No more "Land of Smurfs"

Today I painted the Gypsolite as well as the base in between the tracks (all the flat parts).  Of course, I slopped a little paint on the freshly painted rails and ties but will repaint those tomorrow.  Hard to imagine what a change the base ground color makes to the overall layout.  

Next step is to finish the hills and rocks.  This will be first a light wash with diluted black ink to bring out the details, then drybrushing in several colors.  Hopefully it will match up with the rock I did a while ago at the bridges.  If not....it's nature.

I may digress and cut out the fascia boards as well.  Will be using 1/8" masonite.  Haven't decided what color to paint them or the shelf underneath (holding a clock now). Thinking about a satin black.  Saw this used on several Model Railroader project layouts and it really sets off the layout.  We will see.  Also have to get after the photo backdrops - this is the mountains after all.