Paynestown's public outing is coming up fast, and inevitably there's a rush to get a lot of jobs done, compounded by the fact that I'm travelling on the two days prior to the exhibition! I think it's nearly there, though, provided I get a good weekend of tasks done.

Other than adding additional wagons to the stock box, by way of converting their couplings, the other main job has been further tidying up of the fascia, ready for its final coat of paint. I've opted for a satin warm grey which I think ought to work, but as ever the proof will be in the pudding. The main "presentational" job still to be done is to add a piece to the lighting rig, to support a small nameboard.

The rest of the work has been on the scenic detailing side, with a few jobs still awaiting. Here's a grab-bag of random views and angles, with a few comments:

This is the view I was keen to preserve by not wrapping the backscene all the way around the right hand side of the layout. If there was a conventional backscene, you might just be able to get a small camera into this position, but not your head.

A similar view, showing the train waiting to depart. The Dapol bracket signal is a pragmatic compromise between "correct" and "functioning"! I've built some working signals in 00, but I couldn't wrap my head around such fiddly task in N, so the Dapol option it is. The idea is that the taller of the two signals controls departures from the main platform, while the shorter one is for the bay.

Anyone who objects will be automatically entered into a raffle to get the commission to build an accurate working replacement.

Still waiting for departure, this time with the terraced houses prominent. Still much painting and final finishing needing doing here.

Evident in the earlier shots, I've added a barrow crossing here. I'm holding off on a representation of point rodding (let alone signal cables) for now, as I don't think I've got the skill to do it justice in N. I can just about get away with tolerable rodding in 00, but I feel it might draw attention to itself more than the absence does, if that makes sense. 

The chapel is now fixed down and some rudimentary scenic work has been attended to around it.

Dropping the camera down even lower hints at the kind of low-level, looking up the hillside angle I really hoped to capture.

Sonic's 56XX still impresses, especially with a touch of weathering to bring out the exquisite detail. I've got two more of these, but I'm no closer to adding new numbers/decals to them than I was six months ago, so it'll be just the one for now. Fortunately, the three other panniers can pick up the operational slack.

A close-up of the goods shed showing some enjoyable clutter from Langley castings.

And a final close-up of the 56XX. Such magnificent locos - tons of presence for just a tank engine, I feel.

That's it for now. Thanks for reading, and following along to date.