Testimonials of Model Railroading Layouts
- John Sullivan - Bedford, Massachusetts
My N-Scale ‘Buzzards Cove’ layout began on a standard hollow core door some 16 years ago when my wife and I moved into our current home. I had seen an example for this layout in a magazine and I loved the fact that it had two coves/inlets, a long ocean beach with surf, a lighthouse, a small stream and a waterfall. As my modeling years went on, I was inspired by fellow modeler, Geoff Nott, whose waterfall work has been featured in several issues of ‘Model Railroader’ magazine. As a result of contacting Geoff and his mentoring, I made my first waterfall/gorge diorama which I aptly named ‘Nott’s Gorge’.
I really enjoy doing water scenes, whether it’s oceans, lakes, rivers, harbors, or waterfalls. I love the fine scale detail that N-scale affords me. With N-Scale I find that you can put a lot into a small area and make it look extremely realistic.
I reached one point where I had several individual pieces that were “unconnected dioramas,” so the next step was to devise a plan and a place to incorporate them into one contiguous layout, which would also allow me to continue growing my railroad and add many more scenes.My model railroad has since grown from a ‘door’ into what is now a 22’x7’ N-Scale layout that includes a full size harbor and town called ‘Crystal Falls’ along with several mountains, pine forests, lakes, Nott’s Gorge and the original ‘Buzzards Cove’ layout.
Besides making water, I also love making highly detailed boats and my water scenes show plenty of them.
The town was named because of the two latest large and intricate flowing waterfalls that I’ve built here coming off a steep mountainside.
The layout continues to be a work in progress because of the amount of time it takes to create intricate detail, which is the challenge I like to put into my work.One of the things that has helped me with my scenic creations is the wide use of a variety of Woodland Scenics products. Many of the various rock castings were done using their rock molds, hydrocal and Undercoat Pigments. Aside from using real dirt, I also use a wide range of Woodland Scenics ground foams, landscape, and terrain products in conjunction with clump foliage. For many of the wooded areas and along the river edges I like using Woodland Scenics Fine-Leaf Foliage.For the waterfalls, I’ve used their Realistic Water, and Water Effects with some excellent results. Additionally, I have been incorporating many other Woodland Scenics ‘Scenic Accents’ N-Scale figures throughout my layout, as well as using several different tunnel portals.
In addition, although you cannot see it now, the inclines in both rail and roadways were done using Woodland Scenics flex-foam risers that I generally used with incline starters to create varying grades or to meet bridges and roadway levels.The layout is mostly freelance and is of no particular place. It’s just an amalgamation of sea and what would be a mountainous area indicative of the Pacific Northwest or Coastal Maine.There is still a lot to be done… but that’s the fun part of the hobby in creating and seeing your dreams become a reality. After all – “It’s the greatest hobby in the world!”John Sullivan - Mike Satke
My layout is small, compared to some of my friends, at 10' X 14' in the shape of an L. It has staging behind the scenery with six tracks. The two mainline tracks are routed to the rear of the visible part of the layout to allow easier access to the industries' sidings for operation. N scale allowed me to get a fair amount of real estate in a small area without crowding. - Alan Goldberg
Here are some of the photos I mentioned earlier. All the ground foam, ballast, rocks, and the station parking lot (Pave It, Asphalt Coloring) are your products...
Woodland Scenics is used by a majority of the modelers (our membership is approaching 100). As a former business owner, Woodland Scenics is well run, innovative and creative. You seem to be coming out with new products continually (a most difficult thing to do) and improving the ones you have. If I wanted to follow a good business model Woodland Scenics is definitely a great model.Alan GoldbergPresident Villages Railroad Historical Society - Steven Gugal
Hi,
I saw the HO Scale Country Store Expansion and have my fingers crossed you will do it in N Scale soon. My hobby shop - Moose Caboose got one HO Scale (Country Store Expansion) a couple weeks ago...just a day or two later it was already sold and gone. He has since gotten more. I have all of your current N Scale (Built-&-Ready) Structures on my layout and love them.
...you may want to clue people in that the garage can be separated from the office on the gas station (Fill'er Up & Fix'er). I did it in N and showed a buddy (who models) in HO and he did it too. See how nice the garage on its own works as a back woods West Virginia type mechanics garage! Plus, you can see your Harrison's and if you look closely you'll see the corner pool hall too.
Here's another angle on it...I didn't have the lighting set right, but you get the idea.
...this is where the other half is going to be located...still a work in progress in that area of the layout.Steven Gugal
CEO Garden Metal Models, Inc.
- David Bol - Denver, Colorado
(My layout) is only 11' x 22' but it was inspired by the original Gorre and Daphetid and has floor to ceiling mountains. It is modeled in the current era with some slippage into the 50's with the rolling stock...my favorite piece of rolling stock is a 40's boxcar. I have no steam locomotive power - all diesel. I have lived in my current home for 20 years and once I accommodated the needs of my girls with basement remodeling, I began building my layout bench work. I worked primarily on it during the winters. Like a lot of model railroaders - started with a train set that my parents got me as an early childhood Christmas gift and have never given up the hobby.
All of my landscaping materials are Woodland Scenic, from the 300+ lbs of Hydrocal to the washes and ultimately the 1000+ pine trees (yes, all Woodland Scenics)...and depicts railroading in the Rocky Mountains. (The) floor to ceiling mountains (are) made from over 300lbs of your lightweight Hydrocal and the Plaster Cloth. It has all the items associated with mountains: tunnels (with Woodland Scenics portals), several scratch built bridges, both wooden and plastic (and) ultimately over a thousand people (yes, all are Woodland Scenics), water and waterfalls (yes, all Woodland Scenic water products) and lots of other accents.
It also is a perspective picture. I have a viewing platform that I am standing on. Below me is a 14-track yard that can handle 275 N scale cars. The mountain that appears to have the sun setting on it is actually 15 feet from this point. The far mountain goes to the back wall, which is 22' away.
I actually do have trains. Here is the new Kato SD 70MAC. Notice your bike riders trying to keep up with the train! (Here’s) a little mini scene that you can see the location of from the previous picture. It’s about 50% complete as well. Notice all the Woodland Scenic people!
This is a perspective picture. You are looking at about 14 feet of mountains (that are) about 50% complete. Here are two canyons on either side of the rock outcropping in the middle. Down both sides of the outcropping will be your water effects simulating waterfalls. They will cascade approximately 30"...this winter’s projects...need to paint a backdrop first...
This should be a poster for Woodland Scenics...shows you my commitment to using your products!
Here is a corner of the Rocky Mountains under construction! The mountains start (at) about 36" and go to within 8" of the ceiling. To put the size of this picture in perspective, there are half dozen N scale cars in the lower left corner. All of it is your Hydrocal, your coloring, and of course, your pine trees. The building underneath the bridge is a hotel under construction using the DPM modular system parts. All bridges were scratch built to fit specific spans.
This is a scratch built bridge to fill that gap. It is over 2 feet long and approximately 2 feet from the ground below. Most of the rockwork is created from your castings. All of it is lightweight Hydrocal and the earth coloring dyes are yours as well. The green hillside behind it now has over 80 of your pine trees with ground cover that completely hides that track in the back where you see a train. Finally, there is growth around your portal, all around the base of the bridge, and in this "cove,” is a custom-built hotel built from your DPM modular parts. The two structures that you see there were temporary; the water tower is approximately 4" tall to put the scene in perspective.
David Bol - Denver, Colorado
- Rick Abramson
I very much appreciate your nice compliments on my layout. As promised, I re-shot the harbor and other scenes with Woodland Scenics products yesterday. The era I am modeling of the New Haven RR is the mid-50s to 1968. The location is between Bridgeport and New Haven, CT including the catenary, along with the Waterbury Branch and the Maybrook Line utilizing selective compression. The layout is 19' X 12'.
I've been model railroading since 1956 and have always been a fan of the New Haven and electric locomotives. In 1968, I went to work for the New Haven and have been in the railroad industry to date. I am a locomotive engineer and currently Superintendent of Operations for the Housatonic RR which operates over the former New Haven RR Berkshire and Maybrook lines.
Regards,
Rick Abramson - Harry Dinsen
I am an Eastern expatriate: New Jersey until 1967 when I enlisted in the Army. I’ve been around the world and back seven times...retiring in 1987 from 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, CO. Model railroading became one of my numerous hobbies when growing up starting with the mandatory Lionel layout, graduating to HO scale – a Tyco set at Christmas when I was in sixth grade.
My layout, Coal Belt Lines, owned and operated by the Allegheny & Eastern Transportation Corporation is HO scale...The theme or purpose of the CBL (Coal Belt Lines) is coal hauling...from the central region of Pennsylvania, the Hazelton – Wilkes-Barre areas. The setting is the transition period of Penn Central to Conrail c. 1972 – 1985. The CBL is a product of major corporate frustration with the current rail transportation situation in 1968. The CBL is a hodge-podge of prime movers and rolling stock purchased third hand but the new owners of the CBL (which) soon...(became) a major player in the rail transportation system in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The (layout) intent was to work with as much of the actual area as I was able and to fill in with towns I literally had to dream up.
The (twenty-four year old) layout literally fills the basement of the house....1,092 sq ft...four ft. wide at major points to eighteen inches...picture a capital C. The first section built is what is now Radnor; South Palmerton was second: I pretty much worked in reverse order on the towns, Porterville, which represents the big anthracite coal mining town and its attendant railroad was somewhere around last. Higgins Corner, a small Allegheny mountain mining town is itself another story.
As you can see, I have attached several pictures of DPM structures that I have severally kitbashed and a couple that were built using the modular kit sections. Also, note that all but three of the railroad stations are boarded up...the late 70’s and rail passenger service on a steep decline and regional service is all but gone. The apartments, which I modified...I got that idea long time ago from an article in MR on kitbashing add-ons which again in real-world practice seems to go without saying in major eastern cities.
The structure I used for both buildings was the Laube's Linen Mill. The only change I made to the Recycle Center was to add the dust cyclone. However, the Abandoned Tool & Die company was a bit harder to decide what I wanted to do with the building. Recognize the truck? I e-mailed these to a guy at work who is just getting started in the hobby for his critique. He asked me, "Where did you find the truck? That's Great!” I explained to him about DPM (and) Woodland Scenics line of vehicles, many of which fit the region and era I am modeling.
I couldn't remember if I sent the pictures of the back side of the same Town House set that I used in South Palmerton, I used them in Porterville. I added the backsides to change the appearance of the buildings. I did similar with the ones in South Palmerton. ~ Harry Dinsen
- Jeffrey A BrownDear Sirs...I recently bought a Scenic Ridge layout kit, and it was missing Portals. I called your service rep, and wow what a breath of fresh air. First of all, she had a pulse, which in this day and age is a rarity. She was one of the most polite and nicest people I have talked to, and she promptly took care of my problem. I have always thought Woodland Scenics was cutting edge...in my opinion, with all their new products, they have done for N scale scenery, what Kato has done for N scale locomotives...on top of all that, you get this kind of service. Way to set the standard, you are what all others should be gauged by! Your very satisfied customer...Jeffrey a Brown
- Richard Sadow, St. Augustine, Florida
I used to have trains as a boy and when I went off to college my parents decided to lend them to family. They were never returned in good condition, just bits and pieces, so I decided that one day I would like to create a railway. I retired in June of 2008 and started working on my (4 x 8 HO) layout. Went to a model store to get ideas and saw your product, which I liked. Started with a few items since I wanted to make a city and a few States in such small space...created an orange grove and a farmhouse...then worked on houses... (and) streets, which...had to be occupied by people.
The town had a residential area where the population did lawn work, washed cars, played ball, and of course, had parties. My grandchildren, 5 and 7, started to show interest so we had to have a car show with the cars from Cars, a playground, and swimming pool...Created a summer beach and a fall one; with swimmers versus canoe and surf fishing in between. My grandchildren and I love the beach and I am teaching them how to catch a whopper. What is Fall without football and a community without a park and jogging path? Checkers, horseshoes, a band and food venders followed thanks to Woodland. My daughter loves camping so two camping sites. Kite flying was too neat of a product not to purchase and of course we needed auto mechanics to help out those in distress...
The long and short of it is that Woodland offers so many options that one can create anything they desire and use their imagination fully. That is what is so neat about your product. I hope to share model railroading with my granddaughters in the future and plan to expand to the desert and wilderness. I know Woodland will give me many options.
- Pamela Mathews, Rio Vista, California
"...I am a retired female who recently joined a railroad modeling club... to get started, I bought the Grand Valley Layout Kit...This is an excellent kit, especially for beginners. Instructions are clear with picture illustrations. It certainly stimulates your creativity and allows you to make modifications with ease, if you want. I changed the track layout…so I could build an amusement park instead. I bought the hot glue gun and hot wire foam cutter that were recommended. They are excellent and easy to use. Your Web site offers lots of ideas and further instructions to enhance your modeling skills…This is an excellent activity for grandparents and grandkids to do together, and I encourage females to try it…The Grand Valley Layout Kit is a great way to get started on a pastime that can keep your interest for a long time..." - Markus Kretzschmar, New Brunswick, Canada
“Back in Germany, my father had a small layout when he was young, so it was only natural (that) when he came to Canada and had kids that he would introduce this great hobby to us...About a year ago (when I was 14), I was looking for something fun to do (and) I picked a model railroad. I bought the Grand Valley (Layout Kit) because it looked good and seemed to be easy to build.
I really enjoyed building it; the steps were quite simple and easy to follow, and on the few occasions when there was a problem, your excellent service team promptly got me the answers I needed...I was able to modify it easily to (make) a small German Village in Southern Bavaria...A major addition was made by my father in the electrical department (including) about 40 lights to illuminate the interior of the buildings and streetlights. The effect of these lights is spectacular at night.
The era of my railroad is the mid-1960’s in southern Bavaria in a town called Benediktbeuern. So, all in all, this was, in my opinion money extremely well spent. Your products are incredibly well built, well designed and very realistic...your terrain system is very simple...(and your) technical support wonderful and I look forward to many wonderful years of model railroading with your products.”
- George Hastings
Hello...I used many Woodland Scenics products creating (my) layout. First thing I started was a "mountain"...then I got better at it. It's amazing what a marginally capable person can do with your products and a little practice or instruction.
- Bryan Benning, Pevensey Bay, U.K.
"...Hello. I have just completed your Scenic Ridge kit, and I must say I'm extremely pleased with the outcome. This was my first kit-based layout, and now I'm looking forward to building a larger layout with your Mod-U-Rail system. Once again, many thanks for such a great system. I was quite surprised how easy it was to obtain your products in the U.K being that you are an American company. Many of my friends are now going to purchase the kit with a view to adapting it to an English setting…No doubt, once the first one has been completed, we will also post you the photos. Kind regards..." - Keith M. Bartram, UK
…Hi Folks. Brilliant products! I am returning to the railway scene (British Profile, L.N.E.R.) after a 'lay-off' of twenty years! I am working in 'N Gauge' and this is the first time I have used your products. I don't intend to use any other, because you can't beat your realism. You give the novice the confidence to have a go. Keep up the 'Good Work'… - Louis Anderson, Woodland, CA
…Last Christmas I decided to treat myself, due to a very good year at work, and I purchased the Grand Valley Layout Kit, along with the Atlas track kit and Woodland Scenics City & Industry Kit. Building the layout has provided me with numerous hours of enjoyment. The instruction book, along with your Web site and the Scenery Manual have made it a very easy project.
Your systems are easy to use and when I get tired of working on the layout itself, I can always work on the buildings or accessories. Yes, I've made many mistakes, as this is my first layout, but the Woodland Scenics methods make them easy to correct, adjust, or even cover up if I don't want to tear something out. After over 45 years of building scale models (all types) I see my layout as a 4x8-foot, really cool diorama, as much as I see it as a model railroad. It's a lot of fun, and I can start and stop when I want to. I'll eventually be adding more roads and a river and waterfall.
Thanks for a wonderful year and keep those great products coming. P.S. I like the improvements on the Web site.
- Patrick Anderson
Woodland Scenics was approached by a serviceman, Second Lieutenant Patrick Anderson, serving in Baghdad, Iraq, who was working on starting the first ever Baghdad Model Railroaders Club with donations. We sent the River Pass Layout Kit, Scenery Kit and Building Kits and a River Pass Track Pack to the club, plus some Ballast, Coal, figures, adhesives and tools. They have been working on their layout in their spare time and here are some of the pictures Patrick sent.
Woodland Scenics is happy to have made the days of the Baghdad Model Railroaders a little brighter with our donations. We want the men and women of our armed servcies and The Coalition to know that we are so very proud of them. We want to thank them all so much for their sacrifice and service to our nation!
- David Bauman, Oaklawn, IL
…I have recently purchased your River Pass Kits, and just wanted to let you, and any of your customers, know how easy it was to put together. Your kit even allows for you to add on or adjust as you see fit. I just thought I would drop a line to tell your company to keep up the good work…
Second Letter
…I would like to give an update on the project of your Woodland Scenics River Pass Kits. First as I stated before, it has been a simple kit to work with. However the Building Kit is a little more detailed, and has slowed me down, but it is going well. Thanks again for your detailed scenic kits…
- George Blyton, Alma, MI
…I am just now using your products to finish my HO layout that I started almost fifteen years ago, but due to job requirements, health, loss of my wife, and other factors, I never got around to completing. I am now eighty years old, and finished with the Ballast, now ready to add ground cover, trees and roads. Your many items are making this hobby easier for a man of my age. Your Web site has shown me what you have, and will allow me to use my time to the best advantage. I have entered your #TS 152 Caboose & Sand Facility as "wallpaper" on my computer… - Roger Ratzlaff, Springfield, MO…I started back into model railroading after 42 years of waiting to retire. The complete kit for 4x8-foot (HO) with buildings is what I used. It's been a little over a year in the works and has been a lot of fun. The high quality of your products and guidebooks sure has helped. I've also purchased your people and farm animals. The best is the roofing crew and the dog at the fireplug. I live in Springfield, MO, so it's nice to deal with a local company. Your Web site is very good…
- Don Consolver…I really enjoy Woodland Scenics products, and the simplicity of use allows my children to help on the railroad with very satisfactory results. I've gotten kinda picky about the whole thing and what they consider acceptable is not always what I would want to see on the layout. Fortunately, the trees and other materials they make always look great! I just bought a package of your fall and summer foliage for my N scale layout and hope to work on those trees over the holidays. I love the detail sets and the people. Great stuff, keep up the good work…
- LeRoy Wornell…Dear Friends. I have been using your products for a few years now, and I am really impressed! We built an N scale layout using your products, and one of the Atlas plans. We have had many nice remarks about how real the layout looks. Thank you! …
- Thomas Coleman, Swanton, Ohio…Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know I have just completed my first clinic on the use of Woodland Scenics materials at the hobby store where I work. To say the least, it was a huge success and many people walked away asking if I was going to do another one in the future, covering different materials and techniques. The owners of the store were pleased with the number of people who attended. It is through this hobby store environment that I have become familiar with your products and promote them as much as possible, because they are so very easy and fun to work with. I use your products extensively on my own layout, and have become familiar with the different colors and textures. I showed the modelers just how easy and fun it was to use as many colors as possible to heighten the visual effects. I could see it in their faces that it was a total surprise as to just how easy scenery projects could be. We had smiles and laughs from ear to ear…
- Mischa de Graaf, Holland…After visiting your Web site, a pop-up asked me to give my opinion. Well: I am impressed! Never have I seen models that detailed. Unfortunately this brand is not very common here, so I have never seen the models for real, but I found a Dutch distributor and ordered a catalog. I have also seen the new water products and they seem really worth trying sometime. Creating realistic water has always been a bit of a problem. Maybe I will order a small scene or building just to see it for real and for the fun of it. By the way, modelmaking is my profession too! …
- Marshall Keys…I wrote to you about unsatisfactory performance of my Woodland Scenics Foam Cutter, hoping for some hints to modify the product. You told me instead to return it for replacement. I did, you replaced it promptly, and I used it for the first time this weekend. The redesigned cutter does everything it is supposed to do and does it well. Your service is absolutely outstanding, a model for a business in any industry. You know the meaning of being customer-centric: you understand "don't make excuses, make it right," and you have won a customer for life…
- John Cubbin, Huntington, NY
…I would like to mention how much I like the new FC139 Underbrush in Forest Blend. I really hope you have plans for more of these blend colors. In the Underbrush flavor they work incredibly well with their smaller pieces. The real key to them however is their color, really great stuff. Thanks again for a great product. - Juergen Eidmann, Huddersfield, United Kingdom…I live in the UK. Thank God, your product is available here. Nothing comes closer to realistic looks, than yours. You have to leave it to the Yanks, to produce a fine product for this great hobby. I went to a model railroad show in Doncaster today. This is the biggest one in the North of England. I was very fortuned to find some of your product I needed. Now I can proceed with some more detailed Scenery. I am amazed how some of the exhibition layouts lack on nice scenery. To me this is the most important part, after all the electrics. I could go on and on with all the products I tried from here, and was disappointed, because of texture, color and realism. There are cheaper than yours, but what is the old saying, 'you get what you pay for.' And this is very true with your product. I don't mind spending some more £…
- Charles E. Creswell, Jr., Virginia…I was told about your site by Chesterfield Hobbies in Midlothian, VA, and was happy they had done so. I am an older modeler, and while I do not have a layout for right now, I will be setting one up in a year or so when I retire. I enjoyed what I saw, and will be purchasing your materials for sure…
- Ray Wilson, Placerville, CA…I recently ordered and received the Scenic Ridge Kit, Atlas Track Pack, as well as the building set for Scenic Ridge. So far, I am progressing nicely with Scenic Ridge and I am pleased with having chosen your product. I had originally thought about buying a competing product that was already complete, just add the track and buildings. I got to thinking that after I was through, that was all I had. With your product, I actually learn to create an environment for when I decide to expand to create an entirely new layout. I am pleased with my choice. I have just ordered your water products to enhance my Scenic Ridge layout with a stream or two and a waterfall…
- Paul Cooper, Toronto, Ontario, Canada…I found the Web site very informative and well organized. Although I am in my late 50s, I decided I wanted to get into HO railroading. This was a good introduction to your products and the various possibilities of what can be done with them. I find the possibilities of your SubTerrain System especially interesting. I can see right now that I am going to be using many of your products. Your site is very user- friendly and informative. Thanks for providing it…
- Rob Adelman, Plano, TX, author of Model Railroading with M.T.H. Electric Trains
…I am proud to present you with one of the first copies of my book, Model Railroading with M.T.H. Electric Trains. Without the Woodland Scenics materials, there would have been no way the layout turned out as good as it did. I must tell you that I have gotten a lot of compliments on the layout for the book – especially the scenery. When I tell people that the book layout was my first try at creating realistic scenery, they are shocked. Woodland Scenics makes great stuff! Now, it is my hope that this book will help to further promote Woodland Scenics to both existing and new hobbyists alike in O gauge. I certainly appreciate you all at Woodland Scenics… - Sean Alt…I always appreciate dealing with a company with great customer service, and you have proved that Woodland Scenics qualifies. I find Web ordering direct from the manufacturer much more efficient than running all over town looking for what I want. This is my second order with your company, and there will be more! Thanks again…
- Scott Hall, Howell, MI…This letter is requesting a copy of your catalog. I just saw your ad on the back of Great Model Railroads 2003, from Model Railroader. Your products are great, and keep up the good work! …
- Bob Johnson, Belleair Bluffs, FL…I've bought a lot of your products over the years…thanks for the exceptional materials that make model RR even more enjoyable…
- Sam Wright…I just wanted to say your products are great. It's even better now that I know I can get it online. Also, the waterfall kit is way too cool for words: finally an easy way to make water. Thanks again, devoted customer, N scaler for life…
- Casimir P. Smuda… Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your Web site and your products. Thanks…
- Stan Fullerton, Coos Bay, Oregon…I just wanted you to know that you are the sharpest and fastest supplier I have had in fifty years of modeling, no one ever shipped faster or packed better, in the time of holidaze package destructo derby (Chrismas) to get everything still in its box! Wow! Also, please pass along my compliments on your new figure line, they are fine folk. I drove a 250-mile round-trip to Eugene for all they had of working people…
- Lou Judice, Hampton, New Jersey…Just a quick note - I am utterly delighted with the SubTerrain System! I have built the subroadbed for my 17x24-foot N scale layout in about two days. Since I have no carpentry skill at all, without your system I would not have started. I waited 20 years to start this darned thing, and wanted to thank you for making a product that made it possible!…
- Edward Keown, Letterkenney, Co Donegal, Ireland...I am not only impressed with your products, I also think your site is very good. I just ordered the tree learning kit off my local pusher (I saw some of a mate of mine - looks really cool) and am looking forward to getting them soon. I've used a number of your products up and until now, but I still have a long way to go! Thanks for all your good work...
- Brian Hester, Portland, Oregon"...What a great Web site, and user-friendly besides! I am intrigued that you have developed the SubTerrain System. I am interested in participating in the NTRAK Modular System, and the less weight in the module, the better. The SubTerrain System should not only do that, but make landforming easier as well. Woodland Scenics has a great reputation for quality in my circles..."
- Doug Bowen, Elyria, Ohio
"...Enjoy your figures greatly. They are very well done, so life-like. I would appreciate more train personnel in more work positions. Such as bending or climbing steps or ladders. Maybe holding tools other than picks and shovels. Anyway, keep up the good work. My railroad is the Great Lakes and Northern..." - Steve Meyers, Clearsprings, Maryland"...I just bought some of your products from Mainland Hobbies in Pennsylvania to do a G gauge Aristocraft hopper in Western Maryland. The letters went on very well on my product. I will buy this product again..."
- Don Leger, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada"...I have just started placing people on my layout and I have been using many Woodland Scenics figures. And they are GREAT...!"
- Gerald Beach, Austin Texas"...I buy your products at the local hobby shop. I love your products and recommend them to all members on our railroad forum! Thanks a bunch..."
- Hawk, Sutton, MA"...I thought I would never be able to find these materials again after using them years ago: more than happy to find them. I am ablsolutely estatic about your variety, quality and excellent service. I most certainly plan to do all my buying from you. My current passion is castles..."
- Jim Burchell, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada"...I was at the Maple Leaf 2003 in Toronto and would like to say thank you and congratulations to your company and the Hales, who put on such humourous, informative and professional workshops. It was great to see your excellent company at the convention promoting the hobby, companionship and high-quality modeling with your products. Thanks!..."
- David Zulkoskey, Prince Albert, Canada"...I must tell you that I have been using your products for the past 15 years (4 layouts) and must tell you how fantastic they are. In fact . . . I only use your terrain and ballast products! My current HO scale model railroad layout is 40 feet by 8 feet (around the room style). It is a depiction of Northern Ontario . . . therefore many trees and marsh/bog areas. At present I have developed a small N scale 4x8 layout for the local hospital's festival of trees show (used to raise funds for medical research and treatment). The local hobby shop donated the materials (all Woodland Scenic items + Atlas track) and I have built the layout to showcase the hobby of model railroading and to promote the local shop. I attribute the quality of your products to the development of my skills at depicting realistic scenery. I realize that this email is very glowing . . . but I believe that quality products and companies should be celebrated..."
- Craig Sonnen, Grove City, Ohio
"...It is great to see the N scale figures, I can hardly wait for their release. I am so glad to see the figures being done in N. I have buildings and places on my layout just waiting for the population to expand. I use your scenery system and have great success. I am not an artist, but with your materials, my layout and models look very professional. Keep up the great work..."
- Charley Notz, Florissant, MO
"...Hello! I purchased your Grand Valley 4x8 kit. It took about 18 months of off-and-on enjoyment. I am really satisfied with the layout. This is my first and it turned out beautiful. I have a snowy mountain and a green valley. Made a track layout change as well. Your system is wonderful - Video and books are great. I'm begining to add another foot wider and an addition of eight feet to the layout. I belong to the St. Charles County Model Railroad club..."
- Jim Bailey, Florida"... Am just finishing up "The Scenery Kit." What a fun trip it has been. The results have really exceeded my expectations. After 40 years, I am thinking to get back into model railroading. Because past attempts at terrain and scenery were failures, I did the kit as a pilot project. It was very worthwhile. I was planning to do HO. Will probably next do the Subterrain Kit. Keep up the good work..."
- Rob Pratte"...I'm a radio talk show host. I've been in the wonderful world of railroading for a while. I have used your stuff from the beginning and am about to use a lot more in the next few weeks, so thanks, and keep up the good work..."
- Chuck Place, Lake Lure, North Carolina"...I have been waiting for years for you to discover N scale. I have been a fan of your company and its great scenic products since the company was formed. After nothing but HO details, neat structures and mini-scenes and finally the new figure sets, I despaired of ever seeing anything but ground foam and other scenery products from your company that I could use in N scale. Now you absolutely come out of the blue and catch me by surprise with N scale figures!! Hooray! And Thanks..."
- David Bol, Parker Colorado"...I am an exclusive Woodland Scenics user. I have an 11'x22' scale layout that is being built in my basement with floor to (almost) ceiling Rocky Mountain Scenery. Every item of scenery is exclusively Woodland Scenics, with the exception of some handmade Aspen trees. I love your Web site! It is a great tool. Thanks for being Woodland Scenics. I have a couple of Lichen packages from 10 years ago that I haven't opened, and yet the material is still fresh: what great quality..."
- Charles Webb, Canon City, CO"...am just beginning an N scale layout and saw your ad in Model Railroader. I have been away from modeling for nearly twenty years, and am simply researching what tools and new things are available to today's railroad enthusiasts. You can be sure I will be using your products as my layout progresses. Am very impressed with your "water" products, they look great!..."
- John Price, Casper, Wyoming"...I have used, and am still using Woodland Scenics layout products. They are very satisfactory. Now I want to compliment you on your expansion into people figures for N scale users. I just acquired 10 different sets from my local Casper, Wyoming dealer, Trains-n-Things. The realism is super. The types and style of figures surpass all the others. Keep it up..."
- Bill Neale, Northville, Michigan
photo by Bill Neale
"... I have enjoyed your kits and used several to build structures for my model of Steubenville, Ohio. I am modeling the PRR Panhandle which ran through the middle of Steubenville. One of the most distinctive structures in the town was a freight house that had two tracks inside. I was able to build a very good model of this freight house using DPM wall sections. I think I found some unique ways to use the wall components. Thanks for making a nice product..." - Mark Hannah, Portland, Oregon
"...Just thought I would let you know, I love your products. They have transformed a piece of plywood into a beautiful, realistic miniature landscape. P.S. Your on-line shopping went smooth also. Nice job with your Web site as well. Thanks from a very satisfied customer..." - Dave Stanton, Juvenile Officer/DARE Officer for Peters Township PoliceDepartment, McMurray, Pennsylvania
"... First, your products have added so much to the scenery of a model railroad. Also, it is so easy to get great results the first time you use your products. They are a great confidence builder and encourage you to try more. I run an after school model railroad club, and children as young as second grade can make nice scenes using your products. Your Web site is one of the best model railroad related sites I have used. It is easy to use and navigate and was very useful for finding the products I need...",
- Ed Lupkin, St. Peters MO
"...As a new model railroader, I have checked out a lot of companies and their products. Woodland Scenics is, in my opinion, the best. Your book has taken me step by step. I have 96 square feet of layout. With room to grow. I am just now purchasing the necessary items to permanently install track, risers and accessories. Thanks again for a great product..."
- Diane, Park City, Utah
"...Thank you for the tremendous service in getting my River Pass Layout Kit to me. I couldn't believe how quickly it arrived, and I am having tremendous fun building it. Amazing how understandable the directions are, even for someone like me who has never built anything!..."
- Tom Trenkmann
"...I have built a diorama for a customer of The Freightyard in Southern California using many Woodland Scenics products and would like to e-mail you a few pictures of the finished product..." - Ted Thorson, Sunnyvale, California"...I use Woodland Scenics foam roadbed [Track-Bed] in both HO and N scales. Great product, I like it a lot better than cork. Thanks!..."
- Jesse Blanke, Murrieta California"...I really love Woodland Scenics. I am currently in the first few steps in making my model railroad and my railroad would not be a railroad without your company. Your products are very realistic and your kits are very helpful. Thank you so much for aiding me in building my model railroad...and for having such a great company. I have much fun working on my train set now..."
- Letty Lederman, West Bloomfield, Michigan
"...my thirteen year old son, Cary, lost his father (my ex-husband) in September, to lung cancer, and I was very worried about my son's mental state, since he was extremely close to his dad. It seemed that all that my son wanted to do was stay in his room and play video games or read car catalogues. Mike, my fiancé, has always been into trains, and thought that if my son could become interested in model railroading, it would not only get Cary out of his shell, but also help him develop a rapport with my son. Mike purchased the Woodland Scenics Grand Valley layout from Walthers, and it was the best thing he could have done. My son wakes up every day, scurrying down to the basement, to start on another task...the railroad has become a "family" event...even I have become interested in their progress. Mike and Cary's relationship has really blossomed, and it seems that Cary's mood has lifted from one of sadness to great anticipation and excitement..." - Jeremy Stilwell, Elk River, Minnesota"...I just picked up your Scenery Manual. All the questions I did have, have been answered. I just received the HO track that my grandfather and I built when I was younger, and now my boys and I are starting over to make [our own layout]. Over the years my grandfather had disassembled the scenery so it is bare wood now. Thank you for your help..."
- Greg Baumgardner, Galesburg, IL"...I've bought a lot of Woodland Scenics products over the years. I have really enjoyed these items. I have always gotten fast and courteous service when I needed something. This is the first time I have taken care of something by e-mail. In the past, it was always over the phone. Your company should be proud of the way they treat their customers!..."
- Byron Willcutt, Paragould, Arkansas"...I see you have another awesome round of HO scale people [Scenic Accents] coming out. I hope in the future you guys can make some firemen or EMTs in action. I can't keep up with all the new people you have coming out, it is wonderful, along with the prices. Good job to all and thanks..."
- Eric Zwirnmann, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania"...Bravo to the people working the East Coast Hobby Show at Ft. Washington, PA Expo Center this weekend. They did a fantastic job with the demonstrations and were extremely helpful with Q&A. I've seen Woodland Scenics displays in the past, but never realized the ease of use of your products, until I saw the demonstrations. Had it not been for the great demos, I probably would not have considered using your product (and I would still be wandering around aimlessly at the show looking for a solution to my scenic detail problems). Again, kudos to the group at the show!!!
P.S. While at the show, I purchased several starter kits. Afterwards, I went to the local hobby shop to purchase some of your 3% and 4% foam ramps (Inclines). Although a bit pricey, the technology will save lots of work!!!" - Kevin Powers (grandpa) and Daniel Walker (grandson), Indianapolis, Indiana"...I think your Web site is great. I just started modeling trains with my grandson. The hobby store where I get my materials (Big Boy Hobbies, in Indianapolis, IN) has a great supply of Woodland Scenics products to choose from, and is what I have used exclusively in my layout. I especially appreciate the "how-to" section of the Web site. Thanks again and keep the great products coming!..."
- Trevor Christian, San Francisco, California
"Many years ago, my father and I began to build a model railroad, we fell in love with the Woodland Scenics impressive line of products almost immediately. You offer the widest range of realistic accoutrements to railroad set-ups as well as any other diorama or small scale scene. I have depended on the top-end products you have produced for several years, and I continue to be satisfied with what you consistently offer. I fully believe you have the right formula for how business should be executed and I truly hope that you succeed, prosper and grow, because when the day comes that I have a son of my own, I want to be able to introduce him to the magical world of modeling and the plethora of possibilities that Woodland Scenics has to offer in order to attain that magic."
- Kip Grant, Queensbury, New York"...You continue to prove you're number one in model railroad scenery with a product line that seems to grow overnight. And now vehicles...not just vehicles, but "scenes" which you are already famous for in the line of figures. Really looking forward to the vehicle scenes as they'll fit right into the era of my layout. Keep up the great work. While some companies may probably exceed in their specialites - figures, vehicles and general scenery materials - I can't think of any company other than yours, that offers them ALL and in such creative ways. Someone's doing some heavy-duty thinking out there..."
- Richard Schnupp, New Stanton, Pennsylvania"...I'm just about to start scenery on my HO scale layout and I've been reading some tips on your site. I'm going to send for your catalog, hoping it will give me ideas as to supplies I'll need. Must admit, I'm intimidated by it all, but excited about doing it. Read some interesting stuff about rocks and water, and since my layout will model some of Western Pennsylvania, I know I'll have to get to this sooner or later. Your Web site is great!..."
- Jeff King, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I would like to compliment your company on your product! Your N scale layout (Scenic Ridge) helped me complete my first layout after 41 years, and many other failed attempts. The layout is probably 95% Woodland Scenics product. Much of which came as either part of the original Scenic Ridge kit, or the building kit for Scenic Ridge. As the photos reveal, I chose to model the town as a loop, rather than a pass-through city. This gave me the opportunity to add a "town square." After some apprehension about building my own trees, I decided, what the heck, trees came with the kit, I may as well give it a try. This eventually led to over 200 trees, all Woodland Scenics armatures and foliage. I decided to add variety by painting the trunks to give a greater variety of trees, such as western white pine, and aspen trees. There are also a few bare armatures on the layout to represent trees which have lost all their leaves for the winter. Some of the pines have "dead" branches on them too. Finally, the first snow of the season has fallen. A light dusting of Woodland Scenics snow just sprinkled on top of the finished layout will allow me to also go back to early fall if I choose. - Larry Walden, Stockbridge, GA
"...right after Christmas I asked my daughter about a foam cutter. I told her after 50+ years I wanted to build a train layout. She informed me I did not need one and she was going to bring me something. It was a Scenic Ridge Layout she had started four years earlier. She only had the foam down for track . I am 64 and recovering from cancer. She brought it over and I worked on it for several weeks. Instead of doing a town I did a rural scene. I thought someone at your place might be interested in seeing what an old man out of the hobby for so long could do. I also have all the trains from my childhood: Lionel and American Flyer. Back then there was no styrofoam or plaster cloth..." - Michael P. Sebek, Hinesville, Georgia [novice model railroader]
"...I've recently completed an N scale model train layout using many of your products. It took almost exactly one year from the day I first started buying kits and accessories until I put the finishing touches on the project. During that time, I had occasion to call your headquarters twice for advice and assistance, and I learned much from your instructional booklets and DVDs..."
Photo 1: Controls for the trains, cable car system, electrical layout features and the Sound Station 312 are readily accessible and neatly concealed in a lockable drawer.
Photo 2: The Palisade Plateau is home to a hotel, restaurant, winery, vineyard, slaughterhouse and windmill. - David S. in East Bentleigh, Melbourne, Australia
"...Hi, I e-mailed you before and I was encouraged to go ahead with my experiments to make a proper gravel road with the leftovers from my River/Waterfall and Landscaping learning kits. I am now e-mailing you because I have been completely successful, and I thought I'd save some of the hard work on your part. The mixture I've perfected for an (Australian) gravel road is: two parts each of Soil, Green Blend, Burnt Grass, Earth each + four parts Yellow Grass + seven parts Brown Talus. It works best on an Earth Undercoat..."
- Bill Lee, Seeley Lake, Montana
"...I do not have a question just a compliment. I am in a wheelchair and, because of your products, I am able to do things on my layout I could otherwise never do..."
- Chris Mincemoyer, Derrick City, Pennsylvania
"...I'm a member of the NMRA Mid Central Region Division 11, and today we had our yearly Jamboree in Clarion PA. Today, I won your Learning Kits for Rock Faces and Trees. I just wanted to thank you for supporting our local group, and I look forward to using these kits with possibly one of your new Mod-U-Rail systems..."
- Pete Powell, Flower Mound, Texas"...Saw your product at a recent train show in Fort Worth. The vendor wasn't very knowledgeable so I visited your Web site for some answers. The videos helped answer my questions, thank you. My layout is being built as shelf panels 24" x 48" [to allow me to transport them, when we next move]. The layout will surround the walls of our 10' x 12' "spare bedroom." We will be taking pictures, as we progress [my wife wants to create a trains scrapbook page]. Construction progresses as our "real jobs" permit. Now it's time to build that 'empire'..."
- Kevin Reeve, Logan, Utah
"...I just wanted to thank you for participating in the the World's Greatest Hobby On Tour in Salt Lake City. I had a wonderful time at your booth. The demonstrator was fantastic. Although I was using your products, I learned so much from the 30 minutes I spent watching the demos that will make my railroad a huge success. Thanks again. It was a fantastic show...!"
- Jim Hauck, Philadelphia, PA
"...I like the way Woodland Scenics has come along. I have purchased your products in the past with great satisfaction. I have a medium-sized HO layout (approximately 80 square feet). My wife and I have recreated our '50s neighborhood from when we were kids. We had a sandlot baseball field and had to make our own players, which were not too good. Then you came out with yours and they are just what we have been looking for. I noticed that you also handle DPM products. That was another great innovation. I have taken the single houses and turned them into rowhouses. I have decorated the interiors of the stores. The stores bear the names of my grandchildren. I have one done in the style of a '50s malt shop. In there is a soda counter, juke box, pinball machine and assorted teens. DPM is a great way to go for scratch building. I have been involved with HO trains since 1965, and try to make them as life-like as possible. Since I retired from the Philadelphia Police Dept., after 35 years, I have become even more involved. Thank you for writing back to me. It's rare when you write to a company that even acknowledges your e-mail..."
- Max Ettinger, Pontiac, Michigan
"...I purchased all three River Pass Kits from my local hobby shop, Riders Hobby. I must say building Kit #1 was one of the greatest model building experiences I have ever had. The kit was extremely complete. The inclines went up so much faster then any other method! I will never use wood again! Thank you so very much for such great products. Additionally, Riders Hobbies, carries your complete line. Based on my experience they are now carrying the complete River Pass Set of kits also…
By the way, just for background, I have been in modeling over 45 years. Started at 8 yr old with O gauge Lionel; (my) father bought just about one of everything Lionel and was an avid modeler. My main model experience was in Radio Control Airplanes; built several scratch built Ducted Fan Jets; exhibited in the huge Model Airplane Show in Toledo, Ohio. Got back into Model Rail Roading this year after a very long absence. For the last 12 years I have been teaching Advanced Computer Technology and Computer Security to Engineers for computer networks; I am a Microsoft Systems Engineer and Microsoft Trainer. I mention all this not to brag, but to provide a basis that from my experiences when I say you have a great product I can say it with good authority. By the way - Your Web site is FIRST CLASS!..." - Ed Rayner, Manitoba, Canada
"...Over the past several months, I had decided that as a retirement project I would contsruct a model railroad in N Gauge. As I thought about it, I thought that the romantic era of steam with both passenger and freight would be the way to go and had a vision of the layout that I wanted. Over the next few months, I managed to purchase Canadian National locomotives and rolling stock on eBay along with buildings etc that would fit my requirements. Also many books on layouts and scenery as I had no idea where to begin. After reading through all of these publications, I was more confused than ever. During a September vacation in Arizona and Nevada with my wife, I stopped at several hobby shops and purchased many of your items which would aid in construction. Upon my return home, I was casting some of your rock formations and discovered your Web site, which I have ordered from several times. Your SubTerrain Manual is of course the best publication of all and should be required reading for all who plan on constructing a railroad. Even the experienced model builder would benefit with time saving tips and ideas. Great publication that has now taken away all of my frustrations. Keep up the great work. From now on it's Woodland Scenics all the way. At the moment, I am also fighting cancer and time, however, I believe that your publication has given me the time..." - Gary Brownridge, from Brights Grove, Ontario"...your Web site is great. Allowing someone to print the planning package is a good idea. Have built numerous of your kits and am very happy with the results. Especially like your Gold Kits. I need to kitbash a special structure for a particular spot and this is why I am looking at buying the modular kits. Keep up the good work..."