This evocative railway scene uses little details to really bring it alive

[@davidf7883]

I think your whole project is beautiful. Keep up the amazing work!

[@Chandwell]

Thank you so much!

[@Elvenhome]

It really is the modelling equivalent of a white knuckle ride to watch you ballast. But it works for you which is the only success criterion. I really enjoyed the detailing work. You have taken a lot of care with an ingenious way of colouring the ballast that does not require an airbrush. Stephen

[@Chandwell]

It's quite nerve-wracking doing it this way, but it seems to work. I have endless patience when it comes to making card buildings, but no patience at all when it comes to my track. Strange how things like that work out.

[@dave3301]

Look great, thank you so much for sharing.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you!

[@trainmanbob]

Superb! I think the key to good ballast is the attention to detail and the right scale and shade. It has taken me over 30 years to find a really good ballast in N. The real trick though is when all the ballast is completed, to hand paint and detail every single sleeper as indeed I did on mny exhibition layout. It took days, but well worth it.

[@Chandwell]

That is true dedication! I do like good trackwork but I don't think I have the patience that it takes to get it looking perfect.

[@conecuhvalleyttrak]

Nice work on the ballasting. 😃👍

[@Chandwell]

Thank you!

[@Curlypawz]

I found it really interesting seeing how you do the ballasting. Now I realise that it looks so good because you put so much work into it. The little details like the drains, weeds, sleepers and speed restriction signs really bring it to life. And it really complements Market Street and the new building so much better now.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you! Cheers! It does look a lot better overall now, definitely. I am pleased with how it's turned out but I am still tweaking the overall colouring and weathering.

[@stevenflebbe]

Very nice Michael. 👌

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Steven! :)

[@despoticmusic]

I vote for Market Street. Having a complete backdrop will show off (what we all know will be) an excellent signal box!

[@Chandwell]

You are right. I am starting to design the building this evening.

[@djrobi61]

Big difference! Ties in nicely. The scene really pops!

[@Chandwell]

It looks much better, that's for sure!

[@nmarks]

You're an artist, mate.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you!

[@scooby2142]

Great attention to detail. I liked your references to Bradford because as a young boy in the mid 1960's my father would take me onto Bradford Exchange Station to see the trains as he then worked next door at the Road Transport Depot. I still have in my collection of platform tickets - a few from the old Exchange Station from those days. Best regards - Mike.

[@Chandwell]

Very cool! I would have loved to see the old Exchange station. I sometimes go and have a walk around and try to imagine what it would have been like. You can still see some parts of its walls.

[@timobluetreemodels352]

Your most welcome to the line side cabinets, available shortly through Scale Model Scenery……who else! Layout is looking great my friend.

[@Chandwell]

That’s superb that they are going to be available. They are nicely detailed. Thank you again!

[@andrewretallick4614]

That really sets the scene brilliantly; you're right to be pleased with it👍 Andrew🙂

[@Chandwell]

Thanks Andrew!

[@philcorrin1035]

I love gloop. Sooo many uses. Track looks ace now!

[@Chandwell]

Thank you, fellow gloop fan!

[@mtty1988]

Wow I sow got to come see your layout as it would be so helpful and Interesting

[@Chandwell]

Thanks Matthew!

[@mtty1988]

@@Chandwell your the only layout to be anywhere close to mine I love the viaduct and how it’s not a bridge. I love how you have a modern station with a proper roof and not loved plus your n gauge. I have so many questions don’t know where to start

[@Chandwell]

@@mtty1988 feel free to ask away!

[@going2thedogs]

What a transformation. Looks fantastic.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you!

[@valentinsn-ostalgiemodellbahn]

Wonderful details, Michael. To me, buffers and spurs are some kind of a biosphere on its own: Forgotten and often disused, vegetations conquers back such places in a magnificent way. Your work looks great, Michael. While writing an idea came to my mind: Hve you thought about adding some models of giant hodgeweed? There is an amazing song from prog rock Genesis - Giant Hodgeweed - where Peter Gabriel sings about the plant conquering England. Might be a very British detail for your layout. As always - all the best Valentin

[@Chandwell]

Now then Valentin! n Gauge giant hogsweed - there's a challenge!! :)

[@valentinsn-ostalgiemodellbahn]

@@ChandwellI see, not challenge's to big for you!

[@NorthernJerseyRailroad]

I was looking at your backscene during the video and noticed Pockets again. I was thinking about all the angst it originally caused, but have to say it perfectly and naturally fits into the layout. Obviously a lot of that is because of the subsequent buildings you built but it does seem an organic part of Chandwell.

[@Chandwell]

You know what… you’re right. 😀🤔 I hardly notice it now. It just seems to fit right in. It’s still awful, but it’s a nice awful that fits Chandwell right down to the ground!

[@roystudds1944]

Great update Michael. That bit of Tracy and the bits and pieces around it really finishes that area off nicely (is that a word that fits Chandwell?) . Very brave with the ballasting though. Look forward to seeing what you do next. Thanks for sharing. Roy.

[@Chandwell]

Thanks Roy 👍

[@peterjackson-cheadleheath1182]

Hi Michael Its looking great, really that 'northern grimey scene' that we knew and loved, lol. Looking forward to the next instalment.

[@Chandwell]

Thanks Peter!

[@markhayes789]

Ya, taking a break to bang that out was a good idea. Looks great! Of all the ballasting videos I've watched, yours is my favorite method lol. Just dump it on here n there. Brush it around, it magically looks great.

[@Chandwell]

Yep! Slap it on! It's done me well as a technique but I am not as neat as many I have seen.

[@djle_harv]

A nice change in video content with this one. The scale model scenery stuff is pretty neat.

[@Chandwell]

Glad you like it! I think the break from buildings was long overdue! The SMS stuff really is top notch. The quality is breathtaking.

[@deansburytownmodelrailway5056]

Nice update and a change from the building work. Im glad your point ballasting technique for you! Could have been quite costly!

[@Chandwell]

Indeed! I just went for it and hoped for the best like usual!

[@SevenWelt]

Hello, Nice video and very interesting!👍 Greetings Seven😎

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Seven!

[@SevenWelt]

@@Chandwell 😀

[@vincenthuying98]

Hi Michael, humbly think adding drains on the station throat is something which is often overlooked. Love how these and the other detail parts add to the scene. Very much like your idea for the use of the paint goop. Haven’t used for the ballast as of yet, however, I do use my paint goops as extra subtle weathering layers. Thinning ‘m down also works wonders. As does adding pigments. It’s a truly affordable way to make one’s own washes, in any color possible.

[@Chandwell]

Brilliant Vincent! I will be using that technique more. Thanks!

[@nicholasbishop3300]

Nice work Nick Australia

[@Chandwell]

Thanks Nick!

[@exehavenharbour]

Now that’s my kind of ballasting Michael! The whole effect of the area is excellent mate, all the detail like the drains and electrical boxes all of which I have my eye on, look great, well done, looking forward to receiving the next service from Chandwell into Budleigh Regis, sorry if that sounds rude🤦🏻‍♂️😁😂😂😂 Cheers for now, John

[@Chandwell]

Many thanks John! It's worked out Ok I think. I was inspired by Euan's excellent track on Blackwood; have you seen that? It's something else! :)

[@exehavenharbour]

Yes I have Michael, all very inspiring👍

[@daviemaclean61]

Cracking job Michael. I don't know if you always clean your track with cardboard, but I was talking to a chap with an extensive N gauge layout at ModelRail Scotland this year and that's exactly what he does. He doesn't use potions or track rubbers, just cereal boxes. It was all running perfectly. Cheers

[@Chandwell]

Thanks Davie. I almost always use card. Sometimes I soak it in a little Isopropyl Alcohol. I’ve never had great running though. The track is not very well laid and looked after, as you can see from my gung-ho attitude to ballasting!

[@daviemaclean61]

@@Chandwell There are so many approaches to ballasting I don't think there's a right or wrong way to do it. The only method I don't like are those over priced perspex hopper things! Cheers

[@steveyates2091]

Signal Box !

[@Chandwell]

I’ll think about it!

[@paulharrison6385]

Definitely looking forward to the signal box but still think it should be on a gantry!

[@Chandwell]

That ship has sailed now - it's a grounded one. Maybe gantry on my next layout in about 10 years! :) :)

[@tonyjones1662]

Hi Michael, just subscribed layout looks great, i did the same with the ballast tipped some on the track & spread it about with a brush, all the best stay safe TONY [ GRIFFIN STATION ].

[@Chandwell]

Thanks for the sub, Tony! Welcome to Chandwell... I hope you enjoy it here!

[@stukidson1207]

Looks great. Glad that green has gone

[@Chandwell]

Eugh - so am I! :)

[@markholdsworth3486]

Signal Box next! I like signal boxes.

[@Chandwell]

That’s 1 vote for signal box, and no votes for Market Street!

[@chrissouthgate4554]

@@Chandwell Finish Market Street First, then the Signal Box. That way you wont damage the Signal Box when you have to go back to Market Street!

[@rzholland]

Was surprised at your ballasting system in compared with your normal fastidious building methods, but hey ho, it works and seems a lot easier than most methods, giving yet again a really excellent results and up to your usual high standards. Are you any good with utube stuff, I am subscribed with the bell clicked, but I never get any emails informing me of a new video, I used to get them, but no more

[@Chandwell]

I'm not sure why you don't get emails, but then I realise I don't either. The bell just seems to notify me on the KZbin app on my phone. I wonder if there is a preference somewhere. I will take a look. Yes... up on the top right, click your user icon and then choose Settings. Then on the left, Notifications. For me, the "Subscriptions" option was turned off. Try turning that on..?

[@thegrowler-blackwoodngauge]

Excellent Michael ! The station throat has come to life. Good idea to colour the ballast glue - never thought of that myself. Whole scene looks the part. Check out Tajima1 for bushes and grass tufts. The street scene is lifted to a whole new level. One of the best N gauge layouts on the go. Cheers Euan

[@Chandwell]

Thank you Euan! I must confess I was inspired by your most excellent trackwork going into your helix. You showed me what was possible with a bit of time and care. I'll look out for those tufts - thank you! Cheers!

[@rdc2724]

You might want to take a look at the City Edge layout by Vic Smith, his street scenes are great! You might find inspiration in it!

[@Chandwell]

Oh that is nice!!!

[@Miertreg1]

Nice video👍 Greetings Gert

[@Chandwell]

Thank you very much! Nice to hear from you, Gert!

[@zippy741able]

Dragging your feet over the signalbox aren't you Michael, Come on I need my Chandwell fix

[@Chandwell]

There's a new video this evening, but you may be disappointed if you're waiting for the signal box! I started the last part of Market street yesterday, so next week and the week after are _still_ not going to be the signal box... But once Market Street is done, it will be the next on the list! :)

[@philiph3156]

I vote signal box.

[@Chandwell]

It's tempting, but I think I will get Market Street finished before starting on the box.

[@JamesPetts]

It's good to see you work on the railway aspects of this layout again! It looks much better with ballast and weeds. (I do have some doubts that a station like this would have had that sort of signal box in the 1990s, however; more likely, it would have been controlled by a power signal box covering a larger area located a little way (or perhaps even a long way) away from the station, controlling colour light signals; are you planning on having colour light signals, incidentally?).

[@Chandwell]

Thanks James. It looks a lot better now! I am planning on colour light signals and have not yet decided on how to model the box. It’s based on the one that was still at Ilkley in 1993 and that was a similar-size station albeit a much less busy one. I don’t know how much it actually controlled. Probably very little. I’m half-minded to model it boarded up and covered in graffiti; ready to demolish after the modernisation and rationalisation that took place in Chandwell in the late 80s. But then… the glazing would be fun. So I’m torn. 🤔🤔

[@JamesPetts]

@@Chandwell Boarded up would be a joy. This sort of signal box would not go well with colour lights, I think. What sort of colour lights were you thinking of getting - or were you planning to make your own?

[@Chandwell]

@@JamesPetts I've not decided yet. They definitely won't be working ones - I'm just not interested in wring things up. But when the time comes I will see what is available. I will struggle to work out where to put them, but since the track plan is based on Bradford Interchange, then I should be able to just replicate the "real thing". The signal box is interesting. Bradford Interchange's box was very much like that (it was a standard Midland design but not up on a tower) and although it was closer to the junction than the station than how I've modelled it, it operated the exact same track plan, and its colour lights, until 2018 (control has moved to York now, I think). And the one at Ilkley, which this box is based on, controlled its colour lights until it closed in June 1994. So I do have scope to model it open or closed. But I think closed is my preferred option, definitely.

[@JamesPetts]

@@Chandwell Interesting - I shall be intrigued to see what you decide.

[@melvyncollins7305]

Looking good. May I ask what's the fictional history behind the truncated branch line, did it originally carry on on a girder bridge or was it a brick built viaduct that's been totally demolished? The more it's all coming together, the more I want to know the history and topography of the area!!

[@Chandwell]

It was a two-track girder bridge that crossed High Street and carried a branch out past the Chandwell Goods Yards, through Chandwell Riverside station, and onwards towards Chandfield and the Yorkshire Dales. Due to the protestations of landowner, the Earl of Chandfield, in the 1850s and 60s, the awkward positioning of the goods yards on the lesser-used line led to busy and complicated movements in the back two station lines outside the Royal Scot and ultimately led to the yard’s early closure in the 1930s. Many historians believe that this was the beginning of the end for Chandwell’s fortunes. The line to Chandfield closed ten years later and the bridge was demolished in the 1960s to make way for the new Chandwell Indoor Market, an ultimately ill-fated attempt to rejuvenate the area.

[@melvyncollins7305]

Brilliant, love it!

[@peterstecks7660]

@@Chandwell You know Michael - I almost believed that gobbledegook for a short moment.. Unless, of course, its all true...? My money says that that branch line went through the wall and into the neighbours scullery.

[@Chandwell]

@@peterstecks7660 Shhh! They still don't know it's there.

[@normanrowe2831]

Hi ya Michael. That was a great surprise. I agree, that unscenic’d area was ruining the beauty shots. Now it looks perfect. Nicely done. I, for one, think you now need to build the signal box/tower. So that area will be complete. But that’s not up to me. Thanks for the update. Oh…… before I forget….I really like the rainbow bikini bottom you put on your logo. Lol. See ya next time.

[@Chandwell]

Thanks Norman. Quite a bit of interest in the signal box!

[@richardbradley2335]

Compo '' Ee up Nora looks like you can't get to Chandwell as there's track work being done...you can stay er with me ...gives us a cuddle '' Nora '' Give away I'll get a taxi '' Compo '' That's £154 that is '' Nora '' £154 by ekk.....TAXIIIIIIIIIIII ''

[@Chandwell]

Bargain if you were going AWAY from Chandwell.

[@richardbradley2335]

@@Chandwell Laughing here...bless yeah.

[@JamesSmith-mv9fp]

TRACK COLOUR/SLEEPER GRIME ! Until the advent of the Disc Brake on BR rolling stock (which effectively began to take hold only in the 1990's), trains had cast iron brake blocks that grabbed the wheel tread every time the brakes were applied. In summer large clouds of fine rusty coloured brake block dust could clearly be seen when trains braked. In addition to brake block dust, the track and close surroundings, were also coated in something far less pleasant, usually referred to as "Toilet Outfall". Chemical toilets did not become the norm, again until the 1990's. Indeed as BR Mk 1 coaches were never fitted with chemical toilets, all the mainline steam specials today, are still dropping this nasty brown "byproduct" onto the track ! Steam locos of course didn't help as they too contributed tons of grease, oil, coal dust & brakeblock dust, all over the track. Hence in just a few weeks nice new ballast began turning a ghastly brown colour. The more trains, the quicker it began to look like sh*t ! Further until around 1988, virtually all ballast supplies to BR were of mid to darkish grey stone. Since 1988, an increasing amount of ballast from newer sources, is a much lighter pale Limestone grey, which can look almost white when fresh. Disc brakes & Chemical toilets also ensure ballast now stays cleaner longer !!! From an ex BR railway engineer. Happy Modelling.

[@Chandwell]

Thank you!

[@slwilliams75]

Fantastic as always 👏🏻👌🏻 and appreciate the pride flag 🙏🏻

[@Chandwell]

Thanks Simon!!

[@philkirk4571]

When I first saw how you ballasted track I thought 😧🫣 but you make it work! I think this detail sets off the backscene perfectly. Time for platform details next maybe? Great stuff.

[@Chandwell]

Thanks Phil! Yes, platform details are long overdue, aren't they!?