Having torn up the old 0F test track, thoughts turned to creating an new length of track in S7. The idea was simply to find a suitable plank and lay a length of straight track to run S7 stock along. Well, I did find a plank, sort of, and then things spiralled out of control. After a few minutes with the table saw I had a 1.5m length of 18mm ply which seemed like a good start. Considering the weight of some 7mm stock I thought it might be a bit bendy when supported at each end across the workbench. So I screwed a strip of oak veneered MDF along the back to stiffen it. I though it might be nice to ballast up the track so I could photograph some stock (if I ever get any made that is). The stiffening back board suggested it might become a brick retaining wall to provide a backdrop to the scene. That was the end of the quick test plank. Here's progress so far...

Woodwork in grey primer. Pleasant to work outside in the sun while spraying ballast everywhere. No need to vacuum afterwards 8-)

A bag of old 4mm ballast, some sieved ashes, a few teaspoons of powder paint and a sea of builders PVA. Not the appearance I was aiming for, too brown. Try again tomorrow...

That's more like it. A backwater dead end ballasted with ashes, clinker and assorted dross. Could do with a bit more fine material but it'll do for the plank.

A vaguely plausible retaining wall was sketched up and some Slaters English Bond plasticard ordered. Arches would have been good, but too time consuming. There's acres of brickwork here and I hadn't realised how time consuming it was going to be. That's the price you pay for acting on impulse! Basic wall made in soft wood and fitted to the backboard. Then another happy afternoon in the sun fitting the brick sheets over it all.

And still no track.