Well, it's been a week since Ollie delivered my layout, and I have now put 9 hours into it. So far, I've added static grass, weathered the tracks, base coated the rock face adjacent to the tunnel, resurfaced the 'yard' area with Noch ballast and then blended the ash and ballasted areas into it. Today, I took a big step, having never used Celotex insulating board, and in 3 hours measured, cut, fitted, shaped, sanded and then filled the area forming the ridge and scenic pathway, which runs the length of the layout (8 feet). I'm really happy at how it's shaping up and once I add the texture of the rock faces and the pathway, and get the grass all finished it will look pretty darned fine. Thence, I will add a wooden fence along the whole length of the path, and another to the front of the tracks. A few judiciously placed dry stone walls will break up the countryside as will a few hundred trees. The brick retaining wall is going to be replaced with a f

Well, I've been hard at it since Ollie delivered my layout on Sunday... The front has had a layer of 2mm static grass added, the ground has all been drybrushed with buff grey and I've made a start adding staining to the ballast. Now I have that awful wait for the PVA/flow improver and brown ink to dry, before I can get stuck in with more dry brushing. Still for 4 hours, I am not unhappy at all, with the progress. I should be able to get a few more chunks of foliage placed this afternoon. Next, I need some blue insulating foam for the grey areas, as I am trying for a look a little akin to Darley Dale.... A scar in the countryside. The retaining walls are getting replaced with stonecast 'dressed stone' as soon as the supplier casts them up. Odd though the very dark areas look in the yard, it's bang on as they commonly used ash rather than ballast once the yards proper, began, so you get a very stark contrast . The next dry brush will soften that sli

Those of you with an interest in the wars in Rhodesia, may find some interesting reading and viewing in the store section of the Rhodesian Services Association, which, can be found here: http://www.rhodesianservices.org

I am seeking to sell my 00 yard layout, as I have 3 N gauge layouts under construction and I'm going with that scale from here... 72 x 18 inches, wired for both DCC and DC and currently fitted to an NCE power plate (included) Manual points, free standing and great looking having had around 1 hour use. All structures are fitted with the Woodland Scenics 'Just Plug' lighting system. £450 I can include the Powercab system (again 1 hour use from new) for £75 more with genuine UK power supply. BUYER TO COLLECT Leave a reply here with a contact email (I have to approve the responses so only I will see the address)

DMRE is a really good show, and is a favourite for my calendar, being held in the historic 'Derby Roundhouse' a traditional circular engine shed which has been renovated an repurposed as an event and social space. It's a brilliant venue, and you can stand on the glass floor over the old inspection pits which are lit, and freak yourself out. The catering is very good, and Starbucks coffee is served. The organisers as you may recall from a post last year, could teach wargames show organisers how the big boys play... Derby Model Railway Exhibition - 7th & 8th May 2016 After the great success of the 2015 show, Mickleover Model Railway Group is proud to  announce it will be holding its 36th annual Derby model railway exhibition on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May 2016 at The Roundhouse, Derby. Bringing together a wide selection of high quality layouts and exhibits from across the country, they will cover British, European and American outline in a variety of sc

Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday Next show 26th, 27th & 28th March 2016 At the Knavesmire Stand York Racecourse YO23 1EX Open 10am until 5pm Saturday and Sunday 10am until 4.30pm on Monday Admission: Adults £9.00 Child £4.00 Family £22.00 2015 held for 2016 Discount available on tickets bought in advance Just click the ADVANCE ticket button for details (Advance Ticket Office now open for 2016 tickets) 247 Developments   Al Models   ADM Turntables Agenoria (Mike Williams) Miniatures by Aidan Campbell Alan Gibson Bachmann Europe PLC (Display not sales) Bill Hudson Books Book Law / Santona Publications C & L Finescale Modelling Ltd. Caistor Loco   Ceynix Railway Trees   Connoisseur Models Contikits D & E Videos - Realtrack Models Dart Castings Digitrains Eileens Emporium Freestone Model Accessories   GreenScene Helmsman Model Rail J