My first trainset was a Hornby pack containing a red 0-4-0 named Queen Mary, and a couple of wagons (including a 21t open in bright blue British Steel livery. The latter is in the process of being hacked about to improve detail, thin sides and fit a new chassis. But more of that when I get round to buying the bits for it...

This post is purely related to the little 0-4-0, and my plans for it. I've always had a soft spot for the locos looks, with the size and proportion looking like it should be on a much larger locomotive. On finding that it was based on a real prototype, interest was spiked and a trawl of the internet found a number of photos of the Dowlais work's locomotives.

My intention is to take the Hornby model, chop out a couple of sections to correct the length, make a new chassis and improve the details.

I am also planning to use one of its sister classes of 060 as an experiment in 3d modelling

Given this is all completely useless to the layout, none of it is a priority. But will do a good job of giving me something with minimal cost to work on when I am awaiting bits for the main projects....

(not to mention it will look rather good on the mini shunting plank thats planned for the study...)

So far I have spent this evening preparing a basic drawing from a side on photo, trying to identify how much material needs to be removed (and where from.) Tomorrow it will be out with the razor saw!