Tricky

Yes, I had wondered the same, not sure is the answer. The same way they got to this one I suppose..

Also, Geoff has made a start on sorting out the loading bay...

I did a bit of gardening yesterday, and here is the result. Next job will be to lay the paths either side of the roadway and add the road surface. I think I will also put ornate lamps on the posts either side of the gate posts.

Build a nice gantry for it to go on...?

I'm not called Duncan! Don't know why it decided to post my reply that way! Richard

Yep, you guessed it. That's why they've been 'put to one side'. Probably also why Rusty is getting so excited...

I made some barrels today. Actually Slater's offering but with added banding and colouring to look almost new.

So....after a little bit of deliberation, I have decided to throw my hat into the ring with Monk's Gate. Quite scary as I have never exhibited before (mainly because I've never built a layout before...!), but it was never intended to exhibit it either, thus it is rather heavy and cumbersome. However, here goes...!

Rob, I see you have entered the competition too...!

Of course, the trouble with this set-up is it was never intended to exhibit, and it never entered my head to do so, until recently. It is moveable but only in two bits, one of which is the main board of 8', and it is very heavy! I am considering entering it in the MRJ Cameo competition, if it qualifies (I have a feeling it's too big), but in the unlikely event of it winning, it would be difficult to exhibit it or run it. As you can see, all the controls are at the front, so an operator would be permanently in the way! Any thoughts or comments?? Maybe show it as a static display?!

They are great photos, very atmospheric. I haven't seen any of them before. Would really enjoy seeing another pre-group layout...!

Hi Rob, photos attached as requested.

Thanks Edwardian,To be honest, it's comments like yours and others that spur me on. I have discovered a whole new aspect to this modelling lark since coming on this forum; I used to enjoy modelling for my own benefit for sure, but now the pleasure I derive from it is hugely more satisfying when it can be shared with other like-minded souls such as your good self. Richard

Hi compound2632, thanks for your kind comments. The 'Commit No Nuisance ' isn't Midland, it's a rather quaint sign I found whilst Googling inspiration for road signs...!

Deliberate teasing...!! Although she's the same open cab in my first post, but rather effective positioning I thought...

So, today I finished the wall previously referred to, which forms the entrance to the loco yard and PW Department. The 'enamel' signs are the usual trade offering but before I cut them out I sprayed them with car cellulose lacquer. Once dry this was burnished with a fibreglass pen. This gives them a subtle sheen rather than the high gloss of photo paper. The edges where gone over with felt pen as well. On the brickwork I tried something slightly different; after the usual painting of mortar colour, followed by brick colour, followed by picking out a few for contrast, I washed over the whole wall with thinned satin stain-varnish. This gives the brickwork a slight sheen as seen on the prototype, particularly Victorian civil engineering brickwork. Next is some vegetation around the notice board behind the spear fencing and the roadway.

A little arty shot of a couple of signs recently planted. There's a prototype for the trespass sign...

Will do Gary! Richard

Yes indeed, can't wait!

Beautiful. And an enticing photo....looking forward to seeing this at Uckfield in October! Richard

The aforementioned 'Rusty' trying to distract Ned but he's having none of it. No sign of Frank yet..obviously not in any hurry...

Here's a couple of pics I posted over on my Midland in London thread...

Here's a slightly more aerial view.

What a fascinating video- thank you for sharing. Richard