Wednesday 20th December 2023

Worklist:

Building sign - review artwork, create waterslide transfer and apply signage.

Review new porch parts and assemble.

Finish pipework assembly and make good grass and foliage.

Fit engine shed windows.

Geoff had produced some artwork for the sign, which included some rust patches and a border. After printing onto waterslide transfer paper and trimming to size, the transfer was applied to the building. Microsol liquid was then applied all over the transfer to help bed it into the corrugations and over the bolt heads.

Note the bolt heads under the transfer.

Stephen had remade the porch components, but needed to check the width of the door cill. Once confirmed, the parts were assembled, ready for painting. It is still an option at this stage and will be reviewed again, as the area develops. 

The new paving in the area was discussed. One option was to lay stone slabs onto the existing 'gravel' surface, with a kerb along the front edge, providing a pedestrian area. The other option was to have paving flush with the road thereby suitable for mixed traffic, maybe stock for collection. The foam layer underneath would make the latter feasible.

Geoff finished painting and weathering the pipe framework. The concrete base was trimmed to size, then painted, and the area finished with electrostatic grass and foliage. More foliage could be trained up the pipes, which would be easier if the structure wasn't removable. It's present solidity makes the latter very likely.

Stephen fitted the engine shed window frames, which were generally a tight fit. The glazing will be added in due course.

Geoff had been researching a method of making trees from stranded wire, which gave a purpose for some very special cables. These lengths were rescued from the restoration project he's working on, and date back to 1938, when the carriages were first built. Lengths were wound together and trimmed to shape. 'Thick' PVA will be applied and dry tiling grout scattered over it to provide some texture.

View from the fiddleyard showing the three tracks. 

Left: The hidden track that runs under the buildings from the tunnel on the main station board. This is the Quarry line. Wagon loads of 'empties and fulls' (crushed stone and stone slabs), come and go on this line via the main station area.

Middle: The stonemasons private siding. The bulk stone materials come here from the quarry and the finished stonework goes on down the line for distribution.

Right: Is the 'mainline', to and from the main railway network.