I have just received my latest Loco from Hattons. It took a week to get here after paying for next day delivery. But it has given me some thinking time on this new Loco. I purchased this Loco because of price and I had a conversion kit to turn a refurbed Loco into an ‘as built’ variety. Now that it has arrived I just can not do the conversion, it is such a superb Loco.

So here we have 50008 Thunderer in BR Blue, the so called Engineers Livery. I intend to run it in the 2018 – 2020 era, as it is a mainline certificated Loco and has been seen on my parts of the network. The main work will be to change the overhead warning signs, add nameplates and crests then a light weathering.

Last day of my seven in seven weathering challenge – this loco was a North Eastern Loco when wearing this livery, but did get a transfer to Stratford (30A) in the late 60’s – early 70’s.

Its now getting a bit cool in Garage where I spray, so as I do not spray in cold weather Loco weathering will give way to a few Wagons and possibly another layout. Lets hope for a mild winter!

Challenge six of seven is a Class 20 in interim livery of green with full yellow ends. Again I never saw this engine in this condition, but luckily saw it when blue in TOPS. This is another loco in light to medium weathered condition.

I tend to have relatively clean sides of Locos after weathering. The main reason is when picking up Loco with misted weathered sides it is easy to scratch or leave finger marks from oily hands. Some people use cloth gloves for this process, but I have not really gone that way.

Day four of my challenge and one of my favourite Locos. It has different positions of the BR symbols than most other BR Blue 37’s of this era. When in this livery it was based at Stratford (30A later SF) and was a common performer on my Local GE lines.

Day three of my challenge and my final Class 31. This time it is a Green example with small yellow panel. After lots of research I picked this number as it was one of the final class 31’s in this condition before submitting to BR Blue. I have a photo of this loco in this condition at Kings Cross in 1969.

Day 2 of my self imposed challenge and here we have Class 37 D6749 in an interim livery of Green with full yellow warning panel. It came from the North East to Stratford (30A) in 1969 and became of my favourites.

Day 2 -17th Nov

The Golden Ochre Heljan Class 31 (30) D5579 is now weathered to a light to medium standard. I have noticed that on some photos when in this condition it had Stratford 30A Oval depot plates – I will try and source some and add them to the Loco. The Electric Blue Loco D5578 also had the depot plates.

I have set myself a little challenge – a loco a day for this week – below is Monday 16th.