Coming along really well Geoff, nice to see such a good update.
I did try to reply to your Blog post, but my 4 month old Chromebook packed up in early Jan, and since it's come back from repair it's doing the same as when I first had it and not allowing me to comment on there for some reason! Weird these computer thingies!
Keith
Lovely to see the progress, Geoff.
I would echo Martin's comment. Your article in MRJ 281 was, for me, the highlight of the issue.
Rob.
Wholeheartedly agree with the above. Looking good and a lovely article in the MRJ.
Part two is scheduled to appear when the layout is near to, or completed. In the meantime I'll leave you all with this view of the other end of the platform, the spear fencing is Peco, and the as yet, unpainted figure is by Modelu. The stonework on the platform face and water tower is slowly being worked up and experiments in weathering corrugated iron are taking place on the combined gents and lamp hut.
What a lovely view, Geoff.
The colouring is just spot on to these eyes.
Rob.
The sandtex yard surface looks mighty convincing. Well, everything does, but its the yard I am looking at because its something I will have to tackle eventually.

My yard and road surfaces are a mix of 'Sandtex' and 'Greenscene' textured paint which you can find here ....Store.
Going back to the early days of the layouts construction here is a close up of the yard surface, and below is the road surface. The latter is fine glass paper which I spray with an acrylic primer to seal if.
Gordon Gravett uses Chinchilla dust for very fine surfaces, which is something that I intend trying for myself. Hope you find the above ideas to be of use.
Geoff
Geoff,
the fine sand paper surface is pinched; I need to build a road and level crossing. Chinchilla dust does colour everything!
Simon
I use fine ash from a barbecue. Sieved using a tea strainer. This is then applied to a layer of PVA.
I then give a light spray of water and washing up liquid and apply water/PVA/washing up liquid in the same manner as ballasting.
This is a view of the yard at Mutton. Its smoother than the mottled surface might suggest. Platform surface is the same though I've used darker ash to suggest patched tarmac.
Rob.
Chinchilla dust for very fine surfaces
Geoff,
thank you for the clarification. As the layout is set at about 1905 it will be a non-metalled surface, so a bit of hunting for a suitable glass paper is in order. Madam's 40 grit aluminium oxide from her wood turning won't be much use!
Simon
Love this picture ..... the anonymous chap looks a bit begrudgingly cheesed off today, whilst waiting for that train !
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He'll be waiting some time, isn't it freight only?
I have used it in the past and would strongly recommend placing it in some old tights to give a very light dusting until satisfied with the finish.

He'll be waiting some time, isn't it freight only?
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