The Highway Overpass Final | The Art of Painting Asphalt & Concrete | River Road - Vlog # 119

This Final episode (Part 2) covers the "Art of Painting Asphalt & Concrete Surfaces" for model railroads and dioramas. Part 2 is here: • Scratch Building a Rur...
This scratch built and custom painted "rural" overpass completes a collective series on how to scratch build basic structures for the model railroad from plastic and wood covered, extensively in the video section of Boomer Dioramas. / boomerdioramastheimmer...
#shelflayout #hoscaletrains #modeltrains #diorama #shelflayout #kitbashing #models
KZbin Studio Music: Last Kiss Goodnight, The Rising
DISCLAIMER: I pay for all the products and materials I use in this video content, unless otherwise stated. I do not receive any affiliate sponsorship, fees, funds, support, or gifts from company products, and/or any other companies, (unless otherwise stated). I only endorse products for the benefit of the community and my own personal use, apart from indicated sponsors.

[@davidcurtis5398]

Love the cat...Wow, I never thought that work like this was just layers on layers. Thank you so very much. I understand that you will be taking time off from these videos. have a good rest and just run trains, rest, and regenerate... I will use this time to re-view the videos and learn and then practice. When you feel like coming back, we will be here to watch, learn, and admire. have a good rest...

[@boomerdiorama]

You are so welcome!

[@steves.922]

Loved the opening with Dusty. I sure miss my buddy when working on my layout.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yeah. Get another kitten and be done with it. Lot's of cats need adopting to a good home.😁

[@Christiane069]

I am glad to see that you are doing all this work for your cat.

[@boomerdiorama]

She never goes up there unless I approve. Dusty is the most disciplined cat I have ever owned. She never touches anything anyway.😁

[@Tom-xe9iq]

You could call the overpass Dusty Road. Your cat has the most beautiful expressive eyes. Who else would keep you going in the right direction? Haha! Cheers!

[@boomerdiorama]

Great Idea! I like it. Dusty is a great cat indeed.

[@michaelimpey1407]

Boomer, great job, and excellent tutorial. Thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge. Cheers, Michael

[@boomerdiorama]

My pleasure!

[@Ax89]

Amazing painting of the cat. Looks completely 3D!!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . If she would only hold still. 😉

[@Ax89]

@@boomerdiorama Your videos are the best, seriously. I belong to a rr club were we get together for dinner and a speaker once a month, many speakers are via zoom. Would you be interested in doing one of those zoom presentations?

[@docwithnodegree3416]

I'm long overdue for leaving you a thank you note in the comments... The way that you describe everything and teach as if we are all beginners is so helpful. Im so used to videos using jargon and terminology i know nothing about..you describe every step and i cannot thank you enough. I am new to the hobby and you should be applauded for the way you have made me and others feel right at home and welcome. Thank you brother and pkeasey keep making these...p.s. - that slumlord building is some of the coolest scratch building ive seen!

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. Thank you for taking the time to share these encouraging words and reflections on the channel. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@jonnybeck6723]

Hiya Dusty, you cool ol' bit of landscaping... 'Ladies & germs, this is Jonny driving his electro-magnetic BAG down the middle of the turnpike/freeway overpass...' 'Slow traffic to the Right'

[@boomerdiorama]

;-)

[@going2thedogs]

Great modelling. Very inspirational. The tips will help many I am sure. Love Dusty too. He is the star of the video!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. Dusty is a girl. 😁

[@going2thedogs]

@@boomerdiorama Apologies. I did wonder after I sent the message.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@going2thedogs No problem. Everyone assumes Dusty is a boy at first because she is a "beast" for a female.😁

[@warrenholmar1129]

That is a gorgeous cat. Fantastic video too!

[@boomerdiorama]

Yeah . . . Dusty . . . she is a beauty for sure. 😁

[@IronHorseRailways]

Very well done Boomer, dusty seems to approve!

[@boomerdiorama]

She surprised me with this. I didn't know where she was until I stood up from the work bench . . . lol.

[@AlexCabrita]

I'm just here for the Dusty cameos... ;) and wasn't disappointed. Soon Dusty will not have an open area to lay

[@boomerdiorama]

Dusty makes a cameo appearance now-and-again. Thank You, I'll let her know. Cheers.

[@AlexCabrita]

@@boomerdiorama Enjoy your time off, just working on the hobby and not dealing with the unpleasant screen-time that eats away the enjoyment and quality time spent with Dusty. But please do make small vignette videos (no commentary necessary) and community photo updates of your progress as your reach your checklist milestones. As you mentioned, most of the topics that you've covered will just be reused for the rest of your build, no need to continue to reproduce the same material with just different colours or objects or scenes - the whole point of the saved videos is to be able to go back a watch the techniques as needed and apply to whatever. Obviously if you find something new that is a game changer for you, an ah-ha moment, then share with the rest of us at your leisure/pleasure. But, people that need to be spoon fed should stick to Lego's and the instruction manual that came in the box.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@AlexCabrita Thank you for sharing that. Cheers.😁

[@valkyriesardo278]

The cat is a bit out of scale, but I admire your talent and dedication for adding realistic features to the terrain.

[@boomerdiorama]

Dusty likes to over see things now-and-again. ;-)

[@colossalbigfoot256]

One detail I didn’t hear or missed but really sells it.. the markings guys put down sometimes to ensure straight lines. Guidelines if you will. At least I think that’s what I was seeing.. that gives me an idea especially after vacation this week where they were marking asphalt with sonar for pipes. Spray blue dots/lines for water and green for electric I think it was.. but identifying underground pipes for future ground work. Turned out awesome as usual. Didn’t think balsa could look like asphalt.. looks better than my can of AK asphalt paste.

[@boomerdiorama]

Varathane is the key component when you dress any wood surface. I also like balsa because I can cut through the varathane membrane into the balsa with ease when I want to add more severe cracks, revisions, etc. Cheers.😁

[@keithdenner9441]

Outstanding work Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ericp6612]

That turned out great! Nice to see that Dusty has moved his resting area a little further east.

[@boomerdiorama]

Oh yeah!

[@TheFlowerpotMan]

I love your happy mistakes, in pottery practice, it`s called a happy accident, and I have had many over 45 years

[@boomerdiorama]

;-)

[@MosriteCharlie]

Adorable kitty.

[@boomerdiorama]

:-)

[@gp9wildbill]

Boomer it looks so real and a great addiction to the layout. some day ill try this but i have other stuff to build.....Bill

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds great. Have fun!

[@craiglowrey9550]

Dusty apparently approves, so I will add,"Great job, Boomer!". You're so right, it's hard to imitate your mistakes. So work with them, or start over. Appreciate your wisdom, it comes through experience.

[@boomerdiorama]

Well said!

[@musoseven8218]

Perfectly observed and executed - very nice!

[@boomerdiorama]

✌

[@DungeonStudio]

Looks great! But gotta say Dusty is the real piece on the layout! LOL

[@boomerdiorama]

. . . and She knows it too! . . . lol. 😁

[@ministerspencer3751]

Excellent job. The details make the model. The best part of your projects is the fact that you don’t cheat us on the real time it takes to get the outstanding results we all want but really don’t want to take the time to do it. You are much appreciated Boomer.💪🏾

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@shaunhuckstepp7531]

Hi Boomer I spend some time thinking about what I wanted to mention to you ,every week you bring out a very high standard of work and tutorials, and every week I learn something new . That kind of work load can be very exhausting ,speaking from experience up until recently I was a way from home travelling all over the state 5 days a week and up tp 2000klms at a time. So I decided to get out of the drivers seat and have a break as this was effecting my health . I would like to see you take a break and refresh purely for selfish reasons , LOL so yo can come back recharged and continue doing great work , besides you have the shop foreman to take care of things , don't forget to leave him a list of things to do. I did take note that you touch on the subject of burn out in one of your videos ,it is very important to take care of your mental health. I would like to say that my modeling journey has been far and beyond thoroughly enriched through your tutorials to the point that when my son comes over and visits he has notice the difference on the layout. Thankyou for your hard work and the all very best to you and your family.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for taking the time to share the encouraging words. I appreciate them. Yes indeed. I need a good long break. I reached my goal of providing enough content to serve the community for awhile until I get refreshed and develop a more reasonable format. Thanks again, and I am glad to hear you are benefiting from the channel. I'm not quitting, I'm reforming. Cheers.😁

[@charlierumsfeld6626]

HI DUSTY!!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Hello there!

[@hondachopper6978]

Let me be the first to say .... Well done!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@andrewpalm2103]

Great work Boomer! I second your advice on using Evergreen rod for modelling pipes. I added covered hopper pneumatic unloading pipes for flour and sugar to the food plant on my layout and the plastic was easy to work with, including 90 degree bends. Since the plant was already installed on my backdrop I assembled all the piping and standoffs into one unit before installation. It went much better than I had anticipated. Cheers from Wisconsin!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@albertjones1386]

You are a very talented artist. You have the ability to make models look as they should in real life. Your cat is wonderful and very well trained. If I put my two cats on your layout, most of it would be pulled apart in just a few days. Thanks for posting

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you so much 😀

[@perryamicangelo4008]

Another wonderful lesson at Boomer University....with Dusty the lab assistant.....!

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear Boomer, as always having fun till the very end. Love the comment you made on the importance of expression vs. technique. The happy IPA accident looks awesome. As do the drain pipes, railings, for that matter, the entire overpass. Don’t know much about Canadian roads, wouldn’t like to cycle on that bike lane. Humbly think that would be similar to cycling on the wayside of French Route Nationale roads, or their equivalent Route Departmentale. Which isn’t the safest way to cycle. Must add there I visited Ottowa and cycled there, Amsterdam style cycling. Canadian car drivers at that time definitely gave the right of way to the crazy bicycle.

[@boomerdiorama]

Bike lanes are becoming trendy now in Canada. ;-)

[@stevenz4432]

Awesome work

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@danielfantino1714]

Now that time has pass, pretty sure that GodzyCat takes nap ON that bridge...😊 You don´t even need vehicles on it. It´s brand new. That part is finished but not yet opened...and no wheatering needed, less work and money...

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@stevenstorey1945]

Learned so much from this new project! Knowing how to turn mistakes into a positive feature of the build- priceless! Another great build over seen by the furry foreman. CHEERS

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@MrEnglishford]

very nice

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks!

[@johnschutt9187]

Beautiful!

[@boomerdiorama]

😉

[@docwithnodegree3416]

@3:26 ...You've had people comment about it being over technical??? Or at least other tutorials? I'm literally watching this video because I know next to nothing about your techniques and I want to learn every step! Continue to be as technical as you want! I can speak for quite a few of us that love it and wish you shared even more!!! Lol thanks again!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@DisVietVetUSA]

At the end of the vid, Dusty approve of the way it all has turned out, Kudo and bravo

[@boomerdiorama]

Dusty is awesome. She respects the layout like no other cat I ever owned.

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

Hi Boom - To answer your question: Yes I am. Take care! Bill.

[@boomerdiorama]

;-)

[@johnpandolfino8663]

Cool for cats .....👍😎🇺🇸🦫🎸

[@boomerdiorama]

Dusty is an awesome cat. She blows me away every day. I love her. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@WHJeffB]

I have to admit... There are times I watch you start these projects and early on I find myself wondering how in the world are you going to pull it off. But in the end you always do (this is a complement, even if it's not obvious). The layers that build up as you progress through the project all come together in the end and look fantastic! You're a true artist at work. A few other commenters below talk about having an engineering mind, or being engineers and struggling with the artistic side of model trains. I'm in the same boat, though when I do get something to work, it's because I've broken it down into logical steps, much like an engineering problem. There's still no "art" there, it's just a matter of following steps to go from A to Z. But at least I get there in the end! Thanks for sharing your fine work Boomer... Very inspirational!

[@boomerdiorama]

I break the process down into logical steps as well. After a while it just feels like one redundant process without stressing over the procedure if things go off a little. ;-) Cheers and thank you!

[@1BCamden]

Great process, well explained, really appreciate you and boomer taking the time to share the build detail. 10:05 GodHand drill bits, fantastic quality, their pin vice is nice too.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Yes indeed, "Godhand" drill bits are awesome. I need to get their pin vice. The one I use sucks. 😁 Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@kimknowles3681]

Great Video. Inspiring.

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MosriteCharlie]

I use a baby food jar to hold my platruct weld to prevent spills.

[@boomerdiorama]

Old Coffee Mug works fine for me ;-)

[@josephcosta5161]

Beautiful overpass i bought plastic junk which don't fit my cars so i have pre cut wood im going to try your methods.alot better then the plastic iron fences for the overpass,waisted $$$ but ill use em on something else.. great 👍 video,joe fla,

[@boomerdiorama]

👍

[@dansullivan2828]

Enjoy your video break, temporary or otherwise. I stand in awe of the incredible modeling and deep skills you have, but what makes your videos so powerful is how you explain techniques and mindset so clearly. You've inspired me to be brave and push deeper into scratch building and the artistic side of modeling. The enjoyment can come from the creative process not just the finished stuff! Also: you don't usually mention it, but there's also a big cost component to model RR that is a barrier to many. This mindset is a big help to those of us who can't afford lots of kits and pre-made products. So thanks again and cheers, Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

I find wood to be a whole lot cheaper to build with than plastic for sure. The end results are usually the same anyway. ;-) Cheers.

[@rhodesj1893]

Hardest thing for me to over come is my aerospace tool & die brain. Even in building custom motorcycles like I do the metal forming is tab A slot B once the math is done. True "ART" and the self expression in it has always been a wall for me. Even working wood I came at with a math/science brain..... any suggestions on how to either defeat or incorporate that road block for those that are at that impass?

[@BrooksMoses]

As a mechanical engineer, that's true for me too. Obviously part of the answer is practice -- but practice at what? I think it's practice at playing, in some sense. Sketching with a pen and some paper, drawing large shapes -- either random curves or doing the main "direction" lines of a tree in very few lines, or something like that that there isn't a "correct" answer for. Something where the construction means working with the material's randomness could be useful. (An idea: Take 36 pens and two 6-sided dice, look at a landscape, draw a loose interpretation of the landscape in 20 lines with randomly-selected colors.) Finding things like impressionist sketches to copy could be good. Things like that. The two things that I think are key are (a) figuring out what the most important aspects of what you want to create are -- this particular line, that particular contrast of colors, this sense of curvature change, whatever strikes you as the thing that generates the feeling -- and (b) practice, knowing that you'll be bad at it when you start, but finding the good bits in the attempt and practicing again an again. (And, as for "bad at it": Playing with Legos is difficult for me now, when it wasn't like that at all when I was a kid. I have trouble finding ideas for what I want to create that fit the blocks I have handy, and mostly just make little boxes.)

[@rhodesj1893]

@@BrooksMosesabout the legos, that's exactly right, I'm starting to realize that striving to hold tolerances to four decimal places for most of my life has taken the Lego and its possibilities and made it limited with no context. I can see what I want in my layout, or in the rolling stock, or even designing and machining a one off specialized car for a particular load... but hey, let's make a realistic pine tree forest with a camping family and though I can see it in my minds eye, getting the details and color blends to match that image is turning out to be almost too frustrating. I've watched these and so many other vids on the subject that I'm thinking I've conditioned my mind to see in terms of achievable perfection vs. It is what it is and it's good enough. This "hobby" is an exercise in close enough and a perfectionist brain sucks the fun right out of it. And that's what I'm trying to learn how to either control or undo so "close" is actually achievable to me.

[@boomerdiorama]

Try pouring some cheap paint on a wet surface and spreading it around with water. Let it dry and then do it again, and again. Watch what happens after each layer dry's. Go crazy and be undisciplined on a subject model you don't really care about and see what happens. Just have crazy fun with it. You might surprise yourself. Don't let phycological definitions stop you from taking risks. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@TJRohyans]

Still having fun? Obviously you are. After a career in model making, it's good to see that you still enjoy it as much as you do. Give Dusty a good chin rub for me will ya? Cats don't bark, and dogs don't purr! Yeah, I'm a cat lover. Peace and love.

[@boomerdiorama]

I still love model-making. It's video production that wears me out. It takes way more time than people realize. Cheers and thank you!

[@TJRohyans]

@@boomerdiorama - Yeah. I tried to do a motorcycle vlog a few years ago. Video editing took a lot more time than I imagined it would.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@TJRohyans Building a KZbin channel is a full time job. Unless KZbin promotes you according to their trending algorithm, the grind is relentless and leads to inevitable burnout.

[@allenlandis4504]

Boomer said he needs more room ! Still learning, Thank You.

[@boomerdiorama]

Working on it!

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@shorty9055]

As always, so inspirational. I was always taught to go from dark to light, with art if you make a mark, leave it there, don't try to remove it even if it's wrong. It will become part of the finished work. There is no right or wrong with art.

[@boomerdiorama]

Having fun and taking risks is part of the joy.

[@danielbayer278]

"Boss, we can't unload the boxcar. The cat is sitting on the track again."

[@boomerdiorama]

No Purina Cat Chow for her then . . . lol.😁

[@BlueTigerOnGreenGrass]

Been loving the video series Boomer. It has inspired me and have just painted a torpedo wagon with my air brush, layer by layer. A work in progress but have thoroughly enjoyed it. Keep up the great work, I eagerly await your videos and appreciate the effort it takes.

[@boomerdiorama]

That is awesome!

[@skywatcherca]

Perhaps you need further consultation and coordination with Dusty? Dusty may be an impediment to further expansion: may need to be bribed with a few - shall we say 'treats?' Therre is always something to impede progress. :0) Thanks for the video: informative and interesting.

[@boomerdiorama]

Dusty is very picky when it comes to treats. She only likes "smoked" salmon . . . ;-)

[@richardsmith4147]

Great job again and more fun stuff to try. Enjoy your break but don’t stay away forever.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers.

[@herricmountain]

Another awe inspiring video. I just love watching and picking up little tricks all along the way. You have helped my layout in so many ways, thanks again. Just one thing that I did not see in the video is how you have achieved the cracked surface in the asphalt! That was not done with the successive wash, was it?

[@boomerdiorama]

I uses a small paint brush with Dark Sea Grey.😁

[@herricmountain]

@@boomerdiorama …..and great skill.

[@schadowolf]

Another tremendous model and video! You are incredible, thanks for sharing your expertise/knowledge/techniques!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much!

[@xelvator]

Another great video, Boomer! You’ve opened my eyes to many new techniques and materials which I’m putting into practice on my own layout build. Thank you for your time and effort putting these excellent tutorials together.

[@boomerdiorama]

You are welcome! Expand upon them if you so choose.😁

[@barrackstreetyard]

Truly amazing and a joy to watch

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers.

[@joebakewell7566]

Great Work as always.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks again!

[@robertlussenburg1770]

Great! Cheers.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@garryhulshof4383]

Always blowing my mind.🤯 Great video.

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@brtree74]

A great project and an amazing result Boomer.👍👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@billkenkel9532]

Fantastic work as usual. Enjoy your much deserved break. I'm going to use to time to rewatch the videos from the beginning. looking forward to the next chapter.

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome, thank you!

[@VSLAModelRR]

Great video, it has convinced me to change up the approach on the street running road I have been working on. I will be adding a texture layer and some washes to add some depth. I haven't been happy with just the spray bombs thus far. Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

Go crazy with washes and see what happens.

[@boriskucke7053]

Great Work Boomer!!! I love the way you build these incerdible buildings on your layout. I wish you and your family a good time. Enjoy your rest and recharce your battery, get an clear head for new ideas. I`m looking forward for your next Vlog. You have inspired me in so much things, i´ve learnd so much from your Vlogs. Thank You! Cheers and Greetings from Germany. Boris

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much!

[@paulc1964]

Another brilliant episode and love the cat as well, Enjoy your break but hope your back soon, when your relaxing be sure to listen a new podcast called “Around the layout” I’m sure you will enjoy it. Best regards Paul C

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Will do!

[@SteveSmithRailways]

A new find for me and will no doubt watch many of your videos. Enjoyed 118 and 119. Roadways are always difficult to recreate but you kinda made that look easy. What were the 6 vallejo colours you used as could only see/read 3 of them?

[@boomerdiorama]

Welcome aboard!

[@donhanley1213]

Great tutorial...you have done a fantastic job creating the randomness seen in pavement. I used pastels on my roads, but it's no where as effective as yours. I'm going to experiment with your method. By the way you must be a pretty good employee, Dusty gets to relax a lot on the job while supervising your work. Keep up the great work and God Bless

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing. I try to avoid pastels because they pollute just about everything on the layout with loose (unfixed) pigment. Furthermore, if you fix them (with clear -coat) they virtually disappear as well, unless you use very expensive "oil" based pastels - even then, they remain unstable. Paint does not do this. Pastels have their place, but they excuse the modeler from learning how to properly use paint which you can seal and fix without losing the effect. Cheers ~ Boomer.😁

[@kmagnussen1052]

I knew this was an advanced course in Existential Epistemology of cats and art. I don't want to do a research paper. A demonstration with cats would be fine. Open book final? Thanks

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. Cheers.

[@BrooksMoses]

One technique question I have: How do you keep Dusty from damaging the layout? My cats are always kicking things over when they jump off of them, or rubbing on things and breaking them.

[@boomerdiorama]

I trained her as a kitten. She knows better (I'm lucky). Cheers.

[@railscanner]

Got some tug photos from the island that might interest you Boomer.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds great and I appreciate that. Although not sure how to get them. I don't give out my E-mail for good reason. Nothing personal. If you have an idea let me know. Cheers.

[@railscanner]

@@boomerdiorama I could create a link you could view.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@railscanner O.K.

[@ralphrenzetti22]

I have a question that I think I already know the answer, but need to ask. The cut off end of the bridge at the facia, do you weather it or just paint it a crisp clean colour? Oh BTW, great video and I love your straight man!

[@boomerdiorama]

I just painted it cement grey. There is a pic of it in the community tab.😁

[@jimlane236]

Cats…they takeover everything.

[@boomerdiorama]

Dusty is actually exceptionally good around the layout. She never touches anything and tip-toes around things and only lays down in an open space. She is unbelievable, actually, and I am blessed to have her. As a kitten she grew up on the Glover Road Layout. Cheers ~ Boomer

[@ncbbkn813]

That's one over-scale cat model...don't they just love our layouts?

[@boomerdiorama]

Dusty loves it for sure!

[@benoitevellin8796]

Why have you put the bridge upside down to apply the dark grey blue stains on the side of the bridge (around 11:00)? The usual recommendation is to work with gravity when painting stains, not the opposite. Any reason why? Also, will you add a wastewater grate on the roadway?

[@boomerdiorama]

I want the wash to pool up like in the photo of Prototype from the ledge down. I don't pay attention to the "usual recommendation," I just show my methodology regardless.😁 I consider Grates, etc. as details I can revisit later on. Cheers.

[@benoitevellin8796]

@@boomerdiorama Once again, you changed my way of thinking regarding one modelling technique. Thank you!

[@boomerdiorama]

@@benoitevellin8796 Try different things but let your style development have it's way.😁

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

Thanks for the tutorial. Your usual outstanding. I have an unrelated question. My Exacto knife blade became dull (1:24 truck model). I had used up my blades so I went to Blick Art and bought a pack of blades. But the new blades didn't fit into the tool's chuck... the blade base was too wide. That made me curious. How do I know which blades to buy for my tool? Do I just take it to the store and ask the clerk :-? I'm definitely not an artist :-o . Just curious. Couldn't find anything about this on the Inet. Also curious about when you decide your blades are too dull. I recall you advised us to use always use a fresh blade but I'm not sure that applies across the board. Comments appreciated.

[@boomerdiorama]

Best to take your handle with you or but the one the blades go with. I have the same issue. The handles look similar but some blades are wider. I recycle my blades in a bin. When I'm desperate I scrounge through them. You can re-sharpen them with a stone and 400 grit sandpaper as well. Cheers.

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

@@boomerdiorama thanks.

[@FarlandHowe]

Where in the world did you find your flush nipper? I have searched the internet high and low for one like you have. Great build. Rob

[@boomerdiorama]

Mail order from Switzerland over thirty years ago.

[@FarlandHowe]

@@boomerdiorama I guess I will never find one of them then. Oh well…thanks

[@davidcurtis5398]

Thought that if anybody would have them it would be Micro-Mark. I looked through the current catalog but didn't see them. They might have them on the web site. I know that I have seen them in some books but not reciently.

[@FarlandHowe]

@@davidcurtis5398 I’ve looked high and low. No luck for me

[@boomerdiorama]

@@davidcurtis5398 I mail ordered them from Switzerland thirty years ago.😁

[@PeterTillman3]

Awesome Boomer. Are the line markings Tamiya tape?

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes they are

[@PeterTillman3]

@@boomerdiorama thx Boomer

[@seanarthur2414]

Boomer, do you think the “Model Color” series has the same pigments as the “Model Air”? I had invested in the former prior to finding your channel. My understanding was the air variety is just thinner. I only spray the other brand you commonly recommend, thinned in IPA. For washes etc, do you find the same effects to be achievable with Model Color if you thin them with enough water?

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes absolutely. I find most "good" acrylic pigment quality to be similar. The "Model Air" are designed for the airbrush but they have a more interesting color range than the Model Color. But then Model Color has shades Model Air does not but I mix them both at times. Even though I use both along with Tamiya, and Golden for terrain colors ,etc. They are all water soluble as well.

[@wolfgang548]

It's Catzilla.

[@boomerdiorama]

Funny thing,. She never breaks anything but I always do. 😆

[@ericp6612]

Watched the video again today, how do you get the taper on the center divider? Just sand it down?

[@boomerdiorama]

Look for "Aileron" profile stock in the balsa wood sections. Aileron stock is what they use for model airplanes. It's already tapered and I glued two pieces together.

[@ericp6612]

@@boomerdiorama Ok thank you!

[@brianbaker7314]

Hello how are you sir!!! GREAT GREAT JOB!!!! Wanted to ask you,..could you duplicate and make the model bridge for me for my layout?,..I will pay you VERY WELL for your time, patience & expertise!!!💯👍💰 Let me know if it's possible. GOD BLESS & keep up your AMAZING work sir!!!🙏

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. No commissions at this time. Cheers. 😁

[@Keiths_Trains_N_Stuff]

Why not try sand paper for roads…and not so wide needed for two lane along the tracks even one lane country roads

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds great!

[@bertusduiverman4743]

I have 11 points to give. Dusty? Boomer. Dusty ... Boomer ... Er ... Let's see. Dusty 'feels it.' Boomer wet-sands. Gotta go with ... Boomer. 7 points. Sorry, Dusty.

[@boomerdiorama]

I'll take a "5" on a good day! Dusty gets a "10" in my books for being an unbelievable, one-of-a-kind cat. Cheers ~ Boomer.