A couple of weeks ago I built a diorama from a Woodland Scenics kit, and was very happy with the results as well as learning a lot. Based on that unexpected success and encouragement from other forum members, I'm going ahead with my first layout in 45 years (is it just me or are there a lot of stories like that here?). This thread is for me to talk out loud to myself (I really need to join a club!) and maybe encourage any other novices out there.