idlemarvel

I have made many cardboard kits, ready cut and DIY, over the years. I recently tried smart models, the free signal box. It looks okay when assembled but compared to others I have tried it was quite tricky to construct. Cutting the window frames (about 2mm wide) requires extreme care, and covering each side of the window posts with small strips of paper is very fiddly. I think a wrap around approach would be better. The brick texture looks quite good to my eye. The roof slates came out very blue on my printer, but that is my printer as it looks okay on the screen. I'm not sure the "strips of tiles" approach looks that much more realistic than printed sheets, given the amount of extra time it takes. I've also tried the concrete platform. I think the platform sides are quite effective. I used it to re-cover an existing Metcalfe platform kit. The instructions are very good, detailed explanations with photographs of each assembly stage. On the whole I think these models are good quality, value and complementary to the range of models from scalescenes, which to my mind is still the benchmark for print and cut models.

Those Dapol signals look great, I want some!

http://www.smartmodels.co.uk/products/railway-models/railway-buildings/free-signal-box

Excellent layout and very fine examples of weathering. I have been looking for some inspiration for my layout . I have even less room than you (4ft x 7ft maximum layout). The idea of combining a loop with scenic fiddle yard / stabling area alongside is genius. Thanks! I couldn't find a diagram of your layout so I knocked one up using XtrackCad from your pictures. I guessed you used mainly settrack and minimum 2nd radius curves. I haven't got your new TMD configuration right but in principle it's all there I think. Hope you like it. Thanks again, Dave