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Video: Tour Gerry Leone’s HO scale Bona Vista RR
This video was exceptionally well done. I liked the explanation of the layout using the graphic design reference points. Gerry is an excellent modeler and something about his mellow toned voice really holds my interest in his descriptive narration of the BVRR. I’ve read many of his articles in MRR magazine and his level of detail with structures and landscapes is very impressive. Check out his website to learn more. Excellent Job!
Ads I am setting up and “de-bugging” my plans for my “final” railroad, I have found a tremendous inspiration in this video. I wish Garry a great deal of good luck with this next layout. Thanks again, Garry, for the “shot in the arm”.
Rich Cormier
Great video of a great layout, thanks for sharing! Gerry, will go to your website to see what’s coming next 
What a nice layout. Too bad it had to go but what an opportunity for your next one! I also like how you named some places after the hobby’s greats. It brought back many memories. Thanks!
Wow, that was a really FINE layout tour! One of the best such videos that I have ever seen. Good production, effective narration and a good explanation about the how and why of the railroad. There was so much good stuff in this video tour that I need to watch it again, and maybe another time before my next work session on my layout. Thanks!
I always look forward to ANYTHING done by Gerry Leone! I eagerly await each article and video in which he explains, clearly and concisely, how he has accomplished whatever he’s been working on, in a warm & friendly tone that makes him easy to understand, and inspires one to say “Yeah, I think I could do that!” Thanks, Gerry, and good luck with the next layout!
Wow Gerry what a great layout and the town of Wescott looked like a rockin place. I really liked the town scenes and the innovative use of a crossing RR as your DCC programming track, brilliant. The ending was sad to see that masterpiece being taken apart, but I’m sure the new one will just as good if not better. Thanks for sharing your work.
Fantastic layout and video. I have followed Mr. Leone’s layout since 2006 and loosely based mine on his track plan with necessary modifications (smaller space). Gerry has an eye and talent for excellent model railroading and it is a pleasure to see his layout in articles in MR. I am sure his new BVRR will be even better. Thanks for all the encouragement you provide to others.
I was able to visit the BV numerous times and participated in an op session just before the layout was dismantled. It looked even better in person and the replacement should be even better.
Great layout, Gerry. The next one will be even better!
D.
Thank you, everyone – I really appreciate your kind words and interest. The BV III (as I call it) was a pleasure to build and operate, and I’m tickled that I got a layout to that stage of completeness in my lifetime. I’m even more tickled that it got to be immortalized one last time in GMR. The new BV (the BV IV, a multi-deck layout in two basement rooms) is coming along well – my goal is to have the full mainline up and running by Thanksgiving. It’s been an engineering challenge! www.bonavistarailroad.com .
Sorry to see a fallen flag. Good luck on the move. I did the same thing a year ago, moved 900 miles. My railway is being redesigned to fit my new place. Your layout looked fantastic and I’m sure the new one will be great as well.
This was an absolutely beautiful layout (I never had the pleasure, I’m just enjoying the video) soothingly narrated by its builder. An excellent presentation, and hats off to those involved in its production. The scenery is fantastic, and the blending of the 3D scenery and the buildings at the rear of the scenes into the backdrops is perfect. Also, the train room looks impeccable, and the entire layout has a nice, finished appearance. This video merits several views. Man, I’d cry if I had to dismantle something that fine, but we all can assume Gerry’s next effort will be even better. Okay, if permitted one criticism I would offer that the corporate “bv” insignia on the locos and rolling stock looks too hip and current-day for 1953. I doubt a font or even the fictitious advertising/promotion department that created it existed back then. Perhaps in the 1970s, yes, but not in the early '50s.
Excellent layout! Fantastic what has been done in such little space. Very inspiring. Also love the format of the video, showing where the scenes are in relation to the track plan, as well as following the main from start to end. Well done!
Beautiful layout and I really enjoyed the whole layout tour presentation of the video.
What a fantastic Railroad! The detail was incredible, you really are a master craftsman!!!
Wow, does it get any better than this? A perfect transition era layout, and, a superlative display of effort! I was six years old in 1953. Considering era and detail depicted, you’ve hit a home a grand slam! The video shows consistent genius through every inch of the layout. Looking forward to your next build!
Ron Pope, Toronto, Canada.
This was best display and showing of a layout that I have ever seen.
No sense here for me to say anything. It’s already been said many times, but I’ll just add one word, WOW!