97303 (37) in O Gauge.

This is one of the three remaining Network Rail Class 97’s. I picked this one because it was fitted with snowploughs quite a while ago. I know the under-tanks were re-modelled when the new signal system on the Cambrian lines started, but until a 3D printer person comes up with a replacement, this will have to do! Did it run with the original tanks in this livery before the new fitment?

The Mates I let have a look at the below photos all said – that’s a bit loud, when are you going to weather it. In truth, they always seem to be kept more or less in immaculate condition, we will see!

I have seen two of these engines in East Anglia over the last ten years, so running them in my region is quite possible.

Class 24 in O Gauge

This is a model recently purchased by a friend. His instructions were a light weathering on the body and chassis – just like it was a couple of months in service since overhaul. I have given the roof a slightly dirtier touch, just so it does not look so plasticy and more 3D.

This was a second hand loco and only half the accessories had been added and some that were promptly dropped off, I added and/or secured all bits and pieces before weathering.

Shell BP tank

Here we have a medium weathered black tank wagon. This one is a Bachmann Brass from about 20 years ago. It was already painted and lettered to a good standard, but was very tatty and needed a partial repaint after a complete clean down with thinners.

This model was purchased second hand by a friend and I suspect this wagon was from an attic or shed layout as it had been used as a spiders toilet!! I have seen these little marks before and they are very difficult to remove.

I then gave it a coat of matt varnish before a medium weathering with spills.

DS48 BR(S)

I think it is fair to say that the investigation into the history of this Loco took longer than the actual weathering. I think the livery offered by Heljan is towards the end of its life, and the only photo I could find in this livery was at the yard where it was being scrapped, even then the thoughts were that the livery was very ‘faded’.

This was of course from the Heljan/Accurascale Sale with a 30% discount – runs like a dream!

Only comment I will make is, remember to weather the interior as well – it was open to the elements. I have given it a very dirty look, with a tiny bit of rust on the chassis.

RR Observation Coach

Another O Gauge bargain buy by my Son! I don’t think these actually got very dirty, in fact they were kept virtually pristine. So the task was to keep the weathering down to the very minimum.

We will have to pretend it missed its wash between trips.

Class 122 DMU in O Gauge

This is yet another Accurascale/Heljan item purchased by my Son at a great price. This one is in Regional Railways livery as running in the mid 1990’s. I have given it a light to medium weathering.

Again there are lots of doors in this DMU that have to be shadowed to show gapping and openings. This is time consuming, but well worth it.

Maroon CCT weathered

This is another recent purchase by my Son, from the Accurascale Sale. It has been given medium weathering in keeping with the 1960’s and still living with some steam locos.

A wash and wipe, then airbrushing with four colours and finally a little dry brushing.

Just noticed that a hand rail is missing on these photos – will be replaced – no problem after paying so little for it!

Heljan Class 58 in O Gauge.

This is yet another buy at a very low price made by my Son from the Accurascale Sale. Believe it or not – this is the first O Gauge Class 58 I have ever weathered. I have two of my own, but not been touched since I purchased them!

This is a quite lengthy process as there are lots of nooks and crannies on a Class 58. The main thing to do is to get some shadowing between the bodyside doors, this has to be done very carefully with cotton buds after a wash of dilute matt black.

I am pleased with the results, I hope my Son is! I am calling this a light weathering.

Manning Wardle K Class

I purchased this lovely little tank engine on Sunday. I was at the KLOGGIES Summer bash, and there was about six traders present. One of them had this engine on sale for ÂŁ150, a good price I thought, nearly ÂŁ75 saving on a new one from Minerva, and after giving it a test run I paid up.

It was in an unlined maroon livery and effectively in new condition. I have a small collection of Industrial tank engines that used to run on an old layout called Norfolk Coke and Tar Ltd. I gave it to my Son when I finished with it, he re-invented it as Grubb Lane, and it is still on the Exhibition circuit.

All of my Industrial locos are Black and weathered, here it is after three days work, on and off due to being about 35C for last two days. I have left the wheels spokes maroon, just to be a bit different! It is still to have a light weathering,

Pug and Tanker wagon

These are items I have sadly had quite a long time. My friend gave them to me months ago and they just came to the top of my list.

The Pug was purchased as a kit built ready to run item, I had to partially repaint and give it a general tidy up. Looks much better now!

This is an old pre-made Bachmann Brass tank wagon, painted quite well and then given the most awful weathering job! I stripped as much of the old paint as I could, but could not budge most of it, looked like it was put on with a tar brush! All I can say was, I did my best doing what is now a quite heavy application!