This Isn't Working - Where do I go from here?

I have come to a fork in the line. Let's have an honest chat about the direction I am going in and what to expect in the forseeable future.
Exciting updates await!
#hornby #hornbymodelrailways #hornbyrailways #bachmann #branchline #modelrailway #modeltrains #oogauge #bachmann #trains #railway #hornbytrains #ukmodelrailwayfeatures #modelrailways #modeltrain #modelrailroad #train #locomotive #gauge #modelrailwayscene #railwaymodelling #steamtrain #class #modelrail #modelrailwaysuk #hornbyrailways #scalemodel #trainset #britishrail #britishrailways

[@petermudie4847]

After 2 1/2 years building my layout based in the Welsh Valleys of the 1930’s I have decided to replace it with another layout avoiding all the mistakes I made on the first one. To make sure my new layout made better use of the space I have used Anyrail to design the track and it has allowed me to play around with different sections without the expense of laying and lifting track. Hope you enjoy your visit to the UK

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hi Peter, thank you very much for the support, it sounds like you had a magnificent layout in that setting. I am definitely using Anyrail this time around 😊 I’ll be aiming for much wider curves too. Thank you, very excited! 😝

[@user-kw7yv2gi7d]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us Hylton. It's never easy to admit that you need to go down the scorched earth route and start again, but think of it as an opportunity to improve and optimise. Looking forward to your new layout. All the best.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Thank you Templar 😊 indeed a tough decision… but one I strongly feel is for the best overall. I will definitely be a lot more focused on the process this time around! 😊

[@stephendavies6949]

Hi Hylton. You've hit the nail on the head: if you'd stopped enjoying it, then it was time to move on. You could try selling it intact? Anyway, watching you building the new layout will be very entertaining.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hello Stephen 😊 Indeed, it is time to make a change for my own happiness. I think selling it would be difficult given the smaller interest in OO here. So I will take as much as I can off it and repurpose it. Thanks for your support my friend, as always, greatly appreciated

[@stephendavies6949]

@@Proper_Chuffed You're welcome. OOBill recycled much of his old layout during the (ongoing) construction of his current creation.

[@derickl436]

Hi Hylton, I 100% get this. When the layout becomes a chore rather than a source of enjoyment it's time to kill it. What you've learned during the process though will serve you well in Dunromin 2.0 and the layout will benefit from that no end! My layout is currently sitting in boxes and has been for probably decades... that's not to say I've been working on layouts and some have actually made it to be wired up, but changes in interest/priorities have meant that they have never made it to completion, or at least getting trains running. My space available has now completely changed and I now have the opportunity to have the layout I always wanted... and some. I'm currently designing that, but having already built boards for my original version I'm ahead of the game for once. Someone mentioned AnyRail in the comments... I can totally recomment this; it sorts out a lot of the problems before they arise when building the layout. Anyway, look forward to seeing what you're planning, both on the layout and for your trip to the UK. All the best, D

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Derick, how do my friend. Thank you for the encouraging words and as you say, it will benefit the next iteration of the layout. How exciting that you are in a place where you can expand! I am so curious, what is the rough idea? I am most certainly using AnyRail for this iteration now and it will be very well thought out this time around. Thanks for the wishes and keep well my friend.

[@hughoconnor9172]

I thought at first you were going to base the layout in the garage to expand it further! It's going to be a tough journey but getting what you need is the prize. If you can, it might be worth doing a return trip on the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh line where you'll see some really dramatic Scottish scenery the train travels through.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

😂😂 not quite no, space is a bit more limited, though one day I would love to in a different location. Thanks for the suggestions, we are headed to the Isle of Skye so will definitely be passing through there. Thanks Hugh, keep well my friend

[@paulcherrytrains3339]

Best of luck with your new layout. It's not easy to settle on what is the best layout. Best to move on if you are not happy. A dog bone style layout should make it easier to reach. Hope you enjoy your visit to the UK. Cheers Paul.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Paul, thank you for your kind words here my friend. Definitely one of the tougher decisions but I do think it’s for the best overall. Cheers for the well wishes I’m incredibly excited to see some British steam in action and explore the great island 😊

[@Herriot7]

Really helps to be honest about what does and doesn't work. Looking forward to seeing how you get on - and if you can get to a MR show whilst in the UK, there's bound to be value temptations to add to to your stock, which might be harder to get in SA(?). Very best wishes for your endeavours.

[@forrestrobin2712]

Brave man! Looked like a great Layout to me but I fully understand. Looking forward to see where you go from here. All the very best to you and have a great time in the UK! Hoping to get over from France myself sometime in August. Last summer I did Porthmadoc-Blainau Ffestiniog. This year I want to do the Caernarvon section behind one of those SAR Garrats.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Thank you, it certainly was something I was proud of as it stood, especially for my first go. But indeed, just not working for me 😂 thank you for the wishes, I hope you have a lovely time in France 😊 I had planned on doing the Ffestiniog but sadly it won’t work out I don’t think.

[@HighFell]

Although it’s a big decision to pull a layout apart once you push the button it can become quite fun. It’s amazing how much you can save and recreate into something new. Worth making a list of things you found frustrating with old layout to make sure you don’t unconsciously do the same again! And of course list of what you liked so you can recreate those or develop them 😁👍

[@Proper_Chuffed]

It is rather, but that’s a great idea actually, I’ll also be noting down all the things that I’m able to salvage and how easily that process was 😂 appreciate your thoughts here, thanks for watching and commenting

[@_RandomPea]

Ah well thats a big decision. Good on you for the learning. I've got to admit im perhaps on the other side of this decision point. There would have been multiple reasons to give up on my shelf layout but im perceivering as the work to take it down is way too much. I have to crack on, but I still regularly jump in and out of modelling, life has things to do and cant always find the time. Enjoy the UK and good luck with the rebuild.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hell RandomPea :) Indeed a big change but a necessary one if I am to continue enjoying it as much as I have. Life does tend to get in the way but I suppose as an aside, its always something to look forward to, working on the layout I mean. Best of luck.

[@little_britain]

Hi Hylton, love your channel, followed for some time. If you can take a suggestion for the new layout, please consider making the curves as generous as room will allow. It will look better, but most importantly it will definitely run a lot better. You will never regret making a curve wider, but you will always regret tight curves, especially on the "main" lines. That's why on my layout, I use a 30" minimum radius, except for the helices which are 24" (and these might have to be rethought).

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hello Little Britain 😊 thank you for your support and for the suggestion. Indeed you hit the nail on the head, in fact tight curves were one of the major reasons why I wanted to start again 😂 so the new layout will most certainly be featuring much wider, natural curves, as much as I can anyways given space limitations 😊

[@kellyparkstone3520]

Your no different than anyone else. The trouble with this wonderful hobby of ours, is that it's so diverse. You have built your first layout, you've been on a massive learning curve, you decide that this isn't working for me, and you start again. Your becoming a proper modeller, as well as being propper chuffed. Something we all try to strive at. You'll get there. This time, take your time, plan it out, know what you want. Now, you should have some idea what area of the hobby you like bwst and build on that. So looking forward to see where your going to take us next on your adventures.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Thank you Kelly, I greatly appreciate your words of wisdom here 😊 it’s very reassuring and here’s hoping the next layout will be further education for me on this journey, and maybe someone else too! Thanks for the support. Hylt

[@user-uk8jr6zc9l]

I missed the live portion but watched the later video. I understand where your mindset is and have found myself in this position countless times over the years. Lighting is an easy, but can be costly, thing to remedy especially with today's LED lights. You can install as many LED fixtures as needed without worrying about amp draw. I hope the garage is a two car and Anny is onboard to some degree. You need not worry about any content you put forward to the site because I'm sure everyone is behind your decision and personally, I look forward to your videos. Push on and don't look back. Great update, Jersey Bill

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Cheers JB, appreciate your input around lighting, definitely some great food for thought there. It’s a central part of filming so something I consider strongly. Yes! Fortunately Annie is very accommodating and the garage is a double so no real damage done. 👍 you are very kind and it’s a comment like this that really gets me juiced on pushing forward. Keep well my friend. Hylt

[@denishilder3124]

About 20 years ago l got back into model trains, specifically Hornby, with plans to build a dream layout. But a friend introduced me to the game Trainz. Well that was it, for the small cost of buying the game I could build the layout of my dreams an if needed change it at will with no cost! Still collect and enjoy model trains and have updated to Transport Tycoon. My point is you will never be satisfied with whatever layout you build and will always be modifying it!

[@railway187]

I am sure your new layout will be great too! I have built for layouts in 4 years time and the reason is I felt mu old layouts were to bulky. Even my current to layouts are not exactly what I want. I would probably have to make a few modules interconnected by loose track on a bridge or a interconnecting piece of landscape.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hello 😊 thank you for the confidence inspiring comment! I hear you, granted I don’t plan on doing this too many time 😂 but it will be great to try again with all I’ve learned. Good luck with the interconnections, I know that’s no easy task.

[@doubleodave]

Wow I wasn’t expecting that mate, be good to watch you starting again 👍 mines the same for filming you literally wouldn’t believe what stuff I do to get my angles I might have to do a short video one day. In the meantime I think I’m gonna take a break for the summer now with my videos ☀️

[@Proper_Chuffed]

😂 quite the turn of events hey. I wasn’t expecting it either and then one day… bam. Blow it up! So you know the pain, the new layout will definitely be taking those craning angles into account 🤣 I think that’s a swell idea boss, unless you’re throwing in the towel on our… “race” ?!

[@doubleodave]

@@Proper_Chuffed haha I can’t keep up mate I’m out of ideas 🤣🤣🤣 plus you’ve got all those fancy graphics 😁👍

[@Proper_Chuffed]

@@doubleodave don’t you dare give up now, you were ahead of me for a good month or two! 😂

[@doubleodave]

@@Proper_Chuffed haha I’ll see what I can do 😁

[@jamfjord]

With you for the journey, Hylton, not just overviews - weathering sounds fun, definitely here for that. Above all, it's just fun to watch someone else finding their way in this hobby. Like me! 😁 PS new layout plan sounds solid - I'm looking forward to watching it evolve.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Ahh thank you so very much Jamfjord, I can’t tell you how reassuring that is to hear. I really worry stepping into new content might be a bit too much of a change 😂 cheers for commenting 🤘

[@DonningtonCastleModelRailway]

Total respect for making that decision, can’t wait to see what’s coming with the next layout. Some weathering videos will be really helpful for me so that’s also exciting. Not sure what else is on your itinerary for the UK, but if you have time then I recommend visiting Chester. And in August there is the bonus of Pete and the team running trains in the Cathedral again.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hello Martyn 😊 thank you, yes a rather big shift in the approach, and I was so close to the end! Oh man, I feel like I don’t know a damn thing about weathering railway stuff, your content is brilliant for that. Ps I loved your viaduct build, it was fantastic!

[@DonningtonCastleModelRailway]

@@Proper_Chuffed thanks, that’s very kind of you. With weathering if you’ve had some experience with model aircraft then that’s a good foundation to build on. And for me personally, I find watching someone going through the learning process really interesting and valuable. Your layout was looking amazing, so I know the weathering will get to that standard as well.

[@MysticBrick]

Big decision but certainly the right one if you aren’t feeling like it’s something you’re enjoying. That’s the most important part of all this. Do what feels right cuz, can’t wait for the journey to continue ❤

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Indeed that’s the essence of it cuz. It certainly feels right to make a change 😊 here we go again!

[@louisbabyCT]

Excited for the layout building videos

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Thanks so much mate, appreciate the support!

[@martinpattison1567]

Good luck with the new layout. Martin, (Thailand)

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Thanks Martin, I greatly appreciate it 😊

[@adriaancoetzer9367]

Don't worry it will all work out, I've been there before and I know how you feel, but their is light at the end of the tunnel

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Thank you, yes I’m feeling good about the change 😊

[@adriaancoetzer9367]

@@Proper_Chuffed you must also try to visit the Welsh Highland Railway to see those south African Garretts

[@kevinblakeman8858]

I wish you all the best with the new layout

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Thank you Kevin 😊 I really appreciate it. Exciting new journey!

[@TheSlipCoach]

Not weird at all to call out for fellow railway fans to meet. It just happens so that only recently and by pure coincidence I got to meet the lovely James Hilton at the Llangollen Railway. I had intended and planned to have a live chat with one of my modellers' heroes, Paul Marshall-Potter whilst being on vacation in the UK. Unfortunately, things don't always go to plan. I didn't get to meet him, as he had to work last minute that day, but I definitely enjoyed meeting James and would love to meet more people who share the hobby and are happy to connect. Though I'm based in Switzerland and chances are very low for that to happen on a regular base. 🎉 Hope you'll have a grand time at the NYMR and of course loads of fun riding the Jacobite! 😍

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Hey SlipCoach, thank you for that, I did think it a bit odd to ask to meet people, but that’s reassuring and I would certainly love to meet some viewers and fellow enthusiasts 😊 I love James Hilton’s content! Lucky to have met him!

[@williamvanalen9414]

I have no idea what I'm doing either so it's good to learn from your mistakes.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

So true. And I have made so many 😂 so here we go again!

[@MaxxD86]

You could build a layout that goes around the entire room with 2ft space with a diagonal lift section by the door. Have a look at OO Bill to get an idea

[@Proper_Chuffed]

I would love to, but sadly, won’t be doing that for 2 reasons, the first is I’m renting and as such could move at any time and a big layout like that could be problematic. The second is that the room serves as my studio and layout room and I am much more interested in having a comfortable working space and floor space to work with. But I appreciate the suggestion 😊

[@jamfjord]

@@Proper_Chuffed as a fellow renter, I feel your pain. Well maybe not pain, just limitations. Nothing we can't overcome, eh?

[@AdiPullen]

Hi mate i hope you are well Yes it always great to a rebuilt or new start on layouts Wish you best of luck with it Keep safe ARP

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Thanks Adi, appreciate it mate 👍

[@AdiPullen]

@@Proper_Chuffed try recording only on 2 sides

[@Proper_Chuffed]

@@AdiPullen Oh trust me mate, I have :P

[@AdiPullen]

@@Proper_Chuffed that what ive worked with for last 10 years

[@themodeltrainshop174]

Told you, you should have gone German prototype.....nice beer wagons....

[@Proper_Chuffed]

Whisky > Beer. That is all I have to say to you Mr Blok.

[@MikeTT120]

I tore down my layout yesterday too - think it’s all part of the process of learning and improving! Look forward to seeing your new one take shape. Enjoy the Jacobite - I did it at Christmas a few years ago and the scenery was spectacular in low winter sun!

[@Proper_Chuffed]

It really is, isn’t it Mike? You had a lovely layout too! Thanks for the support and all the best with yours too! I am really excited to experience the Jacobite, thank you ☺️

[@sandradames2663]

Where are u going to put your car😮

[@Proper_Chuffed]

It’s been sold! 😂

[@presidentxd]

I'm so unsure what to build I'm 5 years scratch building stuff and not laid a peice of track.big decision to start over for you.

[@Proper_Chuffed]

I think that planning is everything and it seems 5 years has really given you time to do so, are you going to put that first bit down soon? Thanks for watching 😊 Hylt