My next task is to finish the upper section comprising Mallaig junction yard and Fort William station. A major part of this will be creating a backscene running along the three walls that frame the upper section to create an impression of the Nevis mountain range that overlooks Lochaber. In addition I want to complete the scenic part of Mallaig junction including the oil terminal siding and update/improve Fort William station.

The first step will be the backscene where options appear twofold:

· Visit Fort William and photograph the mountains. I think my Iphone camera panoramic app will be good for this. Manipulate photographs as required using Photoshop and print onto paper for gluing to the wall.

· Paint the wall sky blue and add the mountain range by hand

I prefer the first option but live 500 miles away from Fort William and am unlikely to visit before April 2016. Therefore option 2 will be tried first which works as the sky blue area will be needed even if I can produce an acceptable photographic backscene. I have already bought large pot of sky blue paint which will be rollered on to the wall. This will be the easy bit (provided I remember to cover the layout first), the greater challenge will be the artwork required to represent the mountains because my artistic skills are negligible. Fortunately I live next door to a professional artist who will provide support and guidance. I want to create a backdrop that creates an impression along the lines of the photo below which comes from Tom Noble’s book ‘The West Highland Extension’.

As you can see from the following picture of Mallaig Junction yard, I am currently some way away from my aspiration! They show 27041 having just arrived with a trip working from Corpach.

The following show the Lochaber area looking ripe for improvement.