The Complete Layout Tour - Part 1 - Yorkshire Dales Model Railway

The Complete Layout Tour - Part 1
This week we take a look at the Yorkshire Dales Model Railway in a bit more detail. We start at the storage yards, and work our way around the whole layout. Hopefully this gives a bit more content as to what goes where and how the whole layout fits together.
I mentioned Paul's channel (Galgorm Hall) in the video, linked below:
/ galgormhall
Next week in part 2 I’ll do the same thing with the new layout, Misselthwaite.
As always, thanks for watching.

[@garyjust.johnson1436]

Ben and Jerry's newest icecream flavor: Mouldy Raspberry! It's Toot Sweet!

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Cheers Gary 😀

[@alanrhead2285]

You are an extremely talented modeller with a terrific imagination. The attention to detail is remarkable and I will learn a lot from your skills as I start (at the age of 75) to consider my own layout. Congratulations you are an inspiration.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks very much Alan, that’s very kind of you! Glad you’ve found the videos useful.

[@anglingsteve]

Your layout is fantastic Lewis and it's great to see how you run it with the storage yards I'm really impressed.

[@jefwisse1957]

I hope my model railroad will look as good as this one, stunning. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Jef!

[@muir8009]

You always seem to capture an aesthetic picture of England. It's a bit more than would be defined as realistic, it's more of an artistic impression of a picturesque postcard of a slice of idyllic England, dark satanic mills not withstanding. It's a good feeling layout, brilliantly executed

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you. I think you’re spot on there, that’s a very good way to describe it.

[@PiddleInTheMarshbyMarkIreland]

Love this layout, and being a single line one makes it very different to most. So easy to watch trains just roll by. Great to see where everything is to.Thanks for answering so many questions.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Mark, glad you liked it 👍🏻

[@joegrazulis2810]

That's some amazing modeling, sir! I love it!

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Joe 👍🏻

[@paulisnotonfire]

Really impressed that the entire layout is powered by a single combi controller and very minimalistic wiring. Something I'd do myself on a layout. Also reminded me how big the layout actually is from the Hornby magazine video. Really enjoyed the tour. Cheers

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Paul - I’m not much good when it comes to wiring so pleased I kept it simple!

[@stevenmcmullen1939]

You say that you are " No artist " don't underestimate yourself matey. You have a huge amount of talent. What a superb layout :)

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you 😀

[@roystudds1944]

Truly fascinating to see the whole layout. I was immediately astonished when you claimed to be “no artist”. The whole layout is totally artistic and the back scene you painted fits perfectly into the scene. Congratulations on the comments you have received. There’s little I can add to the plaudits. I look forward to seeing part two. Well done Lewis. Roy.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Roy, appreciate it!

[@diedertspijkerboer]

I loved that tour, but I have to disagree with you on one point: I think you are an artist, even if you say you aren't.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Ha thanks, well I appreciate you saying so!

[@robinmathews2446]

I am really happy to know that the layout is DC and just uses Insulfrog points.. It shows that It's more than possible to have a superb layout, without the expense and complexity of DCC. So many modellers these days just cannot appreciate that model railroading existed long before the advent of DCC? An Analogue layout is so much simpler, and much more affordable.. Thank you again for sharing this great "overview" of the layout

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Robin 👍🏻 Glad you enjoyed it.

[@gregsmith1719]

That was great, thanks! You are an artist!

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Greg!

[@edmiller9453]

Thank you for the full view! With your remarkable skill, I'm glad to see the methods better. Maybe someday I might model half as well

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Ed! 👍🏻

[@barrywest8944]

Hi Lewis, with the way you film your videos it makes it look like a huge layout that goes on for miles. It’s proper trick photography but absolutely brilliant.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Barry!

[@JPoulAndersson]

Layout tour including a talk😀 Love it Lewis many thanks👍🏻 Love the Yorkshire Rose flags as well! Cheers from Denmark, Joachim

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Joachim!

[@OgaugeTrainsplusslotCars]

I like how your trucks from train sound on those rail.Real realistic

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you 😀

[@OgaugeTrainsplusslotCars]

@@MouldyRaspberry Your more than welcome

[@garyjust.johnson1436]

Looks very nice!

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks👍🏻

[@wheezypalacemodels7726]

Hiya Lewis, hope ya well…. This video is awesome… Been wondering for a while of how we see different parts each week and how it all ties in. Thanks for sharing with us and much respect to the skills you have in scenery details.. Regards Chris

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Chris, glad you liked it!

[@2010ditta]

Very enjoyable tour of the layout. Thank you..all the best.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Tim 👍🏻

[@GreenhillJunction]

Hi. Thanks so much for doing a tour of the layout. Been following your builds for ages and great to see the whole thing. Your scenic work is exceptional, love the clay scratching on the bridge. Cheers, John.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks very much John!

[@segundaaguada]

This is THE masterpiece, Lewis; absolutely stunning to see the whole after having followed its building over time. Thank you so much for putting this tour together. Excellent, excellent indeed. Congrats! and regards from 🇪🇸!

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks very much, glad you liked it 😀

[@gregn.z.5790]

I absolutely agree! Indeed, a Masterpiece, and perhaps my favourite video of Lewis' to date, as it shows the big picture. Pure brilliance. Thanks Lewis for showing us this. Again, you are a master of detail!! Kind regards, Greg, N.Z.

[@paulredding5864]

How long did it take to build this Lewis? It's superb

[@dylansheppardmymodelrailway]

Fantastic v8d great work buddy 👍👍👍👍

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Dylan!

[@mrgrizzlyrides]

I love the simple track work and awesome diorama. It’s so easy to get away from the present and escape with your vids. Luved the tour, learning from the master. Can’t wait for part 2 Lewis. Take care. …………Neil

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Neil, appreciate it!

[@alsmith5604]

I've enjoyed your videos for quite some time, but its really good to see the layout in its entirety. It is amazing to see how well you have used what is actually a quite limited space, and been able to get some really nice open rural scenes as well as the villages. Thanks for sharing your hobby!!!

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks very much Al, appreciate it!

[@RobA500]

That was great to see, it’s a truly wonderful layout.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Rob!

[@chrisclark6192]

Hi Lewis. Superb stuff as always. It was nice seeing your tour of the layout. It really helps to put things in perspective, and also to show how all your hard work has payed off. 👍. Cheers Chris.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Chris 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@steveross129]

Thanks for doing this. Always interesting to see the big picture. Looking forward to a tour of the new part. We’ve done a bit of narrow boating in England and I really like the Misselthwaite part.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Steve. Glad you liked it.

[@mikebeeforth6777]

Very interesting as always. Having come to the hobby only a couple of years ago you remain one of my main sources of information and inspiration. Thank you.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks very much Mike, glad you find them useful!

[@johne5854]

Great scenic layout. I like you less is more approach with the single track. Some would have been tempted to put in lots of tracks. Your layout really is atmospheric.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks John!

[@dibley1973]

Fantastic! Great to see the original layout as a whole, it is a great overview. Thanks for sharing.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@patsquires3654]

wow what i superb layout, i am just about to build my own the shed has just been put up its 26 feet by 12 feet, over the past 5 years i have been building stations cottages etc so once i have the track laid the buildings can go straight into place but its a long journey ahead

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you. Sounds like a good sized layout - best of luck with it!

[@julianwaller2329]

How can people dislike your videos because all your videos are excellent

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Julian 😀

[@dave55uk]

Absolutely stunning scenic modelling. But please make the signals more realistic ;-)

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks David - maybe one day!

[@jhhenio]

Niesamowite! Po raz pierwszy mogłem zobaczyć całą makietę, cały układ. Zadziwiające, jestem pod wielkim wrażeniem. Dziękuję Bardzo. W dalszym ciągu jest to dla mnie najlepsza makieta którą zawsze podziwiam, i bardzo chętnie wracam żeby podziwiać te wspaniałe pociągi, przepiękny krajobraz i czuć całą tą atmosferę. Serdeczne Podziękowania i Pozdrowienia dla Mouldy Raspberry. 👍👌👏 🚂🚃🚃🚃. (h).

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Dziękuję Ci bardzo! Doceniam oglądanie i cieszę się, że podobają Ci się filmy.

[@akrills]

Just a thought on the longer trains that don't stop at either Buckdale or Ponden, it implies that they are 'through trains' or 'express trains' giving the ultimate feeling that your track is part of a much bigger picture? Maybe that's where any future growth lies? Just my take on this, mind. Happy New Year, Eric

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Eric, you as well. I think that too!

[@SeymourClearly2]

You could get all that onto a 6’ x 2’ board in N gauge! Only kidding, I’m jealous of how much room you have. This is a fabulous layout, and it evokes so much nostalgia.The atmosphere that your modelling and videos create is tremendous, you have a great many talents. Thank you for sharing.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks very much Rob, appreciate it. You’re probably not wrong about the N gauge! 🤣

[@MadHymek323]

I've always really wanted to build a layout but I lack all skill, patience and general craftsmanship needed. And yet for some reason I still watch weathering videos and videos explaining how layouts are built.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

I reckon you should go for it and build one!

[@mrgrizzlyrides]

I agree with Lewis; go for it, build your own railway, start small.

[@trainmanbob]

There is no doubt that you have a natural talent for this. Goodness only knows how could you will be in 10 years time. What has made this video so special is that not only have you actually spoken (I always knew you could) is the fact that you have a superb commentary voice. Your work under what might be considered difficult circumasances is quite amazing. It is never easy to work around roof supports and joists, but you have done it in such a way that even when you do see them, it simply doesn't matter. I have been modelling since I was 8 years old (I am now nearly 70!!) and take it from me this is all superb. Well done Mr Raspberry,....my favourite fruit and now one of my favourite modellers. Cheers Bob

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you Bob, really appreciate it and that’s very kind of you to say so. You’re right about the joists, although one positive is they save having to make legs for the baseboards! Thanks again!

[@martinbaldwin5408]

​@@MouldyRaspberryo

[@fircombehallrailwayoogauge1430]

I love tours of layouts - thank you. Some excellent scenery. What are dimensions of the loft layout?

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you, glad you liked it. This one is an 80ft loop. The other one is 16 ft long 👍🏻

[@fircombehallrailwayoogauge1430]

@@MouldyRaspberry thank you!

[@adeburnham419]

I haven't even got a layout and not really into steam engines either 'but' whenever you upload a video on here I have to watch it ! I love the camera angles, the sounds that bring the video to life as you hear the train coming past then the carriages or wagons click clacking on the rails and then fade away and the beautiful sceneries you have realistically created to make your videos effortless to watch. Even though there are some other very good layouts to watch on KZbin I keep coming back to yours as the bench mark others could aspire too.......Well done keep up the excellent work 👏

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you, appreciate it. Glad you enjoy the videos!

[@dansmodelrailways7886]

Your layout is excellent, an inspiration, although i disagree when you say you’re no artist. Your layout is a piece of art. Its stunning.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you Dan!

[@julianbeltre2308]

Halloween in 5 days 🎃 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃

[@MouldyRaspberry]

😀😀😀😀👍🏻

[@paullewis6940]

Lewis Absolutely awesome modelling. Just curious what are the dimensions of your layout I'm trying to visualise what I can achieve in my own loft project. Many thanks

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Paul. The main layout is an 80 foot loop. The smaller layout is 16ft scenic section with a 8 foot storage yard.

[@daviemaclean61]

You're inspirational Lewis. Once I get my new layout established I will have to try filming it from fixed points cos I have the same roof truss intrusions. Not to mention hitting my head as I don't have the clearance in that direction either!!! ;-)

[@MouldyRaspberry]

I know the struggle Davie! You quickly forget about the roof trusses I think, and it makes the baseboards much easier!

[@Marcus.D.P]

Wow thank you for this tour 👍🏻I’ve been a long time subscriber and love the simplicity of how you make your videos…they are amazing stuff and I’ve learned a lot myself that I’ve incorporated into my own…also I wish my wiring was as simplistic as yours..Again thanks for this and looking forward to part 2 👍🏻

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Marcus, glad you enjoyed it!

[@Pjs75]

Lewis, thank you for your detailed personal overview of your loft layout. Since I stumbled upon your work, back in your ‘end to end’ pre-rebuild period, I have been enthralled for hours with your videos & channel. I have reflected upon the atmosphere, angles and augmented realism, supported by your episodic editing and synchronised soundscape that form convincing stories. Your layout may lack some expensive technical innovations, like dcc, points motors, wireless and computer controls: but your investment is in locomotives, rolling stock, weathering, unique and arty backgrounds, scratch-built cottages & convincing infrastructue. Thank you for sharing your developing small-world view from YDMR. Peter

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks very much Peter, always appreciate it. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed them so far!

[@johnoconnor9077]

This is probably my favourite layout on the Internet. It is the epitome of less is so so much more. The single line complimented by the lush countryside and very detailed and weathered stations. Its an incredible job.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks very much John 👍🏻

[@llanburywellsmrc]

This layout is so good! I hesitate to say “less is more” because you seem to have so much detail, but the authenticity and simplicity just hits that sweet spot. And then the angles for viewing and filming is on another level.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks very much, appreciate it!

[@donniblanco5239]

Awesome 🤩 and the minimal wiring appeals to my MO. Gaugemaster controllers “Rock” imho & was a great investment for my type of modelling, running “Classics” as I do. Totally Inspirational Vid for all modellers young and old and appealing to all Skill Levels. I intend to Re-incarnate as 1/76 scale and live in one of the cottages with the Garden, and work at Ponden station 😆 Many Thanks MoRas 🙏🏻🏆👍🏻

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks very much, appreciate it! Agree on the gaugemaster controllers, can’t wrong with them.

[@melchestermodelrailway]

Lovely to see the layout tour, and some interesting points made about the use of lighting.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@robinmathews2446]

Great work. I totally agree with your choice of lighting.. I recently moved our large layout into a purpose built room with large fluorescent tubes with diffuse light.. Although there is a ton of even light, any photography looks "washed out and lifeless" ... A few dark spots and shadows are much better? I am amazed that one can have a good model in a UK. roof cavity.. Here in Australia it would be far too hot for a layout to survive. We have more layouts "under" the house or in garden sheds? I love your scenery, you should have worked for Gerry Anderson?

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Robin, appreciate it. Yes I think you’re right there, it’s one of those subtle things but it does seem to make a big difference. There are only a couple of weeks in the summer it’s too hot for the loft here. That said it can get a bit chilly in winter as well!

[@stephenpearce7058]

All your videos are entertaining and you inspire me for my layout thanks for all your content I really appreciate it. One question what are the rough dimensions just curious because of the long trains you have. I will watch this video over and over thank you .👍🚂👨‍✈️

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Stephen, glad you enjoyed it. It’s an 80ft full loop. I think it’s 10ft at either end and then the long stretches are around 30ft. 👍🏻

[@moorlandmodelrailwayandy]

Great layout tour always enjoy my visit to the Yorkshire Dale's railway atb Andy

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Andy 👍🏻

[@tomward3656]

Hi Lewis. The voice of the master.i wondered where the trains went after buckdale. Superb detail. The viewpoints from below railway level are great. Can't wait for misslethwaite. Thank you.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Tom, glad you enjoyed it.

[@Chucklesrailarchive]

Very very interesting thanks for the info. Only trouble is I can see where I went wrong at every stage!!! You have a great modelling skill. I'm probably trying to run before I can walk but my interest is in the tech side such as track circuits signalling panels etc. So far in a layout of just 13 feet by 3-4 feet wide I have used some 400 mtrs of just one colour wire!!!! Over the top with track so not much room left for scenery. (another mistake) Thanks again hope to see more.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you, glad you liked it. Wow that’s impressive! If the tech side is your thing though, I say go for it!

[@derrickhirst1799]

Great job, thoroughly enjoyed your video and look forward to seeing the smaller layout. How do you manage/deliver the excellent sounds

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks! I edit the real sounds over the top

[@davecarter4015]

Fabulous video. Just shows how talented you are. Brilliant and very interesting. Thank you.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Dave 👍🏻

[@peaks4719]

Nice one Lewis I love the scope you have with the distance you have on the straights I was unable to achieve that

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Sam, appreciate it matey 👍🏻

[@garrymartin6474]

I never get bored of seeing your wonderful railway and your videos show it off in such a realistic way.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Gary 👍🏻

[@davidmathie9512]

Really good to see the layout at home. Do you ever see the day when you will build something new or is this a long term project? I have just scrapped my 10 year old layout and just started a new one based on Inverness . Well done great work.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks David. If I moved house again and had the space I definitely would, I would like to have a go at a double track layout at some stage.

[@file1man]

@@MouldyRaspberry I struggle on how to effectively add hills and valleys to my 16 ft by 20 ft o gauge layout. One 20 ft incline track from the main level to a 5 ft by 5ft 2nd level. Cant find any KZbin layout besides yours with hills and valleys. Can you suggest some sites with for me to see and learn

[@moto_uk4907]

Hey, i have stumbled across your channel, looks amazing layout, can i ask, how did you do the base boards, im just at the start of doing roughly the same setup through the trusses in my loft,

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you! I screwed softwood beams onto the trusses and laid the baseboards onto those 👍🏻

[@heinzgehrke7659]

What a lovely layout. I am thrilled by the realistic-looking depiction. 👍

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks!

[@markwicks9095]

Im starting mine soon..ive got a 10m x 4m space..i hope to get it as realistic as yours... well its an aspitation...putting it that way

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Good luck Mark!

[@CJG1608]

Great layout. Thanks for sharing. By the way, your Essex flag is upside-down.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Chris - well spotted! 🤣

[@akrills]

This is, without doubt, my favourite model railway layout and I just want to see it grow and grow! It is really good to hear your commentary for once, Lewis, and even better to see what lies behind both ends of the track. Your videos just keep on getting better and better. I can't wait for the next one. Great stuff! Eric.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks very much Eric, glad you liked it!

[@sepur_lempung34official]

Maybe one day tried using our own imagination thinking next station beyond buckdown

[@MouldyRaspberry]

That would be good 👍🏻

[@TrainshopModels]

Very detailed et well explained. This layout is so realistic. Congratulations.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@ThePilotpoint]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video Lewis, looking forward to part 2..

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you, glad you liked it 👍🏻

[@cliveballiston7471]

Your modelling skills are quite remarkable, is your layout dc or dcc? Regards, Clive.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Clive - it’s DC 👍🏻

[@spencersmith7501]

many thanks fir uploading this Lewis. put the layout into perspective.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

You’re welcome, glad you liked it 👍🏻

[@tonyslight826]

Hi Lewis what a great insight into you layout, I love it and there's nothing you can do about. do you use isolated fish plates on your points and reverse polarity switches. look forward to your next video behind the scenes Lewis .thank you once again.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Tony. It’s all metal fishplates with isulfrog points - just to keep it simple!

[@tonyslight826]

thanks Lewis

[@GRUMP5B]

Greetings Lewis from sunny Bacup. Thank you for taking the time to share with the world your lovely layout. When you sit back and think about it, the houses we live in are scratch built by the builder and their team, which explains why scratch building looks more natural. The argument you put forward regarding single bulbs is absolutely spot on. The sun, when it shines changes the angle of lighting throughout the day so the shadows move around. We don’t live in a uniform lit world so why should we try and portray something that is not ‘prototypical?’. Now for video no2. Peter

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks very much Peter - glad you enjoyed it!

[@speleokeir]

Another inspirational video and lovely to hear your voice! There are a number of impressive layouts on KZbin but I think your's is my favorite because it makes me imagine travelling through some beautiful British countryside in the golden days of steam. I can imagine I'm on board, perhaps going on holiday in the lakes, much like the Walker family in Swallows and Amazons. I do have one question. Even though I think your layout is superb I'm sure you're always learning as you go along, so if you were starting from scratch is there anything you'd change or do differently? If there is perhaps that would make a good video?

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you, glad you liked it! That’s a good question, and would definitely make a good video. For this layout I used all sorts of scenery techniques to try different things out and find what worked - so on the next one I think I’d just stick to what I’ve found works best. Id maybe make the baseboards a bit stronger too!

[@EITURKEY1]

Excellent video of a layout suitable for 'leggy' locomotives...

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@johnguy3586]

looks like you cut a big chunk of yorkshire dales and layed it in your loft,, puts mine to shame lol,, brilliant son.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks John!

[@valentindegen]

Appreciate the layout, tour & Swiss flag 🇬🇧🤝🇨🇭

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@frankfeely9235]

Your scenery has such depth to it, there is always so much to see, It's a great piece of work.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Frank!

[@alantoms3263]

Fantastic layouts!! Thanks for sharing that little bit more. Looks like it covers the entire Yorkshire Dales as well!! Any sign of a certain vet in the vicinity? .... (Much prefer the previous theme tune as well ... ) Running out of complimentary adjectives !! Al.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks very much Al, glad you liked it!

[@raymondrion6712]

Thanks for the tour,great layout fantastic job,love the scenery

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@CarlosAlberto-ii1li]

You could have safely done away with many of the roof supports in your loft.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Sounds like hard work!

[@fredtedstedman]

I have wondered this for a while now ............thanks for sharing Lewis . I always thought it was end to end ?? an amazingly beautiful layout .

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you, glad you liked it!

[@ericsainte290]

As usual a nice video with this time many usefull info to better appreciate this wonderful layout. Can't wait to be able to join too on KZbin when I'll start my N gauge 1980's layout project.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Eric 😀

[@SteamerEdge]

Still following your magnificent and unique layout. Still one of my personal favorites on YT. Thanks for the interesting tour, it''s nice to see it all in perspective in your loft - thanks Paul

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Paul, glad you liked it!

[@stephensalvatore7176]

Thank you for sharing this Lewis, your layout is a true work of art and watching your videos has inspired me to strike out myself in the loft. I've just completed the boards and mainline track today (4 months in) I wanted to ask how flat is your layout? You mentioned a gradient at one part of your. I've got a slight gradient across mine and the locos have been really struggling to keep grip with longish rakes (6) near corners. This led to much bodging this afternoon trying to shore up the frame to get it flatter!

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Stephen, appreciate it. That’s great to hear! I intended it to be completely flat, but as I worked my way around and the two ends met, one was an inch or two higher so I must have done something wrong. 🤣 I do have the same problem on that gradient with 8+ coaches, but only with certain locomotives, particularly my Black Five and Bullied Pacific. I ended up getting some liquid lead and weighting the chassis over the driving wheels and that made a huge difference. I found that my Bachmann coaches are quite a bit heavier than my Hornby ones as well, so have mixed the rakes to spread the weight a bit.

[@stephensalvatore7176]

@@MouldyRaspberry Yes my rebuilt Patriot is a particularly slippery customer, I'll look at weighting it and mixing my rakes up. Thank you and keep it up!

[@megamanmuppet]

Beautiful layout Lewis. Inspirational. Jim

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Jim 👍🏻

[@wasted-blaster.]

I like the fact your DCC layout runs on IBJs/fish plates! But how far apart did you place the IBJs/Fish plates?

[@MouldyRaspberry]

It’s DC/analogue! The fishplates are spaced out 1 yard I guess, as that’s how long a length of Peco flexible track is.

[@ralphwest8156]

A fascinating insight to the layout we normally know that looks and sounds so real ' great work ' looking forward to part two.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Ralph! 👍🏻

[@lasseystad3266]

Absolutley awsome, just beautiful layout. Wanted to ask for quite some time now after going through all your videos. How do you put in the loco sounds in your videos? Lots of regards, and thank you for showing your build, just amazing layout

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you! I edit them over the top after I’ve filmed it - I use the audio from videos I’ve filmed of heritage railways and then try and match that over the clip of my layout that I’ve filmed.

[@1506pinkers]

Magical! I loved this video. Thanks for posting it.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you 😀

[@barryturner2916]

Hi Lewis many thanks for sharing a tour around (behind) your layout, didn't realise you had so many timbers to deal with across your layout, aerial wire perhaps could be disguised as a bolt of lighting (lol). Always find your videos a pleasure to watch please keep them coming, take care..

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Barry - that’s a good idea 😂 At the very least a tree or something. Or a bolt of lightning hitting a tree!

[@cedarcam]

It was a surprise to hear you instead of the locos sound we are all used to. Great to see how everything goes together. I saw the Hornby tour but this is a lot better explanation. The cottages are one of my favourite scenes I hope you never change them. I was inspired by your layout when I built my highland line as a simple single track winding round the room and get more enjoyment running that than my large main line. Double track is OK but not as relaxing to operate.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you, glad you liked it. I don’t think I will, they’ve been there too long to justify switching them now! I think you’re right about the single track line being more relaxing to operate.

[@kosskrit]

Your fantastic layout inspired me a lot, even though I model continental prototype. Have you considered drawer-like staging yard? It can be operated by hand, or by arduino nano connected to buttons and/or Dcc components. It would extend your yard considerably.

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you 👍🏻 I haven’t, but that’s a great idea - I’ll look into that.

[@pmf2910]

What are the dimensions overall and total track running length?

[@MouldyRaspberry]

This layout is an 80ft loop, and the baseboards are just over 2ft deep.

[@ModelTrainOutsider]

This is a nice surprise! I should not be surprised that you have notes on camera placement for videos, but I kind of was. In the end, you have such fantastic skill and a clear love of the trains you run and what you model. I paid a little bit of extra money at my last trip to Miniatur Wunderland to get the "behind the scens" tour, and here you gave one for free! Well done, Lewis!

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Anthony, glad you enjoyed it. I’d love to visit there at some point, I’ve seen some videos and in looks incredible - I’ll have to get the tour as well!

[@sanclewphotographic]

We have now witnessed the full extent of your modelling skills, which are considerable, to say the least, hours and hours of painstaking work has gone into this magnificent layout which is a joy to watch, as I stated before the realism it provokes is absolutely magic, and its not forgetting the cost analysis of all this work must be considerable, on my layout sadly I cannot run the longer Train configurations as space is at a premium, to which i'm envious, but you must be pleased with what you have achieved here Lewis, just superb, regards, Colin. ( looking forward to Part 2 ).

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you Colin, glad you enjoyed it and like the layout. You’re right there, it is nice to be able to run the longer trains etc - although a couple of the engines struggle! Thanks again.

[@stephendevlin8512]

Hi, firstly... incredible work all round. I am hoping to build something similar in my attic. What width is your display? 600-800mm? Thanks in advance!

[@VojtovySumavskeVlakyCZ]

Nice video like and subscribed from Czech Republic 🙂👍👍👍

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thank you!

[@VojtovySumavskeVlakyCZ]

@@MouldyRaspberry you're welcome 🙂

[@richardbradley2335]

Best layout on YT....Gowerton Parkway RIP

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Richard! That’s a great layout.

[@mikerees6871]

Fantastic to see the biggar picture of your superb layout but for me its the camera positioning and angles you employ when filming that captures the imagination and coupled with the sound editing makes you videos stand out from the rest -thanks for the tour and look forward to part two 😎😎😎

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks Mike, glad you liked it!

[@phil36310]

Bonjour Lewis, You inspire many people and set a fine example of how beautiful a realistic ( simple ) track plan can work out. Thanks for sharing this overview. Most revealing and interesting to have a look behind the 'curtains'. Happy model railroading & cheers, Filip

[@MouldyRaspberry]

Thanks very much Filip, that’s very kind of you. Glad you enjoyed it!