Shelf Layout Track-Plan and Benchwork | Boomer DIorama ~ Vlog # 201

[@Sirsammy345]

This is definitely one of the most beautiful layouts I've ever seen in HO. EVER. The attention to detail is mind-blowing!

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you like it!

[@ironwolfusa]

I TOTALLY agree!

[@CharlieH65]

Pure artistic beauty. Imagine what we'll get to see when River Road has its 5th anniversary!

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. Time does fly . . . The new V2 should be cool.

[@michaelimpey1407]

Boomer, Great tour of the layout, and how you built it, great job. The colour for the top valance and the facia in Dark Olive Green, I though it was Black, but the dark green would give it some extra interest, and not be as heavy as black. Thank you for sharing, Cheers, and stay safe, Michael

[@boomerdiorama]

The valance and facia look black on the camera as you say. I do like the warmer green as it has some color and is not heavy. The green facia also enhances the green on the layout as well. Cheers and thanks for taking the time to share.

[@donwillhoit6866]

Thank you for showing how fascia can be built with out screw and washers. Makes the overall scene more pleasant to view and adds to the beauty of the layout.

[@boomerdiorama]

It was a bit of work but I am happy now. 😁

[@greatnorthernrailwaytother4711]

Thanks Boomer, another inspirational video. I am now thinking about affixing laminated curved facia panels over my current right angle module corners. Hmmmmm. Cheers Peter.

[@boomerdiorama]

Go for it! It's easy to do. Just tack one end, and then push the other end around until you have the curve you want and then fill in the gap with foam.

[@TheKeeganc]

This is pure brilliance.

[@boomerdiorama]

I think bench work is something we all neglect at times due to the uncertain future of a layout. Thank you.

[@WCRR99]

Absolutely a museum quality layout! I imagine every model railroader that has viewed your channel has learned something new. I certainly have. Your use of curves on your benchwork really make a big difference to the artistic presentation of your beautiful scenery. My next layout will definitely incorporate your method for making curved benchwork. Thank you for sharing.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much! The curved turnouts make the layout feel larger while saving space as well. ;-)

[@DisVietVetUSA]

I like the Supervisor❤

[@boomerdiorama]

She also sleeps on the job alot . . . 😉

[@charlierumsfeld6626]

Love the "Supervisor"!

[@boomerdiorama]

She knows it. ;-) 😁

[@Perfusionist01]

Thanks for the overview of the project. I love watching your videos. I have built models since the early 1960's, mostly military, now railroad, but through my history, I have built a bit of everything. I always enjoy your builds and your philosophy on modeling. I "do my own thing" but I enjoy getting new ideas and techniques from you. I am not as meticulous in my modeling, but looking at your stuff is pushing me to do better and do more. Thanks.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds great! I grew up in the 1960''s as well building Monogram, Revell, and then Tamiya kits. Trains were always in there somewhere as well. Cheers.

[@toddnab8309]

The layout is very cool it really look like that put your mind to it. Love it. 😊

[@boomerdiorama]

It has meaning for sure. Thank you! 😁

[@ronvelner6530]

Like your diorama so much, bud I love your supervisor.

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . Dusty loves the layout space. ;-)

[@jcjackson726]

Great update to "tie" everything together. Your videos are my #1 resource and I re-watch them over and over agiain. I'm almost done with my benchwork. Starting on the track layout lines and cork laying. Thank you for all the work and teaching you've provided. And yes, I started when it was Glover Road! 😂

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Vman7757]

I have been with you for a long time. My Modeling has improved with your tutelage. I remember when I stumbled on to your channel because my brother Patrick pointed you out. That was over three years ago. I think it was the Cruel Sea. I think I have seen everyone since. You told me that this modeling is scalable. And it works in N scale. Sending a big thanks. Don't worry about how long the videos are. Keep showing the work. That is where the learning is. We have a pause button on all that can see your videos if we need to do something else. Keep up the awesome work.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and sup[porting the channel. Cheers ~ Boomer.😁

[@CM-ARM]

Definitely my friend. Really injoy watching your journey

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks 👍

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear Boomer, love this flashback on your benchwork. May have said it before; the scarf joints are just a beautiful method to either perform a well concealed seam, a great way to construct almost seamless sub roadbed, or an absolute marvel to mount the different sections and layers of fascia and even valence. Also, to include layers of parchment paper between benchwork joints is indeed a first in making a layout movable, or for that matter adjustable. On all aspects of model railroading there’s learning opportunities, even for DIY construction projects, moreover when those methods are able to conceal and hide. It’s like a saying I once was independently taught by a master carpenter, almost retired tiler, a favorite electrician I worked with and the more than excellent colleagues I worked with at my first plumbing job; ‘even to eye is most often not equal.’ From Dutch ‘gelijk is ongelijk,’ literally translated ‘even is uneven.’ Especially when working on visual parts of construction, this rule always applies. It’s where the theoretical single preferred line of the architect often conflicts with the practical, where a second line to overcome any visual unevenness, will indeed bond or blend the two lines into one. Cheerio

[@boomerdiorama]

I always enjoyed working in some of the various trades you mentioned. Being very observant I never forgot certain things like this. Thank you far sharing. Cheers.

[@sammym.belfastchild]

Boomer , cought you on Second Section Podcast , what a great interview an interaction with Andy , Mike and yourself. Cought up on the other appearances you made too on there show , Have to say your one of the great ambassadors for our hobby. I never stop learning from your content just fantastic. looking forward to seeing the section 3 of the river road build. Thank you for all the effort you put into making us all feel welcome and expanding our knowledge , Cheers Boomer an hi to Dusty .

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@warrenholmar1129]

I do like the lack of a "corner." That flowing back drop is very nice.

[@boomerdiorama]

I agree. Curved facia and backdrops make the layout feel larger and more fluid.😁

[@warrenholmar1129]

​@@boomerdioramayes it really does. One thing that I really am not a fan of is corners on back drops. I understand that with space constraints they "can" be necessary. Also I am relatively new to your channel. I saw Grant from SAR on a podcast. He mentioned your channel and spoke about your amazing trees. As I am modeling N scale I would lean more towards the way Grant made his layout. However there are many aspects of your way of doing things that I would love to adopt.

[@colossalbigfoot256]

I like how you said what you were gonna do in this video and proceeded to not do any of it 😂 you’re my inspiration for scenery. I put your talent above Towan. He does it as a job.. you do it for the love of the hobby. Big difference!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. I have always loved the art of miniatures since I was a kid. It never seems to fade away. I guess when I'm done it will be done. ;-) Cheers! 😁

[@deanmeyer7887]

Boomer I love your channel. You are a great asset to the hobby and a wonderful motivator. You are a blessing.❤ I’m a huge Dusty fan.

[@boomerdiorama]

I appreciate that!

[@derz-crackmodellbahnvideosinsp]

​@@boomerdiorama"👍👏👏👏❤ " 😘 ...CHEERS, Olli

[@allenlandis4504]

I never seem to get enough,always something to learn. Thank you again.

[@boomerdiorama]

My pleasure!

[@AemJaY]

the supervisor looking good :) thnx for this great video. helped me a lot for my own shelf layout!

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad it helped!

[@wilzdart]

You had mentioned on the pod cast about taking down the layout, if you had to, and said you used wax paper glad you showed on this vlog how you placed it. I have been following your Vlogs for years and practice your methods, think it out what I want to do first. I missed you doing your bench work so another plus since I am starting to add fascia, never thought about doing a 45 on the end pieces, simply thanks Boomer.

[@boomerdiorama]

The Bench work is under videos back to the Vlog # 1 and up.

[@johnbanicki7232]

Very nice. Great idea with the wax paper between the sections. Thanks for sharing.

[@boomerdiorama]

You are so welcome!

[@jamfjord]

It works a treat, great tip! Thanks Boomer 👍

[@troyb1733]

You Mentioned Glover Road,I forgot about that. I have been watching you for a while now,Ive gotten older and you have made me wiser!

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes . . . Glover Road. Section three will eventually be dedicated to a section of Glover Road V2.😁

[@patricknoveski6409]

I was wondering about bench work. As usual, you hit a home run. Peace, P.j. signs Calif.

[@boomerdiorama]

I planned for the long run with the bench work.😁

[@jimwargowski5963]

Great tips on framework and I really like the wide screen aspect the valance and facia provide. Very inspirational.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks so much!

[@robertsalido1232]

nice job. I can really see your experience And, your skill.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for watching!

[@ronduz1281]

Amazing layout, great techniques👍👍👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for watching and sharing your compliments! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@stephenhottle6783]

Supervisor 😂😻

[@boomerdiorama]

😉

[@johnschutt9187]

Beautiful work. Pure perfection.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. The last few years have felt like a blurrr . . . 😁

[@andygorman858]

Just subscribed as this is insanely awesome! I love the way you explain things, extremely helpful as I’m just starting out making my first shelf layout.

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome and welcome aboard! Thank you Andy! I still feel the layout story has just begun. The smaller footprint is awesome to model in when the details are endless and the immersion factor is deep. Be inspired and have fun! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@truckerman8301]

Great layout video as always Boomer! Those of us that watch your channel stand in awe of your work!!

[@boomerdiorama]

I appreciate that!

[@ColorMeMozart]

Wow, just wow, looks incredible obviously ands I appreciate the detailed explanation as well. Congrats! 🚂

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!😁

[@FarlandHowe]

Great overview. Thanks…

[@boomerdiorama]

😁 Sure thing! Cheers.

[@barrackstreetyard]

So much impression for my own layout. Quality content.

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@ericp6612]

Great timing, going to start over on my layout and will use a lot of these techniques!

[@boomerdiorama]

Have fun!

[@jeffreyhunt1727]

Your scenery work is gorgeous!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much!

[@augustharris4569]

All absolutely amazing, but did I miss the conclusion of the tug build. I think I never miss an episode, but...

[@boomerdiorama]

The tug build is on hold as it pertains to section one. I'm trying to finish this scene on section two. Cheers.

[@xray606]

Looks great as always. I just noticed something... Are there any humans on the layout? I don't recall ever seeing any. You certainly wouldn't be the first to leave people off a layout. I've done it as well. But I'm curious if that's a conscious thing on your part? Maybe you explained this and I missed it.

[@boomerdiorama]

Certain things like figures, backdrops, etc. are not a priority at this phase of the build. I find most figures in HO to be rather lame anyway. Although, I do like the "Preiser" figs but that is another task I don't have time for right now. Maybe down the road. There are figures in the Diner whenever that shows on the layout. ;-)

[@xray606]

@@boomerdiorama If you haven't seen them yet, there's a company called WestEdge3D that makes some pretty progressive looking figures.

[@bobhastings6464]

Hey Boomer A blast from the past! I love it. Question for you if I might.. I heard you mention Rob Bennett layout on the pod cast. I know he uses a lot of scenic mats on his scenery, I have never used them and wondered what your feelings were on them Cheers from Ontario Bob

[@boomerdiorama]

The scenic matts you mention are awesome. If you can afford them or they fit your budget, go for it. They have great variations and look like a lot of fun to get creative with. 😁

[@jack002tuber]

Wow I'm on the third video of yours. I just had to subscribe

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for supporting the channel with your subscription! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@ravensonxpress]

Hello Boomer, have you ever thought about an expansion for the River. An Expansion-Modul that can easily connected and removed when you don't need it, so you have enough River that you can land a Barge on the Barge-Slip to load or reloade fright cars on it. I hope I habe wrote that correct, you know I'm from Germany and sometimes have issues with writing what I want to say. The Barge Slip is so nice, what a pitty that you cannot make it work. By the way, the Barge need wheels under it, so it can use the solid water.

[@boomerdiorama]

Great question. Respectfully, it is not a pity really at all. The Ferry (or Barge) will work easily. It only needs a small section to be stable and line up with the ramp when the sliders come out below the layout to support the stern. The Barge will only act as (cassette) staging for traffic anyway. I designed it that way. Respectfully, why have all the water (wasted space) there when not in use? It can live in the theater of the mind. ;-) Cheers.😁

[@Raginmund33]

I would love to come over and do some operations!

[@boomerdiorama]

Me too . . . lol.

[@DRCRailroard]

Hey Boomer, I can identify with the thought put into the portability of your benchwork. Even though I model in 0-scale I wanted some flexibility in making my layout easy to disassemble when it comes time. I constructed 4×4 tops in sections using 1X4 framework. I didn't want legs against the back wall so I made cleats dadoed out for the 1x4s to lock into and installed portable shelves arond the front for the top to rest on so the tops can easily be lifted out because they are very light weight but very strong with 1/2" tops of homassote. My layout is U shaped and fills an area of 9×11×15 all 4' deep and can all be easily disassemble with a cordless drill in mere minutes. I worked in construction for 47 years before I retired and I'm certain that your supervisor is in need of a hard hat and high vis to meet OSHA standrards. 😂. Just saying.

[@boomerdiorama]

Your construction sounds awesome, especially since you are a carpenter as well. It is an asset for sure. If I built an "O" scale shelf style I would build it the same with cleats holding it to the wall like you mentioned. Very wise indeed. Yeah . . . I tried to tell the supervisor about the hard hat and received the evil eye . . . ;-)

[@HartfordWhaler]

Boomer, another helpful video. Is there a way to get you a quick 54s video sweep of my 11’x20” shelf layout? Wanted your inputs on detailing priorities/opportunities.

[@boomerdiorama]

Best way is to upload to your KZbin Channel. If you have a google account, KZbin is free and available for uploads anytime to whatever you deem.

[@jamfjord]

Every video adds more pieces to the jigsaw of how this layout came together - truly masterful. I'll be trying out curved facia for strength, I reckon. Quick question if I may, Boomer (as a woodwork newbie) - what's the benefit/advantage of a scarf joint?

[@boomerdiorama]

The benefit of a scarf joint is they don't show expansion/contraction "gaps" like a butt joint will. Furthermore, if you use a scarf joint for sub (plywood) roadbed, when the wood moves, the seam will stay rigid and level. It won't lift and cause an uneven surface where thee joinery is.

[@jamfjord]

Thanks Boomer, very helpful to understand the benefits in the context of our hobby 👍

[@themaverickline]

Thanks Boomer, great video! Two questions: • How is the benchwork supported from below? Did you use something like a 45 degree angle bracket to the wall? I've seen people do shelf layouts with no support underneath, but I worry that the layout would sag over time without some sort of support. • On your backdrop, did you mud and sand the scarf joints, or are they just butted up next to each other and the scarf joint hides the seam? Do you plan to remove the backdrop in order to paint it eventually, or will you leave it in place when you do that? I don't love the idea of having to commit to a background before any of the foreground elements are done, but also don't want to risk damaging the foreground while trying to paint the background later.

[@boomerdiorama]

I only have a few supports angled out from the wall. The bench work is so strong in the linear it won't sag with a few strategically placed supports.

[@BrooksMoses]

You mentioned 57"-high benchwork, which leaves me curious -- where is your eye level with respect to the track? And what are your thoughts on that decision? On me, 57" plus the scenery thickness between the benchwork and the rails would put the rails almost at nose level. One of my local clubs has a two-level layout with the upper deck around that height, and it's an interesting perspective -- it gives much more of a "ground level" view, but it's also more awkward to operate.

[@boomerdiorama]

Check this out and you can see how high it is. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmmnc6CarbeerNE

[@BrooksMoses]

@@boomerdiorama : Thanks! Looks like the top of the trains is about the tip of your nose. I definitely like that view, and it makes the backdrops a lot easier than they are with "top-down" views.

[@christophernorman684]

Amazing Boomer! What advice would you give a modeler (like me) who was putting grass on the ties in between the rails?

[@boomerdiorama]

I just do small areas at a time and then walk away and come back another day. If you plan to finish it in one day good luck. Pinch the grass tufts in by hand and don't over do it. Take your time. Test with locomotive and trim away until it runs good. Grass between the rails is tedious work, but necessary if you want the grown in look. I think it is worth it though. Cheers.

[@christophernorman684]

Thank you so much@@boomerdiorama

[@richardlawson714]

Always enlightening content. Curious as I am sure many others are, what is happening with the tug build?

[@boomerdiorama]

It's waiting on the build que (with the Ferry) in relation to section one. I needed a break from it as I am focused right now on finishing section two. I think about it all the time (every day) but production is what it is. Hopefully soon when I cycle back to section one. ;-)

[@mikeseba7817]

👍👍👍

[@boomerdiorama]

😁

[@KerleyExpress]

amazing

[@boomerdiorama]

👍

[@OgaugeTrainsplusslotCars]

Sweeeeet

[@boomerdiorama]

;-)

[@eeclass20]

If you've not already done a lighting video, could you do one please.

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. . . . It's on the list. Thank you!

[@timwright3592]

Supervisor is paid in Kibbles and tuna fish..

[@boomerdiorama]

Tuna is her second choice . . . Sockeye Salmon is her first . . . ;-)

[@PS-jr1yq]

Boomer..will you please take this layout across the country and display it once completed in a couple years..please...this layout would not only win every prize possible,but would attract so many eyes and would im sure every magazine or model railroading book company will drool to video it and feature it in their books or magazines..I really hope you think to do this..

[@boomerdiorama]

Anything is possible if we are patient and remain optimistic. 😉

[@PS-jr1yq]

@boomerdioramas hey Boomer.Smol World Workshop posted a video and gave you credit for learning a static grass technique..I Commented and said how I thought you are the greatest modeler in the world no question and he agreed. Not sure if you are aware of him and his videos but he also does a great job with dioramas but he is in Europe and I thought it was amazing that you are being followed and supported from all across the globe. Just proves my point even more..You're simply a legend brother.

[@canuckprogressive.3435]

Is this supposed to be Delta in the Fraser Valley?

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. Annacis Island and New Westminster, then Langley compressed into a shelf layout.

[@canuckprogressive.3435]

@@boomerdiorama I thought it all looked familiar. I live in Surrey.

[@canuckprogressive.3435]

@@boomerdiorama Great job BTW. The fact I recognized the area from your model is a testament to your modeling skills.

[@hondachopper6978]

Watching this makes my brain hurt.

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . sometimes it makes me hurt too . . . but it's worth the paint . . . ;-)