My 50 year old Wills Finecast King has been receiving some attention in the past few days. My last entry was bewailing the fact that Halfords black primer had failed to do its job on the tender. Since then I have spent a lot of time removing the primer and starting again with Halfords etch primer.

That having worked I then decided that, since this was a renovation project I should hand paint the final coats, using sable brushes and Humbrol acrylic paints. I am reasonably sure I used Humbrol enamels 50 years ago. The results are definitely "hand painted" but the effect is right in my eye - after all, white metal tenders are much thicker than they should be anyway. The white metal body now sits on a new Finecast chassis with brakes. Transfers are still needed, as well as couplers and coal.

The engine is also progressing. The chassis may come together before I leave for England next Saturday; if so, some photos will appear. It ran well before being taken apart for final painting, etc.

That just leaves the loco body which has not been touched for a while. It needs detailing and then painting. So with any luck I should have it complete sometime early next year. But don't hold your breath, there are other priorities in 0 gauge!

Three photos of the tender: