Master Model Railroader Gerry Leone has been one of Trains.com’s most recognized and most prolific contributors for many years running. From the pages of various Model Railroader magazines, special-issues, and books, to the numerous video series he’s hosted for Model Railroader Video Plus, Trains.com, Trains.com Video, and Model Railroader DVDs, you’ll find he’s all about sharing clever insights that help make the hobby more accessible! But there are still many intriguing things he has yet to reveal…at least until now!
For the first time – and only here on Trains.com Video – you’ll have a chance to venture behind the scenes and all about the spaces and places adjacent to his famed Bona Vista HO scale layout! Come along as Gerry guides you on an extensive (20+ minutes!), in-depth tour of his workshop; workbench; hidden, under-layout locations; and even an collection of treasured documents from notable hobby pioneers!
Plenty of gems here that you won’t want to miss in this Trains.com Unlimited member-exclusive bonus video!
Wow. Organization and storage to the max. What was missing were the storage areas and their structure for locos and freight/passenger cars not in use. I frequently swap cars from layout to storage and vice versa, and use sets of drawers in wheeled carts. A separate smaller cart holds locos.
If you are like most of us, the number of locos and rolling stock owned quite exceeds the limit the layout can use. I expect your solution is as amazing as this current storage episode. So maybe another unveiling of your solutions?
Unbelievably to most model railroaders, the only locos I own are on the layout — there are only 8 of them. And almost all the freight cars I own are also on the layout — something like 85. A handful of others are RIP track candidates.
Gerry, thanks much for sharing your behind the scenes work space and storage. I have just a fraction of the stuff you do but almost eerily I have it organized similarly. I love the way you used the drawer space in the desk where the sewing machine would go. The only thing i didn’t see was a copy of The Model Railroader’s Handbook! Mine is within hand reach on the shelf beside me. Oh, wait, the man who wrote the book doesn’t need a copy!! ?
HAHA, Don. You’d be surprised the number of times I’ve had to refer to my own book for something! That’s what made me write it in the first place!
As always, Gerry, I learn a bunch from watching your videos. I can only wish that my workshop was even 10% as organized as yours. Watching I noticed that, on the right side of your work bench, is what looked like a bottle of Crafter’s Pick Ultimate Super Glue. I have become a big fan of this product for any number of jobs, and I see you seem to have had the same problem I have had – if you leave it standing upright on your work bench it becomes almost impossible to get it to flow from the tip. As always, however, you seem to have come up with a much more elegant solution than my sticking it upside down in the side of a drawer. Could you explain the rig you seem to have set up so it is handy and also tip down? Many, many thanks for all you have done to make me a better modeler.
Thanks for the kind words, Albert! I LOVE Crafter’s Pick glue and like you, use it for all kinds of stuff. The “rig” is as basic as you can get: a square piece of 2×4, and a large bottle cap that I drilled a hole in that accommodates the Crafter’s Pick nozzle. I just glued the bottle cap — with Crafter’s Pick — to the 2×4. It’s “caveman,” but it works!
It took me about 4 months to organize my train stuff. You have some really good ideas. I my add I used a filing cabinet to house my styreen sheet and have it in folders with the size. I also leave the sleeve so I know what to reorder.
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What a great behind the scenes tour. I am always excited to see a new Gerry Leone video posted on Trains.com and never disappointed! I know I will be entertained, learn something useful and leave with a smile. Thanks.
Thanks for the very kind words, Sam! I appreciate it!
You have a “Beautiful Mind” Gerry! Thanks for the little peak into what I may grow into. I am well on my way!!
Keep chugging along, Ken!
Happy New Year Gerry to you and your family!
Love Year End bonuses – is the check in the mail? 🙂
Erlenmeyer flasks – reminds me of my high school chemistry days – great idea for their use!
Can’t wait for the next video on Westcott as I see you have done a lot more scenery work
And the “good ole days” of typewritten letters!
Thanks again
Artie