Bill’s been in touch with his Lance Mindheim track plan and pics of his stunning layout:
“Hi Alastair,
Check out these photos of my layout. I get just as much joy from building it as I do from running it. My favorite part? The scenery.
I also love scratchbuilding and, of course, operations. I’ve included my track plan. I had Lance Mindheim design it for me.
Have a look at my YouTube channel.
Here’s a quick Q&A to tell you more about me.
MY Q&A
Q: How/When did you get into model railroading?
A: Probably a familiar story to some guys my age. My wife passed away 7 years ago, and suddenly I had some free time. I was still working full time, but caring for my wife, I had zero time for me.
So I’m sitting there thinking ‘Now what am I gonna do. I am not gonna sit and watch dumb stuff on TV. And I remembered a guy I had worked with, he had a layout and I thought it was really cool. So that is what I did.
Started 7 years ago at ground zero, no idea how to do any of it. And I would read up on it every night. I worked with computers for about 20 years, and I saw this thing called DCC – OMG they got little circuit boards in these locos?! That is what I am gonna do.’
Q: Is this your first layout?
A: No, this is my second. My first shot was a 4 x 8 with Atlas snap-track. I had a lot of fun building it. Then I started to want to do operations, and it was pretty limited. It also had a very toy-like look and feel. After about a year, I tore that one down and built the layout I have now, about 11′ x 20′.
Q: Who influenced you as far as model railroading is concerned?
A: I would say early on Lance Mindheim and Pelle Soeborg. I saw that super-realistic look and knew that’s what I wanted. And more recently Boomer Diorama of course.
Q: Why did you choose to model the Finger Lakes Railway?
A: I grew up in the area, I knew it well. I knew the signature scenes that would make it seem authentic. So it was just a natural match.
Take care –
Bill.”
A big thanks to Bill for sharing his stunning layout – with a Lance Mindheim track plan too!
Hope you enjoyed it as much as me.
That’s all for this folks.
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if today is the day you stop dreaming, start doing, and join in the fun, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.
I’s this the best layout shared with us all ?. The use of wide open spaces in the design and the standard not just the building work but the attention to detail and importantly all to scale. The only thing that looked out of place was the large yellow post near the waterside. I assume they are a locally used barrier ?.
The quality and speed control of the loco in the video is a testament to the quality of the build. The aging of the truck, just so good. Please keep us updated as you progress
Are you serious ? Bill traveled around his town snapping photos of goings on, and sent those in. Bill, you need to give lessons on photographing, (with shadows) materials used for roads, backgrouns, details.and such. Brilliant (as the Bits say) work..
Wow Bill,
Terrific job. I think I recognize those Seneca and Morton plants when I visit the FingerLakes.
Wonderful! Someone else has great, non-surgery, or library lighting.
good job. looks really good.
As an upstate New Yorker, wonderful to see it represented so well. I like the rust on the cars, how did you get that effect? Thanks again for your railroad.
Great photog
The Critic
As a mid state New yorker great job. Croton Harmon Hudson river line is where I reside.
What a great looking layout Bill and with a lot of beautiful scenery. I only have one question : How did you get away with building a layout in the living room ??? What an awesome idea. I love your layout, nice job !!!!!!!
Nicely done. Great detail and the lighting provides some highly realistic scenes for your photos.
Jim AZ
Bill, Bill, Bill, what a beautiful peace of work. The details that are through out your layout are so realistic, I thought I was there. I have a question, your box car next to the cream building that has Seneca on the wall. Is that a metal Boxcar or really detailed rust on it? Either or, I love it. Everything on your layout is like that. Beautiful work. Everyone’s is different, no matter what. It is what you want it to look like. I can’t wait for mine to begin. I have a lot of different ideas but still have a difficult time with the design of a folding table with wheels. This is my sixth house I have lived in, fix them and sale them. The room I have now is 11 x 14 for my man cave. Keep your wheels on the rails and keep on trucking.
HAs anyone made a flood model railroad?
Sir, you have me so green with envy. You have made a fantastic layout.I like the way you made sure that your engine didn’t exceed scale speed limits during the couplings, The details to your cars are the best. Thank you for sharing.
Awesome photos. Ove the sky backdrop on pic 1.
Great work Bill! The influence of Lance and Pele on your modeling and photography is very apparent. You should apply for the NMRA Master Model Railroader program. It looks like you’ve probably already satisfied many of the requirements. Excellent attention to detail. I’m subscribing to your YouTube channel.