Here we have a pair of Scottish named Class 37’s as running in the early 80’s. They are Heljan O gauge Models. Both have received a medium weathering.

Loch Awe

Loch Rannoch

This is the latest Heljan O Gauge Class 45, the first time an ETH Loco has been produced by them. Here we have 45 109, a loco with all grills exposed and marker lights. This is pre headlight fitting, so firmly based in the early-mid 80’s. Its a bit of a plain selection and was never named. It is weathered in a medium ‘workaday’ condition.

These two locos were purchased by my Son for use on his Grub Lane Layout. They were purchased at a very good price in a recent sale. I have weathered them to a medium to heavy standard. They still need to have a crew added.

58XX

14XX

This is a model of 31404, one of the first batch of ETH fitted Class 31’s. I have modelled it to approx 1978-80 when it was allocated to Finsbury Park, it has their trade mark white stripe.

I used a brass kit to fill in the water filler cap and footsteps and then a partial respray, before a medium to heavy weathering.

I have started work on models again after a terrible month. I will not say any more, its best not mentioned here.

Anyway here we go again! this Loco 20048 and is weathered to a medium to heavy standard, I used all my usual methods, spraying, dry brushing and a few powders, using matt and gloss enamels,

Here is the final blending on my spare Split Headcode Class 37 Body. After painting I needed to blend and do the first coat of weathering with the wash and wipe method.

I have added photos of the whole Loco to show how the W & W method can be used.

I was looking for something a bit different on the Eastern Region around 1976 – 80 and after a lot of research I found this Loco. The Bodyside steps and the water filler on the roof have been plated over using an etched brass kit, I did not use the nose end blanking plates as at the time this loco still had the doors. The loco still needs a little work like adding footsteps, paint blending and weathering.

This is yet another Loco now ready for weathering. This time it is an ex Scottish Region celebrity now based at Cardiff for Engineers use. While in Scotland this Loco was named Loch Rannoch, but now it is just another Loco heading towards the end of its working life. This has to be one of the best liveries, especially on a 37 !

This is a job that I never thought I would ever tackle, especially in O Gauge on a Heljan Loco. I did this modification many times thirty or so years ago on OO Lima 37’s, but the cost of messing it up would be small, under £25. Trying this on a Heljan Loco in O gauge costing about £500 is another story! Over production of the last run of 37 bodies and their selling off at £65 has perhaps made the decision slightly easier.

This is not for the faint hearted with lots of scraping, sanding and a little filling – but if you want something a bit different on a split head code loco – then you have to try.

Photos of my attempt are under.

Here are two more of the Locos that have been prepared for weathering. As usual transfers added and detailed. A special note on 37084, it has had the extra strengtheners added to the cant grills.

37050 has got to be fitted with original Round Oleo Buffers (on order)

37084