Before posting some pictures from our German trip, here’s a quick report from my workbench.  All this should have been done months ago, but predictably it all got built after October’s wedding trip.  There’s nothing like a good deadline to concentrate the mind….

The problem was that I needed a new NCI module to take to Stuttgart.  In order to link up with the West Sussex mob, I not only needed a new board to reverse the 10 degree turn on my junction board, but it also had to be a ‘joker’ board that swapped the main line from one side of the board to the other.

Fortunately, I had an 800mm N-Club module that originally was going to be part of another project.  I stripped it down to the frame, then added a new end set at 10 degrees.  The track bed and some new leg pockets followed.

This was a project that used up bits and pieces lying around the loft.  I added 3mm ply track bed at the ends of the module, and pre-cut copper-clad sleeper sections to form a solid end.  The track bed was Woodland Scenics track base, that is ideal for forming these gentle curves.  I did buy some Woodlands Scenics foam glue to fix it down.  Excellent stuff, as it is like non-corrosive impact adhesive.  I also cut down the baseboard sides to give a little negative contouring to the scenery.

The track followed.  I checked the location at the module ends with the N-Club template, and checked it against one of my other modules.  Both seemed OK – I hope….  Wiring followed, including a ‘bus’ from one end of the module to the other.  Basic scenery was added with cardboard strips from a pizza box and hot glue, and plastic card areas for the water features.  ModRoc followed to finish off the shape of the ground.  I had just enough ModRoc to finish the job, though the scenery is a little thin in places!  The ply sections inset into the ground are for buildings – more later. 

Then the bit I enjoy – being ‘artistic’ with the scenery.  Overall, I thought I’d try for some autumn/fall colouring here.  Not NCI standard, but never mind!  Hunting through the internet for inspiration, I came across a fossil T-Rex being excavated.  Perfect for something a little different.  I’m not sure about the rock types around it, but I’m not going to worry about that.

I did buy in some water lilies, marsh marigolds and bulrushes to go around the pond.  The end result is easy on the eye…..

And here is the final result.  The orchard middle left was bought in, as were the ruined buildings.  Both wargame models and cheap – a ruined building and a ruined monastery.  I may need to add fencing to the railway for UK running, but it will do for Stuttgart 2023.

I did add one final detail…..

I seem to have finished the module with a week to spare (much to my surprise.)  Just a sealing coat of matte medium for UV protection and hold the scatter in place better needed.  I will then have time to make a cover for it before loading it up in Allan’s van.  I just hope it all works!!!!!

And as a little PS, Dave sent me two pictures from the Corris Railway.