Boswald Connection, shunting layout

[Kitty]

So, I have been on an international train trip the one weekend...
But then, we got acceptable (non freezing weather)!
So rather than photographing and writing about electronics, here are some pictures of bench work:

       

Kitty

[TMo]

Looks nice and sturdy!  I like the pocket joinery and the accommodations for wiring.

[OBJack]

Hi Kitty,  and Welcome,

I will be very interesting to see this great little switching layout's journey through all it's growth stages, and I think you are off to a flier.
By the way, I like photos 'cause I can understand them.  

Jack 

[mr bachmann]

certainly the benchwork is better than my effort , keep up the good work

[Kitty]

Just a still-alive-message with a picture, had / have a lot going on (isn't that always?).
I am back to modeling, and will try to write a proper update sometime soonish.

Let's all together watch the glue drying:
   

[ezdays]

Glad to see you back. We all have those days...weeks, months... Glad you have time for fun things now, so keep us posted...

[Charlie B]

Just a still-alive-message with a picture, had / have a lot going on (isn't that always?).
I am back to modeling, and will try to write a proper update sometime soonish.

Let's all together watch the glue drying:

Any message is a good message. We were worried about you. 
Charlie

[Kitty]

So... I think I am back... Sorry?
Real life happened, scale 1:1 trains kept me busy for a while.

Quick update, mostly going to center around my picture:
   

New is (obviously) the mountain in the back, I am considering using the tunnel portal still.
My main issue with the whole layout is that it simply felt too flat, but don't really like landscaping.
So I went with a mountain. So far mostly build the part in the back, I think it might look better still coming out and lowering across the tunnel entrance.

My base color... I got the wrong paint... but decided to let it be, it's either way mostly intended to cover the foam yellow.
Today I used a bit of filler to close gaps, smooth things out a bit.

I will be looking around the forum a bit for how to make the mountain look better, not quite happy with its base texture yet.
The front face kinda works (rough wire brush) but it somehow feels too much staged right now.

Kitty

[ngauger]

Welcome back, we missed you

[TMo]

I know there are foam rock proponents out there, but I've never had much luck carving, shaping, and texturing it to my liking. However, a coating of Sculptamold over the entire face works for me. Once I've trowelled it on and made some major features with the applicator, I get a sheet of aluminum foil, crunch it up into a loose ball, and then carefully unfold it back to it's rectangular shape (now with creases and crinkles). I lay that on top of my Sculpamold, push it gently into the wet surface and then after it's set up for a minute or two, I carefully peal it off. Instant easy rock face. And if you don't like it? Lay on another layer once the first is dry and try again.