Finish grassing the hillside.
Review layout generally.
Photograph then-and-now scenes.
After catching up with our Christmas and New Year experiences (over tea and Christmas cake!) we retired to the workshop. Geoff had put some more filler and a coat of paint on the edge of the hillside. After removing the sheep, he and Laurence then worked along the strip. Since the previous grassing session, Geoff had fitted an extra brass mesh panel in the machine, to increase the charging surface area. We had also been advised by an exhibitor not to apply the glue too thickly and shake the container well. The result was very pleasing.
A patchy/camouflage effect was tried over the existing grassland, which created a slightly mottled effect.
We then took a good look over the layout discussing outstanding issues that we need to resolve e.g. minor repairs, gluing down a myriad of small detailing items, extra lengths of fencing etc. Geoff was keen to 'do something' with an area of ground beyond the coal yard, which he thought was currently too 'tidy'. Either the space should have something on it, or it should be made to look untidy. Stephen suggested that the embryonic preservation group were likely to have a lot of non-running stock that would be put on show. Some Jubilee track was dropped in place and a rummage through John's stock boxes elicited a rake of the tiny wagons that went through the old tunnel to the quarry. Two wagons were chosen, couplings were removed and the wagons added. Maybe some tarpaulins or some signage? Watch that space...
Geoff had been busy with a new loco - a 3D printed 'Protected Simplex' bought from the Shapeways website. All of the internal details had to be scratchbuilt. Some of the bodywork surfaces were heavily lined and took far too much work to smooth, but once prepared, painting and weathering was started.The unit has been mounted on a scratchbuilt chassis incorporating a Tenshodo Spud mechanism. Lots still to do, but it's looking good.
Finally, a photo session took place to create some then-and-now comparison photos to go with an article on the layouts development. With so much stock about, we couldn't resist having a running session, which was much appreciated.
