And when I say a long story – I mean it! This Loco is from Heljan’s first run of Class 26’s and as such suffered from major gearing problems, how they got away with such a shambles I really don’t know. Anyway, before Xmas last year I purchased a set of Brass gears from Ultrascale that cost over £60 with the intention of making both this Loco and a similar Class 26 operate of one bogie not two, at least that brought the costs down to £30 per Loco and that works for me as I only have a Depot layout so no heavy trains to pull. This has been achieved with the help of my friend Peter from within our Group – thanks Mate, the other one is ‘in works’ now.

So, rather belatedly I have now weathered it, results as under.

This is an ex GWR pannier tank as produced by Dapol in O Gauge. It was a Light Green NCB variety that my friend Rob had changed the logo to BSC and re-numbered it. My only instruction was to do a heavy weathering with a bit of rust. Please bear in mind the original colour!!!!!

This is a model of a Ipswich Dock Shunter from the 1950’s. It is an old A1 Models Kit that was made by someone unknown. It has now been refurbished, repainted, sound fitted and weathered.