Hi,

Since the last Blog entry, we have been moving steadily forward with the basic scenery for the layout. Heworth features a dis-used branch line which runs along the left hand side of the layout and which we are using as the scenic break. This line then crosses the main running lines and effectively disappears into the viewing public. The bridge across the main running lines has been removed possibly due to the electrification of the line, but the embankment still remains.

The basic structure of the embankment on the left hand side of the board had been done previously, but this embankment or raised terrain also continues on the right hand side of the layout in the form of a retaining wall. There are also some small business units in this area, some of the outlying industry buildings served by the sidings. The exact path of the retaining wall and locations for the buildings needed some discussion and after some head scratching everyone was happy with where things would go.

With a basic plan for the scenics, we could get on and finish the scenic break as well as make a start on the embankment on the far side of the layout. We are construction our scenic break using timber battens with an extruded foam face to bulk out the structure while keeping the weight down. The timber battens will later be used to provide the solid base for our printed back scene. The foam face will then either be shaped into a sloping embankment and covered in plaster bandage, or will have sections of retaining wall fixed to it.

Over the main running lines, the remaining embankment is also going to be constructed from extruded foam. This again will be covered in plaster bandage. An added complication here though, is that the embankment will run over a module break, so we will have to be careful to construct the embankment in such a way that it will withstand any potential knocks when the layout is being assembled or dismantled. Our current plan is to provide a firmly attached ply former to each side of the module break and then attach the scenic detail to the former. Hopefully this will do the trick, but if anybody has some advice or lessons learned, then it would be appreciated.

I'll leave with some pics taken while we were working:

Looking towards the right hand side of the layout, bridge and embankment in foreground

Looking towards the left hand side of the layout, the area between the running lines and the scenic break will be where the industry buildings will be sited

Looking at the centre of the board, almost in line with the dis-used branch line

Cheers, Mark.