As promised, here are a couple of photos of Cottleston Park.

Scenicly things will change, mainly in terms of buildings in the town area, most of which are standard Kestrel kits, out-of-the-box Liddle End, Farish paper-on-block and Metcalf. All have done their job in a respectable fashion, however this was really the main weakness of the layout. The only real plus points in this department are the contributions from Tony G, especially his total transformation of the kestrel shops in the 5th picture - the quality here has to be seen to be believed!

Anyway, a very bare layout looking away from the station, the Kestrel semis had yet to be unpacked when thsis picture was taken. The bushes will need tidying up and general improvements.

Next is a view of the main lines heading up the 1/40 gradient towards the dual carriageway crossing on the flyover in the distance. The difference in shade of the ballast is deliberate, to emphasise the main lines - which also use code 55 track. I like the gentle sweep of the curve, and the stark contrast between this and the more down-at-heal yards to the left. Don't worry, that is not a loco depot in the distance, but a stabling point which when running to full potential is a very useful operational feature to have.

The wind turbine is motorised, although the blades turn a little too fast. I like the visual impact this thing has, although it needs to have its base blended into the scenery a little better. The original concept was that the land this occupies, as well as the industrial units in the forground, was originally a locomotive shed; complete with turntable. Only the turntable pit remains, now filled with water - hence the pond being circular!

Now back to the town. Tony G helped rescue the semis to the right of the picture. Also to the right can be seen the branch line, which certainly adds a little more operational interest.

Tony's fine modelling can be seen in the row of buildings towards the back of this picture.

Finally, some trains! A pair of Japanese units more likely to be seen on the Chuo main line out of Tokyo...

Apologies to all those who cannot view these pictures yet; myself included so I hope they turn out fine! Hopefully your turn will come in the next day or so!