A change of direction.

Well, I started a layout build thread back in 2017 but since then I`ve changed it all.
CHURCHILL HALT IS NO MORE…….



 I have the same trackwork and crossing but  it has changed into a typical GWR terminus since then.


The track has been primed and airbrushed prior to different scenic work.



Having fitted servo motors to operate the crossing gates , these proved frustratingly troublesome as they could be affected by the turnout switches , rendering them into a convulsive state .  The servos have been removed and I have plans for a hand operating mechanism.

Much work with polystyrene and lightweight filler.



Track has been slewed to accommodate an Engine Shed.



Then out with the paint brushes to experiment with some distance perspective before grass work begins.





Then think about replanting with those newly constructed buildings etc

That's looking very impressive John.

I like the light shading blending into the sky on the backscene and the signal cabin is a little gem.  :thumbs

I was wondering how the cattle dock would work but assume there's a road alnog the backscene edge for vehicular  access ……………………… :roll:

The coal drop (?) next to the engine shed is a bit confusing - how will that work ?  Without any kind of weather protection, I'm guessing it is a coal drop - for loco coal maybe…………………..

How did you do the framing for the lighting gantry ?  It looks very good.

I ought to ask what gauge it is …………..

Thanks Petermac,
It`s O Gauge and yes there will be a hint of a road running behind the cattle pen.

And yes the signal box is a little Gem and is the only building that has not been made by me.  I won it on Ebay for £40 and is made by a Mr Persse ? who goes by the Ebay name of Gabreiling and occasionally sells his various constructs. I very much like his modelling work.

The wooden `coal drop` is modelled from GWR prototype and is higher than most people model because coal was unloaded from coal wagons by hand and then needed to be stored at a higher level both ( to stop pilfering) and to make refuelling loco bunkers a little easier.

 






Modelling should be fun……………….

Looking good John :thumbs

Terry

 A bit more fun………………………………………………….

Steady progress is being made.
I`ve been giving a lot of thought about ballasting and wishing to avoid the most common O gauge cliche

I`ve settled with a combination of Woodland Scenics medium and fine products mixed with my own selection of UK beach sands collected over the years.









Bearing in mind of course that GWR often used fine ash ballast on branchlines.







Then I had a brief interlude this past week thinking about changes to  the loco watering facilities near the engine shed.

And came up with this scratch build based on Ashburton.

That track looks fantastic John - what is it ?

An interesting layout, and I quite like the new water tower!

The track is entirely C&L components with nickel silver bullhead rail ( no rusting)

A new arrival for use at the milk depo further up the branch.