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Video: the HO scale Southern Ry. Rathole Division
Bob’s layout is one of the most fantastic examples of the ability to conceptualize then bring that concept to fruition that I have ever seen. What a pleasure to witness his applied talents! It’s even better when you realize what a great individual Bob is! Thanks, Bob, for sharing with the model railroad community. Thanks, MR, for bringing this outstanding layout to the magazine and video.
Fantastic scenery and weathering. Really liked the stream in the opening sequence. Also appreciated the overall pan of the room at the end of the video as well when you get a feel for the true size of the layout. Excellent effort Bob!
Love the lighting effects especially on the buildings
Beau “T” Ful
Spectacular is right. It is one of the best examples I have seen of blending steam and 1st generation Diesel, as well as a great effort with the scenery and buildings.
What a beautiful layout! I have always loved the Southern RR since I first saw high hood diesels in the black tuxedo scheme running through my home own as a kid. Thank you Bob for bringing the Southern to life. I also love how Bob was able to work in non-Sou prototype engines (the D&SL 2-6-6-2) into a his loyout, amd it looks right! i am now inspired to change bring more Southern style to my freelanced layout.
Congratulations, Bob. I well remember visiting you and photographing some of your early dioramas back in the 1980s when I was still new at MR. It’s a pleasure to see what a wonderful model railroad you’ve created.
Bob Lawson’s Southern Railway is unbelievable! I wish that I had the talent, time, and space for a layout like this one.
Bob, you’ve done it again! I am starting a model of SR’s line from Spartanburg to Charlotte. I hope someday I can show you the plan and get your input! (Oh, and if you are on Facebook, come and join the Southern Railway Modelers Page – there are lots of kindred spirits there for you to encourage!)
Bob has a super detailed layout of museum quality. My wife is making curtains for the layout. She has installed about 150 ft so far and still has the other side to go.
As a modeler who concentrates on diorama more than layout I am awed by the extent, action and sounds of this amazing layout. I found myself pausing often to examine as closely as the pixels on my screen would allow the brilliant landscapes, buildings and all around environment of the layout. Congratulations to Mr Lawson on creating one of those layouts that is added to my personal favorites which started with John Allen, progressed through George Selios and Bob Smaus and the wonderful ‘City Limits’ layout. Thank you Mr Lawson. Lessons are of great value and a day spent without learning something is a day wasted…you have certainly made today a non-wasted day.
Thanks also to Model Railroader in keeping us all aware of what CAN be achieved…what great inspiration we receive every month!!!
Great work on the layout Bob. Nice to see you back in print.
FANTASTIC
A very nice layout and clearly one with smooth, realistic operations. A layout of this magnitude and detail, always reminds me of the Gorre and Daphetid of John Allen. What continually confounds me is how one can find the time, and the space, not only to build one of these layouts, but to maintain it!
Perhaps if we could arrange for 72 hour days ; ) ?
Really nice layout. Quite enjoyable to watch. And sound equipped models have made such a difference in model rr videos - I’ve become such a sound nut now. Greatly enhances the experience.
I always enjoy seeing Bob’s work! He is one of the inspirations for my layout. I also model the Southern Railway and its always good to see the old Southern come alive again!
Greta layout. Wish I was still back in the midwest so I could drive down to Cincinnatti to look you up. I remember visiting with you and seeing your layout in Danville, KY and I thought is was great but you have outdone yourself again. Keep up the great modeling.
Great layout! I really enjoyed how so much detail was applied to the whole layout. Especially in the buildings!
Of-course it’s a great layout, but I’m surprised how much ‘old-school’ stuff is used as the glob’s of green lycan and older scenery methods. (and they all work fine, but?) I like to know how his over head track lighting system is set up? Over all, very impressive in deed… well done. !