Al.

This little box of tricks arrived today - Azatrax HexDetex train detector. This is the 8 sensor module which I'll be using to detect trains in the hidden sidings underneath the Erpeler Ley. That is once I've got my head around how to wire the thing......

Looks good, Paul. He needs a couple of friends mixing the concrete for him, or it'll be a long job. How many more have you got to do? It'll be good to see a pic of all the units installed in the building.

The vehicles for the bridge defense detachment arrived yesterday, so this morning the job was to assemble them and carry out a few modifications. First job on the Opel Blitz's was to remove moulded tailgate and canvas flap so the inside of the truck is visible. Then I added seating benches, and open tailgate. I had a spare body laying, so decided to make a trailer for one of the trucks using wheels from one of the 88mmflak guns. Should look pretty good once I get it loaded with barbed wire and stuff. Also turned my hand to making a field kitchen to go behind the Krupp. I'm not happy with the wheels as they look a bit course and I'm looking for replacement. The kitchen unit also needs a bit more detail to finish. But again, I'm pretty happy with the result. Photos below show them in position outside the Erpeler Ley Tunnel. Next job is to get the lot painted.

Look good Paul.

On a bit of a roll today with the rolling stock. This latest one is a flatcat with Henschel Hs126 Reconnaissance Aircraft. Its a bit larger than I anticipated and overwhelms the rest of the train when in formation. I've get a Storch on the way, which is a slightly smaller aircraft. Once here I'll trial that one and if also too big, drop the wagon from the train.

I've spend several evenings last week pulling my air out trying sculpt the rock face on the front of the Erpeler Ley. I'm sort off half way there right now. Bottom section is looking right, but the upper section still needs more work. Anyway, to avoid further premature bolding I decided to turn my attention back to rolling stock today. Several years ago, I picked up a BR52 with broken valve gear. Rather then replace the gear, I decided to add an armoured skirt to it as a part armoured loco. To accompany it, I planned to add a couple of armoured wagons. This is the first one. An improvised Panzerjager - a captured Russian T34 mounted on a wagon chassis. I still need to add the fake coupling on the front then it'll be ready for painting. For the second wagon, I'm thinking of something like a 3 axled van with a whirlwind AAA turret fitted on top. Of course, this style of loco and wagons would more likely have been seen on the Eastern Front rather then in the Rhineland.

The Might Maus.

A bit more scenic detail. Five anti-aircraft dugouts for a quartet of 88mm guns and search light that'll sit on top of the Erpler Ley.

Impressive. How many more to do on the three blocks?

Also managed to get the track laid across the bridge. The layout is starting to come together. Once the western back tower is finished I can get that positioned and track laid across it I'll finally have a running layout...

Long over due update. The one job I had lined up for the Christmas break was to get the western tower clad. Unfortunately as with all plans, that came to nothing. However in the new year I did manage to get a few hours on it and got it about 75% complete. It still needs a bit of filling, trimming and sanding down. Then detail to add.

Finally managed to get back to Remagen this weekend. Pushed on with getting the farm house that sits on the west bank beside the bridge. Basis structure along with most of the cladding is done. Still need the roof adding. And this is how it looking in position on the layout.

Progressing well, Paul. Look forward to seeing more.

Plenty of retail units to fit out. Have fun...

Back from Warley and cracked on with the Remagen side west bank. Basic baseboard structure done and road base added. Also trying out a few trees on the Erpel side.

Basic structure of the west bank tower is now completed. First job once I get back from Warley is to get the cladding on.

Paul. Hope not too much of a disaster. We can have look tomorrow. Signs look good. First one is for a fish restaurant called Silver River Fish -refers to the Milky Way. Second one is a advert for China Mobile telecoms company.

Been spending more time on the house this weekend. Pretty much got it completed. And this is how it looks in the layout.

Spot on, Paul.

More scenery this weekend. This time part of the bridge defense trench system on the Erpel side. Still some way to go, but I've ran out of materials to go any further for now. This is it in approximate location. Once finished, the trenches will be sunk into the to provide a view over the railway line at the approach to the bridge from Remagen.

A little bit more scenery done - cobbled roads, foot paths and curb stones.....

In reality, the cave is a bit too far to the right to appear on the layout, however with a bit of modelers license will got it there.

Good save Paul. You can hardly spot the damage.

More scenery work this week.I've been pushing on with getting the Erpeler Ley built. I've got the basic structure done. It's slowly drying now. Prototype model would be some 900mm above river level. I've compromised at 600mm as any higher was causing problems. Much of it will be covered in trees with a section of exposed rock on the right hand side. On top I'm planning a battery of 88mm anti-aircraft guns.

To bring things right up to date, there's been relatively little progress track wise on the layout, but a reasonable amount scenery wise. I've started sculpting the landscape for the Erpler Ley and got the house by the road under bridge pretty much done. Also had this little fellow arrive today. After a little bit of work it'll become one of several cameos that will appear on the layout.