I have mentioned in previous posts certain advances made in the scenic decoration of my layout and would now show a few photographs.

In June I posted some photographs and requested suggestions for filling in the bare spots, but none were forthcoming. So I went ahead on my own initiative. First, there was this bare corner:

Which has now become this and to which I may add a few cows.

Then there was this space at the other end, thus.

Which has now become this after lifting the last track section of the siding, which could be deemed as redundant, since you can't leave wagons parked on the level crossing and to leave an odd one stuck out on its own at the end seemed out of place.

Also, after installing the Metcalf subway accesses on the platforms, it seemed appropriate to replace the scratch built one with something better (albeit not up to the standard of the Metcalf ones)

and so this new one was installed, which at least does have a flight of steps going downwards (unfortunately not very clear)

There are still a lot of bare patches to be covered and other details to be finished, such as platform benches and finishing the other station with its walking passengers and certain items of rolling stock that do not perform well have to be adjusted. I have, however, managed to solve the derailing problem of my City Class Locomotive tender. A U.K. supplier did not have any wheels but he replaced the original tyres with flangeless ones. I still have a problem with the tender end coupling but I have a Forum thread open on this.

After seeing that another member has a NRMA Standards Gauge (I am unaware as to whether he is a U.S. member), I decided that I wanted one and, after doubting for a while at the cost, I went ahead. The price of the article was 12 dollars but, here is the catch, the postage from the U.S. cost 54 dollars, more than 4 times the cost of the object itself.