May 2024 Model Railway HO Build Update - The Escarpment, Lets Talk! 

You can follow the Freemo journey at my Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/theescarpment For behind the scenes content!

Your thoughts about the future of the hobby are spot on Jason. I am from the UK in which railway modelling, is going through a period of "realignment". The rivet counters have a place, they set standards which intimidate newcommers and especially the younger generation. Railway modelling is different things to different people and those who prescribe perfection will kill the hobby. If it makes you happy to sit in a different place on the accuracy spectrum, do it!

Perfectly normal to have a break or a slow down. You can hit a wall, run out of steam, motivation or just plain ‘get sick of it’ and do something else for a while. You’ve been at it pretty hard for 5(?) years now? You’ve done well 👍 Fremo is a good diversion or side hobby and like the exhibition scene is a good social outlet. If I ever clear out enough crap in the layout room to store it I may have a crack myself!

I understand where you are coming from , on everything you spoke about Jason. Good to see an udate ,Cheers John.

Just let it all go !! Your railroad your dream your choices !! Just en joy your doing !! And if you are lucky you get some friends along the road :):) And whe all some times are out of insperation :):) 👍👍👍👍

Great to see you again. You have one of my favorite layouts on YT and have been watching your build for about two years. I really like the way you are so meticulous with your work. Everything is so clean, very well built and organized. I am curious about your professional background if you don’t mind me asking.

I totally follow what you're saying about the front people and the realistic higher costs associated with getting into the hobby using higher quality components. The toy train sets sold are rediculous and don't help someone start small and build up. I also note that model railroad magazines often start at a medium level of experience and go up from there in terms of complexity. Kudos to you for taking a break and trying new things. Looking forward to seeing more updates. Thanks for all you do!

Thanks for the update. FREEMO is an interesting concept, far be it for standards to match up! Enjoy the change, and your layout has plenty of time!

Super great layout !!

new here. sounds great what you are doing. and i have to say this helix looks impressive! 🔥

Jason I totally understand but you have made great progress on your layout over the years

Hi Jason, nice to hear your thoughts on Fremo. It’s interesting that it just hasn’t taken off in Australia as it has in the US. I agree with your thoughts on the many and varied limitations that the hobby seems to introduce to newcomers. Looking forward to following your Fremo journey. Cheers, Ben

Good to see you back Jason, I like you started about six or seven years ago with a view to a retirement project, and again like you have had those times where my interest has waned. I have now got to a situation whereby I do what suits me having been told by the “Experts” you can or can’t do this or that! Over here in the U.K. we have what is called N M R A standards, and generally they are okay. Really looking forward to seeing your main layout evolve and also the free mo unit. Great video as always, I do look forward to seeing a new video from you so keep the faith and stick with it, well done!

Nice to see you back. I too go thru phases of no mojo for my layout. I was also just thinking about possibly looking into a modular club. Thanks for sharing. David

thank jason for other great video with lot detail through well put all together brocklesby nsw

Hi Jason, Probably reach out to the guys in the Argyle Model Railway Club (Goulbourn) and see if you can attend their exhibition in November.

You may have already seen (Marklin of Sweden) channel but if not check it out regarding the toilet paper method lots of different ways to use it in scenery. I have been using it for about 6 years, I also used it on a display layout at an historical village.

Hi Jason, tried to talk to someone in our local train club at our annual model show in Ipswich , when this f**king woman started ranting about how she was the president of the club , prices insurance and i just looked at the guy WTF and left ! I really wanted some advice apart from utube ! Just started my n scale layout, nothing big but im watching my own train going, lol had enough of watching other peoples dreams ! Good to see you back mate ps sorry about the rant 😊😊😊

Jason your layout is looking great you have years ahead for creating and enjoying, we all need a break and change from time to time. I have my model railways and war gaming. With your scenery the newspaper as a base then I would use toilet paper on top it does take a bit longer then plaster but it clean and their is no waist of materials. You can create any shapes you want, you end up with a snowy white base which becomes quite hard and paints really well. Like your ideas about Freemo, I have had to downsize in the last two years and have been looking at ways to have smaller layouts modules. I have one question what made you chose Formboard and how heavy are you modules. Thanks looking forward to seeing your progress.

Multiple Freemo standards in Australia. That's very prototypical. It's funny.

Completely agree with the Fremo standards, I'll be going with the american standard as a guide, Check out Luke Towans Modular build.

Jason, what you're doing with Freemo reminds me of the woodsman who pauses to sharpen his axe. Afterwards, he is so much more efficient, accurate, productive . . . and happy!🤗 Thinking about those standards: We may one day see an IMRA international standard. But for now, how about just adding "Dash-B" as in, "AMRA-B"? (meaning, "AMRA or Better") Now that's a standard that we all can live with - a standard that can be "modified" as long as the mod is "better"!🤨🤔 And, a little philosophy - maybe someone can explain the difference between "perfectionist" and "rivet-counter." I'm thinking it involves what is expected from others along the lines of "my way or the highway" but I'd like to hear other's ideas, . . . as long as they are the same as mine!🙄 (lol) 🚂Lawrence

hello Jason -don't think it's an issue/problem being a bit "tired" after working for a long time on your layout -but I'm not sure if trying with FREEMO is the optimum way to refocus, as it's still model railroading -try something different, not related to modeling (a professional sportsman, let's say tennis, most likely doesn't relax his body, mind with playing tennis) -go biking, read, learn to play an instrument, gardening, ??? -this will relax your mind -all the best, looking forward to the next video of the escarpment, whenever that will be

Obviously, a case of OCD. Your entire layout is so "clean" and "neat". Your entire workspace is so "organized", everything in it's place. Everything I watch one of your videos, I get the urge to vacuum my floor, cleanup all the counterpart, reorganize all my supplies, clean all my tools, etc.. Your a bad influence on me, but I have to admit, things look alot better in my layout room about a day after I watch your video😅. Thanks

Had a similar view. Did some research on freemo standards in AU/Sydney and settled on AMRA as well (for when I can get started on a module). What code track did you go with? Also I have no idea on where or when any layouts are setup. Seems like a few people are building modules on the possibility of a running day/weekend eventually happening.

Hi Jason, everyone hit that during a Layout build. Yes, take a break. I would stay away from Freemo to much shit go on during the Fab stage. Get back to your HO layout. Mike HO from Bairnsdale.😀😀

Hi Jason. I have been looking at Freemo as well. I did not like the Australian standard, like you have looked at the US and the New Zealand also Will James.

Afternoon Jason really like what you are doing here, is there a standard for curves? i did check the ARMA web site although it wasn't very clear.

I always enjoy listening to your model railroad philosophy. Sounds like you just need a break from the layout. You also sound like a lone wolf introvert modeler which I find to be among the best modelers I have ever met. Why? - because they spend their precious time modeling and honing the skills that bring unmatched rewards which only those that spend all their time in clubs, etc., can only dream of. It's simple really. Introverts put more time into their modeling and thus reap the greatest rewards. Extroverts see the hobby more as a fellowship and they really don't get much done. They need people more than the discipline. Introverts see it as an isolated discipline and don't need people around them to make them feel their best. With this in view, you might be disappointed with the club and fellowship. Nothing wrong with it, but not for the introvert. Personally, I have come to realize that once you take a break (build something totally different) you will return to your layout with a renewed passion in due time and all will be well. 😉Cheers ~ Boomer.

I have been on a 4 year break from My layout build.

I don't think i could be a club, too much politics and in fighting.

How about having an online vote! Prototypical (Rivet Counters) vs Standards vs Rule One? Here in the U.K. nearly all “Railroaders’ are Caucasian. grey Haired Males. The younger generation do Dungeons and Dragons and knock out some fantastic models. We need to join/harness this talent not poor scorn on the use of DCC and sound.