After what I said the other day I was surprised to see myself picking up the scalpol and eagerley starting work on the next building for the layout. Indeed the work seemed to be a bit easier and (perhaps) a little better. As posted previously I am using an Oxford Diecast plastic box as the base which the plasticard structure will be added. I have so far made the 4 walls in plasticard and established that a piece of 80thou plasticard at the top is enough to counter the box's slightly tapering sides. I am waiting for these to dry before I stick them down. Here is a picture of what it looks like right now:

I also did a few other small pieces around the layout that have not been done due to laziness on my part... Just a bit of laying scatter materials. Most of the trees in the village are just there temporarily because I have yet to install them properly. I am constructing some smaller ones as well as these.

Due to me being ill people are being very kind indeed. My dad has been especially kind with buying me a small fleet of Oxford Die Cast's range of buses. He has purchased me 2 Bedford OB's and PD3 as well as another bus (the name of which has escaped me). He keeps telling me that they are on a long road trip from the UK or that they could be used as restaurants.... These will be likely to see more use on the next layout, but until then here is a picture of them on this one in front of the scratchbuilt building.

The first scratchbuilt building is in the process of being painted and will receive its main coat of yellow paint in the coming days. I also intend to paint the roof soon and then I get to think about weathering this and the other buildings on the layout. I am thinking of some subtle and light shades of black to take the edge off the buildings.

After my last post saying how I was not going to scratchbuild again I find myself in a situation where I may want to due to the severe lack of French made kits in N gauge. I need to construct a shop (a Boulangerie) which was always the intention to have on the layout. I think the moral I have learnt is "never say never."

Until next time.

Stephen