Re: OGR, Run 262, Norm Charbonneau

Fabulous layout!  Very inspiring.

Norm Charbonneau's layout is a masterpiece of Model Train Art.

Was!

Hey, Bruce, watch it with those 25-cent words!  I'll have to look that one up! 

 

But Norm sure had one spectacular layout (and I'm sure he'll have another) that deserved to receive some extra coverage before it was dismantled.

 

It was fun working with Norm on this project, and judging from the e-mail I have received, a lot of folks have enjoyed it.  I just wish I had 1/100th of the talent to do my modeling at such a high level.  I tend to be more of an out-of-the-box guy, but we all enjoy the hobby in different ways and I, for one, enjoy seeing layouts of all types--large, small, toy train, hi-rail, and everything in between. 

Norm the modern John Allen, both have attained the highest level of model railroading.

 

Jack

Thanks a lot guys, glad you liked the article of my now-dismantled layout. I am getting ready to have my new basement space finished in preparation for the next layout. I am looking forward to getting my new workshop set up, then I can finalize the layout plans along with the hangout/man cave space.

Norm is a god.  He strides like a mighty colossus among us.  Our lives are better for having viewed his layout.

Without question, Norm's modeling is in a league of its own.  And for folks who are still perplexed at where to begin their layout planning, just take a look at Norm's track plan. I'm in awe at the simplicity of the plan itself, yet what Norm has accomplished proves quality is so much more important than quantity.  

 

Can't wait to see the next chapter unfold, Norm!

 

David

I will have to read the article. After the Detroit 3 trailers visit and my head spinning in awe. I have changed my modeling tactics to finish more of my scenes. However, I still don't have the nerve to weather my engines, for fear of ruining them. Norm has got it down. I cannot wait to see your next creation!

Norm's Layout was simply amazing.  I am glad is it photographed and Archived.  I am glad that he is going to build something new as I am convinced it will be as much or even more a show stopper as the last one.

 

-Ted

Norm's got the touch!

Well said, David!  And so very true!

As Norm said in Lionel Nation 2, "it's really just a weathered toy train layout"(or something close to that), simple, beautiful and elegant. I look forward to the next one

I think we are having a Norm Charbonneau Day at Mercer Junction.

 

He is an artist!

 

Dave

Good Lord Bruce don't use words like "ameliorated". I think my uncle had that done to a hog once. There are children here.

Norm, the best layout ever. Thank you. It's interesting taking down a layout and moving. I'm building my new layout without a finished plan because of changes we are doing in the house. Love the old layout. Don 

I'm stopping by the newstand tomorrow to buy the issue (I hope it is on the shelf!)

I stumbled upon Norm's Blog 3 years ago when I started in O gauge.   I was all set to do a classic toy train layout when he opened my eyes to the possibilities of realistic Hi-Rail.   I was hooked. 

Thanks, Norm, for again sharing your creation.

Bob

Our last club visit to Norm's was just before the take down. I usually pass my OGRs on to a club member but I will keep this issue.(sorry john) Yes the track plan was simple in design but who noticed as we poured over all the scenes. The early afternoon turned to darkness all too soon that day. Can't wait to see what scenes Norm paints for his new layout. No I could never weather my engines but he sure makes them look right.. .As a side note one member ran his engine that day and it really looked out of place all shiny and new...Jim

 Man, I missed out again. I would have loved to have even a part of that one. If you're not too busy Norm, stop by and build something over here... so you don't get rusty!!!

When I first looked at Norm's layout pictorial in OGR, I almost felt like tearing down my entire layout and giving up on the hobby. I thought I had a nice layout but it pales in comparison to Norm's. But after awhile I realized that I am doing this as a hobby and not as a competition. I get extreme pleasure out of seeing something added to my layout that I built or painted or whatever that enhances the look of the layout. We all can't be Norm, but we can emulate him as best we can and enjoy both his talent and our own layouts.

Norm, your old layout has always been an inspiration for me, and I'm eagerly waiting to see the progress on your new layout.

 

Will you be sticking with the Atlas O track on the new rebuild, or possibly going a different route?

Fantastic photos. Norm has that natural touch to blend and detail so much in every square inch of his layout. He has a talent that no matter how hard I try, it does not come out even close. Well done Norm and thanks for your contributions to the forum.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Norm and his wife when they visited my club's Christmas layout exhibit here in Traverse City.  Very nice couple, and he even bought one of our club cars.  I'm looking forward to seeing what he'll do next.

 

John

 

WWW.NMRRC.ORG

I've been following Norm's layout progress for quiet sometime. I've learned so much from his superb craftsmanship. His modeling is as real as it get's.

 

Thanks, Alex

Sweet Job Norm !  I really appreciated all of it.

Okay - Tony Lash's is down, check; Norm's is down, check; I only have like 4264 more layouts to go and mine will be right up there!!!!  

Tony Lash's HUGE layout came down? When? I remember seeing it in the "Great MTH Model Railroads" series about 10 years ago.

His sidewalk is broken.

You think he could at least fix it.

 

 

To avoid any misinterpretation of my comments, let me first say that I absolutely loved the pictoral display of Norm's fabulous once-been layout.

 

But I also enjoy reading text about the layout - especially when there's a paragraph or 2 detailing some technique or process used to do a particular task shown in one of the pictures.  I like learning something while reading.  Yes, I picked up some scenery ideas from viewing Norm's pictures - not what I meant though.

 

Not a harsh criticism I hope.

 

- walt

It's layouts like this one as well as SIRT's work, Rich Battista's, and several others here that really inspired me to go in the direction of realistic high-rail.

Previously I had wanted to build an elaborate Postwar style layout, but after seeing in person the amazing recreation of Lionel's 1948 Showroom layout in Jackson MS years ago, the appeal sort of passed. That was the epitome of toy train layouts.

I found myself thinking "Nice as the toy layouts are it's really hard to beat a realistic O gauge setup with the larger size and presence'. Most of us have probably looked at some of the amazing HO layouts around but the small size can be a turnoff.

I'd love to see some Large Scale setups with the quality of realism seen here on Norm's!

Lol

 

Sam, I'm with you 1,000%.  Despite the charm of the post-war style layouts -- where as you say the epitome of which was the Lionel 1948/1949 Showroom layout -- I find myself much more drawn to the realism of hi-rail layouts.  Each style has it's own merits... neither is "better" than the other... as long as we maximize the enjoyment factor of the style we ultimate choose to model.

 

David

Norm's layout was my idea of what a realistically scenic-ed layout should look like. His was THE layout I would study photos of to learn structure building and detailing techniques. I even scratchbuilt a small depot based on the one he had made.

 

I'm eager to see what things Norm does differently on his next layout. I greatly look forward to seeing updates once he begins.

Inspirational, indeed!

 

Just to reinforce Allan's comments in the brief write-up of Run 262, the new TM Video, World Class HiRail Layouts, Part Four, featuring Norm's layout among others, is excellent.  We've been playing it on the store DVD player for the customers' benefit.

 

What's not mentioned is that Norm shows his weathering technique on a locomotive as part of the Bonus section of this video.  Norm discusses his philosophy of weathering in the main section featuring his layout.  Then, in the bonus section he actually works his magic on a new loco...one of those 'bridges' I personally have yet to cross...but probably will....someday.

 

Looking forward to Norm's new layout!

 

KD

Norm has an incredible eye for interpreting old railroad scenes and creating a realistic presentation on a layout. Model railroading is a fine art and Norm is a fine artist.

Thoroughly enjoyed seeing Norms layout again. And, a picture IS worth a thousand words. 

Not my idea for the use of 9 pages. Norm's layout and modeling skills are fantastic. I love his videos, which, IMO, are MUCH BETTER than still shots. I would have liked some modeling hints from Norm or why he did something one way versus another.

 

There's only one magazine where pictures alone are sufficient, and it ain't OGR.

 

Gerry

No, Gerry, it wasn't your idea.  It was my idea.  

 

You have to understand that Norm was in the process of moving to a new home--with all that is involved in that stressful and time-consuming situation--and tearing down his fine layout--also stressful.  He offered to shoot a series of photos for us and I was more than delighted to publish them.  He did not have the time to write a lot of text, and I took care of that.  But for anyone who can't learn a whole lot from viewing Norm's still photos...well, I can only offer them my sincere sympathies.

 

I'm looking forward to working closely with him in the future as he starts on his new layout.

Norms detailing is inspiring. I have started weathering a few cars into a nice "AGED" consist. Dont yet have the skill set / nerve to go there yet with a high end engine. Thoroughly enjoyed norms segments on the Lionel Nation and Hi Rail classic videos. 

THANKS Norm

Steve

Truly awork of art.