Well, having been away for a few days, progress on Little Midland has been limited to a bit of ballasting and a futile attempt to complete the workings of my little tank engine.

I have been using watered down Copydex for the ballasting, as recommended, rather than my usual PVA mix.

I am beginning to have regrets doing it this way because of the rubbery texture, but intend to soldier on and hope it looks less messy when completed and tidied up.

Certainly, it has required a fair bit of extra work post laying, to my usual method.

I am revising my technique as I go, discovering that little is definitely more with a latex mix!

Picture on completion of this, too messy at the moment and still a way to go!

As I commented yesterday, the Lawton motor which was apparently ok when tested a few weeks ago is now not working, which I should reslly have discovered before attaching it...

So, an order has been placed for a new one, but as its bank hoiday season, it could be a while afore it arrives and the engine is functioning.

Here is a last glimpse with all assembled ( even if not working) before it appears again resplendent in its liverird guise and hopefully fully functioning...

A view of work done on the board - ballasting nearly completed and Das coal yard surface added. I was going to use a sheet of sets plasticard, but the only stuff I could get was 4mm and not surprisingly it looks way too big. I didn't intend to buy terracotta Das! The position of the vehicles shows what the basic useage of the sidings will be:

beginning of the coal yard. Have to add the other raised surfaces and the ash areas between the rails, then I will think about the landscaping.:

Hope you all have a good Easter,

Regards,

Chris