Well, Scenery Project 09 for Alligator Lines is getting close to being done now! The areas north of Gerald Depot are now inhabited by three older shacks and I think they fit in pretty nicely!
At the start of this phase I really wasn't sure what to put in this area, however, before being too concerned about what would go there I had to handle the drop off by the bridge. A retaining wall and some crumpled newspaper covered with masking tape, plaster cloth and a little joint compound took care of this!
Now, at the start of this phase I really wasn't sure what to put in this area. It was obviously too big for just grass, shrubs and a tree or two, (as I had originally thought) but I didn't want anything to end up overpowering the area either. After some investigation and consultation with a couple of friends I decided on "The Shack Pack" from Bar Mills. Three shacks which fit in the area just beautifully!
Once the shacks were built and positioned, ground cover was applied for 
the entire area. Various mixes and blends ensured a decent variety without too much boredom. (The remaining areas of track were also painted and ballasted).
At this point some of the detail white metal castings provided with the kit will be painted and installed following which some shrubs and trees will also find their way into the area.
Finally, a fence will be installed behind the depot. N scale fences are a subject I want to discuss a little further but not now! Hint: Most of the ones I have encountered seem pretty short being only a scale 48 inches (or so) high!
Bryan C Alligator Lines
Lookin' good Bryan. Those
I also agree with Jimmi. It
I also agree with Jimmi. It looks real good and is a perfect match for the area.
See ya
Ron
Natural looking
Jimmi and Ron, thank you
Jimmi and Ron, thank you for your kind words!
lazaro, as you surmised, the driveways were made from ballast!
The outlines were drawn and covered with a 50/50 glue/water mix and then various blends (blending is key) of WS fine ballast were sprinkled over the area after which they were "steam rolled" using a roll of masking tape. Once dry (next day) the loose ballast was brushed away and the remainder received a light sanding to remove some of the roughness. Depending on how it looked it might also have received a dark wash!
The grass areas were done in a similar manner (no "steam rolling" though) except that various grades and colors of WS Fine Turf were used. I find that you really need to vary the appearance of "grassy" areas to prevent visual boredom and a flat artificial look!
More information will be provided in an upcoming update to my web site (after the project is complete). Actually, however, quite a bit of information about these techniques ia already there as part of the last few projects (six in particular)!
Thanks again,