Last Sunday we attended the Whitwell and Reepham O Gauge Day with our layout ‘Dark Lane’, it was a very enjoyable day, so friendly and with excellent demonstrations.

I had no intention of buying anything, but at the end of the day I found myself making an offer for a Black 5 that was for sale on a Demo stand, we agreed a very reasonable price.

I already have a Black 5 that was allocated to the Midland Region and had always wanted a Scottish variety with a different dome and top feed arrangement. This purchase gave me this wish, but a number change and an early BR logo was required as I model Scottish Steam from 1948 – 54. I researched all possibilities and the number change decided was from 45042 to 45116, a St Rollox Loco until 1957, when it moved south.

I also did a few touch up jobs and then a full varnish, when the varnish is dry it will receive a light-Medium weathering as the Loco lining could be better. I was not happy with the coal load in the tender, so this was replaced with real coal. The first photo is of the original loco before I did the conversion.