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Monday, 19 September 2022

Flocking

Hexworthy has been an arid desert for too long, so I figured it was time to start making it green. Before static grass and other scenics I like to start with a base layer of traditional flock scatter, it makes sure the brown plaster is well covered and doesn't show through. 


I use a range of colours, I seem to have collected many packs. The first layer may not give an even coverage, but another layer of PVA and scatter gives a deep even coat. A little ground foam scatter is used for the second layer too, creating patches of roughness that will hopefully make the static grass "tufty", 


I've blended different colours to give a varied appearance, and used deeper greens where there will be trees and near the river, and lighter colours for open ground, aiming to blend with the backscene. 

It's surprising what a basic layer of green does to bring the layout to life. There's much more to do to the groundwork, but I need to think about the river and the playground too. 

Sunday, 11 September 2022

I like steam engines

Earlier this week I took a trip on the Bluebell Railway. It's relatively local but I'd not been for a few years. 


I do enjoy a steam train ride!


The loco shed/museum has had a makeover since my last visit, with bright LED lighting and more space between the locos it was a much more attractive space. Raised walkways provided views into some of the cabs and access into one of them. There were some interactive exhibits too including a loco driving simulator. 


And in other news... I have a new toy!

It's a Kato/Peco Ffestiniog England loco, Prince. Not only does it look lovely, it runs very nicely too.