Construction The layout is built with MDF tops on 3"x1" planed timber cross braces. The layout consists of two separate boards which are held together using alignment dowels and large coach bolts. Three adjustable custom built wooden trestles support the boards.
The lighting fascia is also constructed from MDF and timber and attaches to the sides of the layout using large heavy duty furniture twist locks. The scenery is constructed from off cuts of wood and MDF covered with strips of glued art card and then liberally covered with various layers of Woodland Scenics scatters, Polyfibre and clump foliage. The large tree was originally produced by "4D" but has had some additional foliage added since. Chalk cliff faces are made from suitably aged and weathered flexible tile grout over card and wooden formers. Many additional detailing items have been liberally strewn around the works to add realism and interest. When complete the whole layout was then further weathered to represent years of accumulated dirt and chalk dust. The pieces of chalk lying around everywhere represent chalk that has fallen from hoppers whilst being transported and are in fact real Sussex chalk; Nothing like being authentic! The buildings are all scratch built and constructed from thick card and various sheets of plasticard, all painted, weathered and treated to achieve the desired industrial effect. In order to add a little additional atmosphere the back scene has been painted with a threatening sky and to add some depth and perspective, views of the chalk quarry can be observed in the distance. This has been based on views of the chalk quarry at Southerham near Lewes, East Sussex. |