When looking back on "the time you got hooked on the hobby", one often remembers an article, mentor or clinic that was the moment. I have to say these DVD's hooked my neighbor. And they hooked him good. I am completely amazed by them too. And who'd have thunk it, Jim a model railroader.

But that's what happened and I can not get rid of him now. Thanks Joe, this is supposed to be a solitary hobby, isn't it? Well, the guys at the Club liked it, Jim liked it - heck me and the Boy watched it a few times. Now, I am not one of those replay junkies. I get bored quick, but Joe's DVDs really get ya. Each project I have done in the last two months has given me a reason to watch a clip or two. The dirt roads, zip texturing ingredients, right down to "what was that website ?"...

DVD #1 - Introduction

In DVD#1 Joe takes us on a tour of the Oregon Siskiyou line and the design elements he wanted to add to the new Layout. This is done very thoroughly and makes sense. Now, not everything makes sense, but I found Joe ended up explaining these points somewhere in the production. The DVD is closed out with a live dispatched run on the Siskiyou line layout.

DVD #2 -Bench work and Track laying

In the second DVD, bench work and track design elements are discussed in great detail. Joe has a unique mushroom style of bench work that folds over itself to give a second level/shelf idea. It is obvious he is working from a script, but is this a bad thing? Too often a host runs into the hems and haws of not knowing what to say next. Joe knows exactly what he wants to say and this really packs in the information.

DVD #3 - DCC

In DVD three we get a real treat. Joe explains DCC from the CVP perspective of Digital layouts. I learned lots. I was watching the DVD over and over and I got a little inspired to finish my own layout in the process. DCC is expensive and the knowledge Joe passes on will give you the insight into "what you need" for your own layout.

It is fresh to see another product in action, and that someone likes it is a point that I want to stress. I am not interested in reviews that focus on the bad, if there isn't anything good to say about it throw it out (I say).

DVD #4 & 5 - Scenery and Bridges Parts 1 and 2

Scenery X2, two DVD's packed with all facets of scenery creation. Streams, rockwork, tunnel portals, ground cover, dirt roads, highways, bridges - believe me, the list goes on and on. One thing I could be critical on would be the structures, but they look good, and easy too. 

Joe runs through scratch-building a styrene bridge - the jigs, detailing, painting and weathering are breathtaking. I must admit, my newly acquired stack of styrene is staring down the razor, as I plan a few of my own wood bridges.

It is really nice to have the opportunity to boast about such a product. Joe's videos are down to earth and easy watching. Each DVD is broken up into chapters so you can really get to the point. The quality is high for Joe's first go, and improves with each following release.

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I found these samples on youtube.