Wandering Spruce Railroad is a beautiful Work Of Art. Congratulations to Kevin and Sean for all the work and dedication in creating this gorgeous example of Logging and Railroading. Wandering Spruce has my vote for Best In Show! 🏆 Well done!
I've been model railroading since being introduced to HO gauge by my father, in the 1950s. And this work of art is-simply put-one of the best, if not THE best, small railroad layout I've EVER seen. Such a joy to play the video over and over, so as not to miss any great details! My own grandfather, born about 1870, grew up to be a steam locomotive engineer, working in the mountains of Utah, up around Ogden. Oh, how I wish he could see this wonderful recreation!
Hi - Thank you for those touching words, that was very kind of you to say. If you're on Facebook, I encourage you to check out the Wandering Spruce page for more pictures and updates! We just poured the water on the dock side this weekend and I just posted pictures of it now that it's all dry. We are bringing the layout to the "Worlds Greatest Hobby" train show at the Orange County Fairgrounds in SoCal on Feb 15th and 16th!
Wow , My Grandfather was a Locomotive Engineer on the West Shore and Later the NEW YORK CENTRAL RR . He started work on the Erie Canal driving Mules towing Barges . He began working for the Railroad in about 1883 . He Retired from the New York central RR in 1937 . He never ran a Diesel Locomotive . He always Said " STEAM is KING" I have a Beautiful photo of him standing Next to a 2-8-0 locomotive with his crew . Photo was taken in 1904 .
I was very surprised to discover that this layout was not that large ! It proves that size does not matter to deliver superb quality. This is a real masterpiece. Slow and realistic running strongly enhances the feeling of space and distance. Enjoyed every second of it !
Thank you! It was originally an HO scale 4x8 layout drawn by Iain Rice called the 'Lilliput Logger' published in the August 1987 issue of Model Railroader, We increased the size to 5x10 for On30. As you can see, it really does take about 15 minutes at scale speed to go from the engine shed up to the logging landing. I didn't include it in the video, but there is probably another 10 minutes of switching up at the logging crane to push the empty skeleton cars into the loading track and get already loaded cars and bring them back down. Even more switching if you want to challenge yourself and bring a caboose up and put it back at the end of the train and bring it back down... It can take 45 minutes to go up, switch everything around and come back down to the mill... Very cool considering the layout is only 50sqft
@@WanderingSpruce The slow turtle speed of the Shay makes a good illusion of pasding time and mentally increase mileage. Add a stop for watering etc.... Real gem layout. Full of well spotted logical details. O scale help for detailing. Years of fun ahead on a tiny size layout. Sometimes far better than never really finish large layout.😊😊😊
Ian Rice was a genius in designing small space operational layouts. You sure did a marvellous job with that plan ! Amazing to read that it can take so long to operate.@@WanderingSpruce
@@WanderingSpruce Re: an HO scale 4x8 layout drawn by Iain Rice called the 'Lilliput Logger' published in the August 1987 issue of Model Railroader... I wanted to see the track plan, but couldn't find it in the 08/87 issue of MR.
Thank you for taking the time to put together these TH-cam videos, including the still photos one taken during construction. I appreciate the extra effort over and above the excellent modelling that’s involved. I’m planning a similar themed layout but in HO narrow gauge so probably a tad smaller than yours. I was originally working on an around the wall modular track plan but I’m now inspired to follow your concept of two scenes back to back on a door sized baseboard. Eliminates all the track and electrical issues with module connections and it will be easy to work on as I’m in my seventies and too old to work on anything deeper than about 18 inches. So thanks once again for the inspiration and let’s hope California has recovered from the fires by February.
It's great to see a long running session of that stunning looking shay, i seen it on fb, but the video really brings it to life. The layout is certainly turning into a masterpiece, all those final details are exellent and well placed. Love those figures that Ian has painted, he's a very skilful artist. All the best Sean and Kev and good luck with the show in Feb. Brian @ The Angels.
Wow! Wow! Wow! I can hardly find the appropriate words to describe the incredible high quality of workmanship and attention to every little detail of your masterpiece. I could get lost for hours looking at every hidden nook and cranny of your layout!!
Thank you! Although, I think we have some stiff competition from the "Hangman Creek" On3 layout. Search that layout here on TH-cam, it's pretty incredible
I have been building railroads since the '50s...and in over 60+ years, I have NEVER seen such an awesome model railroad. You are to be commended for such incredible work. And thank you for the great layout videos. Enjoy running your trains 😊
Thank you for those kind words! If you would like to see another fantastic railroad, check out the "Hangman Creek Railroad" here on TH-cam. Its an absolutely breath taking On3 logging layout
Well if it isn't the GOAT himself giving other works their props..Awesome to see..there are a few other layouts I enjoy looking at but when the bar has been set as high as it has by you,it's just hard to find those layouts because my standards have been set so high by your modeling..
This layout is like the Mona Lisa, not that big but absolutely priceless!!!! Thank you for inspiring me and congratulations on a magazine worthy layout!!!
I watched a video that got my butt in gear to build this layout that said, " you don't have to be old to be dead, if there's something you want to do - go do it". 2 weeks later I started the benchwork on this layout. It's been 3 years and it's almost done!
That is a very, very nicely done layout. You guys should be super proud of that one. Can''t wait to see when the water is done...I know y'all have to be nervous about the pour. Wish I was close enough to make it to that show. Not sure where you are exactly in CA, but I hope the fires are not affecting you.
Hi, thank you for those kind words! We are indirectly effected by the fires right now. Our power was out for a day and we have been advised to stay home... It's scary out there right now, but we're okay.
That's really kind of you to say! Thank you. If you want to see another awesome layout, check out the "Hangman Creek" layout, it's an On3 layout that is just incredible
An truly amazing layout, you should be very proud. Would you mind sharing details of the backgound / back board spruce image you use. It really is very realistic.
I agree with all the other comments, This is a work of ART! Amazing well done Sir! I am guessing this is HO? Also would like a link to the facebook page.
@@troysimpson9550 hi Troy, this is actually On30. Thank you for your kind words! You should just be able to search "Wandering Spruce" on Facebook or Google and it should come up. But I'll try to put it in the description
When I was a kid, there was a DC comic book, maybe it was "Ghosts", where there was a completely authentic looking model RR, grand scale, operated by little workers and figurines and such, ANYWAYS, some visitor came to view it from its creator and asked for a price, and he offered $200,000. BUT, the creator turned him down, saying it was his life's work. Shortly later, the bidder smote the Railroad man down when his back was turned, killed him, then started putting on the guy's RR conductor uniform even with the little hat, and everything. Later, when he fell asleep after playing and operating his little village for a spell, the little workers CAME to LIFE and smote the guy with their little HO picks and shovels and other equipment. Thus ended the story. I don't know if the original owner's ghost came back or not.
Beautiful layout! What comes next when this one is !00% done? Any thoughts on that? By the way at 2:36 in the video it looks like the Shay has a hitch in its get up and go.
This layout looks incredible, absolutely stunning detail! The only thing I find questionable is why there is a coal bunker next to the railroad when the only two locomotives on the layout are a wood burning shay, and a diesel shunter? I'm guessing you have another locomotive you can run where this makes sense, or perhaps it's just a mild oversight?
Hi! We used the 'Bragdon Enterprises" rock process which uses 2 part foam so everything is really lightweight. A rock mold that would weigh 2 pounds with plaster only weighs a few grams. The whole layout is about 200lbs
I really enjoy your videos and your excellent layout! It appears that your Shay may be suffering from "split gear syndrome" as it seems to buck and twist on occasion. I am speaking from experience with Bachmann geared locomotives...
Thank you for watching! This guy doesn't have cracked gears, I already replaced them. I think there is some lose scenery material in the tracks that is making it behave this way... I didn't vacuum the layout before I took this video and we have been doing a ton of scenery work.
Vacuum and a little compressed air keeps it squared away! For the foreseeable future we rent a 15' Uhaul truck to transport it. Eventually we'll get a 12' trailer dedicated to hauling it... That's a ways off though. No cats haha
Aside from the rest of the excellence, I particularly want to commend you for your figures !! Too too many MRRs are ruined by poorly proportioned and shiny figures..Good to see real looking people for a change..(
LOL i know right! We purposely went with manual throws 😲We like the feel of reaching over and actually interacting with the layout. Thanks for your comment!
Wandering Spruce Railroad is a beautiful Work Of Art. Congratulations to Kevin and Sean for all the work and dedication in creating this gorgeous example of Logging and Railroading. Wandering Spruce has my vote for Best In Show! 🏆 Well done!
Thank you for those kind words!
It's a pleasure.
Beautiful! Amazing detail!
Well done. Museum quality. AP Achievement 🏆 award.
I've been model railroading since being introduced to HO gauge by my father, in the 1950s. And this work of art is-simply put-one of the best, if not THE best, small railroad layout I've EVER seen. Such a joy to play the video over and over, so as not to miss any great details!
My own grandfather, born about 1870, grew up to be a steam locomotive engineer, working in the mountains of Utah, up around Ogden. Oh, how I wish he could see this wonderful recreation!
Hi - Thank you for those touching words, that was very kind of you to say. If you're on Facebook, I encourage you to check out the Wandering Spruce page for more pictures and updates! We just poured the water on the dock side this weekend and I just posted pictures of it now that it's all dry. We are bringing the layout to the "Worlds Greatest Hobby" train show at the Orange County Fairgrounds in SoCal on Feb 15th and 16th!
Wow , My Grandfather was a Locomotive Engineer on the West Shore and Later the NEW YORK CENTRAL RR . He started work on the Erie Canal driving Mules towing Barges . He began working for the Railroad in about 1883 . He Retired from the New York central RR in 1937 . He never ran a Diesel Locomotive . He always Said " STEAM is KING" I have a Beautiful photo of him standing Next to a 2-8-0 locomotive with his crew . Photo was taken in 1904 .
Beyond realistic.. One of the best of 5 I’ve seen … attention to details are visible.. and engine sound is surreal.. 💫✨🎯
Great detailing and scene creation. It has been fun watching it all evolve.
This is beautiful layout and very gorgeous
That was my thought, beautiful
You guys did such a great job! This layout looks awesome!
I was very surprised to discover that this layout was not that large ! It proves that size does not matter to deliver superb quality. This is a real masterpiece. Slow and realistic running strongly enhances the feeling of space and distance.
Enjoyed every second of it !
Thank you! It was originally an HO scale 4x8 layout drawn by Iain Rice called the 'Lilliput Logger' published in the August 1987 issue of Model Railroader, We increased the size to 5x10 for On30. As you can see, it really does take about 15 minutes at scale speed to go from the engine shed up to the logging landing. I didn't include it in the video, but there is probably another 10 minutes of switching up at the logging crane to push the empty skeleton cars into the loading track and get already loaded cars and bring them back down. Even more switching if you want to challenge yourself and bring a caboose up and put it back at the end of the train and bring it back down... It can take 45 minutes to go up, switch everything around and come back down to the mill... Very cool considering the layout is only 50sqft
@@WanderingSpruce
The slow turtle speed of the Shay makes a good illusion of pasding time and mentally increase mileage. Add a stop for watering etc....
Real gem layout. Full of well spotted logical details. O scale help for detailing. Years of fun ahead on a tiny size layout. Sometimes far better than never really finish large layout.😊😊😊
Ian Rice was a genius in designing small space operational layouts. You sure did a marvellous job with that plan ! Amazing to read that it can take so long to operate.@@WanderingSpruce
@@WanderingSpruce Re: an HO scale 4x8 layout drawn by Iain Rice called the 'Lilliput Logger' published in the August 1987 issue of Model Railroader... I wanted to see the track plan, but couldn't find it in the 08/87 issue of MR.
@@loreng.tindall1151 oops sorry, August 1998
Awesome layout, love it. Keep up the excellent work.
Astonishing detail and scenery! Beautiful work here.
Fantastic! Love the sound
Hey Dave! Thank you for watching!
Thank you for taking the time to put together these TH-cam videos, including the still photos one taken during construction. I appreciate the extra effort over and above the excellent modelling that’s involved. I’m planning a similar themed layout but in HO narrow gauge so probably a tad smaller than yours. I was originally working on an around the wall modular track plan but I’m now inspired to follow your concept of two scenes back to back on a door sized baseboard. Eliminates all the track and electrical issues with module connections and it will be easy to work on as I’m in my seventies and too old to work on anything deeper than about 18 inches. So thanks once again for the inspiration and let’s hope California has recovered from the fires by February.
Excellent! Have fun!
Beautiful Work chaps ,absolutely chefs kiss work 👌 ! Greetings from Portsmouth England 🏴
Thank you for watching!
Beautiful. Great video, amazing work. Incredible detail!
Really well done guys !!!!, ..... I'm a fan !!!!!
What an incredible layout with impeccable attention to detail! Amazing!
That is very nice beautiful alot of detail and craftsmanship
Love the details especially the figures. That "banjo" cabin needs a chimney. - Tony.
@@hirsutusi5536 than you! It's on the left of the cabin, a bit hard to see with the angle it's at, but it's there 😉
Very nicely done, enjoyed it much!
It's great to see a long running session of that stunning looking shay, i seen it on fb, but the video really brings it to life. The layout is certainly turning into a masterpiece, all those final details are exellent and well placed. Love those figures that Ian has painted, he's a very skilful artist. All the best Sean and Kev and good luck with the show in Feb. Brian @ The Angels.
As ever great work, wonderful details. Best wishes from England 🏴
Wow! Wow! Wow! I can hardly find the appropriate words to describe the incredible high quality of workmanship and attention to every little detail of your masterpiece. I could get lost for hours looking at every hidden nook and cranny of your layout!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
A Thing of Beauty is a joy forever, (KEATS), beautiful artistry
Bravo ! Probably the nicest detailed set up I have seen.
Thank you! Although, I think we have some stiff competition from the "Hangman Creek" On3 layout. Search that layout here on TH-cam, it's pretty incredible
I have been building railroads since the '50s...and in over 60+ years, I have NEVER seen such an awesome model railroad. You are to be commended for such incredible work.
And thank you for the great layout videos.
Enjoy running your trains 😊
Thank you for those kind words! If you would like to see another fantastic railroad, check out the "Hangman Creek Railroad" here on TH-cam. Its an absolutely breath taking On3 logging layout
Magnificent Layout ❤!
I love it! Fantastic job. The beauty in this layout is it will keep on giving for years to come. Have fun and happy modeling to you. Cheers. 😁
Well if it isn't the GOAT himself giving other works their props..Awesome to see..there are a few other layouts I enjoy looking at but when the bar has been set as high as it has by you,it's just hard to find those layouts because my standards have been set so high by your modeling..
This layout is like the Mona Lisa, not that big but absolutely priceless!!!! Thank you for inspiring me and congratulations on a magazine worthy layout!!!
Hi Mike, thank you for those kind words! I hope to make it on the cover of a few magazines! That would be awesome
Beyond excellent!!! Michael
Holy crap this is unbelievable....congratulations on a job well done.
Thank you! Cheers!
1st rate, thanks for sharing!
What an absolutely beautiful layout, stunning work you guys deserve a lot of credit
Y'all's work is inspirational! Keep it up!
Greetings front Barcelona. Good work.
Awesome detail!!
Amazing, excellent piece of work.
Absolutely beeautiful! 🌟⭐⭐🤩🤩
@@chris4321das thank you! Was the filming of the Shay too much?
What a beautiful layout! The attention to detail is incredible. Wow, thank you for sharing this video and all of the info! Excellent work! ❤
Thank you so much!
Great progress, looking forward to seeing it in Costa Mesa!
We are still waiting to see if we actually got a spot on the show floor
I just came across this video ... Subscribed!!!
Thank you! Welcome!
Very nice Layout, greetings from Berlin Germany 🇩🇪
Nice work ❤
Wow, this is an amazing layout! I always wanted to have a logging layout and still plan to build one one day, maybe when I retire.
I watched a video that got my butt in gear to build this layout that said, " you don't have to be old to be dead, if there's something you want to do - go do it". 2 weeks later I started the benchwork on this layout. It's been 3 years and it's almost done!
Complimenti. Bell lavoro!👏👏
I’m just getting back into model railroading. Holy smokes that is awesome.
Welcome back!
...wonderfoul...great...so impressive...i am a 0n30 Shay Fan from germany !
Greetings from deutschland !
Hallo und herzlich willkommen, vielen Dank, dass Sie sich mein Video angesehen haben. Ich freue mich, dass es Ihnen gefallen hat.
@WanderingSpruce Modelrailroading is fun ! 🙋
That is a very, very nicely done layout. You guys should be super proud of that one. Can''t wait to see when the water is done...I know y'all have to be nervous about the pour. Wish I was close enough to make it to that show. Not sure where you are exactly in CA, but I hope the fires are not affecting you.
Hi, thank you for those kind words! We are indirectly effected by the fires right now. Our power was out for a day and we have been advised to stay home... It's scary out there right now, but we're okay.
Very nice hard to beat 😮
Great video Sean!
A beautiful layout!
Thank you so much!
This Model RR seems to be On30 gauge . O scale but 30 inch gauge . Same gauge as HO . Beautiful Layout as Well
Thanks for sharing !! cheers
Good luck Mike 👍👍
Amazing layout.
@@huxleyjunction2133 thank you!
The most realistic world I've ever seen in a layout. Period.
That's really kind of you to say! Thank you. If you want to see another awesome layout, check out the "Hangman Creek" layout, it's an On3 layout that is just incredible
An truly amazing layout, you should be very proud. Would you mind sharing details of the backgound / back board spruce image you use. It really is very realistic.
Looks really good 👍👍
Incredible sound !
I just found your channel is this layout on a 4 by 8 incredibly lifelike
Hi, thank you! This is the Iain Rice HO scale 'Lilliput Logger' track plan, but we increased the size to 5' x 10' for On30.
Wow! Really nice!
wow great detail
Thanks!
This is an amazing looking layout. One suggestion, just a small one. Dead leaves on the roofs.
That's a great idea, thank you!
Maybe a Sasquatch hiding behind a tree near the elk as another Easter egg
Unbelievable Logging RR Layout. Scenery, rolling stock, structures, figures and details are top drawer; only the prototype could boast more realism !!
What is the model of the train here? Amazing art! Love it
This is a heavily modified Bachmann On30 Shay. Thank you for watching!
Só faltou a fumaça...😂
Sense if realism is just outstanding. Just need to digitally add smoke coming out of the stack. Nice use of sound control
And need an outhouse for the future banjo picker!
Just found this on my feed and subscribed. Absolutely fantastic layout! What scale is it? Fabulous work!
Thank you! This is On30 😉
I agree with all the other comments, This is a work of ART! Amazing well done Sir! I am guessing this is HO? Also would like a link to the facebook page.
@@troysimpson9550 hi Troy, this is actually On30. Thank you for your kind words! You should just be able to search "Wandering Spruce" on Facebook or Google and it should come up. But I'll try to put it in the description
When I was a kid, there was a DC comic book, maybe it was "Ghosts", where there was a completely authentic looking model RR, grand scale, operated by little workers and figurines and such, ANYWAYS, some visitor came to view it from its creator and asked for a price, and he offered $200,000. BUT, the creator turned him down, saying it was his life's work. Shortly later, the bidder smote the Railroad man down when his back was turned, killed him, then started putting on the guy's RR conductor uniform even with the little hat, and everything. Later, when he fell asleep after playing and operating his little village for a spell, the little workers CAME to LIFE and smote the guy with their little HO picks and shovels and other equipment. Thus ended the story. I don't know if the original owner's ghost came back or not.
Beautiful layout! What comes next when this one is !00% done? Any thoughts on that? By the way at 2:36 in the video it looks like the Shay has a hitch in its get up and go.
Yeah, it derailed as it went though the switch and I fixed it's front truck off camera... Didn't feel like redoing the shot so I just left it in 😅
Beautiful--but how do you keep it from getting incredibly dusty over time?
vacuum and a can of compressed air ;) Thank you for watching!
EXCELLENT! Do you have an operations plan?
Hw are you going to transport it to the show?
This layout looks incredible, absolutely stunning detail! The only thing I find questionable is why there is a coal bunker next to the railroad when the only two locomotives on the layout are a wood burning shay, and a diesel shunter? I'm guessing you have another locomotive you can run where this makes sense, or perhaps it's just a mild oversight?
Hi! Thank you for those kind words. All the other locomotives on the roster that use coal are out working other parts of the mountain! Cheers
how do you make your rock face? is it just carved foam, or rock moulds?
Hi! We used the 'Bragdon Enterprises" rock process which uses 2 part foam so everything is really lightweight. A rock mold that would weigh 2 pounds with plaster only weighs a few grams. The whole layout is about 200lbs
very cool
I really enjoy your videos and your excellent layout! It appears that your Shay may be suffering from "split gear syndrome" as it seems to buck and twist on occasion. I am speaking from experience with Bachmann geared locomotives...
Thank you for watching! This guy doesn't have cracked gears, I already replaced them. I think there is some lose scenery material in the tracks that is making it behave this way... I didn't vacuum the layout before I took this video and we have been doing a ton of scenery work.
Amazing!!! What scale is it?
Thank you! This is On30
How do you keep dust from piling up? How do you transport it? Do you have Cats?
Vacuum and a little compressed air keeps it squared away! For the foreseeable future we rent a 15' Uhaul truck to transport it. Eventually we'll get a 12' trailer dedicated to hauling it... That's a ways off though. No cats haha
What brand and name decoder are you using for the shay?
Train Control Systems (TCS) #1517
Where did you get the shay
It is a heavily modified Bachmann On30 Shay
Gorgeous! 🤤 What scale is this? Looks like HO?
Thank you! This is On30
looks amazing, is there a coal fired steam train on this layout?
A few of our locomotives are coal fired 😁
What engine kit is that? This is S gauge? Thanks
Hi, it is a heavily modified Bachmann On30 shay
👍👍👍❤❤❤🚂🚂🚂
Aside from the rest of the excellence, I particularly want to commend you for your figures !! Too too many MRRs are ruined by poorly proportioned and shiny figures..Good to see real looking people for a change..(
remote switches are a thing LOL
LOL i know right! We purposely went with manual throws 😲We like the feel of reaching over and actually interacting with the layout. Thanks for your comment!
BEAUTIFUL
Awesome channel great video keep them up make sure you like and subscribe thank you for your support I need all feedback on my train videos thank you
👍👍👍❤❤❤🚂🚂🚂