These three locos have only had one replacement part each, two chimneys and one dome. As I said in a previous post, all new items were purchased from LG Miniatures. Partial repaints were then done and varnishing completed the jobs. All Locos to be weathered and/or re-weathered

B1 – new Chimney

L1 – new Chimney

4F – new Dome (Chimney already done)

Of all my recent upgrades to some of my Locos, this was probably the most complex. I had to do quite a lot of amendments to move this LNER Loco to a BR version, mainly moving from a 300 type boiler to the 300A boiler. I am pleased with the results so far, but I am still researching at least two more amendments that are required.

I purchased this loco from a trader for a reasonable price knowing I had to do the above amendments. It was an older solidly built model and an excellent runner.

Like the J72, this loco will join will join my Steam Shed running NE region in the early 50’s.

To be heavily weathered.

Before – LNER 2255 After removing old parts.

After – BR 63406

I purchased this Loco very much second hand and in poor condition, but well made and at the right price. I have since given it a complete makeover, a new identity and partial repaint. It will now take its place on my Steam Depot Layout with BR(NE) stock based in the early 50’s. I have added a crew and coal in the bunker. The loco is DCC fitted with stay alive, but runs fine on DC – so will leave it!

It will be weathered and have a LNER Oil headlight added in future.

BEFORE (ex LNER)

AFTER – BR(NE)

I have today ‘started’ to change four O Gauge Steam Locos that I felt were ‘not quite right’. This is the start of a project to upgrade, blend and re-number and weather where necessary. These modifications are not for the faint hearted, but in my view were necessary to get nearer to the prototypes appearance. Thanks to Graham M who brought his ‘flame Gun’ around to remove the old incorrect items.

Loco One – L1 BR(E) 67706

My overall opinion of this kit is that it is Excellent – apart from the Chimney, which I felt was skinny and not the correct shape – A new one was purchased based on a LG Models replacement.

Loco 2 – 4F BR(M) 43953

On this Bachmann Brass Loco I had already replaced the awful Bachmann rendition of the chimney! But after doing this I realised the dome was under sized. It is now being replaced by another LG Models replacement, to the right pattern and size.

Class B1 – BR(E) – 61059

This is one of Sanchengs excellent models and it really is an top class engine. Dare I say it – except for the chimney. This is yet another LG replacement.

Class Q6 – BR(NE) – No. TBD

The last Loco is a kit built item to a reasonable standard. It was purchased ready build, as an LNER example. It therefore was fitted with a type 300 boiler, this was changed to a 300A boiler in early BR days. Sounds easy but the upgrade was quite complex. A snifter valve was added, a different pattern dome was used, the safety valve base was removed and lastly a new whistle was used. The new parts were purchased from several different sources

I will update when all the new parts are added and then again when completely finished.

This is possibly the best Lima O Gauge conversion I have ever seen. It has been converted to a very high standard and other than very stubborn original transfers, caused no problems.

The LMS original transfers and heavy varnishing caused me to repaint the Tender, Cab and smokebox after removal. Its new identity is pure BR(M) and very well it looks.

I am lead to believe it will be DCC sound fitted and end up operating on one of my old layouts, Little Sefton. The Engine and Layout will be appearing at the O Gauge Bressingham Exhibition in April this year.

The loco is finished to a Medium weathering.

Polly really is a very sweet little lady. She came to me for a light weathering to enhance an already well made and painted Loco – she is DCC sound fitted and will be appearing at the GOG Kempton Park Exhibition later in the year.

All usual methods used for weathering except a coat of matt varnish applied to flatten the quite gloss paint finish.

Another superb starter kit from Connoisseur Models – best ‘starter kit’ ever.

Here are two steam Locos that have recently been worked on, One repair for a dropped Loco and change of identity for another.

The first Loco was a change of identity from LMS to LNER, reasonably straight forward for this Sentinel, but removing the old LMS transfers was not easy and I had to respray the sides. HMRS transfers used, followed by a light weathering. I think some glazing would benefit, but that was not in my brief.

The second Loco was a repair after being dropped, the whitemetal chimney was off, the driver/fireman were lose and it had a slight crease in the roof. All were repaired, but a new chimney in cast brass would have been a slightly better option. After adding all bits back, it was a partial repaint and a varnish. If you did not know what had happened then it would not be noticeable.

LNER Sentinal

68088 TANK

This is an industrial O Gauge Tank Loco that has been named and weathered to a medium standard. This is an EFE variety and purchased at a very good price. These are great little Locos to start your O Gauge journey.

Here is an O Gauge shunter, it is out of the box, but has been given a medium to heavy weathering. Usual methods used – dilute Humbrol matt black wash and wipe to get shadow into all the crevices, Airbrushed with four Railmatch weathering colours and finally a little dry brushing.