Bill’s been back in touch with his model railroad show layout:
“Hi Al,
I have all major work wrapped up on my show layout at this point in time. Layouts are never finished and I have a lot of little details to add in yet but all moor items are in place.
The walk thru video Ive attached shows lessons learned and things I like as well as showing trains just running.
More model railroading adventures await as I enjoy these and get started on the next .
Thanks for all you do!
Bill in Virginia”
A huge big thanks to Hall of Fame member Bill fo sharing his model railroad show layout.
What an amazing layout – and a great video too. I do love all the scenes he has built, especially the hobo camp.
In fact, it’s hard to find an open area on his layout where there isn’t something going on, which makes it a joy to look at.
If you missed his last post, it’s right here: On30 model railroad.
That’s all for today folks.
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if today is the day you stop dreaming and start doing, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
What can I say Bill – spectacular! That is some of the best country scenery that I have seen in a long time. Brilliant!!
Best to all.
Brian, Wokingham, UK
Bill, fantastic layout. TWO suggestions. 1. Where you have the cabin, the police car and the track to a still……How about a sign pointing down the track, “Copperhead Rd” ??? 2. I was alarmed at trains moving around the bend where you wanted an extra ft. Surely you can use brackets and suspend a 6 inch addition, just in case a train decides to wobble off the edge…….OUCH !
Steve White (Sydney)
Absolutely stunning layout , one can see why you sir are a hall of fame modeler . That is a very impressive display indeed . Great video , very informative and just plain fun . Thank you , it’s an inspiration to us novices
Nice video overview!
That work is absolutely stunning. Thank you to Alistair for being the catalyst for doing this. Love seeing perfection
Bill, this is an amazing portable layout! Your scenic touches all around the layout tell a many fantastic stories. Lovely to hear your passionate commentary… and watch those running trains!
Bill
Bravo! Welcome Back to you sir and and a heart felt thank you for this amazing contribution to the cause.
You and work have been a major inspiration to me and my ON30 & S scale is slowly being created by wiggly old hands. I will never forget seeing the bare baseboard and totally in awe that you figured that out. As you were completing the layout I knew it’d be the best and sure enough it showed your genius and your artistic talents. Standing ovation!
We both suffer from restrictive garage space but you, as a true Hall of Famer, need to develop a large layout of the century.
Be well & safe
Big Al
Wow! There is simply nothing more worthwhile than messing around with trains.
😎
Bill,
Thanks for taking the time to demonstrate your incredible modeling skills-I have been using your video tutorials on my O gauge 3 rail layout and it’s really coming together. This show layout must be a big hit with kids and grown ups alike-so much to look at and admire! I couldn’t help but notice the ND lockers in your garage as well. Go Irish!
Scott (class of ‘86)
Very nice .. just the inspiration I needed to finish my layout!
One of the finest layouts I have seen. Job well done Bill from Virginia.. You are a talented guy!
Always a pleasure to listen to Bill and see his wonderful masterful work. Just so good!!!!! Thank you Bill for sharing your efforts on Al’s site.
Dick Chapple Sr Hardin Mt USA
i really like the logging trains. very nice job.
Bill……..beautiful…….but how do you get that layout to the show or are you building it in the show room????
Bill, a nosey question — do you sell these layouts after a show or dismantle them and use the scenery components, people, and vehicles for the next layout?
Fabulous work on every layout you have shared.
Al, thanks for hosting this site which allows us to view and learn from so many other modelers.
Hi all and thank you for the comments! I really appreciate it. This was a fun build and I’m still working on detailing.
This was built in my garage and it comes apart I go three portable sections so I can get it into s truck or trailer gif shows. So far it’s only gone to one show but more will come.
No need to add a shelf to catch s falling train lol. Not yo say it couldn’t happen but I invested a lot of time to mskd the tracks solid so derailing doesn’t happen.
I have thought about selling at some point but I’m close to retirement and I will enjoy taking this layout yo shows for years to come I think.
gorgeous
Bill – probably one of the best layouts I’ve seen in many years. Wonderful scenery, lovely little individual dioramas, realistic train speeds, and a super video. Love your commentary on what you like about it and some of the changes you would make if doing it again. You are a premier modeller.
Best to all
Brian, Wokingham, UK
Fantastic layout Bill and the scenery and attention to detail is amazing- truly a masterpiece. Any thought of building a HO layout sometime?
Wow! Absolutely stunning! Everything about that layout is breathtaking…but I’m truly captivated by how amazingly real the trees look. I’m feeling inspired to redo/remake all of my trees now. What a wonderful layout!
really nice work. the bridges are great.
Brillant detaiI and scenery. Well done Bill.
Gentle men. The scenery is greaaat. But I would enjoy seeing more of the track scheme. The layout to me is the foundation that upholds da daze work.
Outstanding!
Love the scenes which draw you into them for further examination.
I love it when a modeler raises the bar, and sir you certainly done that. You are an inspiration to our great model R.R. hobby.
I can’t imagine the work involved in breaking this down and setting it up again for a show.
Thanks for sharing your fantastic work.
Roger in Kansas
WOW !!!! Bill, what an awesome job of creating, designing and making such an excellent layout. I have followed all of your video’s on youtube and blog’s on Alastair Lee’s group and I just love how you come up with such awesome scenery ideas. I wish that I was half as good as you. The mistakes that you mentioned in your video, that you would have done better, I would be more than happy if I could do what you have done. The layout is well done and if it was mine I would be very happy. WELL DONE IT’S AWESOME THE WAY IT IS !!!!!!!!!
Wow- absolutely wow- love the period you’ve chosen!
Congratulations!!
Looks like there is a new John Allen in town!
Bill, your modeling skills, photos and videos are all top notch! If you haven’t applied for NMRA Master Model Railroader status, you should as you’d be a shoe-in. I’ve always enjoyed your videos and dialogue and wish that I lived closer to your end of the country so I could come see your layouts in person. Keep up the good work and thank you for sharing!