Platform for the Dolores CO station

So I ran short of shingles for the station roof, and have ordered more from Wild West Models. They are already on the way - great service. In the mean time, I stained scale 2 by 12 lumber for the station platform. The base is a 1/4 inch piece of black foam core. I like this material as it does not respond to temperature or humidity, and if there is a gap in the cover material, it is black underneath. Also accepts glues very well. The foam core is glued to the layout base.

So I stained each piece of wood separately. Sounds dreadful but did not take any time at all. The wood comes in 24 inch long pieces and I used my mix of 70% isopropyl alcohol and india ink. Just brush it on with the grain. Just to be safe (sometimes the mixture will warp wood) I then pressed the bunch between sheets of wax paper and some weight. They came out perfectly flat. Then I cut each piece to length and glued them down. The center section is under the station so I saved some wood there.

I also dug out a depression in the foam base next to the deck for a loading dock, and covered it with dirt and gravel. Next step is to finish the shingles and put the station in place. Finally will have a place for the passengers to wait.

I do have a whole box of details to paint and build for the platform - crates, benches, a scale, barrels, etc. Also some passengers. Way too much fun but someone has to do it.