Montgreenan

[Hound Dog]

I’ve looked up ‘jaggy climbers’ in the RHS yearbook.
The seaweed looks very effective. One question though, is there a danger it will rehydrate if the weather is humid? Rather like lichen has a tendency to do. I guess if enough glue/hairspray is used for the scatter it’s unlikely to be an issue though.

Steve - no issues in this respect from my experience, but was always left on the radiator for a day or two to ensure it was really dried out............. I generally soak it with a heavy dose of hairspray and then add the leaves.........great for draping down stone walls or tunnel portals - see image below which better portrays the effect.

Cheers - Richard

PS - "Jaggy" is a Scottish term and whilst I don't know what these "weeds" are officially called, they spread like the proverbial wildfire and can cut you to shreds if your not careful ( the real thing, not my seaweed creation, of course - LOL).

[Steve M]

They look really effective whatever they are. In the real world would they be brambles? If so I expect you to start modelling them with berries as well.

[Chops]

Remarkable. The jaggy looks quite convincing. If you wish to sell some, I'd like to buy. Really fleshes out a scene. One sees, also, the meticulous care to which you have laid in your track. I am not nearly so brave, for once in, that would be a major effort to adjust or refashion.

[Carl L]

A very natural looking corner, love it. A trip for the beach for me.

[Hound Dog]

Hi Folks,

Quick update as building work on my ongoing tunnel has almost finished and scenery work gets underway.........I seemed to lose a lot of time finessing the fit around the lift out sections, but I am hoping that the time invested will pay dividends in the final result and the subsequent ease of use etc.

This past week has seen the stone dyke built on the hillside and the muddy field prepared for sowing............The first grass was laid this evening on the far side embankment leading into the main tunnel, but a few more layers required - wtg more grass which should arrive tomorrow.

At the other end of the main tunnel, I am still contemplating the use of real rocks as if blasted to create the cutting and have a varied selection collected across many dog walks these past weeks........at the moment it looks like a collection of pebbles, but I am hoping that the addition of grass, moss and heathers etc will bed it all together.

I have also started to landscape the area between the main line and the branch and this is where a small pond will hopefully be located, but I need to construct a retaining wall in front of the main line........tomorrow night's job I think.

Unfortunately, I have only 10 days until I head to the US on business for almost a couple of weeks, and so will be trying to get some time in every evening between now and then.

Thanks Richard

[bulleidboy]

It's progressing well. Enjoy your trip to the US.

[Chops]

The fluid lines draw the viewer in. Note to self: fluid lines.

[Hound Dog]

A little more progress………. Retaining wall to main line built and adjacent embankment given final layer of static grass - trees, bushes etc to follow.

Also built the stone dyke around the paddock next to the farmhouse and gave the road a coat of grey paint, although this will not be the final surface……. I find it helps to paint the basic surface in a colour roughly similar to the final prepared surface as it affords the opportunity to check how it is likely to all come together.

Cheers - Richard

[Hound Dog]

Hi Folks,

Been a busy boy this weekend and with respect to her Majesty, I managed to also get some quality time during today's bank holiday - in between cups of tea and catching up on the funeral and procession etc.

I am truly knackered this evening and I am sure I will be seeing Static grass in my sleep (even had to cut the garden lawn this evening), but made significantly progress on the tunnel project and have broken the back of the scenic work.......still lots to do and the all-important dressing of the scene with lots of trees, bushes, plants and sheep !..........I have two nights left before I go to the US on business for 10 days, but think I need a break and the opportunity to ponder what goes where etc, so baring any sudden inspiration I will probably leave it as is and just tidy up ready for a fresh start on my return.

See attached photos taken at close of play this evening - I absolutely haven't got the colour of the pond right and certainly need to introduce a blueish tint, but that is for another day.......cheers Richard

[bulleidboy]

Looking good Richard - obviously a productive day. I see the combine harvester has been busy