When I last posted I had just completed adding rocks to the newest section of my layout. I flew to CA for vacation on 12/27 and am still here now in LA on business until Feb. Of course that means I don't get to work on the layout but before I left I took a few more photos to share after I had colored all the remaining white plaster with Woodland Scenics earth pigment. It really makes a huge difference. Even without grass or trees the layout starts to look more realistic.

This is the result so far by itself. The next couple of photos show the layout with this section connected.

You can see how standing near the control panel puts you a bit of a distance from the activity near the back corner. This was my only concern in deciding to add this section. However, you can get closer to the action by walking around the front of the layout and even from that central position you are only about 4 1/2 feet from the back corner. But remember that this is Z scale so we're talking small details. Of course you can see the need to have that back section removable. Not only will it allow me to move it to another location if the need arises but it's the only convenient way to access those tracks and mountains for wiring, scenery etc. Reaching over the mts from the back is tough to a point as the lower ones come up to just under my shoulders and the low ceiling doesn't allow for a step stool to be all that effective.

I really like the way these retaining walls came out especially with the rocks above. I mentioned in an earlier blog that I don't love the way the left side of the portal is kind of hidden by the walls but you can't get any closer than about 4 feet from this spot with the tables connected and it actually looks fine from a small distance. This track is part of the catenary line so there eventually will be a couple of catenary towers and the wire to run the locos added to this scene.

Three more shots of the mts I was working on before heading to CA.

Next time I'll show a little of my wiring and what I came up with to make this layout truly semi-portable.

Anthony