I’m distinctly pleased with progress over the last ten days. Having added the remaining X bracing to the legs, it occurred to me that I could easily modify them to make them even more like the supports which will eventually form the viaduct. I decided to add a middle vertical leg to each of the folding leg sections. This does add a bit of support and does make the whole structure slightly stiffer, but the main reason is purely aesthetic and I think it’s worth the extra weight.

I’ve also cut out the front surface of the diorama – the proscenium arch which will frame the scene. For this I’ve used a semi-elliptical arch shape with the same proportions as Brunel’s Maidenhead bridge – this was the widest and flattest brick arch in the world at the time it was built, and I think it still is.

The two new photos show the whole baseboard erected, with a spare length of strip wood taped on to show the rail level, and the baseboard with legs folded away and the proscenium arch placed in front to give an impression of the view I’m trying to create. (Note the GWR green garage door in the background!)