Progression...

I'm pleased to report that my recent projects are now just about complete, with some details added to the diorama and the Chivers coach kit painted, varnished and assembled.

Here's an overview of the diorama in it's "completed" state (I say that as there is scope to add a few more small details in due course):

In the front left hand corner I have added some spare lengths of rail and new sleepers awaiting installation, behind them can be seen the R C Link point lever:

At the other end of the scene the bench has been painted and installed, and a 'Skegness is so bracing' poster added to the wall as a further reference to a location that has inspired the development of this diorama in its various incarnations:

As can be seen, I've added strips of timber to the front and side edges to neaten up the final look of the scene, these are from basswood, and are treated with matt varnish.

Moving on to the Chivers coach, this has been completed as no. 8 in the SMR sequence (the number is in gold at the right hand end of each side) and painting/varnishing it has had it's awkward moments - fun with both the Halfords red and then the varnish spray cans, but it has got there in the end!  I have now fitted the seats and bogies, which were painted separately, and posed a figure seated within to give an idea of size:

Overall a very impressive kit and a venture that ought to make O9 modelling easily accessible. Oh, I haven't forgotten that I promised to write-up the fitting of the MicroTrains couplers.... honest...

Colin