I have surprised myself with how much I have been managing to do recently. My first building took me about 6 months to complete but the last 3 (although they all need painting and details etc) were all done in the space of about 4 weeks. I think that the method of using the Lego has worked well for me.

Today I added the roof to the Boulengerie which means that aside from detailing it and adding lighting (more on that later!) its structurally done. I have also given it a first coat of paint.

The neighbouring building is almost complete, it just needs a roof at the moment. I am not certain I am going to keep the colour as white. This building is a Brasserie and the Lego structure has been rebuilt in such a way that every window can be lit up (if anyone is interested in further pics on the internal structures then let me know and I will post some pictures). I also plan on putting some tables outside with customers enjoying un Pressee (I am really not sure on the spelling there :s). I am planning on building a small extension entirely out of plasticard for this building (that might be the last structure for this layout).

And here is a close up from the road.

My plans are to light up the interior of these buildings in the near future. I have started aquiring the equipment needed and I am planning on using the Hornby/Dolls House style lighting systems.

I am also planning the details of the village. I am considering having a market in the square with plenty of people and activity taking place. I would add to the ambience by putting a small speaker inside the village hall so that French music can be piped through (it might only be a small set of powerful earphones...). Eventually I might add some street lights to the layout (this might be a winter project) which would make it seem like the market and the music are part of a festival. This would certainly give me the excuse to run more trains and more unusual train formations.

Thanks for reading and sorry about all the brackets!

Stephen