Today I have created a test plank where I can try and perfect new techniques and elements of the colour etc before ruining the modules that I have built. The following techniques and elements needed testing to get right:

• Colouring Kato Track with a spray can,
  
• Ballast over Kato Track (I wanted to see how easy or hard this is with Jonsons Klear),
  
• Foamboard platforms (both height and colouring needed to be checked),
  
• DAS Clay and a wire brush to try and give areas of compacted ballast,
  
• Water features,
  
• A road system.
  

So far I have had a go at the first three elements of testing. I am unhappy with the ballast colour so might try Javis Fine beige.

Essentially I am trying to achieve the look as per the prototype picture below, although I am conscious that I need to compromise in certain areas:

The next few things on my list are the DAS clay and the road system. I am thinking of printing my own road background onto card because I need a very light grey.

I am also going to use some of the textured spray cans to give the platforms a gravel looking surface (as per the prototype). Unfortunately I doubt this will look amazing in N gauge but I am struggling to find alternatives.

Thanks for looking.