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.

This is a loco purchased by a friend, it was not in the best condition, but at a reasonable price. I was given it to enhance the appearance, add back missing parts and give it a general clean up.

It did turn out to be a slightly more difficult job than expected as parts of the bodywork was ‘superglued’ together rather than the usual soldering on a brass kit. The only body part that may need replacing at a later date is the Cab Roof, its had a hard life, and is not a good fit!

Overall it has been made into a respectable static model, the motor does work, but a new set of pick-ups are required before full operation is possible.

Here we have a recent purchase from a trader. I do model a little BR(M) and this loco looked something just a bit different from the normal RTR Locos available and popular kit builds.

It came with a very good specification, with a Buhler motor and a multi cog gearbox. both the Loco and Tender were compensated chassis. The paintwork was tired and in LMS with a little doubtful weathering, that did not worry me as a partial re-paint and a new BR identity was required.

The Loco duly arrived on the stated day, and I was eager to open the package. Oh dear it had had a very rough journey, despite being quite well packed. Sadly the package did not have any ‘Fragile’ or ‘Handle with Care’ stickers to indicate its contents were delicate!!!! The carrier obviously treated it badly and evidence of one nasty bash or drop appeared on one of the ends.

I decided to keep the loco and repair it as it was a rare model not often offered for sale. It took me about six hours to put it back together. repaint and re-number.

It is an unfitted loco that spent some time allocated to the southern end of the Midland Mainline in the early 50’s – so may have visited Cambridge or March in my area, but no proof of that at all.

Below is the finished loco and I have to say I am very happy with the results – its in line for weathering, but sadly that will be a while, as I am way behind.

PHOTO AS PURCHASED BELOW

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,

Last Sunday we attended the Whitwell and Reepham O Gauge Day with our layout ‘Dark Lane’, it was a very enjoyable day, so friendly and with excellent demonstrations.

I had no intention of buying anything, but at the end of the day I found myself making an offer for a Black 5 that was for sale on a Demo stand, we agreed a very reasonable price.

I already have a Black 5 that was allocated to the Midland Region and had always wanted a Scottish variety with a different dome and top feed arrangement. This purchase gave me this wish, but a number change and an early BR logo was required as I model Scottish Steam from 1948 – 54. I researched all possibilities and the number change decided was from 45042 to 45116, a St Rollox Loco until 1957, when it moved south.

I also did a few touch up jobs and then a full varnish, when the varnish is dry it will receive a light-Medium weathering as the Loco lining could be better. I was not happy with the coal load in the tender, so this was replaced with real coal. The first photo is of the original loco before I did the conversion.

After putting photos of both my Class 09 shunters on here recently, I had several people ask if I could post a photo of them together, so they could assess the differences. Please find said photos below.

I have to say I have done a little more work on both Locos since publishing the earlier photos, In my mind a Loco is never finished! I think this degree of ‘Fade’ was quite normal, especially BR Blue shunters that could go many years without a re-paint.

You could go even further and paint one of the engine room doors in a different shade as typical of a quick replacement from a scrap or unused loco – just a thought.

After my recent Class 09 in very distressed condition, I decided to finish this one with a light weathering. This is just a re-numbering and weathering after adding all the high level pipes.

I would classify this finish as ‘six months from its last repaint/overhaul’