I think I pretty much got the look I was after on the hillside, but really need a backdrop.







Yeah, the little mining loop (Bub's train) needs some attention. :-)

I guess I didn't get any pictures of the grout, but it mixes up well goes on nice. I did find using a picnic squirt bottle (like for mustard) works quite well for small/tight areas.

Coloring the grout with some washes. Most of this hillside will be covered with ground cover.


I'm not sure about the too steep cliffs.



Yeah, the departure is abrupt, but I'll live with it. This will remain a rock/cliff area.

I found the shaper sheets to be a bit limiting, so back to the tried and true - plaster cloth.


The new canyon.




And the 'old" canyon.


And "Roadhouse Corner" is in the background.


Trying some sanded grout for ground texture. Its a grey color but takes the washes nicely.


Some foam putty and a quick cover of "train room" paint.

Well, the track and roadbed are in and operational. Trains are running, but geomorphology and scenicing still needed.

Where's Nick when I need some foam carved? :-)


The new double track bridges and makeshift support. We'll get to that "later".


A bit abrupt and steps, but workable.


Double track on the grade hidden behind Kragle.

So,…
The objectives are to change the "around the mountain twice" route, by separating the mountain loop into two separate routes, a "high route" and a "middle route", in an attempt to reduce the "merry-go-round" feel . In the process, add a larger diameter curve (for drama), and maybe (eventually) double track the "upper and middle main". Which would really just create a larger whole layout loop incorporating the upper and middle.


Test fit of the double main 315 & 282. Should work/fit.



Existing over/under merry-go-round trackage. But I did like the canyon.


Existing station and mainline tracks.
Actually (from left to right: local freight route, station tracks, "upper" main station bypass , local freight into lower main, lower main/lower main (return/reverse loop), yard entrance, and upper main.



Cut through the mountain, removed the canyon track.
Test fit the new "middle route" track, and not quite sweeping curve.


Finally found a use for the shaper sheets (I think).
Intent is to have a rolling hillside look.
Gonna be pretty tight to accomplish that.


Weights are to hold the shaper sheets down during gluing.
Sweeping curve, not quite there yet. Its going to have to cross over one or more of the lower tracks. Bridge or tunnel? Probably depend on the radius I can get.



Another test fit on the sweeping curve. Too close to middle and upper routes to have a hillside, but I like the sweep. 481mm 15* curves with 29mm straights.


Got the sweeper laid out enough to glue the risers. The Mainline behind the station now has a sweeping curve and a long gentle decline from the high route. It's really a combination of a 318/481 section, 1/2 straight into a greater than 481 section, another 1/2 straight, and a final greater than 481 into the mainline straight. A compromise.
And its still going to be very tight for scenery.

An attempt to tie the Kato roadbed to the scenery

Quick brush-on of some diluted dye.



not too bad.

I think Sir Toppenhat's Mansion will perch up here. Overlooking his station. While the trains rumble through the tunnel below.
Or maybe the once grand mansion is now restored as a museum and the surrounding area's now a park?
Hmmm, his lawn looks a bit scruffy.

The Rural Station Module

Okay, not museum quality, but more than serviceable.
This is part of an eventual rural station/siding 4 module set.
eBay used station, some left-over ballast, and scenic-ing materials from last N-Scale foray (in the '80s).
Still needs some doodads for the station platform, some people and a couple of cars in the parking lot and road.
And who knows what else?

North West Corner

This piece is a transition between the Urban Station Scene and the Rural Station Scene.
Yeah, kinda a perceptual leap of faith.

The urban side

will be a cut stone retaining wall and double portal. Right up against the end of the urban terminal. Maybe some city buildings, or industry?, above the portal.
The transition to rural will be wooded.

The rural side

will have a more rustic (blasted rock, or wooden) double portal. Would be nice to have a single portal, but tricky siding switchwork already. And, it seems the double track (T-Trak standard) kinda forces ya into double portals. We'll see more tweaking/experimenting yet to come.

Duck-Under Seismic retrofit

Notched the base to better align (center) with the corner track.
Started leveling the "bridge" then realized its the south bench work that needed to be raised (we're now at a 2x4 + 5/8 plywood).
Added plexiglass sides for the inevitable bumps.
Track should be here tomorrow.

Playing with the weathering powders

Structure Building

Wow, I need more people! These n scale bits are small!

Moved the "Town" corner module to its logical location (see Goal)


Hmmm, possible re-use.


I better wade into ballasting.