My long term goals in order are

1. Reconfigure the woodchip lot by adding multiple conveyors and transfer towers
2. Find/make a wrap-around, free-hanging backdrop for a consistent background.
3. Add animated truck lift and bulldozer to completed woodlot.

  The photo below attests to the very slow progress made on all these goals, yet progress it remains!

  Moreover, I'm sure I'm not the only one to abide by the motto "When all else fails, add more scenery..."  

  So while waiting to build 3D models for the conveyor towers etc...  I decided to redo the entire "marshland" section by adding a bridge.

Then-

Now-

The whole operation was out of service for a few weeks while engineering installed a new double track girder bridge.

As well as a replacement culvert for the yard tracks.

Most of the "water" is coming from the Paper Mill wastewater facility, viewed here from the classification tracks.

  Static grass applications have been ongoing as well.

  I've been plenty busy weathering and detailing the mill structures as well.  Adding electrical components and smokestack ladders, platforms and antennas.

Also finally finished replacing all the yard switches with handthrows and painting the rails.

  But the real project is only just beginning!  After nearly 6 months of trying (and failing) to find commercially available conveyor transfer towers, realizing I have nowhere near enough time to design them myself, finding someone on Shapeways to design a custom model, then figuring out how to make the 3D model into something I can print, I finally printed the first tower!  

  It might've printed a tad too small for 1/87, but at least I know I can put it all together after printing each wall individually!  Now I just need to print out the second tower, resize the first one, and add two more connecting conveyors (most likely out of Walthers kits, unless alternatives can be suggested?).