A couple of weeks ago I finally made up my mind as to how the old line to Llangunllo would disappear into the backscene. With the remainder of the branch on borrowed time, something cheap and simple would most likely have been used, so I thought a mound of spent ash ballast would fit the bill nicely. There would have been plenty lying around after the track beyond Bleddfa Road was lifted, so I constructed this……….
The base is DAS modelling clay which was pressed into the end of the track and gently moulded twixt fingers and thumb to blend into the surrounding scenery. Once happy with its shape the clay was removed and allowed to harden. The whole thing was then coated in PVA and covered in ash ballast, along with some clumps of grass, and odd bits of dressed seamoss, to represent weeds and other growth.
Here it is in situ, I still have some bushes to plant behind the water tower and buffer stop. The timber baulks have now been chained to the track, well glued to be honest. One advantage of this idea is that it takes up less space than a van, or buffer stop. So there is now enough room for a tender engine should one find its way down the branch. Thanks to everyone who was kind enough to offer ideas and suggestions as to how the line should end.
Wanting a break from modelling scenery I once again turned my attention to the goods shed. My aim was to create a building that had seen better days, one that had been roughly patched up over the years with whatever materials could be found lying around. I have come across several photographs of similar sheds which show the steps lying on the ground beside the shed, so those on the model are freestanding. Despite being constructed from lightweight materials, namely foamboard, styrene and basswood the model has a very satisfying, weighty feel to it. Having studied the finish of similar building, I discovered that the nuts, bolts and washers used to secure the sheet material in place were hardly noticeable under the thick coats of paint that had been applied over the years. So those on the model are nothing more than small cubes of styrene, which have been rounded off with a solvent laden brush.
At the moment the shed is still in the process of being weathered. The base coat is Precision Paints weathered wood enamel. Some panels have been painted with a mix of the same colour and Humbrol leather, or dirty black. The bottom edges of the sheets where rust normally begins to take hold have been dry brushed with my own mix of rust, namely light and dark earth Humbrol enamels and a touch of red. The doors were painted a light grey, then dry brushed with Humbrol natural wood, and the same weathered wood. I have been building the weathering up slowly, leaving things for a few days before adding more subtle tones.
Though there are several differences between this view, and the one of Llansilin Road in the top right of the photo below. I think it is plain to see where the basic inspiration for the layout came from.
My goods shed is loosely modelled on the one that once stood at Llanrhaiadr Mochnant, which is not only longer than the one in the photo but is also mounted on brick pillars. A feature that I prefer to the timber trestle style base.
Finally two weeks ago today 1455 was caught on camera whilst exchanging empty for full coal wagons. Next time I will be featuring the station building which is now well on the way to completion………..
Geoff
