2 July:
Plaster cloth has been layed over the polystyrene form. Plaster has been added over this to strengthen the structure and to (visually) break up the surface. The plaster has been roughly sanded to knock off any sharp edges and shapes in the plaster that make it look like plaster, rather than earthworks.
Some Woodland Scenics washes have been added to the plaster, though I was experimenting here. In hindsight, I think the best use of this technique is for exposed rock. Underneath flock, gravel, soil etc acrylic paint is more effective. The access road to the yard is plain in this view.
This is the reverse view of the angle above, looking towards the station.
Here is the loading bank, a Sydney Hobbies polyurethane casting.
19 July:
After adding flock and various Chuck's Ballast dusts, I was not happy with the colouring. It was far too brown, whereas the dirt road in this area are usually a yellow ochre colour, but quite pale. So I experimented with yellow oxide and plaster which worked quite well. It was a bit too yellow, particularly after spraying it with adhesive, and afterwards the surface was much too textured to look realistic. I knocked this down by sanding with 240 grit paper. This has been quite effective. The underlying dried plaster created some white dust which gives a more realistic colour, as you can see above. One thing I have learnt about landscaping is how forgiving it is. You can't undo much, but you can just keep laying down more layers until it looks right.
There are two areas which I have patched because the ground was un-prototypically uneven. They have not been coloured as yet. Overall, I reckon it's looking ok. It should look much better when I've added some scrub, blackberries and static grass.
Looking along the road into the yard.
3803 is an unusual visitor to Kings Vale. Don't tell anyone.
On the other side of the line I've layed some cork to show the low point of the terrain, where there is a creek running beneath the yard. Beyond that is a flat area where the Fettlers Shed and rail rack will be. While researching this structure, I came across Jim Longworth's excellent Bulletin article from 1999, "A Desktop History of the Gang Sheds of the NSWGR", and Kim Armstrong's article in Branchline Modeller 1.
I have chosen to do the ballasting last, the way it happens in reality.
Here is a great photo of Kingsvale, which I estimate to be about 1970. Indications are that gang sheds were not painted until this period, so my shed will be plain galvanised iron.
Until next time
James.
