BR(M) Stanier 8F

This is another recent O gauge purchase, it was, should I say, a bit rough. I have repainted after adding back all the pieces that had fallen off and given it a good service. I have renumbered to a welded tender example, will have a medium weathering later. This Loco was purchased at what I considered to be a good very price and I am now happy with its refurbishment.

N Gauge Stock Box

The last time we were out with my Sons new N Gauge layout, all the stock was in the original boxes and it took ages to get everything ready and put it away. A decision was taken that we look for alternatives and look at stock boxes.

After looking on various sites we found N Gauge was not well catered for, OO and even O had plenty of options. A self manufacture seemed to be the best way out and several options were looked at. I had some old ‘Bachmann’ OO Stock boxes that have become redundant since my move to O Gauge, so an extra cardboard spacer was made to half the size of the OO gaps. It worked very well and the two layers now hold a total of 43 wagons and coaches. I used foam cubes to hold the stock in position. That’s saved some money!

Industrial Terrier Named

I have now named my O Gauge Industrial Terrier, it is now called ‘Sofia’ after my grand daughter. The engine was a recent purchase for £125 in a box shifter sale. After a little research I discovered there was a couple that made it into Industrial service although not the era I model, so a little modellers licence took over. Sofia’s brother Charlie already has an 08 named after him, so this balances things up.

The Plates were custom made, and from time of order to delivery was about eight weeks. The plates came from CNS, Custom Nameplate Studio, and I cannot recommend them enough – superb service.

O Gauge BR 4MT Tank

This is going to be one to watch over the next few weeks. This is a Bachmann Brass Loco from several years ago, it was stored and was only test run.

There is a lot of work to be done on this Loco, thankfully it has been factory painted already, so the biggest job is done already. I have already purchased the transfers, from Fox and HMRS.

I have researched the Loco already and chosen a Loco that was used on three different regions, the Southern, Eastern (LTS) and Midland region. The number will be 80069.

Holden E4 2-4-0 in O gauge

This recent purchase has ticked another item of my ‘wanted list’ and leaves just two! The E4 was a bit of a gamble as nobody was bidding on it! I thought I must have been missing something, but just did not know what, so it was mine on the opening bid of £320 !

At the price, this has turned out well, yes it is not perfect, but for the price its just what I wanted. It needs a complete repaint and a few bits upgraded, but it is very well made and runs OK after a quick cleaning of the wheels and pick-ups. I hope a full service will follow soon.

I intend to renumber it 62797, a Norwich Loco. This gives me the right cab and tender type combination, this Loco was withdrawn in 1958, one of the last. I saw this loco in 1956 at Lowestoft – great memories!

Next Batch of N Gauge weathering

This is the second batch of my sons weathering requirement. I must say that N gauge weathering is not as easy as it may seem, at least I find it so. A least they will now look better on his layout?

PNA Railtrack – 3 in rake

Salmon – 1 in Rake

Limpets – 3 in rake

RMC Bogies – 4 in rake

Seacows – 5 in Rake

RES BG’s – 6 in rake