Superb model railway layout: St Ives in OO gauge

Every day is a visit to the seaside with this exceptional coast-themed model railway layout constructed by a returnee railway modeller.
This model railway is in OO gauges and includes trains by companies such as Hornby.
Find out more about all things railway modelling-related at www.world-of-railways.co.uk

[@matthewharrell8645]

Absolutely brilliant model railway! Great narration and explanation of your modeling techniques. I was just touring the St. Ives branch via Google Earth and was day dreaming about what things must have looked like back in the 1950's. Thank you for filling in the blanks!

[@nottmfunguy]

I am in St Ives at the moment, We got the train from St Ives to Carbis bay, as I walked through the car park I commented about the original station to my wife. Great layout.

[@kevindevine7597]

Incredibly atmospheric. Some model railways draw you in, and this is certainly up there with them. Superb.

[@jamestailyour7348]

The sedum trick for trees was quite a revelation. What a gorgeous layout,

[@althejazzman]

The integration of the backscene is seamless.

[@miniroll32]

Your enthusiasm and effort is to be admired. Congratulations on a wonderful layout!

[@andrewclayton4181]

It was an act of official vandalism to bulldoze these places in the 60s and replace them with a small concrete bus shelter. So much beauty needlessly lost.

[@alanhill4338]

I could not take mu eyes of the buildings when I could. I have bookmarked this video, so I can come back often. Than you for the video.

[@jointgib]

i'm not in the hobby but i really enjoyed watching this. Drawn in by the optical illusions and then wanted to watch the rest to find out how the tricks were done.

[@Gulval03]

I was 5 in 1954 when we travelled from Paddington to Carbis Bay on the Cornish Riviera Express and still remember it well. On Saturday mornings over the next few years the sight of the train making its way round the coastline to St. Erth and then Paddington was an awesome sight.

[@martinwelsford1353]

I dont remember St Ives back then but the model is instantly recognised even though its now a single line platform with no buildings or loop etc as the town is served by Class 150 DMUs. The model is frankly amazing. I could be on the beach for a quick paddle and an ice cream before the next train. What a great hobby we have.

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

Quite the most engaging video of an avowedly team effort version of an enchanting model layout of Snives. Thank you for brightening up the day.

[@donsleigh1805]

I spent many holidays in the fifties and sixties in the Camping Coach to the rear of the station and have lots of b&w photos of my family, most of whom are long gone. But the memories live on, especially as I have a scar to my face received by falling down the small ladder steps to the coach entrance. The coach was an amazing conversion and it was a joy in so many ways. Thank you for reminding me of those wonderful times. Don

[@richardkeen1996]

Brilliant layout and a perfect reminiscence of St Ives and that unique feel of Cornwall.

[@stephenwilliams1269]

Sir you have a superb layout. It took me back to the early 1960's with the steam locos and the diesel units. when I was a young boy. Thank you for showing your hard work off. Long may it bring you hours of enjoyment.

[@paulgowing5051]

This is by far the best layout I’ve seen, the way that you’ve done the scenery really makes the layout an outstanding piece. Love it

[@davidoickle1778]

I agree 100%. Fantastic layout. I feel as though I'm there.

[@petrolhead9027]

This brought a lot of good memories back to me thanks' for sharing it with us

[@markwilson8002]

Outstanding, what a fantastic water idea.

[@kldid]

Stunning and in just a couple of years, just so good!

[@ScaniaVabis580]

Absolutely love this! Fantastic layout and such a great way of doing it too, basing it off memories and photographs. A most enjoyable video, very well put together... didn't want it to end!

[@stanleyknife1967]

Great layout! Your thorough research paid off.

[@cvsdigital]

This is just superb. Very, very well filmed too!

[@bhigdaddymark]

Inspirational and beautiful, great narration. I can't get enough of the superb layouts from the UK. Thanks and Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@going2thedogs]

What a fantastic layout with great commentary providing a insight into the construction process. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas.

[@paktoysreview8377]

Absolutely love this! Fantastic layout and such a great way of doing it too...

[@WHRBERT]

What a beautiful layout, well done!

[@nigelhingston7506]

Brilliant! An inspiration, so much detail, thank you for sharing.

[@modelrailroader5619]

Nicely done! Great commentary, too. Thanks for sharing.

[@jp-i]

Wow!!! Stunning and inspirational layout. Love it!

[@Bass-guitarist]

Totally amazing, so impressed thank you for sharing this.

[@THEBEATPOETS1]

What a fantastic atmospheric layout, loved it.

[@JoeHardy19]

Fantastic video - what an amazing layout, thank you for explaining your techniques as well, very inspiring. Looking forward to seeing more of St Ives in the future

[@simoncordery6953]

This is brilliant, thank you. So many useful tips, in the scenery and in the voice over. What a terrific model!

[@robpendry3185]

Wonderful idea - you've captured the essence of this beautifully! Very well done indeed!

[@lovebourg1]

I am so in awe of the fantastic attention to detail that you have created...this is just amazing!!

[@lowerquadrant4647]

Outstanding work!

[@legohotwheelsmadness]

Really enjoyed watching this. I love the beach scene and how the backscene blends in so well.

[@mikesanders5433]

What an excellent layout, I have had holidays to Carbis Bay in the last few years and instantly recognise the layout of St Ives.

[@petercomber196]

An amazing layout, brought back some fond memories

[@jakobbgh6310]

WOW. Especially the trees and the beach waves

[@martinhinsley6198]

Superb concept and brilliantly executed !. I love it

[@jonathanchester5916]

Great layout - love the use of old and new school techniques. Kudos to the sea especially.

[@lorrainedimmock4096]

The better days, perfectly captured, stunning...👍😁

[@LewisLocos]

Magical! There is something beautiful about these branch lines of the earlier days.Your layout captures this. I love that in some areas you need to see past trees to be able to see the trains. Very realistic. I love it.

[@corymiller9742]

Incredible. I envy that many of you enjoyed seeing places like this and locomotives of these sorts in your own lifetime. I can only venture to them vicariously through layouts like these.

[@ricardoalves5488]

What a nice source of inspiration. Very beautiful and amazingly made. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidschuller1640]

Well done and advising great information. A total work of art. Great layout.

[@distomos8118]

Wonderful job and layout. Love the seagull. 😄

[@markaylott1780]

2 years? Thats quick, what an awsome job, even for a layout of this size . Looks great, you should be proud of what you have achieved 😎👍

[@scottmcneil1150]

Beautiful layout. Great modelling techniques. Well done.

[@liquidtompls5666]

My goodness! The detail and craftsmanship makes my jaw drop!

[@paulcosentino7032]

Just love this, captures the ambience of a Cornish seaside town brilliantly , superb video .

[@martinformini3621]

Very very wonderful job. Thanks for share this video. It's a fantastic layout.

[@bikerbisht110]

You have my admiration and envy ... marvellous modelling

[@eattherich9215]

@5:19, love the swimmers and you did a great job giving them motion.

[@Vonnetron]

I addition to your wonderful eye for scenic detail, your narrative pacing and editing of this wonderful video are top-notch. A pleasure to watch and to re-watch!! Well done!!!

[@philippenaluna2312]

Proper job!!! It's a good representation of St Ives, especially with the full length platform. Brian Taylor's rendition of those balustrades is excellent, but I wouldn't expect anything less.

[@michaelsansom6]

II have travelled along this branch line many times. You have captured the essence and detail perfectly. Congratulations and thanks.-

[@damonhowles2087]

Such a wonderfully well crafted model railway and video. You introduce all the relevant details at a very enjoyable pace. Well done. An excellent video for many reasons. Cheers.

[@bluglouk]

Your model takes us all back to 1950s, even those of us born later, thanks! 😃

[@rochmel1409]

A fantastic model. It really recreates the feeling of the time. And a great video with a nice lot of information to compliment the pictures. Tghank you.

[@speleokeir]

What a beautiful layout. Wish I had your skill! A very good video too. A quick pace to ensure it's not overly long and several little scenery tips and tricks. Great stuff!

[@ewoodrailway]

Stunning detail, wonderful

[@boblovell5789]

If this line had been in the hands of the preservationists combined with the popularity of St. Ives, I would imagine long queues and an entry fee to get access!

[@wideyxyz2271]

Bloody marvellous. I love it and the narration and back story. Maybe another update when you have done more tweaks or maybe a running session! It really captures that summer feel!

[@markcarey8426]

That's good. I like the technique of showing the prototype and then the model. Some excellent modelling. And great explanations.

[@JPoulAndersson]

Your layout is wonderful. The West Country has an appeal all its own with the palms and very blue sea. Nice naturally lit room as well, no cross-beams blocking views!

[@davearmstrong2296]

Excellent video. Excellent model. Stunning scenery. Really inspiring.

[@keithlemon457]

That is one very impressive layout - well done !

[@pamdemic6334]

An inspiration to anyone thinking of getting into model railway.

[@AllensTrains]

Convincing representation of a GWR branch line terminus. Imaginative integration of the back scene with the foreground. The use of a drone to take the photographs and all the work in photoshop has paid off! You have got the perspective exactly right which is a point on which many layout builders fall down. Thanks for uploading.

[@jeanbonnefoy1377]

Absolutely amazing: I could easily retrace our steps during our holidays there last year, from the station to the bar and beach or down the path under the bridge after turning left walking along the hotel overlooking the station...👍👍👍

[@edwardtsoukalidis2071]

Congratulations on a superbly built layout. The beach scene was just so realistic, as was the greenery. Indeed, every gives the feeling of excellence. You should certainly be proud of what you have achieved. I am jealous.

[@rancidschannel3206]

Really loved this, well presented

[@jameseldershaw7194]

Absolutely fantastic layout, really, really clever!

[@mikebeeton4982]

So very lovely and reminiscent of the past where these lovely places actually existed ! Hmmm! Anyways thank you so much for sharing not only your lovely model, but your techniques!

[@Eccles_Hall]

Stunning. We visit St Ives every year (gutted we had to cancel this year due to covid) and often I’ve sat on Porthminster beach contemplating building a layout depicting SI in the modern era. An absolute credit this your modelling skills and eye for detail 🚂👍🏻

[@smg7602]

What an incredible model railway. The amount of time & patience it must have taken to construct is results in a work of absolute beauty. Thank you for sharing it.

[@paulheywood2287]

Just brilliant layout.i am planning my layout and the ideas you show there. We help me no end

[@kevinsharp6323]

The detail is superb.

[@angusm59]

Stunning model. Somewhere I've never been, but over th years I've followed many articles, mostly by CJF, on the St Ives branch, and I think I finally understand what inspires so many. It must be a great layout to operate, satisfying to build, and generally fun.

[@Dug6666666]

Standouts for we are: Your lighting, the felling of depth and elevation, adhering to photographic resources brings a realism that is hard to put your finger on but is missing when a modeller works from imagination alone. Real photographic textures bring an individuality to your buildings, often modellers are in love with their weathering technique and everything takes on a sameness of drab. Lovely work Paul.

[@leno4920]

aaaaaaaahhhh.......one man's dream brought to life... irresistible. Thanks for sharing it with us.👍

[@matthew_thefallen]

Wow the trees are my favourite part!😂 It's amazing, all of it though. Great job 👍👍

[@peterpocock9062]

I wish, when I was in my 20's, (50 years ago!) that I knew about branch line modelling? I think I would have stayed with the British outline railway theme! As an Ozzie, I'm now very parochial. Your modelling efforts are inspirational. Your ocean scene is brilliant. I don't think I've seen a better rendition! I love your method of attaching windows et al to styrene. I'll give that a run for sure. Thanks for sharing.

[@fircombehallrailwayoogauge1430]

Stunning!

[@modelrailwaylegend8691]

What a model railway, amazing scenery

[@samuraifool912]

I have fond memories of St.Ives. but never Visited by Train. But your Layout is Magnificent..! It was almost as if I could smell the Ocean whilst tucking into a Pasty..! Thx for the Memories. I Left the Uk for Oz. And haven't returned but if I did, St. Ives would be a Must. Cheers kim in Oz. 😎

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Great new video .loads of detail.

[@invisible1955]

A superb layout!

[@Herr-Click]

I have enjoyed watching your video, well done and well presented.

[@welshpete12]

A beautiful model ! I remember getting a lift to and from work on the same type of local shown at the beginning . But it was a mat rough grey colour .

[@CATANDEYEKOI]

Not sure why I watched this but so glad I did. Superb in every way.

[@trevecchi1766]

Absolutely brilliant

[@sailingschooners8668]

One of the best layouts ever.....

[@steveinjersey9021]

Stunning, thanks for sharing. .

[@samperry3386]

This is incredible!

[@Madonsteamrailways]

Gorgeous location!! Yes!! I’ve actually been on the DMU and parking the car just outside the town.

[@kevg707]

stunning layout

[@simplesimon2802]

Inspirational - really impressive