Hi,

Just a quick update as there's been a fair bit of progress with the scenic work.

Cable Ducts

When we were looking at the detail we wanted to incorporate in the model we decided that we would like to model accurate (or as near as) trackside detail. So, AWS Ramps, TPWS Grids, Signals, Cabinets, Signs, Point Motors and Cable Ducting. When we first looked at the ducting, we were going to install styrene strip which would have been been scored so that it looked like the usual sectional duct. This would have given us the detail we wanted, but it would have looked too uniform and would have lacked the natural variation that you see in the 'real world'. So we decided that rather than use a scored strip, we would chop the strips into 6.5mm lengths and then lay these individually. Once the strips are down, we would then paint them with a concrete colour and do a wash of black to pick out the sections.

For those out there who may be wondering how many 6.5 mm lengths go into 27', its around 1,300

Strips being placed, just using PVA to secure them to the board and a few shots of them in place.

Retaining Wall

More good progress has been made with the retaining wall, this time we added a large run of completed arches to one of the boards. This only really leaves us with around 7-8 feet left to do. This is only the base of the wall though and there will be a brick built parapet running the whole length too. But it's fantastic to see it coming along.

End Loops

The End Loops of the layout are progressing quite nicely at the moment and one of them has had a little more scenic work done on it. We are using it as a kind of test bed and have applied some static grass to it. Although the overall affect is quite good, you can still see through to the board surface, so to describe it, it looks rather like a farmers field would look as the crop is growing and it's still quit young. So I think the approach we will adopt is to cover the board with scatter, place any small bushes and then go over with a light covering of static grass.

Scenic Modules / Buildings

Just a few shots of each module (left to right) and a few shots of the Signal Box and Large Business Unit.

Cheers, Mark.