Layout Tour - The Franklin & South Manchester 

I appreciate the way you filmed this video. I've seen lots of photographs and videos taken of the layout, but typically those productions are very staged and perfect. Filming the layout from the point of view of a casual viewer was a nice change and did a great job of letting the user experience the layout in a more realistic way. Awesome video. Jealous of your journey. Keep safe!

I saw the FSM in August 2022 and had the same reaction -- almost disbelief. I've seen many model railroads, but nothing like the FSM. It's not just a model railroad, it's a model world, but it's the world of George Sellios's vivid imagination and outstanding skill. I'd compare it to the artwork of Frank Frazzetta or Salvador Dali -- super realistic but also fantastic and dream-like. See it if you can!

First off...your music choice for this video is literally perfect...and this layout and the level of detail.!! The scenery.! There's little things to see everywhere.!! Amazing!!!

Have seen this layout many times from features in Model Railroader Magazine to vids on RU-vid. Probably the most detailed and intense urban layout around. Few capture an overview as you did. Great Job!

This model becomes mentally exhausting because of the enormous amount of visual elements to appreciate, it is like seeing a totally alive microuniverse and that not many models achieve this. The nuances of the colors and the arrangement of all the constructions create an organic feeling. And if one is very perceptive, one may notice that there are several stories being told in each scenario of the model. You made a great review.

Holy moly, I had no clue there was such a spectacular layout on the next city over from where I live. 😍😍😍

Excellent camera work, very smooth and steady!

Great job. Thank you for sharing this. It's the best video I've seen of this amazing layout yet. 😳

Dude you were in my area!!! I’m south of Boston. That is awesome!

I really like the, behind the scenes style intro. its nice to get a feel for the flavor of the setting the railroad is in, just amazing. Cheers Rob

The gods of model railroading: 1. John Allen 2. George Sellios 3. Allen McClelland 4. Howard Zane? George has been a true gift to the hobby. But I've got a 55 ton hopper from the V&O!! #1923, bought it from Allen at a train show

Wow I love that Model Railroad!!! This is how I see Jason layout to be.

Thats a fine detailed layout! Amazing thanks for sharing. Greets from Europe.

I love this layout. It’s an inspiration to so many model railroaders. I’ve seen quite a few videos of it, but your tour was the best, focusing on little details, and not distracting with a bunch of talk during the filming. The piano jazz was great too!

So glad that you got to see this in person. It really is a life altering event as a modeler!

I am so glad you got the chance to tour this layout. The Franklin is a gold standard and awe inspiring. You are right no video or picture can truly grasp the brilliance of the layout. We are mere mortals in comparison to this gentleman.

I can’t wait to finish harvesting cranberries so I can go back to my train room, because it’s long overdue for some layout work. Peabody is an hour north from me.

It's an amazing layout! I have known George for years, he probably doesn't remember me. I use to work in a hobby shop in Boston called Eric Fuchs during the 80s and a year or two into the 90s after I worked for Charles Ro for a couple years. I was very familiar with the limited edition kits George sold. It wasn't for several years of working the the hobby shop that he was also was the mind behind the Franklin and South Manchester layout. I was showing some one an article in a magazine they said do you realize that it is only minutes from Boston in Peabody and you could tour it. I got together with several of the local model rail road guys and got to see it in the flesh. I was very impressed, When my son got old enough I took him up there and didn't tell him where we were going. As soon as he saw just the first part of it he got excited and just was speechless when we got further in and he saw the size of it. We went there one more time when he was a little older. I haven't been back since and should take the ride up there after Halloween going any where near Salem during the season is a nightmare with all the people going there for their Halloween fix. I wish I could have seen the Gorre and Daphetid railroad by John Whitby. I wasn't so much into the bridges etc but the tung in cheek little scenes he added here and there.

It is mind blowing and not only the craftsmanship model building but the vision to put it all together to make it work. I couldn't see any details that haven't been left out.

Great video! I hope to someday see this in person!

This model train build reminds me of Frank Millers Art work. Chaotic at a glance but every inch of it is filled with little details that keep you staring at it for hours. Oh and just for fun you might want to try and slow down your footage. You would be amazed at the level of realism you can get out of these dioramas. The guy over at Abandoned Miniatures does an amazing job showing off this technic. I think you will be shocked. I know I was.

The streets on that layout were especially well done. And great music!

You nailed it, and that layout is mind-blowing.

So glad you got to experience the F & SM in person. I was supposed to go as well, would of been my 5th visit but I had a downed tree from the day before to deal with. Definitely every model railroader needs to visit George at least once. I think you did a great panning job filming the layout. Open Houses are monthly June - October and occasionally Thanksgiving and "Springfield Show" weekends.

I've seen the F&SM for decades in Model Railroader, but have seen very few videos. I love your camera work and the music is perfect! I liked and subscribed and now I get to discover the rest of your work! Oh, and I love your hat, little brother! (USA Retired; 1985 to 2005).

Marx guy here, I`m flabbergasted. Out of this World.

Insane detail 🤟🏾

I wish I had at least one structure that was as good as George's.

Thanks for showing the video! 👍😀

Great video and music!

Thanks for the effort!

he is the new Master! John Allen look out!

Good, stable videography. It's well appreciated that your camera is steady and pans slowly ennough to capture everything. The layout is monumental and exciting for sure. I especially appreciate the walk up the stairwell and the entry. Never seen that before and it gives the video a rarely observed view. Nice work.

Really nice video. I just found your channel. Jinzheng Zheng piano music an excellent choice!

I'm really glad I ran across your channel. And, I agree, I think model railroading can be art -- it certainly is for me. I'm learning a lot from your tips...keep it up. Ray

Some amazing talent.

That layout is amazing!

That is an awesome layout.

All I can say is wooow!

xxxxxxx Awesome !

This was on of the best filmings of the FSM I have seen in terms of being able to pause and look at the details. Thanks. Also, nice music. I would love to hear more about how he created it. I always marvel at the number of windows on this layout. I always wondered how he built the stone buildings like Blair Cambell & McClean at 4:03

I know what you mean when you say, you have to see it in person. Love the music you chose , it just fit. Do you have a website?

nice

I'm curious: Who are the "other people who are just as good as George is"? I'd love to see their layouts if they're on youtube. Thanks for your video!