Building the diorama

Progress

This is the BBO17, the additional length is not readily apparent but it dispenses with the need for an extra fiddlestick. The height of the rear upstand is useful for a simple backscene.

The DCC gubbins underneath, MultiMaus CPU on the left

First test of the trackwork

 

The test is very successful.

In true Blue Peter style, the local freebie paper is used to make templates for the hardstanding. 

 

The first piece of card fitted perfectly, thanks to the paper template and only one layer is needed. Each piece of card was laboriously cut using old kitchen shears, my right hand will take some time to recover but that part is over.

Just need to apply some PVA to the edges, otherwise ready for whatever is next.

Added clouds to the backscene

Now the track has been weathered and the surface has received a coat of concrete paint. The backscene is 'Northern European Grey' the usual colour of the sky.

  

Ballasting is both messy and tedious, the final section of track to be ballasted, just needs tidying.