Wednesday 19th June 2024

Stephen had produced a short section of the new fencing, which was tested in-situ. It was initially 'approved', but subsequently, we decided a third rail, in the middle, was safer for the retention of smaller livestock e.g. calves. 

A couple of figures seemed to fit quite nicely. 

A stile had also been produced for the junction with the cottages path, and a path will be introduced heading across the field and up the hill.

The rest of the session was mainly occupied with the production of more fencing materials and then painting them; firstly in a light brown and then with a light grey, to achieve a weathered effect.

It occurred to us that the new fence provided a safety barrier on the 'cliff' edge, but the footpath in front of the cottages was possibly just as dangerous. After examination, it was decided that a short section of some sort of fence at the top might be in order. TBA.

Finally, a 'spare' metal water trough kit was assembled that will go into the field near the stile.

We can't remember where the hiker came from and would like to give him a walking-mate, preferably female. Geoff will continue to research available figures. Apart from white metal, there is a growing supply of 3D printed figures, but they can be expensive. The search goes on.

Wednesday 12th June 2024

Discussions continue with Warners, the exhibition managers, with regard to Worton Court attending the reincarnated show at the NEC in November 2024. 

We decided that the cottages board could do with some extra details. After a review, it came down to a mix of what we thought was missing and what we had available. Rummaging through numerous 'bit-and-pieces' boxes provided a few things such as a bicycle, a club hammer and shovel, woodworking tools, a fire bucket and some tree stumps. 

The lack of people on this board was obvious, but those immediately available were a disappointing mixture of 'not quite to scale', almost 2-D (on the flat side), heads too small, too skinny etc. Finally, a few were selected for touching up, which Geoff got started with.

The shovel and hammer ended up on the coal dock.

The bike would fit in numerous places, but, for now, it sits outside a cottage. Maybe we could source a few more?

White metal tree stumps were glued in the field which started a discussion about people falling off the cliff edge, onto the railway. A fence was discussed and post positions explored. The proposed fence lines up nicely with the bridge wall on the adjacent board. A stile was chosen instead of a gate, which was researched (Google Images) and allotted to Stephen for homework.

There were two pony and rider sets. This pony was too dirty for Geoff's liking, so it was spruced-up a bit. They will enhance the rural scene very nicely.

A good session.

Wednesday 5th June 2024

Worklist:

Make and fit front screen for storage rack.

Investigate options for disposing of old transition boards.

Firstly, a wooden batten was selected, cut to length and holes to cover the frame bolts drilled. The back of the batten was then pseudo-milled with a forstner drill bit to receive three rectangular magnets, which were epoxied into place. Self-adhesive Velcro strips were fitted at the bottom of the frame sides.