With the water level in the harbour and seashore being set out below the level of the track, this required the baseboard to be constructed on two levels. The area of water to the harbour covered quite a large part of the layout, and thought had to be given to produce a watery scenic effect that had some credibility. Added to this was the decision that the Clyde puffer to feature on the layout had to move around the harbour. This would require a concealed guide wire set into the harbour to set its route. After the installation and testing of the guide wire to ensure the puffer followed the track, and did not collide with the harbour wall, the guide wire was glued in place.
Work then progressed to create the water effect on the harbour and the sea shore. The plywood baseboard was first sealed in a base coat of grey oil paint. The form and shape of the surface
