cookout?

[@boomerdiorama]

😆👍

[@LoneRanger5150]

That may have been a bit too close for filming the conductor 😅. When I'm out working and switching, i do NOT want anyone that close, especially with a camera!!!! That may not get you invited back😂. Remember that railroad property is not public property.

[@boomerdiorama]

I don't need an invitation. I asked permission before I shot the video. Furthermore, I also had permission from the building tenants to be on the property adjacent to the spur. I am sure they are more concerned about the homeless smoking meth and camped out on the tracks just before they arrived as well. ;-) Cheers.

[@LoneRanger5150]

@@boomerdiorama I always ask the photogs if they have permission, if not, they need to leave. Too often the paparazzi get in the way and always try to impress us with their vast, unlimited knowledge of all things railroad lol. They seem to think that safety only applies to me and not them.. Good thinking, nice work.👍

[@boomerdiorama]

@@LoneRanger5150 Railroads want registered companies and insurance before they consider letting people on their railroads. I have both. All my photos are usually spontaneous. In this case, I just walked up and asked the conductor on location if he minded me taking video and photos. He said (unquote), "sure, but make sure it's safe." Often times, It is difficult to tell what is railroad property (outside of the standard right-of-way). One would need to consult a "surveyors" map, etc, to determine the actual "extended" right-of-way property, etc. If it's ambiguous, I'm not going to sweat it if I am respectful and safe about it and not jumping fences. Cheers. 😁

[@LoneRanger5150]

@@boomerdiorama an easy way is to remember that 25 feet from the center of the track, either direction, is railroad property. I was judging by his tone and demeanor he didn't sound too thrilled 🤣

[@fredgemmill617]

I see in the prototype video that there is a road under the overpass. Are you going to do the road or leave it as it is with just grass etc.?

[@boomerdiorama]

Good question. Initially the plan was different for this area and then I revised it to this particular industry (IPEX Plastics). The compressed track plan is a little different for reasons of increased operational capacity so I have to compromise some - this being the caveat of the smaller shelf layout. The current plan is to add part of a road on an oblique angle, to capture the 'spirit' of the scene (Duncan Way), which will transition into (Glover Road), and then onto the Milner Grain Elevator local. I will cover all this quite extensively down the road but thanks for asking. Cheers ~ Boomer. 😁

[@RonStanek]

Boomer, If you're at some point going to put the SRY shops "in scene," Could it or would it be viable to compress a small swing bridge in-between? Seeing that it is the only way, for rail off the island. Oh, and the Railworkers really do need that diner to get a bite to eat. I see now, there's log rafts all up and down the river. Probably for pulp/paper and lumber plants. Is that still mostly Weyerhaeuser? Then, plenty of grain elevators, I see, to model. With Viterra Pacific Terminals there. One more item, it looked like they had Truck/Rail ferries at that site. Washington group/SeaSpan. At any rate, Boomer, what you have there is looking great. Hang loose and Happy 😊 Trails! Food for thought.

[@boomerdiorama]

I see your point and that is the down side to this hobby. We can't have everything we want. I know about the swing bridge except I don't have room unless I chopped the whole layout (section two) in half. I have already thought about building it as a separate model down the road, except It won't fit chronologically into the layout. I am only really interested in the Annacis Island operation and some Langley Locals because I live close to the SRY Locals and I get to experience them often. Section three will most likely be devoted to the Milner Grain Elevator at Crush Crescent and Glover Road.

[@RonStanek]

@@boomerdiorama yes, it's the beauty of the hobby. Model what you like.

[@wilzdart]

Boomer, I would like to ask you a question. I am dealing with a backdrop that I would like to add a row of trees but my issue on my mock up they( the trees) make a shadow on the BD. I see in you Vlog there is a tree and it casts a shadow. Is there some kinda trick to work around it? Really like the house you added ! Side note as much as I thought the diner was by far a great model and I did learn a lot from your build. I just thought it was in the wrong place. Looking forward to the next series on the build.

[@boomerdiorama]

I can't avoid shadows when I shoot video, otherwise the content looks like garbage because without heavy light saturation (in manual mode) I can't maintain depth of field or focus and the video comes out too dark. When the camera is off there are no shadows from the trees onto the backdrop because the layout is lit with LED's from directly above.

[@railfan1956]

Boomer, what is your opinion of using plant roots for vines? I made some plants years ago for an N scale layout using lichen I collected on a camping trip. Put it with die and glycerin in hot water to replace the sap with glycerin and make it soft. Would it be necessary to make the roots pliable or do you have a better way? Thanks..

[@boomerdiorama]

Sure. You can use them as you described. Go for it. Cheers ;-)

[@charlierumsfeld6626]

HI DUSTY!! and Boomer :)

[@boomerdiorama]

😁

[@deejayjonez599]

Great job Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

😁👍

[@PS-jr1yq]

I really wish you would make the diner a kit that can be purchased...im telling you Boomer,it would absolutely BOOM in sales..How about you just think about it before you say flat out no?deal?hahaha..just wishful thinking..

[@boomerdiorama]

The problem being I am a one-man show. Making a kit is huge time and money to produce.😁

[@PS-jr1yq]

@boomerdioramas how about taking a one time poll and see just exactly how many people would 100% pay for the diner kit and let's talk finances..Ill gladly back the project.If you are ever interested in taking a poll please do so..Would be interesting to see just how many would order one.