This is my first post for over 2 months. This hiatus was because of a fall and then recouperation which took longer than expected! I did no modelling at all during this time due to pain caused by the fall. I hope to get back into the routine soon and do the work I love.

I have not purchased very much recently, but I spotted this loco on a selling website several weeks ago and thought about purchasing it. A couple of weeks passed and the price was significantly dropped. I purchased it straight away and awaited delivery.

On arrival I test run the loco and I am pleased to say, it ran very well, smooth and controllable. After research I realised just how many differences there were between a LNER variety and a BR version and the purchased loco was in LNER. Again research taught me that the change of boiler from a type 500 to a 500A boiler changed a few things and they would need to be addressed to model a BR version.. The loco has a bit of paint flaking, but a partial repaint is required anyway. The back-head is fine, but will be re-done.

I have purchased a snifter valve, a new dome, stand alone safety valves and a new loco whistle. I will also need to make drain cock pipes. From photographs it shows that some tenders were changed or modified, but some remained as in LNER days – a case of pick the right engine with the correct tender.

This is a medium term project,