I haven't posted any updates for a while, I've been a busy boy, but here's a round-up of what I've been up to model railway wise for the last few weeks...

I've upgraded from a Bachman EZ-Command (it gave me the bug but can't cope with my expanding roster!) to a Dynamis system. In it's basic form it's not the most complex of systems, but I do feel it's a simple step from what I had to what can be expanded to quite a complex system. And at just £98.00 at Cheltenham Model Centre, it was a bargain. I found the programming of the locos to be extremely intuitive and had the whole layout running in under an hour, including some tweaks to the CV settings on one of the locos. Acceleration and braking are much smoother on this unit than the previous, and having it on a lanyard means I don't have to panic when I'm at one end of the room and my favourite loco is heading for disaster at the other! Anyone want a dirt cheap EZ Command set?

On the scenic front, I've built a Metcalfe Coaling Stage and installed it on the layout. I built the small coal trolleys that were included with the kit, but wasn't impressed with them at all, anyone got any suggestions for an alternative? I used 2mm card to make up the risers for the ramp, and the track bed. I then applied plaster bandage to form the front face and the end of the raised area. Whilst digging through my collection of odd paint pots I came across a small tin of Chocolate Brown Sandtex paint, ideal! I worked in three inch strips, applying the paint to the now dry plaster and then sprinkled N-gauge ballast allowing it to stick where it could and fall where it couldn't. As the ballst is natural stone, it is extremely dusty; this has worked in my favour as it has dulled any sheen that the paint might otherwise have had, and given the whole thing a very rocky outcrop look. I'd missed a few spots with the paint, so the ballast didn't stick, but left some very convincing chalky deposits poking through. As this was my very first attempt at any form of landscaping, I have to say I'm quite impressed - I've certainly seen worse at various model shows and in the model railway press. Who knows, I may get Chris Nevard ruond to take some pictures yet! In the meantime, I'll post some of my own this evening.