I decided that the quickest (and prototypically correct) finish for the canopy was to represent 'board & batten' - where the roof (or wall) is covered by timber boards of a fixed width, butt-jointed together. The weather-proofing comes from the 'batten' - again timber of a fixed width - that is fixed over the board joints (sorry if this is 'suck eggs' time, but there MIGHT be modellers out there that don't know!).

The hole ('light') in the canopy allows three things - 1, as in the prototype, allows light to fall on the platform. 2, allows the operators to 'see through' the roof to the stock below, and 3, allows the roof detail to be seen! (seems a shame to waste all those hours...)

The 'Board & Batten' effect can clearly be seen - merely strips of 20 thou plastic laid at regular intervals.

The 'lights' were slightly more detailed. A rectangle of 20 thou plasticard is cut 'oversize' for the aperture, then framed in yet more of 'Evergreens' code 291 'L' angle.

The 'light' is then divided into equal sections which are then framed with yet more '291' - this time using two pieces 'back to back' to form a 'tee' cross-section to represent the glazing-bars -

The panels are then removed -

and subsequent to the unit being painted (black of course), it will be glazed with panes of 10 thou clear resting on the 'tee' sections. Therein lies a problem... Solvent & styrene glazing.... I'm actually tempted to use a form of 'putty' - in this case double-sided cellotape, applied to the frames, trimmed back & then the backing removed. Problems re longetivity come to mind... Copydex (which dries clear and is not solvent-based) is also a contender. Watch this space!

Only two weeks to the show... (Woking Lieisure Centre, 14-15 Sep). Better crack on then!