Robert Mountenay's Merkiomen Branch in HO Scale

Originally uploaded to M.B. Klein's TH-cam Channel in 2019. This series of videos aims to preserve the layout tours I filmed while working with M.B. Klein for the benefit of their owners and all who enjoyed watching them. Robert Mountenay (or Robin, as he is sometimes known to his friends), constructed this incredibly detailed 4x8 layout as a tribute to childhood memories of rural Reading RR branches in the mid-1950s. While the video mentions that the layout was sold to a buyer in Canada, it was actually dismantled due to the COVID pandemic, which made international shipping significantly more difficult. All is not lost, however, as today, certain buildings and scenic elements live on in Robert's new layout; Barchester, PA.

[@doughunt285]

Love this layout, thank you for posting this video. It's a shame the Merk had to be dismantled in 2020. This layout, and Robin's new Barchester layout, and several micros, are superbly executed demonstrating excellent planning, skill, and execution. And the builder couldn't be a nicer guy.

[@AlfredPeeler-yj6sw]

Absolutely beautiful! The colors are awesome and the track weathering is exquisite. Appreciate you sharing this work of art.

[@jovetj]

Beautiful work of art! Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@carlbentley80]

Very nice layout, it feels a lot bigger than it is. Very pleasant to look at and watch.

[@theangelsmodellingandrailways]

A superb layout, an 8 x 4, with additions, marvel. Roberts' work is exceptional and inspirationa,l he's a top modeller.

[@sernajrlouis]

Beautiful layout

[@Joe-d7m6k]

One of the nicest layouts ever built. Not real big--- that's a plus. Just very well done!

[@wabisabi6875]

Very nicely done. Quality, not quantity. "Fenstermacher Windows," that's a good one.

[@ericjohnson3746]

Well done and looks like a lot of fun! I'm curious though. Didn't you feature a previous version of this branching in Model Railroader magazine? That one was smaller though very well executed also. Thank you for sharing this experience with us.

[@smittysmitty481]

Real nice! Cool layout!

[@mallardfan9889]

Nice layout, my birthday is also July 25th 👍

[@thomasfrench2012]

Loved the outhouse with an open door. Anyone who has used one knows they can use all the airing out they can get.

[@RailfanDownunder]

Superb 😊

[@OldcampRanch]

Very cool 👍🏻

[@hamishcameron1082]

We’re you really born in 1955 ?🇬🇧

[@Guytrains]

Hello my o gauge friend

[@spokes2388]

Sad to see it go. Enjoy retirement