Walthers' New River Mining Company plastic kit forms the basis of Topley Dale's new quarry scene. In this guide Mike Wild shows what goes into building this impressively sized kit as well as demonstrating powder weathering techniques on video.
Above: Topley Dale Quarry is taking shape with completion of the main buildings. Landscaping is next.
I'VE ALWAYS LIKED big industrial buildings. Back in 1998 I made my first ever visit to Peak Forest in the Peak District to witness stone train operations to and from the quarries, and that trip had a lasting impact on me. I still vividly remember standing on the stone road over bridge at the location, chatting with other photographers, seeing 66001 on test alongside Class 60s, 37s and, I think, even one of the ex-National Power Class 59s. I also remember leaving my camera bag on the bridge wall and setting off for home, only to realise a few yards down the road that we hadn't got everything with us.