Another busy month of work and gardening has left little time for progress on the railway. I have managed to start the base scenic layer of ground ballast at the Boxer Bay Docks. Again drawing inspiration from many photographs of the S&DJR docks at Highbridge. It's slowly coming together. All for now.
Summertime always brings more gardening, fun time at the beach, and a busier work schedule. So not much activity on the railway. In the last month plus I've managed to make a little more progress on my coach from Connoisseur Models. Still enjoying the challenge and rewards of building my first etched brass model in decades. Looking forward to painting (& hiding) my messy solder joints !
After a long absence, for scheduled service, BBR Terrier #3 "Josie" returns to work. Service included wheel cleaning, pickup adjustment, lubrication, and an overall cleaning. She's seen here at Windrush Junction, shunting the goods yard. An L&Y cattle wagon is a long way from home ! How it ended up in Somerset, is up to ones imagination :)
I took advantage of a day off from work to make progress on the dock wall of Boxer Bay, which is heavily inspired by the S&DJR dock at Highbridge - see 1930's archive photograph. I really like the combination of a stone & timber wall, makes a nice contrast. The wood was stained & lightly weathered. I'm no artist, so just attempt to make it "look good" at a distance. I'm happy. A ton more to do, not to mention the boats & water.
Another job was improving a scene I wasn't entirely happy with. The stationmasters house at Windrush Junction, I did not like the shrubbery ;), and thought a traditional hedge would be more fitting. Made from simple cheap cleaning sponges & typical foliage. I think it improves the scene overall. Monty Python approved !
Just having some fun shunting. Amazing how therapeutic shuffling some wagons around the goods yard can be, provided the tension lock couplings are working correctly :) It's the simple pleasures.
BBR #1 making up the daily goods for Boxer Bay. Local lad Anthony is hoping to see a Dean Goods bring in the GWR daily mixed train today instead of the regular 45xx.
