Shelf Layout Planning to Artistic Concept | Boomer Diorama ~ Vlog # 162

[@ozarkmidlandsouthernrailway]

Thank you, Boomer Diorama! I appreciate all you do on your channel. I hope this small contribution helps. Bill B.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! I appreciate the support! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@bilplaymo6121]

One of the best layout seen...makes me remeber the Lance Mindheim layout...so, this is ART !! Respect, and a lot of inspiration when I'm on this channel...Thanks you so much to share !! ; )

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank You. Lance understands the artistic concept coupled to the model railroad shelf layout for sure and his work is remarkably inspirational as well. Thanks for sharing.

[@Herriot7]

Artistic licence is one of the key elements of model railway design. Thank you so much for sharing the thinking that you've put into the development of your very immersive railroad experience.

[@boomerdiorama]

I think many model railroaders are artistic but fail to admit because of the stigma . . . 😁

[@frankcerne7613]

I love how you done the autumn leaves that have fallen on the tracks and the grass growing in between... soooo real. Man with that many years experience wow awesome boomer..your a teacher LoL

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. I spent a lot of time in that area. Now I am obligated to live up to it . . . lol.😉

[@frankcerne7613]

@@boomerdiorama yes that looks so real boomer....love it

[@PeterTillman3]

Every time you show River Road I gape in awe. It is a work of art! I could watch these Vlogs all day and often do.

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow, thank you Peter! I don't want River Road to ever end, therefore, some times I slow down a bit and stare at it for days as well . . . lol. Cheers.

[@BrooksMoses]

It absolutely is a work of art, and I love it. Boomer, I'm glad to hear that you take the time to enjoy looking at it too. :)

[@boomerdiorama]

@@BrooksMoses Yes indeed!😁

[@ralphrenzetti22]

WOW! Boomer, look at you go, the model builder, designer, philosopher! You had me at “The Shelf Layout is Heaven to the Model Builder”! Don’t misunderstand me I love every point you make. The biggest thing to me, as you point out, is Selective Compression. Without it we could never model what we want realistically! Thanks for building and showing us, The River Road!

[@boomerdiorama]

😉

[@joesipos2975]

Your commentary is always appreciated. Thanks for sharing your ideas and philosophy about the hobby. I always have something to learn from your videos. Cheers!

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. Thanks for taking the time to share. Cheers!

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Outstanding interpretation of a real location into a compressed representation. 👍👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. The model railroad is an awesome concept isn't it?

[@bncsystemsshortline]

Looks great!!!! Inspiration can come from anything. Love this scene!!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes! Thank you!

[@bncsystemsshortline]

You Inspire me Boomer! Thanks!!@@boomerdiorama

[@eeclass20]

A few months ago I had the opportunity to visit the UK's largest O gauge layout, it lives in the basement of a warehouse and is fully portable(yeah 7 semi's needed to move it). It's based on real, busy junction location circa 1985 and has been a one man labour of love. Because I drove trains over this route around the time the layout is set, I was particularly interested to see it . For all the skill and detail it lacked something for me, yet your little bit of real estate based on a location I have no connection to has soul, It's something the average(budget capped, space starved) modeller can aspire to. I can never hope to achieve 100% accuracy with my own layout simply because I'm hampered by being on another continent , but at least I can make what I have already got look good thanks to you.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for sharing this. "It's something the average(budget capped, space starved) modeler can aspire to." You summed up the purpose of the channel which is to inspire and educate how one only needs a small space and a singular concept to create a world large enough to satisfy. Why put all my hopes in an empire that will probably never see the light of day anyway. I believe the shelf layout is the style of the future especially for the discerning modeler like yourself. Every day I look at River Road, and it pulls me in over-and-over-again. I see where I might need a bush, a trackside shanty, or a tree, instead of another 40 feet of aimless track that grows old as fast as I lay it down. Cheers and happy modeling! ~ Boomer.

[@davideblen9899]

Stunning!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@joesignorio2991]

I very much like the conceot of scenes that tell a story ,but also reflect prototype.On a self railroad with minium space,I had always keep in mind that it's revenue that brings the railroad here.That is the philosophy that me coming down those stairs day after day with a smile on my and cup of hot tea in my hand.

[@boomerdiorama]

I can relate. There is something about walking into a miniature world you can call your own for sure.

[@gordonkennaway3847]

Even your video is a masterclass in every department, a wonderful compliment to an amazing model.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you so much 😀

[@hungrybarry]

You my friend are a master. Have taught me so so much in my quest for understanding scenery dynamics.

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad to hear it. Thank you!

[@RB55able]

Wow! Beautiful model work as always and excellent video presentation!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much!

[@thecnwmondovilinepaulscota7304]

Thank you for the discussion of compression and deletion. Since my layout is also only 24" deep, I had to decide how to handle some prototype areas that would angle in from the layout, and had to delete two spurs, one that went to a Co-Op and a stock yard, and one that went to the old turntable and engine house. Since the turntable and engine house were gone by my era, that spur was deleted without worry. But I wanted the stock yard for ops, so I moved it over a track before deleting that spur from the plan as well. No way around it with a narrow shelf, but I knew if I made informed decisions about it, operations wouldn't be affected negatively. Thanks for another great video and discussion! - Paul

[@boomerdiorama]

You are welcome Paul. I think if we suggest things they work as well. As model railroaders we often fill in the blanks with our imagination no matter how large or small the railroad is. Operations are also subjective and unique to each individual.

[@ozarkmidlandsouthernrailway]

Good morning, Boomer Diorama! I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your work and videos. While I do not typically comment, I just wanted to let you know that I am an avid watcher of your work. I am a railfan and O gauge 3-rail train guy and while much, if not all of what you do is beyond me, I find your thoughts about modelling and your work very inspirational. Yesterday, while down in the train room I watched your videos and came upstairs later in the day thinking I needed to stop and just let you know how much I appreciate what you do. Thank you and take care. Bill B.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Bill. 3-Rail is cool. There was a short period where I modeled in 3-Rail as well. I appreciate your thoughts and comments. Happy modeling to you in 3-Rail! Cheers.

[@atsf81rj]

You did a great job. I couldn't pick a favorite area, it all looks great.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. The layout overall feels pretty good so far. Cheers.

[@modelrailroader5619]

“ Space, the final frontier…” as you pointed out, never enough in model railroading. You’ve captured the “essence”, that’s why it looks good and feels right!

[@boomerdiorama]

This is why I married the concept of the Diorama into the Shelf Layout genre. It made sense to infuse my personal experience and story onto a canvas which I can milk indefinitely, and still enjoy every aspect of model railroading in the same way anyone else can. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@donwillhoit6866]

I congratulate you on your fascia. The most distracting thing, for me, on model railroads is a fascia attached with screws and washers visible. Yours is smooth and doesn't draw attention to the fascia rather than the railroad scene. Well done. I also liked the picture of you and your master.

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . yes . . . Dusty. She loves River Road as well. Half - baked facia kills the whole deal for me. In fact, I just repainted the facia again for the third time. 😉Thank you. Cheers.😁

[@GreenRC24]

This vlog is very inspiring to me, thank you so much. Absolutely beautiful work!

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@huliediggs20]

Congratulations!!! Thank you for allowing us back stage passes to see from the beginning. By the way love the music.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@sernajrlouis]

The time, techniques, attention to detail, and model skills are awesome. I'm glad KZbin is around now to find inspiration and see great layouts. I remember reading Model Railroader and seeing layouts. They were awesome. It's so much better to see videos now. The realism in your layout is perfect. Great video and great work. You are a true artist

[@boomerdiorama]

I never had the luxury of social media growing up. Just dusty old magazines . . . lol. In the end one must practice anyway. Nothing comes easy without it. But it sure is fun though. ;-)

[@sernajrlouis]

@@boomerdiorama I just got into social media about 5 years ago. Lol. I am glad to see layouts like yours. Great job

[@boomerdiorama]

@@sernajrlouis Thank you!

[@ThomasKlimoski]

Great commentary on how and why you made the choices you did on your layout. I think an obstructed view of the trains adds interest and depth to a scene. It is also how we view prototype trains, sometimes only catching a glimpse of them as they move behind objects. Editing or removing structures or what you thought were "must have" features from a layout is one of the most difficult lessons to learn, but in the end it makes it more realistic when things are not crowded. You have done a fantastic job with making your layout look realistic with the space you have.-Tom

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Thomas. It is nice to have the luxury to relax and think revisions through over a long time. None of our layouts mature over night. They seem to evolve one scene at a time. Even then I go back to change little things all the time until it clicks. Cheers! ;-)

[@bobdutka1176]

Well said! That scene always amazes me.. very well done.👍😀

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much!

[@jamesbraxton6132]

Wine glass curve , That's remind me of days gone bye. Having a alcoholic lunch beverage during the work day.

[@boomerdiorama]

. . . and the days do go by quick indeed. Cheers.

[@donhanley1213]

Very nice update. Seeing a few of the early photographs brings into prospective the amount of work accomplished.

[@boomerdiorama]

It certainly does. It feels exhausting just looking at it . . . lol.

[@sylvainrichard6679]

Shadows on sky, letting UFO effect on 😁 Beautiful spirit, t.hank’s mr Boomer

[@boomerdiorama]

I love UFO's . . . lol. ;-)

[@sylvainrichard6679]

@@boomerdiorama 🛸oh yeah ! A UFO !

[@MRR_Shadowolf]

A must watch video by beginners and experienced alike! The philosophy, thinking behind each detail, and the artistic excellence you display is amazing!

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow, thank you!

[@stevenlitkey9354]

I've said it many times Boomer, that Brewery Alley is THE money shot !! ( So Far ) I'm expecting big things as you advance down the line. Can't wait 😁😁

[@boomerdiorama]

When I first saw the prototype Brewery I knew I had to model it. Ironically it is actually called the "Turning Point" brewery where in fact I turn the train here as well. ;-)

[@alexvanderdonk5594]

I like the way you build you´re very realitic layout , it´s a beauty to see !!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. It's a joy to work on as well!

[@debbiemilka2251]

This is amazing. I saw your early efforts and I thought that looked very, very good. This is fabulous ! When I saw those first shots of the concrete tilt up I thought that they were some outdoor prototype video that you did to show what inspired you. Excellent weathering application. You have a strong reason to point out using curved fascia board. Pretty darned smart !

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. I feel quite good about the layout. It is deeply satisfying even when trains are not running as well, which I think is important for the long run. I get a thrill just looking at it. Cheers ~ Boomer.😁

[@OtterCreek]

Great overview and illustration of something very important to the hobby! Thanks for leading the way and reminding us all that our hobby is art. ~Dennis

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Dennis. Cheers.

[@pgronemeier]

Funny. I watch all your minute details, that when you show the whole layout...I can't believe the BIG stuff you've done! LoL

[@boomerdiorama]

Small shelf layouts are somewhat of an enigma that can be hard to persuade. When you condense all your creative efforts into a smaller footprint. It makes the layout feel huge. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@TERRYBIGGENDEN]

This is absolutely wonderful. :-)

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers.

[@deejayjonez599]

Fantastic!! Awesome work!

[@boomerdiorama]

You finally got it eh? Cheers.😁

[@thomplacier677]

Thought provoking and inspiring as usual, Boomer. I refer to you often in my videos as someone who has made me push myself to be a better modeler. Looking forward to more progress. Stay safe, my friend!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Thom. Cheers.😁

[@thomream1888]

Besides the epic railroad modeling Boomer, you have some of the NICEST music anywhere! I've listened to the first 75 seconds three times, just for the tune. And not for the first time. And then, you come in a drop some model RR scenery rocket science on us. Way cool! Keep it up bro!

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow, thanks!

[@dan8402]

I guess you could say you nailed it! For the brewery the extractor and that entrance with the window and AC unit on the porch area are key focal points of interest and tie together the location. The barge slip is amazing. The little details like the wind sock. Most people wouldn’t know why that would even be there but it is a critical thing for a tug boat pilot and grounds the representation in reality. The trees add depth. Yes they work as a decider but the care you took in making them adds an additional focal point and also let’s the viewer play peek a boo with the trains running down the alley. A doctor once told me god doesn’t make straight lines. The curved facia real makes the view feel this natural. It is supposed to be here and allows your eye to travel along its curve to take in the scene as a whole. I was wondering about the height of the top facia. I live in cow country so dust is unavoidable. Being able to have a top and then put a curtain on the layout when not in use will help keep the dust to a minimum. Really excited to see in detail what’s beyond the retaining wall area of the layout. I keep forcing myself to consider a shelf layout. I have to share space with the rest of my family so I need to be mindful. Also by limiting your space you can focus on more details across the layout.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sell the shelf layout concept as designer furniture . . . then get the commitment in writing. That is how I pulled it off . . . lol.

[@dan8402]

@@boomerdiorama And tell them the materials were on sale!! 😂😂😂😂

[@boomerdiorama]

@@dan8402 Mt wife tells me everything she buys is on sale . . . 😁

[@dan8402]

@@boomerdiorama Yup and we are on to their plan lol

[@DonaldPriceIII]

I really appreciate your insight on the artist side of Model Railroading. All I see in recent articles is technical prototype fidelity l.started with your tutorial on lifelike trees and got hooked. I've been wanting to build a class 1 mountain railroad.uet don't have the space yet so it's back to the self layout. Thanks for all the work you do . 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you and thanks for sharing that. Your model railroad ideas sound awesome. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@frankcerne7613]

I like what you have done in the layout so far....it looks awesome and even better as it comes along. Just stunning 😉☺️. Have great day

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@rye_trains]

Your details are crazy and inspiring. I'm just getting started and have so much to learn. Really appreciate hearing your thought process.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. We all have so much to learn. Just have fun with it.😁

[@donsunden5906]

a great explanation on how you see it in your mind.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@narrowgaugegreg]

this channel is like auditing a graduate level class for the hell of it. makes a guy feel good about the hobby when 16k plus folks can sink their teeth into this level of instruction. good on you, boomer.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for that. I appreciate it. I hope it not only educates but also inspires because it does both for me and I love to share it, especially for the younger generation who can take it to another level when they dive in. Cheers.

[@daviemaclean61]

Fantastic overview of the layout. I have been so inspired by it. You (and others) have given me many lightbulb moments to sort "problems" on my own layout, which is very much an evolution and not all pre planned. Even though my layout does go right round my loft, the space is so restricted that the widest part is only 24" and it feels very shelf like. Cheers.

[@boomerdiorama]

I'm not opposed to circular shelf layouts as some may suggest. The only reason why I won't is because I don't like "Duck-Under" or swing bridges etc. I like to walk into my world effortlessly and unimpeded. Besides, after awhile . . . well . . . you know the story. Cheers.

[@Castlebank_Sidings]

All whatever you have said in the past and today always makes sense to me. Compression is always a compromise in the model world and especially in the model railway world. I personally think that modelling a real scene in its entirety rarely if ever works or looks right. In fact it can look boring and too spaced out if that makes sense. To compromise and draw the picture in as you say draws the viewers eye in and makes the detail work. Brilliant video as ever and well enjoyed. (Andy in deepest Wales)

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank You. "A real scene in its entirety rarely if ever works or looks right." - Many people will die trying though . . . lol. Cheers.

[@bobainsworth5057]

I believe the red dot at 10:41 is a surveyor's mark. What a scene.

[@boomerdiorama]

I have not been there lately. I believe they are planning for trackage alterations.

[@jonathanjones35]

A great video and a beautiful layout. I enjoy how you bring artistic concepts into your modeling philosophy and then show how you’ve done it (really well). It is always a treat to see these vids.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much!

[@johnnyvscustomsgaragetassie.]

So enriching as to how you work, Boomer. Love this overall concept and construct. Thank you again for the instruction and guidance to follow as we build our own model experience. Cheer's Jv

[@boomerdiorama]

My pleasure!

[@Ax89]

Thank you for sharing your thought process as well as your techniques etc. I just acquired The Art of the Diorama and I am sure that by reading my skills will suddenly magically improve... Well, maybe with practice. :)

[@boomerdiorama]

That is an interesting read "The Art of the Diorama." I must have read that book as a kid until it fell apart. From that point on, I was compelled to apply the philosophy of the diorama to the shelf layout genre. River Road is the fruition of the concept applied. It's not new really. John Allen understood it and promoted it along with many others in his day, and many today as well.

[@CobraChamp]

Exceptional!!!!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!😁

[@bashermax]

Do you have a video of the early days of building and design? I’d like to see where the track plan developed from. Your scenery and detail are amazing. A video of actual construction could be extremely helpful

[@boomerdiorama]

Here you go. Try the search bar beside the community tab on the Home page as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6W5c6eKl9dko68

[@mikemettelka7432]

I also like the alley way style that you talked about. I was planning a similar idea on my soon to be layout with some buildings and scenery in front of the tracks. Mainly because for me, the buildings and scenery I want to be the star, and I wanted people to have to look around and in between to see the train in certain areas. In other areas, the train will be the star and out front. The other reason is I plan on having some highly detailed structures that track plan wise just won't fit/work being on the other side of the track.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds like fun to me! The planning and composing of a scene is a great experience. Cherish it.

[@harperlarry49]

I need to put out a new video. I have the bench work done for my new layout. The problem is I have no idea what I want to model. Not a clue. Grandson baseball game tomorrow. Sunday will be video production day. River Road is a truely spectacular example of an HO scale shelf layout. The philosophy behind the individual elements ... the small stories... and how they are coming together to create one large story is amazing. I just need that spark to get me going. Great work, as usual. Thanks for sharing. Cheers - Larry.

[@boomerdiorama]

I would love to be in your position right now. Just savor it. Find something you love about the railroad, condense the idea, freelance it, and take your time with it as it unfolds. You only need one character location to inspire.

[@harperlarry49]

@@boomerdiorama Yes...that one location. Thanks.

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear Boomer, such a cool vid, love the visual reference comparison. So great to point out the different aspects of your inspiration and how you creatively decided to incorporate ‘m on the River Road layout. Truly inspirational thinking of emphasizing on those different building details, which give the Brewery Alley a kind ‘view box’ quality. With the tree line between the barge slip and the alley there’s a natural coulisse, which enhances the depth of field, before the eyes even hit the backdrop. Plus, the flat but 3D depiction of the brewery only further adds to illusion. In between the photos you’ve shown there was one particular one, with either an on roof utility building, or a view up further from a building positioned angled to the brewery. Thought that was a very interesting view. Don’t know if there’s room enough to add it, I also realize it might not work from all angles. Nevertheless, these angles always make me curious as the onlooker. Cheerio

[@boomerdiorama]

There never is enough room. ;-)

[@MrJlsflshes]

I think it looks amazing

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. I appreciate the compliment. Loads of steady work on this layout the last few years. Cheers.

[@BrooksMoses]

It's not what you modeled, but I really love that combination of wet-green short autumn grass (or is it moss?) and drifted leaves sort-of-heaped around the tracks in your prototype video around 3:05 to 3:20, and the little details like the bright green growth in the flange-clearance space between the rail and the asphalt. I'd love to try modeling that. And this is really inspiring me to look for real-world inspiration places and take detail photos and video before modeling, because that's a sort of thing that is so much more interesting in reality than in what I would have imagined from scratch.

[@boomerdiorama]

You need to acquire some samples of Woodland Scenics "Static " Grass. I use 12mm light green alot. I show how to apply it here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIfPXn-fn62cbKM

[@BrooksMoses]

@@boomerdiorama : Definitely on my list to try! Thanks for the pointer.

[@goforitpainting]

So cool

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@jimrockford3662]

Compression, if you don’t compress you will need to add more space, but even then you will need to still compress and so on and so on….as good a modeller as you are, you do bang on about the obvious that is compressed between the philosophy

[@boomerdiorama]

"But even then you will need to still compress and so on and so on" . . . It is funny how that works eh? It never ends. I guess it is part of the art of the exercise unique to each individual.

[@davemartin1881]

Superb!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Dave!😁

[@baronjutter]

Great inspiration! I really hope to try to capture your level of craft in N scale. I love your trees so much, they really capture the trees of our region. Really need to learn how to do them in N...

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Practice leads to success. ;-)

[@danielfantino1714]

Like so much that prototype small less efficient ballast. So easier to walk on than big mainline chunks.

[@boomerdiorama]

Some of it is gone now. ;-)

[@danielfantino1714]

@@boomerdiorama progress ? We´re far from begining with earth soil ballast.

[@michaelcurnutt]

RR by Doug McKenzie. Just joking, the detail and perspective are very impressive. Well done sir

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. Learned a ton building this.😉

[@PostmoderneModelWorks]

So good.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@firvedamodels]

Esse lay out e a grande prova que menos e mais🤜🤛

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@davidcurtis5398]

I just love this road. Hey, where did Mr. Moose go??? I didn't see him!!!

[@boomerdiorama]

He is hiding closer to the tree-line by the path down to the River. ;-)

[@davidcurtis5398]

@@boomerdiorama Woops, missed him!!!!!

[@johnrose3001]

At some point would you touch on the trees you added on the curve in front of Axton. One of the elements modelers miss is how foreground view blocks add so much to the depth of a scene.

[@boomerdiorama]

The Cotton Wood Tree Final is in the que now that you mentioned it.

[@davidwilliams1060]

Even without having been in the area, I can’t imagine any serious model railroader having any issues with what you’ve selected to portray the prototype.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing. I might agree but there will always be a few naysayers . . . lol. Hopefully they will come to their senses though . . . in time. Cheers.

[@BrooksMoses]

For those who, like me, want to see this area on Google Maps (which is great for getting actual dimensions and also for a sense of how things are laid out), it's at 49.16,-122.95. It looks like the warehouse wasn't painted all that long ago; the aerial photos that Google used as a basis for the overhead imagery still show the blue stripe and the serviceable siding. They also have a nice view of an (empty) barge at the slip -- and, interestingly, the barge only has a single set of rails off the front, rather than the three that the slip is designed for. Also something rarely seen in models! Also, a small interesting point about selective compression: 10 feet in HO scale is 871 feet on the prototype, which is 0.16 miles -- a fair bit more than 1/8th of a mile. So I think the scene your representing from the prototype is a good bit more than 1/8th of a mile! And, indeed, using the Google Maps measurement tool (you can get to that by right-clicking on the map to open a menu), the warehouse itself is almost exactly 800 feet long. It's another 630 feet past the left-hand end of it to the left-hand end of the brewery building, and on the right side it's 100 feet across the road to the front of the Axton building. A little more than a quarter-mile, all told. Of course, the disadvantage of Google Maps is that it's easy to get sucked into looking around. The industrial trackage on Annacis Island there is a quite fascinating little bit of railroad! I particularly like the trackage that's just a bit past the end of your layout, where the track curves around and then does a dance with a turnout and 60-degree-or-so crossover to serve sidings on both sides, but there are lots of interesting things going on there.

[@boomerdiorama]

I moved the Brewery down some so the distances are average and in the end didn't matter to me as much . . .

[@BrooksMoses]

@@boomerdiorama : Yup, makes sense. I also find it easy to forget just how big a lot of industrial buildings are -- the idea that a single building is by itself longer than 1/8th mile, and as buildings go it's large but not unusually so, is strange to contemplate. Your layout is one of the few that really seems to capture this scale -- even though you've scaled the warehouse down at least by half, it looks like the brewery is pretty close to actual size, and I think that's a good bit of why it captures this so well.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@BrooksMoses So far you are the only one who has analyzed my specific thinking on this. I admire that. I felt out of the three buildings, the Brewery deserved the most attention as it is a feature anchor point on the opening end of the layout so I chose not to compress it as much as the others. The unfortunate part was, I could not add the lead to service the Brewery. I would need another six feet to do that. If I shifted the whole deal to make the Brewery functional as the prototype, it will kill the whole deal in terms of having the Barge Slip where it is. Besides, the Brewery is out of service prototypically anyway. Furthermore, I also needed to make the turn to section two and I wanted it as broad a curve as possible which is why I used all "curved" turnouts to make the interchange work at "Big" bend. It took me a great deal of planning to fit this all in for sure. The middle Warehouse is the one I crushed (heavy compression) and the last one (Amazon) I took as far as I could go with it but still fell short. This is something the modeler must decide on their own and how they wish to see it in the limited space of the footprint . . .

[@BrooksMoses]

@@boomerdiorama And those decisions are what makes it art! You briefly mentioned making a maquette to do the early planning, and I can see how that would be very helpful in figuring out how to make all of this look right. That, and actually setting things up on the real layout and moving them around and trying different arrangements before committing to one -- do I remember from another video that you mentioned using boxes and things to get a sense of blocking for future buildings? Looking at your opening photo, I can see why using as broad a curve as possible for the bend was critical. And the curved turnouts as well; it wouldn't look the same at all (and would look very "model"-like) with straight turnouts and "piecemeal" tight curves and straights.

[@hmathewsk28]

Boomer, thank you for another superb video and discussion on design. I enjoy your more relaxed artistic approach to the hobby. River Road, by video alone, is a very nice layout. What color is the fascia now?

[@boomerdiorama]

Th Facia is a dark olive green color. The same color as the water. It's by Behr called, "North Woods" Base 2300 (N410-7).

[@georgewood463]

I could watch your videos for the music alone.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. I am trying to sort that out still. ;-)

[@bcsferromodelismo3822]

🇧🇷🚂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻, Very Nice!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much!

[@JRossHunter]

I'm fairly new to your channel and seem to have missed the video where you talk about your technique for painting the river bottom and applying the surface texture. I've looked in the scenery playlist, but didn't find it. I also have trouble finding things in the refrigerator. 😀

[@boomerdiorama]

What platform do you view the channel on? It's here under popular videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4S7hXSDd66bha8

[@JRossHunter]

@@boomerdiorama iMac. Thanks for the link. I'm not sure how I missed it.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@JRossHunter You wouldn't believe some of the things I miss that are blatantly obvious. No sweat. Cheers.😁

[@bobhastings6464]

Hey Boomer Once again enjoyed the content and of course the workmanship. I had a question though.. where were you able to source large sheet styrene ? I’m looking for some for building flats and can’t seem to find it. Once again thanks for the vids, keep ‘em comin” Cheers from Ontario Bob

[@boomerdiorama]

Ask any hobby shop. If they have an account with Evergreen, and most do or should. Ask them for the larger sheets, they comes in packs of five etc. You can also google-up Evergreen website and source it from there. Furthermore, you can also acquire styrene which can be bought from plastic supply stores in fairly large sheets as well. Cheers.

[@bobhastings6464]

@@boomerdiorama many thanks

[@bgm-1961]

This is a great video! Very worthwhile. Your comments in the beginning about the selective compression which you applied to the prototype scene got me curious. Did you ever consider doing the layout in N scale, so to offer greater flexibility in your selective compression strategy?

[@boomerdiorama]

Our imagination deceives us incessantly. N Scale needs selective compression as much as any scale does. You can't escape compression because one changes the scope of things with the assumption that more space makes more things possible. It doesn't actually. It only increases the optimism which is quickly dashed by the same unfortunate dilemma. Cheers.

[@bgm-1961]

@@boomerdiorama Trust me, as a long-time N scaler myself, I know that N scale requires selective compression for any prototype scene as does any other scale. Like you implied, simply changing the scale toward the smaller doesn't wave a magic wand, allowing everything to fit. But I respectfully disagree with your comment that having more space doesn't allow more things to fit. Because that's exactly what having more space does. My point being, that when modeling a specific prototype scene in a given layout space, and with N scale being roughly half of HO scale, and taking into account he square-cube law in a very rudimentary way, then modeling the scene in N scale will allow approx 150% more "content" of the scene than HO will allow. So yeah, selective compression is still required for N scale, but building for building, tree for tree, and road for road, the amount of compression required is less in N scale than for HO, thereby allowing more *freedom* in designing the compression. That's all I'm saying.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@bgm-1961 I refer to space philosophically, not technically as you do in all fairness. Space is only a footprint to model in for me. Scale within that space is a whole different can of worms. If I model the layout in N Scale within the same footprint (spec), as I have now, I am committed to modeling a higher ratio of scenery to fill in the empty space not needed for trackage, which I don't want to do. That is all I am saying.😁

[@bgm-1961]

@@boomerdiorama Ah, OK, I see where you're coming from. If I'm indeed reading you correctly, then hopefully I won't get it wrong by expressing it instead, that for you, building the layout is more about the journey than it is about the destination. If that's a good way of putting it, then yeah, where I was coming from was about getting to the "destination"... i.e., using a smaller scale so to achieve a less compressed end result. But for you, the compression doesn't matter, as it's the art form itself which it's all about. Hopefully I got that right, from your reply! :) Anyway, when considering the hobby as an artform, I was remiss in not expressing up front what a wonderfully skilled artist you are! For instance, your scenery is so good, that yours is one of the few MR videos based on a prototype location which actually caused me to bring up Google Maps and start searching for that exact location! I'm now much more familiar with Vancouver than I ever have been! Nice job!

[@boomerdiorama]

@@bgm-1961 Thank you for taking the time to qualify and communicate your thoughts. Unfortunately, social media is a real bear when it comes to interpretations. I am happy to come to an understanding. Cheers.😁

[@4everdc302]

I'm just waiting for my locomotive DC shuttle, and then I'm starting the shelf gig. The back track will have a Rapido GO Train with coach end. Switching in front. Ajax to Whitby in compression.

[@boomerdiorama]

That sounds awesome. I can picture it in my imagination already!😁

[@4everdc302]

Boomer. The planning stage of the shelf layout with the GO Train is posted if ya wanna check it out.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@4everdc302 O.K.😁

[@budjamison2149]

What color is your fascia? I don't like fascias being a distraction from the rail road but can't decide on what to do for mine yet! How did you decide on a color? And how to do your fascia?

[@boomerdiorama]

It's the base color of most terrain in my case like water, trees, bushes, grass, etc. It's Dark Olive Green. The same color as the water. I find Olive Green to be the most neutral color for most terrain. Cheers.

[@sylvainrichard6679]

On my mind : add light from upside like in normal life. Yes ?

[@boomerdiorama]

;-)

[@danielfantino1714]

Boomer, we really ❤❤ your big fat head, may be even more than you cause we don´t bang it everywhere. Without a head you won´t be the same pleasant person😅😅 When you walk on the real site, your eyes are about 5' 4" above the ground. We should see the layout the same way and not flying an helicopter. You could move Glover Road in that bigger room and leave it how it was or expand. Having choice of space is priceless instead of "i made what i could" . Being "small" in big is a fantastic option. Pure joy for ever. And expansion is always possible. Say hello to your big fat head that works so good.😊

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@juanluisgomezregalado6434]

You put a note "The real world never fits the scale footprint!" qich is totally true, but i have an architectural existential problem with this: Architects design in scale, to transport it to the real world. So theres a nice "conflict" right there about modeling ;)

[@boomerdiorama]

True. On the other hand, architectural modeling has very little to do with model railroading. It's a completely different medium for conveying a full size concept to sell the idea and visualize the impact on the real world location. Model railroading is the other way around - we must translate what we imagineer into a space which is physically never large enough. ;-)

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

It seems to me unfortunate that you have such a space restriction because your skills with modeling appear to be restricted. Although you say it provides you with .plenty of opportunity with the space you have, it would be truly amazing if you had the space available that .@Rochsub has. ;-)

[@boomerdiorama]

I have had larger studios in the past and they can be an asset but also a liability as well.

[@GRUMP5B]

How many exhibition layouts are spoilt for the lack of thought as to how the layout looks outside of the diorama. A lot of exhibitors put all their resources into the track and the surrounding scenery but forget that a ‘pretty’ exterior can be welcoming and comforting. Maybe, just maybe all rail modellers need to employ an interior designer to enhance the framing of their layouts so that they look inviting rather than the frame etc is an afterthought.🙀🙀

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. The finished facia look invites me into the room and then prompts me to view the layout. An unfinished facia with paint and glue drip stains, etc. is anathema to me.😁

[@johnbutler8388]

We can take 14 the team

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!