Jeff’s been back in touch. He’s added to the narrow gauge model trains on the blog.
His last post is here. I do love seeing how they progress!
But before we get to Jeff, thanks to eveyone who has posted a question or answer in the new forum – what a clever lot you all are.
“Dear Al,
I started about 10 years ago scratch building the buildings, water tanks, windmills, etc.
I handmade all the trees using balsa wood for the tree trunks and caspia for the branches. That part was very time consuming. I used Scenic Express foam to complete the fir trees.
I started the layout in February. I used the “cookie cutter” bench work idea.
The layout is 14′ X 22″ with 325 feet of hand layed track. I think to date that I have installed 24,000 spikes by hand.
I just started with the scenery on the back wall along the backdrop (which I hand painted) and will move to the aisles.
The rock work was all done by hand. I think I am about 1/4 complete. I will send pictures and updates as I complete more.
My goal is a logging narrow gauge to resembles the landscape of western washington. So I am modeling in the on30 scale and will be running Dcc Bachmann steam locomotives. Trying to model the late 1890s to the early 1900s.
Thanks for you interest.
Jeff”
A big thanks to Jeff for adding to the narrow gauge model trains on the blog.
An amazing layout. And again, it just goes to show how important a theme is to bring your layout to life.
Just can’t wait to see the updates.
It reminds me of this stunner:
That’s all for today folks.
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if today is the day you get started on your layout, 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.
Well done Jeff , those scenics are superb ..Dave
What a great job, I hope my lay out will be half as good as this one. Trying to get the garage cleaned out so I can get started. GREAT job Jeff…
Nice job Jeff! I model the same scale/gage and era. having great trouble finding period people.
Mike
Wow – looks great.
Where do you acquire your backdrops please?
I truly love the trees they look so real in the pictures great job, I would truly like to know how they are made. Thanks for sharing.
Stunning is a great description,Farout hits it!! WOW!!
Great layout — great job. I love to see creative genius at work. Just curious, what is the black tube on the ceiling in the second photo?
wow stunning scenery work….lots of great detail….and I want the backdrops….!!!
Hey Jeff, Being one that wants to build as much as possible from scratch, I am truly impressed by what you have done. Great work, my idea of modeling. I am 65, but when I grow up I want to be just like you.
Don H. South Carolina
There is a shop in Australia called Office Works. You can take a photo in and they will enlarge it and print it on canvas. You can use this as a backdrop.
I am sure there are shops like this in the UK and other parts of the civilised world. Jeff’s trees look great. Go the Wallabies tonight.
Wow!! One of the most realistic layouts. Congrats to you for your attention to detail.
Can’t wait to see more.
Outstanding Jeff! Exceptional work! -joe
Hi, thei say the devil is in the detail; You must have martialled a lot of devils to be this good!
Keep up the inspirational work
Trees look really good. I too would like to know where you got those backdrops.
Hank
Great I wish I could. Get get mine close to looking that great.
YOU HAVE A SUPERB LAYOUT.
once again great scenery
Brilliant – It just gets better Steve R. UK
Beautiful! Some of the finest work I’ve seen.
Really like how you incorporated your garage door opener into the back ground. Joke!
This layout show just how important a “well done” scenery can make a layout come to life. Some folks get scared about starting something like this, but it can all begin with a single tree or rock. Trying is the best way to find dozens of ways of how not to do something. When you get complements, you know you are on the right track. This is a beautiful start and I cannot wait to see the resto of his layout.
I have but one word for this layout, and the Herculean effort it represents.
SPECTACULAR!!!!!!
NICE Work on the water Jeff!!!! GREAT stuff! Keep up the work! ~Hemi
Beautiful work!
Jeff,
One word describes your fantastic talent. Incredible! I can’t wait to see more.
Well done. Just confirms with some builders it’s the trains and others it’s the Scenery. Keep the updates coming please.
Jeff, wonderful job. It looks truly like it is a real place .
Wonderful job.
Eric the Firefighter
What a great layout. It looks like you may have painted some of the backgrounds. You are a very good painter. I like that in a layout. Sticking a photo up takes little skill and it robs one of the opportunities to express oneself. Great work, and keep on modeling. Rob McCrain – Farland Howe
Great work-glad to see another modeler in On30-a really great scale all the way around!
Looks great Jeff. Being from Washington state, I can say that you have done a wonderful job of creating the scene… Nice work painting those backdrops.
Did you also study under Bob Ross (PBS icon)? I am just getting started on backdrops for my layout. Thanks for the inspiration.
The grey conduit in photo two looks a lot like power (and the control cable) for a wonderful item called a heat pump. They are a blessing around here.
Eager to see your next posting.
Your mountains and scenery are very well done. Good luck as you proceed.
the back drops and the water very nice.
Beautiful scenery Jeff, great job.
Nice. Some folks have so much talent. A lot of time and effort here for some realistic details and great effects. Thanks for sharing.
Jim AZ