IKEA Shelf Diorama - First Ever Railway Modelling Experience

[Rush and Lusk]

Hello,

I reconnected with this great hobby about 12 months ago, my only previous experience was glorified train sets in my early teens, (a long time ago !). 

I have thoroughly enjoyed the past year in the hobby and learnt so much from outstanding resources such as this illustrious forum, reading and of course the world of YouTube. I have only been to one model railway show, the Wexford Model Railway Club Open Day, last October where I learned so much and was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm - I hope to get there again in a couple of Weeks’ time for the 2022 Exhibition. 

To practice and apply a whole range of new skills for the very first time (track and scenic planning, construction, track laying and ballasting, painting, trees, bushes & grass etc.) I decided to attempt a small diorama on an unused IKEA shelf ( 42x50cm 17x20”) I had over from another project. 

The intent was to have a raised railway line passing through a hilly/mountain landscape including a disused former mining/quarry branch line, with accompanying scenic to enhance the viewer’s experience.

Overall, I’ve learned a tremendous amount from this experience - satisfied with some aspects, others I will approach quite differently next time. 

 Finally, I am taking the liberty of sharing this on the forum, amongst some incredibly accomplished modellers, but this is a broad church, and my first attempt effort may prove useful to some early phase modeller - go easy !

 Rush & Lusk (George)

 

[irishmail]

Nice work there,  plenty of detail in a small space.

 

[irishthump]

Wonderful work. That's a really nice scene.

[Noel]

Cracking good diorama

[Rush and Lusk]

Hi Irishmail,

Thank you for the positive comments 

George 

Hi irishthump,

Thank you for the very encouraging comments. 

George

Hello Noel,

Greatly appreciate the positive comment 

George 

[Rush and Lusk]

Thank you Broithe, KMCE, BosKonay, Billlycan, Murrayec 

Thank you DJ Dangerous 

[JasonB]

Brilliant stuff. Some really nice detailing there. 

[David Holman]

Looks very effective to me. Well done you.

[Rush and Lusk]

Thank you so much JasonB and David - very much appreciated 

George 

[Rob]

Very very good indeed-  excellent

[Rush and Lusk]

You are most kind Rob - thank you for the encouragement.

George 

[the Bandon tank]

I love the rusted rail in the siding, well done.

[Bob229]

Excellent work and this is your first attempt, also shows the various A Class very well 

[ttc0169]

Well done George,you have many useful talents,look forward to more updates

[Galteemore]

What all of them said! Great work, well done! 

[jhb171achill]

Just found this now. A proper little gem - very well done indeed, and I also like the rusted siding. Very nicely lit photos too - very realistic.

[DB JOE]

lovely work!!!! well done!!

[Mike 84C]

 

First attempt? I look forward to seeing more of your excellent work.       

[2996 Victor]

Beautiful work, absolutely superb!

Cheers,

Mark

[skinner75]

Perfect for testing out skills before tackling a large scale layout - looks amazing!

[Rush and Lusk]

Hello All,

I want to extend my sincerely thanks to the Bandon tank, Bob229, ttc0169, Galteemore, jhb171achill, DB JOE, Mike 84c, 2996 Victor and skinner75 -  and all those who very kindly pressed the "like" and "WOW" buttons.

I am genuinely buoyed-up and flattered by all the incredibly positive and encouraging responses, particularly from such a body of accomplished and experienced railway modellers.

Thank you sincerely,

George  

PS - I hope to possibly meet some of you in Wexford

[Adrian]

Well done George, great debut!

[Gabhal Luimnigh]

Just found this, that's a great little layout, well done. 

[Rush and Lusk]

Oh, Thank You Adrian & Gabhal Luimnigh - much appreciated