I've finally dug out some paint and made a start on the coaling stage extension. My thinking is to use this structure as a test bed and try out a couple of different techniques. If I make an absolute hash of painting this part of the coaling stage I could then replace it with a grass bank.
I'm thinking so far so good. It needs a little more work of subtly picking out a few individual bricks. Then there will be a some weathering to be applied, coal dust and algae, this is a stage I'm not sure of for the moment. Also not sure how to deal with the base of the recesses. Just realised they would have a angled slope to allow rain to run off. So a little further work is required in the recesses then might paint them a subtle variations of grey and add a few small bits of foliage.
The model has suffered a few broken railings posts during our move to Cumbria. I was wondering if they were really necessary then in looking through my books on WR engine sheds it would seem they are. On brick built extensions similar to the model the norm was to have railings where as railing were not installed on grass banked extensions. The intended period for the layout is towards end of steam so a few missing/broken posts might not go amiss.
