A look at what's happened late February into March 2024, new stock, Beeston Junction revamp and I talk about those who spoil the hobby for everybody ...'rivet counters'
BRAVO, MATE!!! I live in the States. I have trouble with all the PROTYPE bullies. Man, it's YOUR railway, do whatever YOU want to do, and please yourself. I run diesels with a variety of road names and right along with them there will be a steam loco or two, not to mention the vehicles that are separated by decades. I had a guy come to see my layout and remarked that one would never see an SD40 running with a DECAPOD and the presence of 1900 pickups sitting beside a pristine 1940 flatbed. That was as far as he got, as I rudely (intentionally) interrupted him and asked if he could find his way out, or if I needed to assist him. I told him as he was looking for his coat that this is my world and if I wanted it like this, then so be it! I'm right there with you when it comes to "RIVET COUNTERS"! Thank you for this video, and keep your trains running which ever direction that makes you happy!
Love your comment about the rivet counters. After all it’s a hobby, there’s a place for everyone so how dare they make derogatory remarks about anyone’s layout. It’s a fabulous layout you have there.
Absolutely! Everyone in the hobby has their own goals and focus, whether it's achieving historical accuracy, building an aesthetically pleasing diorama, or one where there's just a lot of interesting things going on for spectators. Or a focus on the technical side, like track automation. What you get out of the hobby is no one's business but yours. BTW Beeston Junction looks fantastic. Exactly the right amount of rivets if you ask me :)
But when you have magazine producing layout features don't match reality then there is scope for criticism, after all they all do that in their reviews (they even show it off at exhibitions all around the country). Of course there is a fine line between critiquing and whining.
As a person new to the hobby at 68 years old, I have been watching many RU-vid vids on layouts and ‘how to’ content and most are great. My experience is that t(e majority of them always emphasise your philosophy of “it’s my layout” and that the level of accuracy is up to the individual. I would just like to thank you for cementing the idea in my brain that it doesn’t matter if I have GWR locos pulling LNER carriages or goods wagons or whether I model the wrong signal box. My modelling skills and painting ability is pretty poor, improving but poor, BUT it keeps me occupied and I’m (sort of) happy to see the result on the baseboard. You have a new subscriber.
Rule 1...be happy in what you do....its just a pity there are these people out there who just can't help themselves and everything has to be 100 percent accurate...many thanks ☺️
I agree. And I love how Charlie from Chadwick Model Railway channel deals with idiots on internet - with humor which always makes me laugh happily. :) People voted him up to the best modelling channel for I dont' know how many years, probably for this reason (and for his tutorials ofc). Perhaps not because his layout is that realistic, or "prototypical", or detailed. With my amateur eye I think that your work is far more perfect! So you've got a lot to be proud of, you can relax and smile those internet condoms off, and I think that your viewers will appreciate it.
Charlie from Chadwick is far superior to HR in my eyes, I'm a simple DC modeller who is trying to bring a community together, but for you say your kind words..well..I'm humbled, thank you 😊
First time i have seen you videos and most say that you are spot on. I have been modeling for 50 years and your trackwork looks superb with never before seen, so much track ancillary detail. Keep up the good work and do not give the idiots any time. The amount of free information you and fellow You tubers give is priceless and should not be taken for granted. Thank you and best wishes
I’ve always looked at aspiring to the standard of your layout. Yours and other ytube channels have taught me everything I know regarding this hobby. I’ve accepted that I will have made mistakes on my layout but it’s my layout. Please don’t let these people upset you anymore.
I honestly feel the same about these people that think that prototype modelling is the only way to model places btw this is coming from someone who is just trying to model what they want I don’t care if the place exists
Rivet counters are a pain in the arse, if accuracy is imperative to them they should be fitting miniature diesel engines in their locos! BTW that detailing with the jewellery wire is the mutts nuts👍🏻
ITS YOUR RAILROAD! Dont be bothered by acid pissers. They arent worth your time and energy. And theres LOTS of us that enjoy thorougly what you do! Your layout looks amazing and really detailed. Enjoy the hobby in your own way, thats what its all about! I have had some problems with acid pissing rivet counters on a forum that I post on from time to time. I dont fuel them anymore with my time and energy. Because that is what they do. They drain your energy. If you react, they respond, again and again and again, until you say they are right. Its not about rivets, its a stupid game about dominance. 'I know more than you'. Please enjoy us with your layout, it looks great and is a pleasure to see! Please know that there are lots of people that enjoy your layout. Well, I do! Good luck, keep up advertising the best hobby in the world! Be positive, show us what you do, now and then place a plastic dinosour somewhere haha😂. Just for the fun of it. ITS YOUR LAYOUT!!
Great video and comments, you have inspired me and what I am trying to do with my model railway. The hobby is about personal preference and enjoyment, run what you like, model what you like and be happy with your achievement. Thank you. Keep going I love it!
Flippin eck, I sometimes like to look at model train videos when i'm looking at RU-vid but yours is the first one where i've seen that level of detail. It's very impressive and please don't listen to anyone who say's otherwise. Excellent work.
Hobbies don't have rules. Rivet counters, gatekeepers, call them what you like; they don't seem able to accept that hobbies can be enjoyed at many different levels by many different people who all have different objectives. Key is that you enjoy your hobby. Your layout looks really good 👍
Love your layout, your level of detail and extensive added interest items you add makes it an absolutely absorbing layout to look at. What a privelage to be allowed to see your brilliant work. Haters gonna hate, sad people to be ignored. You have a new fan.
At 18 mins: an excellent question. Please just take heart from the 99.9% that very much appreciate what you do. Be kind to - and look after - yourself.
I think the depth of detail you've included in Beeston Junction (as shown in this video - I haven't come across your videos before) is absolutely amazing! It looks so real, with genuine amounts of weeds, brambles, discarded materials, etc. And the weathering of your stock looks so real. I shall definitely be coming back to see more.
John,I've just found Harold Road brilliant I love your channel and attitude. As a life long railway man with BR/Network Rail with over 35 years service and still going I can tell you the real railway isn't perfect far from it! Keep the good work up rule one always 👍
Keep up the good work, it’s a pleasure to enjoy seeing what you’ve done. I would echo others in saying that this is your pride and joy and don’t let others taint that 👍
Hi John, your spot on with these people all bloody silly, not on your own with this problem, all gob and no content to see, well done and happy modelling kind regards Baz in Shropshire
You want rivet counters? At one time I supplemented my work as an artist by constructing buildings on commission, mostly for railway modellers, because I love historic architectutre. The reason I finally threw in the towel was after accepting a commission from a bunch in Yorkshire who modelled the S & C for a 3-arch bridge. I acquired drawings and after a site visit for photographs, etc. began work. Three months scribing stonework later including a month painting multiple layers to reproduce the colours from my photographs and on-site examination, I dispatched the bridge by courier with my bill (which came in under estimate). Three months went by without a word then one morning I recieved the bridge (by parcel post) with a covering note. From the damage, the bridge had been attached, then removed from the layout. The cover note explained that they weren't happy with the colours I'd used for the mortar which (they believed) was incorrect for the period (never specified) and would be grateful if I would repaint it correctly and return it for their approval! It turned out that the arguements were quite interesting amongst them to the point where two of them had stormed out in a hissy fit! I should point out that the driving force of this little clique of intellectuals was a scientist employed by the government on (quote) 'vital work' in physics!
I began my first layout 3?4? years ago. had NO idea how involved this hobby can be. the rivet counters (that's new to me) would DIE if they saw my tiny n scale layout. it has whacked together buildings made out of found bits. it has knitted trees, dried flower head trees, dinosaurs, and interesting rocks I found on the street. my steam 0-6-0 hauls a couple of passenger cars, and has no basis in reality at all. and now I'm in the process of steampunking a second engine. no rivet counting. just plain simple fun.
I appreciate your comments about Rivet Counters. Also, I salute your bravery in putting your work in front of the public. Endeavor to persevere . Cheers!
Balls to people who demand accuracy, without taking some aspects into mind. From what I'm seeing from never seeing your layout before, I'm going to say it looks superb. Love the 37 DRS, & I would estimate that you're in Norfolk same as myself. I sent my Dad a clock for his wall in the loft, which not only looks like an old station effort, but it's big enough for him to see from a distance. Time can fly when you get into the hobby
I had to get a clock as the Wife would remind me what time it was and before I knew it...I'd been up the loft for 7 hours 😮 yes I'm a Norfolk Boy of 52 Years...thanks for getting in touch 😊
I love this and I couldn't agree more regarding rivet counters. I did some railway modelling some years back and I specifically decided to model Irish railways with Irish locomotives and stock. I posted a video of it on line and literally the very first comment was from a guy telling me that while I had a very realistic and prototypical Irish railway, he noted that I had two locomotives that shouldn't be on the layout at the same time because they're from slightly different eras. I explained to him that I really didn't give a f*** as it's my 5 year old son who decides what trains we run and if it's really that upsetting to see a 1980s loco alongside a 1970s one on a prototypical Irish railway, then you're really going to freak out when you see us running British trains on it 🙂 ....... By the way, I just came across your channel love your content. Keep it up 👍
I totally agree with you regarding rivet counters. My layout is called WYE KNOTT (ie “why not”) and I run what I want. I want the layout to look good and the scenery to be realistic(ish) but most of all I want it to be fun. I get immense pleasure controlling and watching a superb model run round the layout. I am very happy for people to recreate accurate dioramas because it’s all part of the hobby and I applaud their skill but don’t tell me that my layout is wrong (it’s not a real railway, it’s a model made for enjoyment). Sorry, I’m getting into a rant, better stop. By the way I have just subscribed to your channel 👍.
I hear you... I come from the world of scale modeling, particularly aircraft, where the OG "rivet counters" hail from. I'm not a railroader, though I really appreciate your guy's work and follow many of you for scale diorama tips & tricks. I like to think I'm pretty decent at my craft, but I'm still just after a good looking scale model from a scale distance... not to be analyzed with a macro lens or loupe.
Hi, this is the first time I've been to your site and I find what you say most encouraging. I have a model layout but it's nowhere near as complex as yours but it's the best I can manage, both in terms of my skills and my budget. I don't know all there is to know about model railways and I doubt if I ever will but I build my layout for my enjoyment. That doesn't mean to say that I am too arrogant to accept advice; I will and gladly, but I agree with what you say though. Those who criticize for the sake of it are not doing the hobby any good at all
In a way, we all “count rivets” - our _own perceived rivets_ to learn, wonder, imagine and create. As you said, sharing insights is a good thing, just as _forcing_ them onto anyone is just… unnecessary hardship. Your work is fantastic to me - all the time and resources spent…! The only rivet I hammer is a huge thank you for inspiring and showing me & others…! 💛
Just found your channel through this video. I could not agree more with everything you said. The whole point of a hobby is to have fun, not conform to someone else’s imaginary rules. If only the gatekeepers in this hobby knew how many people they turn away they might think differently.
Hi John I’ve been following this channel for ages and all I can say is what you have done is amazing. I like what techniques you have show on here, I’ve even done some on my layout . I stopped putting things on a forum because I got slated for my work, and I work on the railway. But keep up the good work don’t let them get to you.
just come across your channel John started modelling again 2008 in 00 real pain and massive learning curve progressed to o gauge after 2yrs even a bigger shock no help from anybody and everybody apart from my mate who was into this gauge were the dreaded rivet counters, what i have seen john your work and skills is bloody spot on just switch off to the idiots and enjoy this fantastic hobby all the best keith.
Im with you mate. When i finally get round to doing my layout itll be the way i want it. Not to please anyone else. 👍🏻 Ive done a few dios so looking forward to working on a full blown layout
Harold Road was my inspiration for making my son his own layout. I’m by far light years away from your skills but I’d never criticise anyone’s layout. Great video hope this is shared many more times, Andy
Brilliant weathering and I really like your comment about making things 'fairly correct'. Before he passed away, my dad was a retired railway signalling engineer, he had worked for BR, Railtrack and Network Rail. The best advice he gave me was that the real railways in the UK are all site specific. So the placement of equipment, signals etc, are all dependent on the characteristics of the site. Sometimes its not possible to adhere to a general standards / guidelines because of some physical limitation of the site. That is one of the reasons they have highly detailed track and site diagrams. Even those don't always match what is physically installed on the site. So 'fairly correct' doesn't really mean its inaccurate, just means its unique to the site on your model railway. The problem with 'rivet counters' is that they have a basic understanding of the general standards but don't understand that even the real railway has some flexibility with them. One bit of advice though, when you are enjoying time with your family, just turn off those RU-vid notifications. There is no rush dealing with those comments, even if someone has one sitting there for a few hours or even a day or two, its not a big deal. Most people watching RU-vid videos are on Mobile, Tablets or TVs, so they'll have to go digging to even see the comments! Keep the videos coming!
I love your commentary for rivet counters. They don't like what you are doing? They can sod off and critique their own layout. You are doing this layout for you and you alone, and we are lucky to be along for the ride. Thank you for sharing your work!
I’m new to your channel but within 2 minutes of watching love you approach to modelling and rivet counters, rule 1 always prevails, my hobby my rules,,
Ignore the rivet counters. All aspects of modelling get them, it’s people proving they know more than you (or they think they do!). You’re bob on, it’s entirely up to you what you run, when you run it and how. Excellent modelling, I’m now following.
Just subscribed, not a modern era follower usually but here to learn and get inspiration, ive not seen anything quite so detailed even at shows, will check out your other videos later and binge watch 🎉
Rivet counters. Agree with you 100%. Some border on internet trolls just to get a reaction, which somehow gives them some sort of buzz. Rule 1 all the way!
Well done John. You say the hobby could die if the rivet counters have their way, and although I am optimistic that it won’t die, I know where you are coming from. I remember being in a shop a few years back and this boy was with his dad to pick up a train set. He said he was excited to be making his first model railway, and this bloke rather patronisingly dismissed his comment by saying “that’s not a model railway though is it?” 🤬 Thankfully I sense a bit of a sea change generally when at shows and it seems there is much more interaction encouraged, not least by including layouts that kids can have a go on. The Making Tracks projects at Chester Cathedral have been terrific to that end, as it’s great to see kids and parents alike taking turns driving a mainline train on a layout far bigger than I suspect they will ever own themselves! 😎 I am also glad to see so many more ladies and girls at exhibitions these days. It’s not just the stereotypical railway widow either, but some excellent modellers, many of whom have a certain skill set which is superior to their other half in terms of scenery or building, etc 😃 I suspect the same persons complaining about your layout are the same types that bemoan anything that doesn’t fit into their narrow viewpoint. More fool them! Keep it up John, I personally love what you do and get what you mean about using everyday track: it really does show what you can achieve by just expanding that first train set 👍🍻🍀😎
Great video (first time viewing your channel) - I like the weathering you've done. Another detail you might want to add to the track renewal at Beeston Junc is perhaps a palette of cable troughing. It could add more to the story that the team will be planning to protect the exposed cables. Totally agree with your comments on the rivet counters by the way.
I stopped listening to rivet counters when i built my first board and put a windmill on it. I was told, it's in the wrong place, to which I said, f off, it's my layout. It's your layout, you model what you like and how you like. Some of the best layout ideas i've seen recently are fun, a 009 for Hobbitts, a futuristic dystopian layout, dioramas with one piece of track and a loco running through it. One other point, I turn my phone off when I'm with someone, unless it's a call, anything else is ignored until I'm in my time. my time is for me and only me, this keeps me around for others without interaction in the digital cyber world. Love the layout, keep posting and running session is now in order :)
I've just stumbled across HR......great comments on the RCs....you hit the nail on the head when you pointed out they rarely do or show any modelling....I get the same at exhibitions.....just remember that the easiest way of not being criticised is not to do anything!
I challenged the last rivet counter who made a silly comment and wanted me to move items to correct positions as they would be in the real world....after a few enquiries...he did not have a model railway...thanks very much
Brother, keep doing your thing! Never take criticism from people you wouldn't ask for advice from. I just discovered your channel and am impressed by all the detail you've put in. Can't wait to watch more of your videos! Cheers!
I just saw your video for the first time. Excellent job on your weathering and details especially the weeds and foliage! Unfortunately our hobby draws critics and know it all’s. Sounds like you’re having fun and that’s what it’s all about!! 👍🏻😀
Great video John, lots of issues addressed and I totally agree with everything that you’ve said. Well done for sharing your thoughts and don’t let the bastards get you down. Your modelling skills are second to none and I think that your layouts are absolutely amazing, keep up the good work and be proud of what you’ve done, Uncle Harold would be proud of you. ❤❤
Well thats just put a tear in my eye...honestly...thats such lovely words, uncle Harold was an ex loco crew, along with most of my Family, although not his era...I dedicated the layout in his name, I'm sure he would have approved of what I did with his Legacy...thanks for the really kind words
Hi there. Thank you for your honest comments, which I completely agree with. I have only been posting clips for a couple of months and no rivet comment issues so far. Well one, but not if it was derogatory! A model railway is for your enjoyment and you clearly show your passion for the hobby. I am fortunate enough to work on the railway and have done for 34 years; for the most on the P.Way, this has included a lot of major national projects, so i do see a lot of issues on all layouts, both top award winning to new to the hobby, but I don’t care, because at the end of the day; it’s that persons model…… it not the real thing! I personally have had hard hats of all colours. So take it from me you have a great layout and the weathering is spot on. Also like me, you wish to share our experiences to new guys to the hobby which is great. Rivet counters have been around for years, I worked my fathers layout for many years, we will never be ride of them, I do not mind comments, all I ask is that can be constructive, which is backed up by understanding this is only a model railway! a hobby! All the best mate and keep enjoying doing what you are doing. Kingsclere modelrailway
Hi, I’ve just found your channel and you’ve done some great work I’ve been a railway Signalling Engineer for 45+ years and the only place where I would count rivets is at work. Who cares if its not to standard, it’s a model railway and you should do what you want. If people don’t like what they see then don’t watch the channel. Keep up the excellent work
I'm really glad to see another fellow railway modeller taking a stand against the rivet counters. It's your railway so good on you for playing by your rules. My layout is small and has 1st radius curve and only two sidings as I haven't got much space for anything bigger than that radius. All the previous layouts that I've built have been 1st radius too and I buy locos that I know will run well on it. Hopefully I will get round to putting up a video of my layout for all to see. I run all sorts of rolling stock and locos, nothing on my layout is uniform to one particular company and that is how I like it, a good mixture. It couldn't be any further away from being realistic but not everyone wants that or is bothered about that. Rivet counters need to realise that not everybody in the hobby has lots of disposable income to afford the better quality models, nor do they have the time and skill to make things look as realistic as possible. I can only afford to do the hobby on a budget no bigger than £100 per loco, luckily I've managed to achieve this by not second hand but discounted locomotives on sale in model shops. This hobby doesn't come with an instruction manual on how it should be enjoyed. If you like something and you think it will work or you enjoy it, do it.
Hear, hear...great words, there is no instruction manual, there is no 'it should be done this way' people should be able to do whatever they like without others interfering...thanks for getting in touch 👍
First time on your channel but already joined your respected/respecting follower base. Don’t let ‘them’ get to you. Keep on the splendid works John. Btw, although I have none and not planning to have one, NICE TATTOOS 💪
Thank you for joining the Merry band of Harold Road supporters, your comments are much appreciated....and for the record I'm absolutely fine now, the stupid idiots caught me at a very low point when other things were going on...cheers, John
I like your weathering and the intrcacies you"ve added to the the railway to make it more authentic You're doing a grand job 'Your' model railway is your inteprtation, preference of reference photos and the rule book.
A model railway is organism We look at and we tweak it during the duration of its life as we progress with new tweaks making look better to our standard!
I think your layout is excellent! There is a HUGE difference between constructive criticiscm and mean spirited nitpicking. Just look at how many POSITIVE comments you have received! Thanks for sharing your obvious enthusiasm for this wonderful hobby that we all love so much, and the best of luck for the future!
Your layout is fabulous and the attention to detail is great. Don’t worry about rivet counters (some people need a life). Anyone can buy the perfect layout with enough money. It takes more talent to do more with less. Keep up the good work.
Bravo mate, you do you! Keyboard warriors proliferate in todays world, feel they can say just about anything without getting a smack in the chops and really care nothing for anyone but themselves. As Dr Seuss once said "Those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter."
Dear Harold Road, please stand tall knowing that there are lot of ‘normal’ RU-vid followers right behind you. You are not the first person to call out Rivet Counters, please refer to Sam’s Trains, he has the same problem. You have gently explained the problem without sinking to their level of vitriol. Years ago I suffered a similar problem with the Northern Soul Brigade who thought you weren’t a true follower by purchasing a CD as opposed to spending silly pounds for a single. With the CD at least the performers etc will get some money. Rivet counters as you say may not have a layout. Unfortunately you get similar “feedback” by going DCC Sound. Keep up the great work take care and look after yourself and your loved ones.😺😺😺
So here's the thing, if people want to count rivets well, that's their gig. Me, I'm personally FREAKING AWESTRUCK by what you have done and I've learned so much.
Hello, think you have done some terrific work on your layout. I remember a few years ago a reply from an old gentleman to a knocker the gist of which went- “I’m just making a video to impart some knowledge and help people.Perhaps it would be a good idea for you to share a video of your work for us all to see.” Thankyou for your vids,all the best,PH
Sir, this is my first visit to your RU-vid post. You are right rivet counters do spoil it for everyone because manufacturers are trying to keep up with this criticism and make every model perfect. The result is cost and because the costs go up this results in the young being put off and the hobby dying on its feet. I'm sure if they could see the big picture they might just think again before being quite so critical of someone's own interpretation of a scene in their own mind.
If people sent me messages or made comments of the type you have mentioned, they would get a string of expletives as a response. Keep on keeping on and don't let them grind you down! 👍
I have just come into the hobby at the age of 60. I have started a TT120 layout - Wow, the negative comments I have experienced personally in model shops and to those on line choosing TT120 is very aggresive. It seems that some people do not want TT120 to exist. I know very little on what "reality on a model railway" looks like. I watch lots of RU-vid model railway videos to learn more. I am inspired by beautifuly created layouts. Your layout is brilliant. I have now subscribed to you channel. keep up the great work.
Many thanks for your reply, I do enjoy bringing my humour to model railways, ok, some of it was scripted, but you got the idea if what I was trying to do...we ain't all stuffy, some of us are normal just like me...🤔...somebody on another video sent a comment about me looking like Ross Kemp, can't see it myself but I will take it as a compliment...😂
As you've said, there is bunch of people,sitting behind their screen who rant everything but do nothing, create nothing but are willing to spit their hatred or criticism. Sir, you've perfectly right, you've create a miniature world with your talent, you skills and your vision. Have fun and enjoy of what you've achieved, that is the most important ! Regards from France 😉
Don't think I've commented before what a fantastic layout you have ,the attention to detail is brilliant, don't let them bother you your doing a great job. Brian
Just come across your channel today, but fully agree about the rivet counters. Modelling is a hobby for us all, for some enjoyment & its channels on RU-vid that got me back into the hobby. Unfortunately circumstances don’t allow me to have my layup at the moment but I love seeing the great work people out into theirs & have learnt many things from people on YT. Keep up the good work
Rule 1 applies. It's your layout, do what you like! If people object, then they don't have to watch your videos. However, the very act of sharing videos will stimulate discussion and debate. As long as it's all done respectfully, positively and with an open mind, then that's OK, I think. Rudeness etc is not acceptable. Finally, looking at your superb layout, it beggars belief that people make negative comments about it. I've just subscribed, BTW
