my previous layout was 2x5 N scale. i loved that thing, learned so much and had a lot of fun with it. I miss it to this day. My current layout is 2.5x bigger and sometimes i feel i bit off more than i can chew. from the hip i would say if it's one's very first layout, start small. one can learn almost everything one needs to know about railroading from a small layout. Outstanding video Tony! :)
Hey John, thank you for the great comment. I often wonder how people started out on their model railway journey. My first model railway was a 3'x4' Triang TT gauge layout. I got it for Christmas and heard later that my Dad and his chums played with it for hours on Christmas Eve. We all love a train set. It was loop with one station with passing loop and a siding. Loved it. No scenery, one loco, a couple of carriages, one shunter and some freight. Played for hours but then I was about 7 or 8 so imagination played a big part. I then built my first proper layout in my teens in the corner of the attic. Not much bigger but with scenery arriving. Loved that also. So, here I am again some 50 years on starting again and thoroughly enjoying it. Hope you are keeping well.
I understand the feeling, I have the same. I am selling my current layouts and I am planning one small layout in which I will try to avoid the mistakes of all of my previous layouts. 😊
I'm retired and have an ho scale layout in my garden shed. It's reasonably complete. But something clicked when a friend died. I dug out my n scale and put together a small 2 x4 foot layout in the utility room ( with my wife's permission). It went together in about a month. I used polyfiber and ground foam from the ho project. It s quite fun to run and very pleasing to look at. It was a creative urge in response to his passing. It also launched a creative boutique in the garden shed, and my ho is even better. Later, Thomas, our kitten ( felonious godzillacus), destroyed an n scale mountain to make a bed. I'm rebuilding that now with a small extension added to boot. It's all fun. I think the chief advantage of a small layout or module is the amount of completion possible in a very short time. Beginner can learn a lot of skills quickly and have something to show. Some visitors always make a point of visiting the utility room. Then, I have many video clips of both layouts . They ask to see what's new. This pleases my wife. So small is a win win situation. Thank you for your video. Your work is very attractive.
Hey @ericjohnson3746, that is very interesting and I think you are right. I do have some skills from years ago but they really did not have me ready for the restart of my interest in the hobby. I am about to make a video about the big mistake. Will you be posting any videos of your layout(s) would be very interested in seeing them?
@ChobertonJunction I have yet to make a video for TH-cam. I have several clips I would share , possibly via shorts. The are mostly horizontal shots. How would that look as a short? Shorts seem to be vertical.
Hey @erichjohnson3646, as I understand it anything vertical and under a minute will be shown as a short by YT but things change so check that. But either way just upload anything will be interesting to see.
First of all... I never realized before how PERFECTLY blended your hill/ridge is blended into the backdrop. That is epic! Beautiful trains, and brilliant discussion and cleverly done! Great to see and hear you! Wonderful video!
Hey Anthony (& Grace), thank you. I thought that as I had been awol on YT which we all know is YT suicide, I would just talk about something. I was just saying to Hylt (!Propper_Chuffed) that I wrote a script then found out how hard it is to go on camera and follow it. lol. Glad you enjoyed the work on the scenery I do enjoy that part of the hobby immensely.
@@ChobertonJunction It's great to see you do so. Although, I will say, I am with Joyce. I don't think Rob or even Grace would want to be connected to me.... Joyce is just a masochist. 😁😁😁
Hello Tony! Great to finally hear and see you. Absolutely incredible layout one of the very best scenic layouts out there. Sadly most of us are limited to space and budget my friend
Hey Deano, glad you enjoyed this little experiment of face on camera. To be honest yourself and a few others inspired me to get on camera. As you know I have been awol of late so had to do something I thought if I cannot do anything to the layout at the moment well I can at least talk about it. You are right about being limited but I am thankful for what I do have but we always plan for that next bigger and better layout. Thank you for popping in and the great comment very kind of you.
Very good video! Indeed, thinking about size is important, there are pro and cons at ant size. I have two OO/H0 layouts at the moment. One is 100x140 and has two loops at different levels that are joined in the station area. My other layout is 95x85 cm. I feel the bigger one is too big, it's too heavy to carry, not every place is easy reachable. The small one is portable, everything is reachable but it has a single loop with a double station track and only one siding. Not enough playability. And two layouts is too much as well. So I am selling my layouts and I have already planned one single new OO/H0 layout of 125x80 cm with two loops on the same level, a big enough station area and three sidings.
Hey @railway187, all very good points that you raise. I like the idea of loops at different levels. Playability certainly for me is something that I always have in mind. I do enjoy making though so the scenery and buildings are something I take great pleasure in building possibly a little more than running. I think you have an incredibly interesting layout or set of layouts both UK and Soviet Union what an amazing idea. How did you come to the conclusion that you wanted to create a Soviet Union layout. I have never heard of anyone doing that. Some years ago now the college that I was studying at took a field trip to the USSR as it was. We landed in Moscow and then a few days later travelled across to Leningrad/St Petersburg by train an incredible experience.
@ChobertonJunction I was always interested in the USSR and had the dream of travelling on the Transsiberian. It was a sort of Fernweh, a word which to my knowledge can't be translated in Dutch (my native language) or in English. My wife is from Ukraine, we are married for almost 30 years now so I had time enough to learn Russian, which gives me the possibility to find lots of information. However this said, I find British railways very interesting because of it's very beautiful and diverse rolling stock. Two layouts takes too much space, so I am going back to how I restarted the hobby in 2020: one layout with switchable buildings.
Hey Rob&Grace, totally agree in the end. 'whatever makes you happy' is the key to it all. I left OO years ago so returning to it made sense. I did think about N and TT gauge but something about OO just appeals to me it is like coming home. Thank you, take care and keep up with those exercises Rob.
Hey @mccoy79productions66, thank you. It was an experiment really to see if I was able to do it. Not easy I found out but got there in the end. Was great fun but a little nerve racking. Thank you again for you comment your support much appreciated.
Tony! I don't think I've ever seen you appear on your channel before! :) This was a smashing video my friend, I thoroughly enjoyed it, the production quality has really ramped up. I have always loved the incredible detail on your small layout, I do see you expanding some day soon however. Your channel is a gem and I loved this approach in this video. More please! 🫖
Hey Hylt, honestly coming from you that is a massive compliment and I truly thank you. It really is because of channels like yours where you get in front of the camera that has spurred me on to do likewise. That and I just thought that as I had been doing nothing on the layout of late maybe I could talk about it. So, I wrote a script and then tried to follow it which actually proved more difficult than I ever imagined. lol Still, it was fun so I will do more but with a hair cut I promise.
you’re a total natural, you should see how awkward I was in my first 😂 you’re taking brilliant steps, I think scripting is perhaps one of the most underrated and important parts to success. Honestly, I think your ‘do’ is great and you’ve got a top notch moustache 👍 when I grow up…
I used to have a small 4ft 6ins by 8ft 6ins layout with some very nice details. It took 6 months to build and gave me a lot of pleasure. Ten years ago I had to move not just to a new house but a new country on a new continent. Here I have an almost complete layout that fills the basement of a Canadian house. It's about 500 feet of track. It is quite well sceniced and detailed, but it took 6 years to build and it is frankly too big to enjoy. I often think I should have gone smaller and more manageable. There's a lot to go wrong on a big layout and sometimes it can be hard to fix.
Hey @Ballinalower, that is very interesting and something I think we should all note. Sometimes layouts can be to big. Thank you for. popping in and the incredible comment. I am off to take a look at your channel now.
It may be a smallish layout to you, but in my opinion its a great layout! The smaller the layout, the easier it is to pack it with detail, as a large layout can get very boring trying to make the scenics look great, and like you said, the more track you have, the more upkeep there is to do , not to mention the endless painting of sleepers and ballasting! Great video tony :)
Hey @jackstrains4468, I have to agree. Having had time now to think further I realise that if the layout got any bigger the work needed to get it to the point my present small layout is would be quite large. There is something to be said for the smaller layout or smaller scenic area that trains can run through. Thank you for the comment appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.
Hi Tony, definitely food for thought, thank you. Since I started out (in a small shed) and rapidly over filled it, my ambitions have grown. Now I'm yearning for a bigger space. One thing I think of failed at in the begining, is considering making it more modular and movable. Having it built-in will be a big issue if I go ahead. My only excuse is failing to recognise how much I would enjoy the hobby. 😊
Hey Steve, I agree. I started out with a 'lets test how much I want to do this' sort of approach. That and the fact I had no where else to build my layout so small it had to be. I have proved to myself the point that I do want to get back into the hobby but wish I had seen the interview with Pete Waterman and Jools Holland first not that it would of changed much. Jools said that when he started out he asked Rod Stewart, as you do, for advise. Rod said build it in the biggest room you can as you will want to expand. Jools did that and found out he did expand. Modular I think is a great solution but alas I did not do that but now I am seriously thinking about it. One day maybe a shed, or garage or room in the presently filled house may become available but until then I will make do. Thank you for the comment really great points made.
Hey Lizzie, thank you. Well, you are setting the bench mark so we have to follow your lead on this here platform. Seriously though I do thank you as always for taking the time to watch and comment much appreciated. Hope you are well my dear lady, take care until next time.
@ChobertonJunction always great to hear from you, me setting benchmark wow, as A Lines family member, I appreciate your feedback in the hobby....I am just simply enjoying the hobby along with you fine gentleman🤗💓🎹🌸🪷🙏🚂🚂🚂👍👍👍🍾🥂💯
Hey Lizzie, your layout and your dedication to your channel are inspiring and I agree that enjoying the hobby is what it is all about. I left a reply to @mysticrailroad below that has a brief history of my introduction to the hobby.
Very good points. I am working on my own version of the Hornby magazine £500 challenge in n gauge, with the idea to add extra modules as and when I have the time and space to build them. Great video All the best Allan
Hey Allan, that is some challenge will be really interesting to see how you get on. I wish that I had gone down the modular route now after thinking about it but alas I am where I am. Will keep an eye out for your progress on the Hornby challenge.
Your railway looks to be the right size to me. It looks great the way it is. This is what my model railways are: small and simple, no room for a baseboard but accessories have brought them to life. I'm enjoying running my engines and trains through the magical scene of a Winter Wonderland. Meaning that, on my railways, in my imagination, it's Christmas Day every day. Yes, space can be an issue, but the size of your model railway doesn't matter. What truly counts is whether or not you enjoy playing trains. If you love creating running sessions to show off to us, your subscribers, we're all happy. Sure, we all have our likes and dislikes. I don't like diesels for a start. Yet, if we can cater for everyone, then we have a winner. Do you enjoy playing trains and showing off your talents to us? If the answer's yes, we're happy as Larry.
Hey @kelllyashfordtrains2642, I always enjoy reading your comments they are always honest and to the point. I do enjoy running the trains and I do enjoy bringing them to you all. I will run some steam locos just for you next time non of them dirty diesels ;-)
Hey Atholl, thank you and really glad to be back (well almost still got a bit of psoriasis to sort out in hands but nearly there). Jasper Carrot I take that as a great compliment he was one of my comedian heroes in my youth.
@@ChobertonJunction Yeah, it's on my channel in a previous form within a smallish shed. I have a new layout in a 12 by 8 shed, which might get finished before I start all over again. Some of us are like that!
@@ChobertonJunction you found it! That was the j72 conversion, and the result will breeze through triple points, crossings etc with consumate ease. She's a star and could use a new paint job!
What is the attraction of running trains in the wrong direction? Basic observations is that railways in the UK run on the left side of double track lines, same as motor traffic.
There's a difference between what people want from a layout, and what they think they want. A large layout built to high standards is a massive commitment in time and resources, for a solo operator. The alternatives are a tail chaser to watch the trains go by, or a compact, realistic vignette of the real thing.
Hey @borderlands6606, I am beginning to hear this from a lot of people and yes agree. I am changing my view on what I think I want and what I actually can have. I of course would love a massive layout but for the reasons you have pointed out that probably won't be possible. So, my thoughts now are changing to something more manageable but will still give me the options I would like. Thank you for the comment it really is food for thought.
Hi Tony, good to see you back at it. The amount of detail you have got in your 'small' layout is impressive and far exceeds some larger layouts I've seen and I think that's brilliant. I would definitely appreciate some guide for painting and weathering. the engine shed is incredibly well done. Does the total area of mine count as being a small layout?? 😂😂😂
Hey @_RandomPea, that is really nice of you to say and I do appreciate it. I think we are on similar journeys so do look at what you are doing to inspire me to carry on. I still have a little way to go to get fully fit (use of hands very important) but getting there. As for painiting and weathering you would laugh if you saw me going at it. I just pick up a brush and slap it on with no real idea of what I am doing, but er don't tell anyone ok lol.
@ChobertonJunction I find doing the channel updates helps me to keep going, I was thinking the other night about that. It's a bit like writing a diary for me. Keep it going mate 💪 you can soon expand it to some shelves around the room. I wouldn't make yours a roundy though. Just extend the line to maybe where the door is? As you're indoors, you shouldn't have any issues with the levels. The timber board from Wickes is/was cheap as chips and just run out like a normal shelf 👍
Hey @_RandomPea, I have noted what you suggest. I am looking now at how I could extend. One small issue I in the 6' x 13' (I have just measured it) space half of it is my music studio. (look up @InvertedPopesMusic if you're interested) so having lost space to that area already I am a little loathed to take any more. But a narrow shelf not unlike your's could extend the line for some through station action. All very exciting and thank you for the suggestion. I like your approach to keeping a video diary I think that is a great idea.
Hi I love your scenic work. Being a Yorkshireman on the far side of the globe planning his own slice of "gods own" I particularly like your karst scenery and dry stone walls. How did you make your walls ?
Hey @skagerraksoftware2642, hello fellow fellow displaced Yorkshireman although I am only a few hundred miles away but still away. Thank you for the comment and glad you like the scenery trying to recreate a little bit of 'gods own'. The dry stone walls are made from DAZ modelling .compound I rolled it out to about 2mm the sliced it then used a piece of plastic that when tapped onto the clay gave the impression of a stone. The top stones are just marked in with a blade then I weathered it. I look forward to your layout arriving on YT will it be on this channel?
@@ChobertonJunction Lets just say no illusions of glamour and fame. Waiting for a house move to get started on the magnum opus ! :) Keep up the good work! :)
Hey Double0, I'll pop round with my bag of scenery. Although to be honest your layout scenery is amazing just right for you layout. The trees on mine are a combination of hand made out of wire, DAZ modelling compound, sea foam and scatter and some purchased plastic ones that I improved with some scatter etc. It was taking me to long to make the wire ones so I cheated a bit with the plastic ones. The idea is to replace them at some point (a point that will probably never happen lol) Take care my friend see you around soon.
Hey @more5347, wow 11 inches by 23 inches that is what I think I would call small but bet it is an incredible little layout. Yes cats can be a bit of a nuisance when it comes to layouts.
I am planning to finish my O gauge layout this coming summer. It was dismally small to begin with (5x5.5 feet, which was way too small for O Gauge). My plan is to at least double its size by making it 10x5.5 feet. I might go even bigger if I have the space. I’ll hopefully be able to fit 3 main lines and still have space for some buildings and other scenery. It’ll still be on the small side for an O Gauge layout, but it won’t be minuscule like it is now.
Hey @falcondragonslayer, O gauge wow that would be small on a 5x5.5ft board but better than nothing as they say. I hope you do get the chance to upgrade to a bigger layout. For me a small layout area has meant I have had to be very creative in the video and photography area but that is the fun of it. I enjoy the 15 seconds of running a loco (25 if I go fairly slowly) but it is worth it and like you I have a plan for a bigger layout, just not the space yet. I have sub'd and await notification that you have started your new layout.
@ I’ll hopefully have the space for the layout sometime this coming spring, and I think I’m going to make to an L shape. Still have the main table be 10x5.5 feet like I said before, but I’ll have an additional 3x4 foot section added on to one side. It depends on if I have enough space for that additional section though
@@falcondragonslayer this sounds very exciting. I look forward to you starting this. Document as you go people will be very interested in how you get on.
Hi Tony, I think its just a case of what your happy with and what your used to but space is the overriding reason and then how much work do you want to undertake. But an interesting video and nice to see the trains running. Cheers Robert.
Hey Robert, you are absolutely correct we do what we can when we can. Thank you for popping in much appreciated. I am going to pop onto your channel as I seem to of missed or not been notified about any updates on your channel.
Well put 👍 Just try to … … Not run trains that effectively chase their tails Don’t try to cram everything in … a MPD / Station / Brewery / industry / village etc etc etc Try to lose the oval of track look … Use multi level scenic
Not trying to be disrespectful to the layout/channel owner, but I'm 99% sure it's a Bachmann Webb Coal Tank.....they are very distinctive. My favourite model loco - mine runs like a dream
Hey @nickrails, you are absolutely right. I was away from the layout at the time and trying to think what could have been in the shed. It really is the Webb Coal Tank. No disrespect taken your are right to point that out. Apols to @MTMByt for the mis-information and thank you @nickrails for the correction.
Hi Tony. I was in the same boat with my layout. I spent 5 months building my first layout (9’x4’). Found it too small and not very interesting. I then went to a 16’x12’ around the loft, which is much better. But going bigger comes at a cost. More to do, more to buy etc. and not forgetting the time it takes. Mine is far from finished 😂
Hey Riggsy, good to see you. Like you I started all be it a long time ago on a small board with a loop. Loved it but when I hit my teens I needed something more. I started to build a bigger layout in the loft at my parents home but soon life came along, you know the kind of thing, and it got left. Probably still there lol actually probably not we moved out of that house a very long time ago. So, now I am building again but in limited space. I have plans but they will have to wait that is all. I have noted what you say and yes cost, time etc. I really like your layout as it is on my favourite heritage line and one day I will expand.
@ what you have done in such a small space is amazing! Your attention to detail is superb. Keep up with the good work. When the time comes to go bigger. Good luck and have fun!
Yes I am planing now the upgrade when it can happen. But, due to many a conversation on this video I have formulated a new plan for the next layout. Will give more scenic area but not massive so not overwhelming but will give the option for running trains in a loop also. Will it ever happen? We will see.
I to have the layout in the converted loft. So exactly a loft space more two rooms but still without heating so suffers all the same extremes of temperature in summer and winter. Good luck Riggys hope you do get up into the loft. I am off to your channel now as see I have missed a video probably the YT no notification issue I dare say.
Hey @pauljonnson1181, that is great to hear. I am shifting my thoughts around as I talk to others. My future plans have changed slightly to accommodate space, finances and time so reading that you are very happy with your 4 x 2.5 layout is encouraging. I will be able to concentrate on the scenic area which is what I love to do. Oh and run some trains of course. lol Thank you for the comment much appreciated.
Hey @COB02, what a wonderful idea and if only money was no object. Imagine what a layout that would be mind you I would not want to clean the track work lol. Thank you for popping in and the comment it brightened up my day.
Hey David, it certainly could be smaller and I an thankful for what I have but of course always planning bigger. I think that the small layout has allowed me to concentrate on the scenic corner and has been a good way to get back into the hobby.
Hey @alestout5632, it most certainly is. Horses for courses as they say. I am so pleased that I have what I have. A little more space would be nice but since recording the video and reading the comments I have changed my decision on what to do next. The layout will expand at some point in the future but not as big as I thought it might be. I just dosen't need to be so I have plans. Watch this space.
Hey Paul, have to say that that is one of the things I noted to myself. 3 coaches or even 4 really are not enough for most loco's and tenders. Hence I would like to go bigger but at the moment cannot. I suppose I can run a larger rake of maybe 6 carriages around the scenic corner so long as you don't see it arrive at the station where 3 of the carriages would not fit into the station. lol. Thank you for popping in and your thoughts.
That is one fine looking layout. Thank you for your well put together thoughts.
Hey @ProfPtarmigan, thank you that is so nice of you to say. I am hoping to do more whilst developing the layout now so watch this space.
my previous layout was 2x5 N scale. i loved that thing, learned so much and had a lot of fun with it. I miss it to this day. My current layout is 2.5x bigger and sometimes i feel i bit off more than i can chew. from the hip i would say if it's one's very first layout, start small. one can learn almost everything one needs to know about railroading from a small layout. Outstanding video Tony! :)
Hey John, thank you for the great comment. I often wonder how people started out on their model railway journey. My first model railway was a 3'x4' Triang TT gauge layout. I got it for Christmas and heard later that my Dad and his chums played with it for hours on Christmas Eve. We all love a train set. It was loop with one station with passing loop and a siding. Loved it. No scenery, one loco, a couple of carriages, one shunter and some freight. Played for hours but then I was about 7 or 8 so imagination played a big part. I then built my first proper layout in my teens in the corner of the attic. Not much bigger but with scenery arriving. Loved that also. So, here I am again some 50 years on starting again and thoroughly enjoying it. Hope you are keeping well.
@@ChobertonJunction amazing🙏🪷🌸🚂👍
Hey my dear Lizzie, thank you for taking the time to read my little synopsis. Stay safe dear lady.
@ChobertonJunction greetings, always great to read from your notes, ode to the train family🚂🙏🌸🪷🌄💓
I understand the feeling, I have the same. I am selling my current layouts and I am planning one small layout in which I will try to avoid the mistakes of all of my previous layouts. 😊
All good points.
Great to see the layout again 👍
Happy modelling
Hey @monsvillerailways5736, thank you. Hopefully I am now back so long as hands allow. Appreciate you popping in and more to come.
I'm retired and have an ho scale layout in my garden shed. It's reasonably complete. But something clicked when a friend died. I dug out my n scale and put together a small 2 x4 foot layout in the utility room ( with my wife's permission). It went together in about a month. I used polyfiber and ground foam from the ho project. It s quite fun to run and very pleasing to look at. It was a creative urge in response to his passing. It also launched a creative boutique in the garden shed, and my ho is even better.
Later, Thomas, our kitten ( felonious godzillacus), destroyed an n scale mountain to make a bed. I'm rebuilding that now with a small extension added to boot. It's all fun. I think the chief advantage of a small layout or module is the amount of completion possible in a very short time. Beginner can learn a lot of skills quickly and have something to show. Some visitors always make a point of visiting the utility room. Then, I have many video clips of both layouts . They ask to see what's new. This pleases my wife. So small is a win win situation.
Thank you for your video. Your work is very attractive.
Hey @ericjohnson3746, that is very interesting and I think you are right. I do have some skills from years ago but they really did not have me ready for the restart of my interest in the hobby. I am about to make a video about the big mistake. Will you be posting any videos of your layout(s) would be very interested in seeing them?
@ChobertonJunction I have yet to make a video for TH-cam. I have several clips I would share , possibly via shorts. The are mostly horizontal shots. How would that look as a short? Shorts seem to be vertical.
Hey @erichjohnson3646, as I understand it anything vertical and under a minute will be shown as a short by YT but things change so check that. But either way just upload anything will be interesting to see.
First of all... I never realized before how PERFECTLY blended your hill/ridge is blended into the backdrop. That is epic! Beautiful trains, and brilliant discussion and cleverly done! Great to see and hear you! Wonderful video!
Hey Anthony (& Grace), thank you. I thought that as I had been awol on YT which we all know is YT suicide, I would just talk about something. I was just saying to Hylt (!Propper_Chuffed) that I wrote a script then found out how hard it is to go on camera and follow it. lol. Glad you enjoyed the work on the scenery I do enjoy that part of the hobby immensely.
@@ChobertonJunction It's great to see you do so. Although, I will say, I am with Joyce. I don't think Rob or even Grace would want to be connected to me.... Joyce is just a masochist. 😁😁😁
Oppps sorry Joyce oh how I laughed. I put it down to old age and my errrr my errrrr oh look at that tree.
Great camera angles, amazing details
Hey @HeastoneRailway-xs6zz, thank you glad you enjoyed the camera angles.
Splendid video with many a great point included
Hey @rupertsandford4330, thank you glad you enjoyed.
Hello Tony!
Great to finally hear and see you.
Absolutely incredible layout one of the very best scenic layouts out there.
Sadly most of us are limited to space and budget my friend
Hey Deano, glad you enjoyed this little experiment of face on camera. To be honest yourself and a few others inspired me to get on camera. As you know I have been awol of late so had to do something I thought if I cannot do anything to the layout at the moment well I can at least talk about it. You are right about being limited but I am thankful for what I do have but we always plan for that next bigger and better layout. Thank you for popping in and the great comment very kind of you.
All valid points Tonu, You can only do what time and space and budget allow
Hey Clive, exactly we all would I dare say if we could expand but as you. say, time and space. One day it will happen, probably.
Very good video! Indeed, thinking about size is important, there are pro and cons at ant size. I have two OO/H0 layouts at the moment. One is 100x140 and has two loops at different levels that are joined in the station area. My other layout is 95x85 cm. I feel the bigger one is too big, it's too heavy to carry, not every place is easy reachable. The small one is portable, everything is reachable but it has a single loop with a double station track and only one siding. Not enough playability. And two layouts is too much as well. So I am selling my layouts and I have already planned one single new OO/H0 layout of 125x80 cm with two loops on the same level, a big enough station area and three sidings.
Hey @railway187, all very good points that you raise. I like the idea of loops at different levels. Playability certainly for me is something that I always have in mind. I do enjoy making though so the scenery and buildings are something I take great pleasure in building possibly a little more than running. I think you have an incredibly interesting layout or set of layouts both UK and Soviet Union what an amazing idea. How did you come to the conclusion that you wanted to create a Soviet Union layout. I have never heard of anyone doing that. Some years ago now the college that I was studying at took a field trip to the USSR as it was. We landed in Moscow and then a few days later travelled across to Leningrad/St Petersburg by train an incredible experience.
@ChobertonJunction I was always interested in the USSR and had the dream of travelling on the Transsiberian. It was a sort of Fernweh, a word which to my knowledge can't be translated in Dutch (my native language) or in English. My wife is from Ukraine, we are married for almost 30 years now so I had time enough to learn Russian, which gives me the possibility to find lots of information. However this said, I find British railways very interesting because of it's very beautiful and diverse rolling stock. Two layouts takes too much space, so I am going back to how I restarted the hobby in 2020: one layout with switchable buildings.
i think it’s down to you buddy, especially with N gauge or TT, it’s whatever makes you happy, cracking video
Hey Rob&Grace, totally agree in the end. 'whatever makes you happy' is the key to it all. I left OO years ago so returning to it made sense. I did think about N and TT gauge but something about OO just appeals to me it is like coming home. Thank you, take care and keep up with those exercises Rob.
What a wonderful share new friend!
Hey @mccoy79productions66, thank you. It was an experiment really to see if I was able to do it. Not easy I found out but got there in the end. Was great fun but a little nerve racking. Thank you again for you comment your support much appreciated.
Tony! I don't think I've ever seen you appear on your channel before! :) This was a smashing video my friend, I thoroughly enjoyed it, the production quality has really ramped up. I have always loved the incredible detail on your small layout, I do see you expanding some day soon however. Your channel is a gem and I loved this approach in this video. More please! 🫖
Hey Hylt, honestly coming from you that is a massive compliment and I truly thank you. It really is because of channels like yours where you get in front of the camera that has spurred me on to do likewise. That and I just thought that as I had been doing nothing on the layout of late maybe I could talk about it. So, I wrote a script and then tried to follow it which actually proved more difficult than I ever imagined. lol Still, it was fun so I will do more but with a hair cut I promise.
you’re a total natural, you should see how awkward I was in my first 😂 you’re taking brilliant steps, I think scripting is perhaps one of the most underrated and important parts to success. Honestly, I think your ‘do’ is great and you’ve got a top notch moustache 👍 when I grow up…
Well Hylt, I am not sure about 'total natural' you should see the outtakes lol.
I used to have a small 4ft 6ins by 8ft 6ins layout with some very nice details. It took 6 months to build and gave me a lot of pleasure. Ten years ago I had to move not just to a new house but a new country on a new continent. Here I have an almost complete layout that fills the basement of a Canadian house. It's about 500 feet of track. It is quite well sceniced and detailed, but it took 6 years to build and it is frankly too big to enjoy. I often think I should have gone smaller and more manageable. There's a lot to go wrong on a big layout and sometimes it can be hard to fix.
Hey @Ballinalower, that is very interesting and something I think we should all note. Sometimes layouts can be to big. Thank you for. popping in and the incredible comment. I am off to take a look at your channel now.
@@ChobertonJunction I am afraid I have not yet uploaded any videos of the new layout. But I hope to soon.
@Ballinalower, well I will take a look around your channel and await the new layout uploads.
Bigger is not necessarily better. True.
Hey @railway187, that is very true often smaller can be more interesting.
It may be a smallish layout to you, but in my opinion its a great layout! The smaller the layout, the easier it is to pack it with detail, as a large layout can get very boring trying to make the scenics look great, and like you said, the more track you have, the more upkeep there is to do , not to mention the endless painting of sleepers and ballasting! Great video tony :)
Hey @jackstrains4468, I have to agree. Having had time now to think further I realise that if the layout got any bigger the work needed to get it to the point my present small layout is would be quite large. There is something to be said for the smaller layout or smaller scenic area that trains can run through. Thank you for the comment appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.
Lovely video 👍🏻
Hey @jackle6707, thank you glad you enjoyed the video.
Hi Tony, definitely food for thought, thank you.
Since I started out (in a small shed) and rapidly over filled it, my ambitions have grown. Now I'm yearning for a bigger space.
One thing I think of failed at in the begining, is considering making it more modular and movable. Having it built-in will be a big issue if I go ahead.
My only excuse is failing to recognise how much I would enjoy the hobby. 😊
Hey Steve, I agree. I started out with a 'lets test how much I want to do this' sort of approach. That and the fact I had no where else to build my layout so small it had to be. I have proved to myself the point that I do want to get back into the hobby but wish I had seen the interview with Pete Waterman and Jools Holland first not that it would of changed much. Jools said that when he started out he asked Rod Stewart, as you do, for advise. Rod said build it in the biggest room you can as you will want to expand. Jools did that and found out he did expand. Modular I think is a great solution but alas I did not do that but now I am seriously thinking about it. One day maybe a shed, or garage or room in the presently filled house may become available but until then I will make do. Thank you for the comment really great points made.
Hi Tony, great video🙏🤗🚂✅
Hey Lizzie, thank you. Well, you are setting the bench mark so we have to follow your lead on this here platform. Seriously though I do thank you as always for taking the time to watch and comment much appreciated. Hope you are well my dear lady, take care until next time.
@ChobertonJunction always great to hear from you, me setting benchmark wow, as A Lines family member, I appreciate your feedback in the hobby....I am just simply enjoying the hobby along with you fine gentleman🤗💓🎹🌸🪷🙏🚂🚂🚂👍👍👍🍾🥂💯
Hey Lizzie, your layout and your dedication to your channel are inspiring and I agree that enjoying the hobby is what it is all about. I left a reply to @mysticrailroad below that has a brief history of my introduction to the hobby.
@ChobertonJunction great will check it ou, thanks once again🚂🚂👍👍
Very good points. I am working on my own version of the Hornby magazine £500 challenge in n gauge, with the idea to add extra modules as and when I have the time and space to build them.
Great video
All the best
Allan
Hey Allan, that is some challenge will be really interesting to see how you get on. I wish that I had gone down the modular route now after thinking about it but alas I am where I am. Will keep an eye out for your progress on the Hornby challenge.
@ChobertonJunction I am a few videos into my new project now and hopefully starting to practice some track weathering.
Your railway looks to be the right size to me. It looks great the way it is. This is what my model railways are: small and simple, no room for a baseboard but accessories have brought them to life. I'm enjoying running my engines and trains through the magical scene of a Winter Wonderland. Meaning that, on my railways, in my imagination, it's Christmas Day every day. Yes, space can be an issue, but the size of your model railway doesn't matter. What truly counts is whether or not you enjoy playing trains. If you love creating running sessions to show off to us, your subscribers, we're all happy. Sure, we all have our likes and dislikes. I don't like diesels for a start. Yet, if we can cater for everyone, then we have a winner. Do you enjoy playing trains and showing off your talents to us? If the answer's yes, we're happy as Larry.
Hey @kelllyashfordtrains2642, I always enjoy reading your comments they are always honest and to the point. I do enjoy running the trains and I do enjoy bringing them to you all. I will run some steam locos just for you next time non of them dirty diesels ;-)
Hello Tony - Welcome back - small compact as a railway in a briefcase?
Wow you look like Jasper Carrot in a cool way - LOL
Hey Atholl, thank you and really glad to be back (well almost still got a bit of psoriasis to sort out in hands but nearly there). Jasper Carrot I take that as a great compliment he was one of my comedian heroes in my youth.
Most excellent rugged scenary. Similar to my own but . . .better.
Hey @peterrobin9872, thank you. I would very much like to see your layout I am always interested in other peoples layouts. Is it on YT anywhere?
@@ChobertonJunction Yeah, it's on my channel in a previous form within a smallish shed. I have a new layout in a 12 by 8 shed, which might get finished before I start all over again. Some of us are like that!
0-4-0 fun, found it or think I did. Would be great to see the new layout and with some glorious music to go with it fellow muso.
@@ChobertonJunction you found it! That was the j72 conversion, and the result will breeze through triple points, crossings etc with consumate ease. She's a star and could use a new paint job!
What is the attraction of running trains in the wrong direction?
Basic observations is that railways in the UK run on the left side of double track lines, same as motor traffic.
What you cannot see (because I have not finished building it yet) both lines run to a terminus station. That will change I think as I have plans.
There's a difference between what people want from a layout, and what they think they want. A large layout built to high standards is a massive commitment in time and resources, for a solo operator. The alternatives are a tail chaser to watch the trains go by, or a compact, realistic vignette of the real thing.
Hey @borderlands6606, I am beginning to hear this from a lot of people and yes agree. I am changing my view on what I think I want and what I actually can have. I of course would love a massive layout but for the reasons you have pointed out that probably won't be possible. So, my thoughts now are changing to something more manageable but will still give me the options I would like. Thank you for the comment it really is food for thought.
Hi Tony, good to see you back at it. The amount of detail you have got in your 'small' layout is impressive and far exceeds some larger layouts I've seen and I think that's brilliant. I would definitely appreciate some guide for painting and weathering. the engine shed is incredibly well done.
Does the total area of mine count as being a small layout?? 😂😂😂
Hey @_RandomPea, that is really nice of you to say and I do appreciate it. I think we are on similar journeys so do look at what you are doing to inspire me to carry on. I still have a little way to go to get fully fit (use of hands very important) but getting there. As for painiting and weathering you would laugh if you saw me going at it. I just pick up a brush and slap it on with no real idea of what I am doing, but er don't tell anyone ok lol.
@ChobertonJunction I find doing the channel updates helps me to keep going, I was thinking the other night about that. It's a bit like writing a diary for me. Keep it going mate 💪 you can soon expand it to some shelves around the room. I wouldn't make yours a roundy though. Just extend the line to maybe where the door is? As you're indoors, you shouldn't have any issues with the levels. The timber board from Wickes is/was cheap as chips and just run out like a normal shelf 👍
Hey @_RandomPea, I have noted what you suggest. I am looking now at how I could extend. One small issue I in the 6' x 13' (I have just measured it) space half of it is my music studio. (look up @InvertedPopesMusic if you're interested) so having lost space to that area already I am a little loathed to take any more. But a narrow shelf not unlike your's could extend the line for some through station action. All very exciting and thank you for the suggestion. I like your approach to keeping a video diary I think that is a great idea.
Hi I love your scenic work. Being a Yorkshireman on the far side of the globe planning his own slice of "gods own" I particularly like your karst scenery and dry stone walls. How did you make your walls ?
Hey @skagerraksoftware2642, hello fellow fellow displaced Yorkshireman although I am only a few hundred miles away but still away. Thank you for the comment and glad you like the scenery trying to recreate a little bit of 'gods own'. The dry stone walls are made from DAZ modelling .compound I rolled it out to about 2mm the sliced it then used a piece of plastic that when tapped onto the clay gave the impression of a stone. The top stones are just marked in with a blade then I weathered it. I look forward to your layout arriving on YT will it be on this channel?
@@ChobertonJunction Lets just say no illusions of glamour and fame. Waiting for a house move to get started on the magnum opus ! :)
Keep up the good work! :)
@@skagerraksoftware2642 thank you and I will try. Hope the move goes well and you soon find room for a layout that I very much look forward to seeing.
You can always come and do some scenics on mine Choby, yours looks amazing! Did you make all those trees in the background?
Hey Double0, I'll pop round with my bag of scenery. Although to be honest your layout scenery is amazing just right for you layout. The trees on mine are a combination of hand made out of wire, DAZ modelling compound, sea foam and scatter and some purchased plastic ones that I improved with some scatter etc. It was taking me to long to make the wire ones so I cheated a bit with the plastic ones. The idea is to replace them at some point (a point that will probably never happen lol) Take care my friend see you around soon.
on the small side. lol my first is an n scale that measures 11 inches by 23 inches. it lives inside a piano bench, where the cats can't get at it.
Hey @more5347, wow 11 inches by 23 inches that is what I think I would call small but bet it is an incredible little layout. Yes cats can be a bit of a nuisance when it comes to layouts.
I am planning to finish my O gauge layout this coming summer. It was dismally small to begin with (5x5.5 feet, which was way too small for O Gauge). My plan is to at least double its size by making it 10x5.5 feet. I might go even bigger if I have the space. I’ll hopefully be able to fit 3 main lines and still have space for some buildings and other scenery. It’ll still be on the small side for an O Gauge layout, but it won’t be minuscule like it is now.
Hey @falcondragonslayer, O gauge wow that would be small on a 5x5.5ft board but better than nothing as they say. I hope you do get the chance to upgrade to a bigger layout. For me a small layout area has meant I have had to be very creative in the video and photography area but that is the fun of it. I enjoy the 15 seconds of running a loco (25 if I go fairly slowly) but it is worth it and like you I have a plan for a bigger layout, just not the space yet. I have sub'd and await notification that you have started your new layout.
@ I’ll hopefully have the space for the layout sometime this coming spring, and I think I’m going to make to an L shape. Still have the main table be 10x5.5 feet like I said before, but I’ll have an additional 3x4 foot section added on to one side. It depends on if I have enough space for that additional section though
@@falcondragonslayer this sounds very exciting. I look forward to you starting this. Document as you go people will be very interested in how you get on.
Hi Tony,
I think its just a case of what your happy with and what your used to but space is the overriding reason and then how much work do you want to undertake. But an interesting video and nice to see the trains running.
Cheers Robert.
Hey Robert, you are absolutely correct we do what we can when we can. Thank you for popping in much appreciated. I am going to pop onto your channel as I seem to of missed or not been notified about any updates on your channel.
Well put 👍
Just try to … …
Not run trains that effectively chase their tails
Don’t try to cram everything in … a MPD / Station / Brewery / industry / village etc etc etc
Try to lose the oval of track look …
Use multi level scenic
Hey @dougalmcdougal8682, agree and all noted for future layouts.
Unrelated, but what loco is in the shed at 2:00?
Hey @MTMByt, the loco in the shed if memory serves will be the BR Standard 3MT Tank (Bachmann). Thank you for popping in.
@@ChobertonJunction Thank you so much!
Hey @MTMByt, my pleasure.
Not trying to be disrespectful to the layout/channel owner, but I'm 99% sure it's a Bachmann Webb Coal Tank.....they are very distinctive.
My favourite model loco - mine runs like a dream
Hey @nickrails, you are absolutely right. I was away from the layout at the time and trying to think what could have been in the shed. It really is the Webb Coal Tank. No disrespect taken your are right to point that out. Apols to @MTMByt for the mis-information and thank you @nickrails for the correction.
Hi Tony. I was in the same boat with my layout. I spent 5 months building my first layout (9’x4’). Found it too small and not very interesting.
I then went to a 16’x12’ around the loft, which is much better. But going bigger comes at a cost. More to do, more to buy etc. and not forgetting the time it takes. Mine is far from finished 😂
Hey Riggsy, good to see you. Like you I started all be it a long time ago on a small board with a loop. Loved it but when I hit my teens I needed something more. I started to build a bigger layout in the loft at my parents home but soon life came along, you know the kind of thing, and it got left. Probably still there lol actually probably not we moved out of that house a very long time ago. So, now I am building again but in limited space. I have plans but they will have to wait that is all. I have noted what you say and yes cost, time etc. I really like your layout as it is on my favourite heritage line and one day I will expand.
@ what you have done in such a small space is amazing! Your attention to detail is superb. Keep up with the good work.
When the time comes to go bigger. Good luck and have fun!
@ and thank you. Much appreciated. I’ll get back in the loft soon. Although the weather is turning chillier so might hinder my progress 😂
Yes I am planing now the upgrade when it can happen. But, due to many a conversation on this video I have formulated a new plan for the next layout. Will give more scenic area but not massive so not overwhelming but will give the option for running trains in a loop also. Will it ever happen? We will see.
I to have the layout in the converted loft. So exactly a loft space more two rooms but still without heating so suffers all the same extremes of temperature in summer and winter. Good luck Riggys hope you do get up into the loft. I am off to your channel now as see I have missed a video probably the YT no notification issue I dare say.
I'm happy with my layout it's 4 x 2.5 it's n gauge I'm happy with it it depends on the person just enjoy your trains have fun
Hey @pauljonnson1181, that is great to hear. I am shifting my thoughts around as I talk to others. My future plans have changed slightly to accommodate space, finances and time so reading that you are very happy with your 4 x 2.5 layout is encouraging. I will be able to concentrate on the scenic area which is what I love to do. Oh and run some trains of course. lol Thank you for the comment much appreciated.
Subbed
Hey @wideyxyz2271, thank you much appreciated glad you enjoyed.
I’m thinking of buying a warehouse to make my layout bigger 🤣
Hey @COB02, what a wonderful idea and if only money was no object. Imagine what a layout that would be mind you I would not want to clean the track work lol. Thank you for popping in and the comment it brightened up my day.
Lovely layout, not too small?
Hey David, it certainly could be smaller and I an thankful for what I have but of course always planning bigger. I think that the small layout has allowed me to concentrate on the scenic corner and has been a good way to get back into the hobby.
Isn’t it what suits you and how much space you have
Hey @alestout5632, it most certainly is. Horses for courses as they say. I am so pleased that I have what I have. A little more space would be nice but since recording the video and reading the comments I have changed my decision on what to do next. The layout will expand at some point in the future but not as big as I thought it might be. I just dosen't need to be so I have plans. Watch this space.
@ I will watch this space with anticipation 👍
TOO small
Hey @orwellknew3408, ah my thank you I will correct immediately. Never know when to use 'to' or 'too'. Thank you for popping in though to take a look.
In my opinion if you’re running a 4-6-2 loco with tender with only 3 coaches then your layout is to small.
Hey Paul, have to say that that is one of the things I noted to myself. 3 coaches or even 4 really are not enough for most loco's and tenders. Hence I would like to go bigger but at the moment cannot. I suppose I can run a larger rake of maybe 6 carriages around the scenic corner so long as you don't see it arrive at the station where 3 of the carriages would not fit into the station. lol. Thank you for popping in and your thoughts.
Why? .A3 locos have ran with 3or less .it depended on what the reasons were.
True, so I will be happy with 3 or 4 but a rake of at least 6 would look nice.