Graham T

That would be a nice idea, but I already have a river valley at the other end of the layout, so the levels wouldn't work unfortunately. I might put in a pond though...

A lot of the planned projects for Chuffnell R remain on hold while I wait for the UK postal "service" to sort itself out, and provide me with the necessary kit. So, the duty brain cell has been turned to wondering what to do with this empty expanse at the front of the layout... Initial thoughts are: There needs to be a railway boundary fence, I guess running reasonably close to the tracks and then just behind the grounded van next to the turntable. Which means a long run of post and wire fencing - ugh. The groundwork needs to be fairly low, just a rolling field perhaps? No big trees as I'll just snag them as I reach across to the layout, a few bushes and so on though. But the area needs some interest in it too I think. Maybe a (small) ruined barn or something like that? Perhaps a pond? Maybe a little cameo this side of the grounded van. An idea that springs to mind is a group of bods sitting around a packing case having a sneaky game of cards, out of sight of the shed. Does anybody know of any 1:72 figures like that?

I've also been painting a few more odds and ends for decorating the layout. Brace yourselves because this is a very exciting, edge of the seat stuff! Firstly some barrels... These will be popped into an open wagon, and if there are any left over they can stand in the goods yard. Painted with Vallejo light brown and black grey. And some coal sacks! These will also be lurking in the goods yard, but I'm wondering how they should be stacked? I will also need to add lots of dust and the odd stray lump of coal wherever I finally put them, I suppose? I think I need a cup of tea after all that excitement...

The end loading bay gate is now fixed in place. I'm leaving the huts free-standing as they will be moving to Chuffnell Regis Mk II at some point.

Interesting photos Clive. I don't know why, but I always had the impression that the Deltic was bigger than that. Not HO is it?!

I'm thinking about a bit of an SDJR flavour to Chuffnell R Mk II, so...

I’m glad that it’s provided some encouragement 🙂

Gosh, isn’t that how one still travels?!

I must admit that Little Muddle crossed my mind when I was staging that little cameo!

I've been doing the odd bit of modelling in breaks from work, lots of fiddly little things to make Chuffnell Regis look a bit more alive, so to speak. (I'm also waiting on numerous items from the UK before I can progress a few other jobs on the layout, but stuff is taking weeks to arrive at the moment...) So, anyway, here are the meagre fruits of what felt like a lot of effort! The famous "shed staff" pack from Modelu. Lovely little models but they take me an age to paint! I'm not sure where they will ultimately live on the layout, in fact I expect they will move about from time to time, but for now they all seem to be contemplating a rather mysterious packing crate... Meanwhile, the platform has gained another bench - so I need to paint some sitting passengers I suppose - and also some planters. For which I still need to make some plants... I'm quite pleased with the luggage trunks. They are 3D prints from Smart Models, and at first sight looked a bit underwhelming. But picking out the corner plates and so on in brass has really brought them to life, I think. They've also had a coat of clear varnish, to try to give the impression of slightly shiny leather. And finally the last luggage trolley has now found its home. I've shifted most of the milk churns into their shelter; it was fun making them actually stand up, as they seemed rather keen to show me their renowned skittles impression. The pagoda hut isn't fixed down in any way yet, so I'll probably pop a piece of black tack at the rear of it.

That's a rather valuable stack of Siphons...

Quel surprise!

I have another two commissions that I need to crack on with. They need to be in the UK by the start of April, so I should really get weaving...

Thanks very much Rob.

Almost seems a shame to weather it. Almost.

Must just pop out to fetch my sunglasses...

Thanks very much Tony. Always happy to take on new commissions by the way 😉

Thanks Nick 🙂

Thank you! I've been trying to get a better photo, I think this actually shows the painting better. Taking photos of paintings is almost as difficult as actually using the brush and paint...

Now it really is finished! A couple of final tweaks made, and signed. "The working day is done". Oil on canvas, 20 x 16 inches.

All very impressive, especially the tree!

I think this might be done now... @Andy Keane, what do you think?

Priceless humour - or if given a value, then at least a pillion bounds...

I think the tracks should be six feet apart. @The Johnster has come up with some really helpful suggestions. One thing I'd add though, is that if you plan to add telephone wires - where are they going to go to? You won't have anywhere to connect them to off the diorama. So, personally, I wouldn't model them. Slightly different for signal wires, as you could have a mounting post right at each edge of your diorama. A platelayers hut might be too big for the space you have available, but a fogman's hut would work - they're only about the size of a phone box. Hope that helps!

Don't know about that Andy, but it's coming along slowly! I think I've fixed the angle of the sunlight in the shed, I'll post a pic tomorrow when i have some daylight again. I'll modify the inside of the doors too, and do something about the roof vent. Also saw your message about the bloke who's leaning - I think you're right, and will see what I can do about that.