The 805mm length of steps completed and inserted within the cork track base, cut and PVA-glued in place on a length of stiffened, varnished ply.

The track base and inserted steps assembly was sprayed with Halfords primer.

The steps have been painted (Acrylics) to represent the blue brick colour of the prototype. I have a blue brick base to my garage so had a ready colour check available just outside the window.

The second length of the track now assembled and along with the first length, ready for placing on, and gluing to, the cork base. A decision is needed as to how to represent the “concreted-in” appearance with the sleepers barely discernible, compounded by the model track being Bull-head rail, while the prototype is currently flat-bottomed rail.

I have a short section of track on a dummy base and have tried DAS to represent the ”concreted-in” look of the prototype, without success. It dries quicker than I can manoeuvre it into the gaps between sleepers smoothly.

Time for a re-think!

During a site visit last year I established the carriage and underframe width, and the clearance between the carriages as they passed each other in service. This gave me the track centres without having to clamber down onto the track, which I don’t think would have been allowed!

Once the track is laid satisfactorily, the track base can be assembled onto the “ski-slope” frame which I made a year ago!( Speed is not one of my strong suits!)

The frame will need some alteration to allow it to be fastened to the principal base-board once the outline for that has been established and it has been cut, stiffened , and primed.

A start has been made on a sub-base for the cluster of buildings at the lower station, and a 4mm scale drawing of the site made to allow positioning of the buildings with as little deviation from the prototype as practical. The site slopes in two directions and spot heights have been established and marked on the drawing, since being posted here.

An outline of the probable track alignment is shown, but is likely to need adjustment when I have re-visited Bridgnorth

There is very little need for vehicles, since the top station access is a pedestrian walkway, and at most, only half of the roadway width at the lower station will be modelled . I have however acquired the three vehicles that I think I need. More on this in a later Blog.

I also have an electronic circuit for the control of the funicular carriages. Trips to Maplins will be required.

The circuit is basically the one used to control the “Glengarry Tramway” and has been passed to me by owner of that model funicular. Many thanks are due to Gary at http://www.glenngarytramway.co.uk/. for allowing me to ride on his coat tails, and answering my electronic numpty questions.

Lots to do yet! I’m hoping to accelerate construction to snail’s pace.