Welcome to the Shelf Layout Diorama - 'River Road.'
Dioramas, Miniatures and Model Railroad Shelf Layouts, have always been an interest of mine since I was a youth. I am presently building an operating HO Scale Shelf Layout with associated "signature scenes" from the SRY Short Line in Southern British Columbia, Canada.
LAYOUT SPECIFICATIONS
Prototype Railroad Modeled: SRY Rail Link Short Line.
Scale: Fine Scale 1:87 (3.5 mm) HO.
Size: 10' x 11' x 8' @ 2' deep (Linear "point-to-point" Shelf Layout) @ 57" Track Height.
DCC: NCE, ESU Loksound v5, 3 Sections, Power-Routed Scratch-built Turnouts.
Track: Micro Engineering Code 70 flex & Hand-Laid Code 55/40.
Minimum Radius: 42".
Style: Last Mile Switching Operations
Scenery & Structures: Mostly Scratch Built.
Lighting: Extensive Lithonia LED 4000K lighting wired in series.
Boomer Diorama | SRY River Road
The layout build 'River Road' is a slow steady crawl.
I just finished installing the Milner Signal. It is fully functional like all the other signals as there are three blocks so far on 'River Road.' Model Railroad blocks can be any size. All they do is control and regulate traffic. They can be large or small, therefore almost anything goes on the model railroad if you want them. I think model railroad signals are the candle on the cake. They really look awesome and add more operational interest as well.
I am in four years on this build. No plans to stop building but just run out of time as the days seem to blow by. Still plenty to build and hope to share some of it over time.
Even though I still have to build IPEX Plastics and Crush Crescent (Intersection & Crossing), I am starting to think about expansion. I have a few ideas but they are hard choices and then the day runs out. You cannot have it all on your coveted railroad but really loving the build like the first day I started (07/18/2026). Cheers.
2 days ago | [YT] | 517
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Boomer Diorama | SRY River Road
A full coverage (one hour) comprehensive locomotive weathering tutorial coming soon! Watch for it " "Painting The Ugly Duckling."
This is the new Rapido EMD-CF7 in HO Scale that Rapido satirically loathes. All the more reason to beat it up as it is an unbelievable model and runner. Despite what some may think, it is one of the finest (prototype accurate) locomotives ever released. Furthermore, it runs unbelievably smooth (and slow), and the DCC Mo-Power and lighting package is as good as it gets (07/11/2026).
1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 588
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Boomer Diorama | SRY River Road
This channel is made for those who look closely at the art of modeling. I do not make content to serve popular culture, but rather to inspire those who accept imperfection as their identity. Subsequently, I strive to tell the truth about the hobby through my own experience. Every model we build will help us grow and embrace the practice. Let the practice build your confidence. Let the confidence provide the reward.
River Road is just waiting to write another chapter in the story of creativity when the time is right.
Cheers.
2 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 774
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Boomer Diorama | SRY River Road
Painting the 1/200 Scale Trumpeter Hood's Main & Shelter Deck. I am not a fan of "burned" laser cut deck's that peel up with humidity wrecking the whole model. They can look good, but not for me. I prefer the hand painted deck personally. This will be covered in the next video on Friday. Cheers.
4 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 304
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Boomer Diorama | SRY River Road
These are some of the latest revisions (and scratch builds) to the Trumpeter Hood for back-dating the kit from 1941 to 1936. They are extensive to say the least and probably too much to list. I will try to post some of them here as the build goes on. The next video should be published under the videos and playlist series as "Revising The Trumpeter Hood Deck" (06/12/2026) Cheers.
1 month ago | [YT] | 252
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Boomer Diorama | SRY River Road
Just finished painting the HMS Hood's Hull below the deck. For those of you who don't know, Hood's hull below the waterline was Grey (not red). The hull in 1936 was 507C (pale blue grey). The argument is overwhelming for the latter concerning the color. No criticism for those who painted Hood's hull oxide red . . . lol. ;-)
The 40 minute video covering the painting and weathering process will publish, (on the channel - Boomer Diorama), this Friday night for those who are interested.
I am also waiting for the "draft" markings and a few other details. Feels good because now I can start focusing on the deck, super-structure, etc. Cheers. (June 2/2026).
1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 257
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Boomer Diorama | SRY River Road
Next weekend (Sunday) is a comprehensive overview of the layout and some interesting thoughts around modeling a small model railroad. I will also be looking at some other modeling subjects coming for the summer after the holidays and a much needed break. (03/18/2026). Cheers ~ Boomer.
4 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 786
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Boomer Diorama | SRY River Road
This coming Sunday is episode three in the four part Custom Rapido Locomotive (SW900RS) Series. It includes Decal application, some long hood Weathering, and Ditch Light install.
4 months ago | [YT] | 341
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Boomer Diorama | SRY River Road
The next Custom Locomotive episode (Part 2) coming this Sunday.
(03/01/2026). Cheers.
4 months ago | [YT] | 455
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Boomer Diorama | SRY River Road
This Custom Rapido HO Scale Custom Locomotive (Four Part Series) starts this Sunday. The series will publish for the next four Sunday's. It covers most of the build and paint including the DCC sound decoder install, speaker enclosure, ditch lights, photo - etch application, applying decals, and weathering.
5 months ago | [YT] | 596
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