I've spent a while fiddling with electronics and computer interfaces, to the detriment of visible progress. I got a new controller in January, a Roco MultiMaus Pro & MultiZentrale, which I thought would give me a start with JMRI. Nope. The MultiZentrale just doesn't want to communicate with JMRI, and I haven't got the will or expertise to make it happen. This leaves me with basic options, a change of controller or use Rocomotion. As Rocomotion only allows the use of Roco's own train detectors, this gets expensive even with such a small layout- a change to a LocoNet based system to allow me to use the Uhlenbrock DAISY II costs no more than kitting out the layout with the necessary detectors for Rocomotion. As I have a longer term, much larger project which I want automation on I think a change of system will be the course I take.

Having frustrated myself with the control side of things, I decided to do some work that I could see tangible progress with. The run up to the left hand tunnel entrance needed a retaining wall of some sort, and as yet I haven't found TT brick or stonework that I like. Inspired by a few photos, I decided to build a blandly modern wall with cylindrical reinforcements. I've made this out of balsa, and my current challenge is to get a smooth finish- I've given it an initial rub down with wire wool, and I will do the so again between coats of paint- household emulsion from Wilkinson's. Here's how things are looking at present. Overall there's 1.1m of the wall, steadily decreasing in height as it comes away from the tunnel. Cutting all the dowel to length was tedious!

The tunnel portal is simply foamboard. If it seems large, bear in mind it has to have overhead lines in, and the width was following NEM recommendations. The catenary masts are simply stuck in their holes for some flavour.

The train in that picture is from one of Tillig's current start sets. I wanted both the wagons that were included, which would have been over €60 bought separately. The set was €104. Effectively, that's a sub €50 loco for me. I chose the livery that I thought suited, having found pictures of the locomotive in Germany. However, lately I've only seen pics of it in Holland, and since late last year it's been in Akiem livery. I might just sell it! As for value, I'm very impressed- consider that these are European made models. Although the loco is slightly simplified from its standard range brethren with one visible error, the wagons come with the full complement of detailing parts.

I had some good news in discovering that working point indicators that can be lit are now on the market at about €8 a piece. I can accept this sort of price for what will save me a lot of time and fiddling!

I've also been designing the main buildings of the paper mill in DraftSight for laser cutting, these are nearly ready to be sent off. As I get to grips with CAD I'm becoming excited by its potential for me. Hopefully I'll have something to show soon. I need to get on with things, I have an outing for Stromallee in December!