nickwood

This is a very interesting and enlightening discussion, thank you to the OP for starting the topic. Pendon is facing many of the issues raised here, particularly a lack of volunteers. For many, Covid has disrupted their normal routine and they are reluctant to return to an enclosed environment or they may have re-evaluated their commitment, or possibly found other things to do instead. Pendon is finding it increasingly difficult to fill the rotas to have the museum adequately staffed when open. Pendon has embarked on a recruiting programme to attract both volunteers and Trustees, another position that is perhaps even more difficult to fill but it is not going to be an easy ride. Also concerning is the drop in visitor numbers and it would be interesting to know if other attractions in our sector are experiencing the same.

Sounds to me like you do not have the applicator close enough to the surface that you are grassing. Try to get the base of the applicator within 25mm of the glue surface or even closer if you can. The further the fibres have to drop the less charge they will have. I used the Greenscene applicators and fibres when tutoring for Pendon Museum’s Scenic workshops and had no problems with the Students getting good results. By the way, contrary to popular opinion you do not need to have the applicator grounded in the glue, just grounded somewhere. Most people will ground it like you have done because the wire is quIte short. Nothing wrong with that, except that when you remove it will leave a small ‘bald’ spot. Hope this helps and good luck.

If you are familiar with the dry brushing technique then that should work for the white border and lettering..

I was out for my evening walk today when I saw a ticket for Arsenal’s next home game nailed to a telegraph pole, so I took it. You never know when you’ll need a nail.

It is truly awful news. I knew that Mick had suffered a heart attack a week or so back and was in hospital, but I was not expecting this. It came as a complete shock when I got a call from Pendon earlier today. I was privileged to have had the opportunity a few years ago to learn weathering skills from Mick that would otherwise have alluded me. We struck up a instant raport following my attendance at an early weathering course at Pendon, at the time run by Tim Shackleton with Mick helping. This was followed by an invitation to visit to his home after which we struck up a strong friendship which I have valued highly ever since. We went on to develop and jointly run together two of Pendon's workshops each year. We became known at Pendon as the "Mick and Nick show". Mick accompanied me many times to shows with Much Murkle and has always been the most discerning member of my operating team. After setting up he would examine the layout for cobwebs, every stray bit of dust or ballast before the show opened to make sure it was looking at its best. He would not tolerate misbehaving locos, couplings or stock and after making sure that it was not operating error on his part, would suggest that perhaps it would be better if the offending items were removed from the public view. He was a perfectionist and I loved him for it. Before many exhibitions Mick would stay at our home overnight prior to taking Much Murkle out. He always without fail, despite telling him not to, would bring a bottle of my favourite red and flowers for my wife. The mark of a true gentleman His wife Ann and his family will be devastated. The hobby has lost one of those precious few individuals who were very keen to share their incredible knowledge and skills whilst at the same time delivering it in a humble and endearing manner. RIP MIck, we'll all remember you fondly.

Have you not read Iain Rice's article in the latest MRJ about modelling poor trackwork? Mick just beat him to it

A full bottle of Apothic and a small glass helps. Seems to last a little longer or at least until things start to go south

If the greenhouse is your neighbours I would

Going by the greenhouse it looks out of level to me

Ooooh! what's that going to be, new BBQ area?

Excluding the the pink one, or is it mauve?, a good variety of greens there. Your next assignment Mr Bon(d)wick is to mix them and demonstrate the results.

The texture does look rather good. That particular green looks to be best suited for the spring season. Do they do any scatters in pink?

Remarkably tidy. How will you ever find anything again?

A suggestion for sealing the ash. Once stuck down with pva perhaps a spray with Woodland Scenic’s Scenic Cement might do the trick. It also dries completely Matt unlike diluted pva. I like your idea of graduating the density of the grass

www.pendonmuseum.com A big thank you to all Friends of Pendon. Whether you are a long standing Friend or have recently joined, your support has helped enormously to get us through these difficult times. Following the latest guidelines Pendon Museum will be reopening on Saturday 22nd May. For the period until we can open fully we will be following "the rule of six" with timed, pre booked entry. We are so pleased to be able to welcome you back. Full detail on dates and how to book can be found on our website using the link above. We look forward to seeing you.

You could perch a seagull on the end of the ridge and then claim it has....well you can guess the rest. Seriously a touch of grey felt tip or similar and then weather it! You should be good at that

I ticked like for this, but on careful reading the comment is much better than that. A perfect critique in fact.

Reminiscing? By the way I'm impressed that I could spell it correctly first time

A very enjoyable day, so I’m told.

The more weeds, the less you can see the ballast

is that rhyming slang?

Looks mOre like Celtricius tricolaria ‘Irish Knockweed. As driven by Land O’Norris.

What is it? Looks invasive.

That sounds almost exactly like the experience I went through many times before finally going over to t’other side and living happily ever after in the Apple orchard.

How do you know that the pheasant is still on the roof? Did you nail it to it’s perch?