Southern Highlands - Construction, January 2023
After a very short break over the Christmas/New Year period, work continued on the layout.
The dormer window designs for the Mittagong Maltings were 3D printed. Corrugated iron roofing and capping was glued on and Grandt Line windows inserted.
Stonequarry Creek, running under Picton Viaduct, has water flowing after two layers of resin were applied.
Previously painted ducks (see the November 2022 update) take the opportunity to hunt for food around the ripples created by rocks in the river.
The layout was setup in its entirety to test fit and function, before final finishing of the backdrop, paintwork and detailing. One of the LED light panels can be seen to the left sitting in the overhead valence above the farmhouse. Picton Viaduct is the first layout scene viewers will lay eyes on when entering the loft space.
The three structures making up the Mittagong Maltings have been glued into position. This view also shows the dormer windows attached to the roof.
View of one side of the layout with Mittagong railway station and goods yard in the foreground, the Maltings positioned just out of town.
Some of the overhead valences drying in the sun after receiving coats of paint.
The control system was wired up and tested. From left to right: DCC programming track connectors, NCE cab bus outlets, automation outlets and status indicators, and a power switch. Next step is to attach labels to the fascia. The control system will sit in a cabinet under Mittagong station.
One of the custom DCC cabs connected to the control system during testing.
Additional detailing has been added during January. Here the owner of a gleaming Ford Fairline waits for the mechanic to come and check the engine.
Sheep in the paddock are unperturbed by the passing of a freight train. Thanks to the windmill they have a plentiful water supply. An old abandoned tractor sits rusting away in the background.