Metrovik

How small can something be to still count as a diorama? Undertook a bit of static grass practice today (big step!) and I'm happy enough with the results although I'd say they'd not be up to the high standards on here. It looks ok though? (photo less traction engine)

A roof will certainly be added to the hotel, I'm just procrastinating. The two terraced houses have currently received their identical first coat of brown but I the details like the sills, doors etc, will probably be unique.

Nice to know I got to see it before it's retirement....

Sorry I probably should have zoomed out the picture. 555 is on a rescue mission!

These progress reports are becoming bi-yearly..... As you can see, Tramore now has civilization! Obviously still needs painting weathering and detailing, but that's a nice job. A small makeshift backscene has also been added in the shape of a painting of Strand Road. While it still looks nothing like the real location, I think it captures the feel. Right now I'm trying to choose a colour for the terraced houses. I'm leaning towards the top brown for the main walls and the lighter grey for the sills etc. All I'm certain of is that the yellow is definitely out! I'm quite happy with this scratchbuilt facade of the "Hotel De Luxe" (formerly the Marine hotel and now the Sands) especially considering the limited reference photos I had to work from. I'm probably going to paint this in the lighter grey. All but one came from that faithful day in 1947 when the engine didn't stop. And that one comes from a totally different era.... Anyway enough of that. I now have a deadline on the Horizon. An Exhibition! (well sort of.)

Nice work Derek, personally, I like the amount of greenery you've gone for.

Looking forward to making the pilgrimage up next weekend to see it.

As a young Thin Lizzy fan I can say I'm extremely jealous.

Saw that before too, not sure whether or not the thing actually existed as like you said, info on it is like hens teeth. Now that's interesting!

I could be wrong but last time I checked, Kilkenny still has a few of these signs.

Any ideas of somewhat simple oo gauge RTR stock that makes a reasonable conversion to AEC railcars?

Oh my god, it was August when I last posted a "monthly" progress report..... While it has been a very long time, being snowed in has allowed me to make some very decent progress. Firstly the plan has changed somewhat. The layout is now set firmly on the Waterford and tramore railway and despite looking nothing like either of the stations is a rough (emphasis on rough) representation of a scaled down Tramore station. (New layout name: Trá beag?) To reflect Tramore station a bit more accurately, I got rid of that ugly flat roof and added a second storey. The real world ain't flat so similarly to the actual station I'll be adding grass behind the platform and beside the running line. Does anyone know can you apply static grass directly to a wooden baseboard? And finally I have managed to assemble a somewhat prototypicalish W&T passenger train. Let's hope next month comes a bit sooner eh?

Sounds great! Look forward to seeing progress and with snow falling heavily ten minutes away from you, I'd say you'll have plenty of time!

Bring it on!

This guy has gotten further than me on a layout in the space of 3 hours! Looks nice though.....