Well if this series of updates on my attempt to improve some of my motive power has not bored you to tears yet, I'm pretty confident that this entry might just tip you over the edge.

With all the usual demands on the very precious resource of modelling time, I have not had a lot of time to spend on the various projects I'm in the middle of in the vain hope that I may actually complete one. In the traditions of all modellers everywhere instead of finishing projects, I even managed to start new ones.

Anyway from the tray of doom, two locomotives have reached the stage where I am happier to release them onto Foster Street, all I have to do now is fit some lamps (when I can actually find them)

SCOTS GUARDSMAN

This loco, has been a bit of a problem for me, I bought it new when it was first releases, god knows how many years back. It never really worked well, so I added into the "needing attention" section of the fleet. Several years later I discovered that the "crappy" running was due to a DCC chip being fitted.

Anyway I soon sorted this out by hard wiring the locomotive and the running was dramatically improved, so it was time to add a little detailing, a crew, adding and a spot of weathering is all I have done to this loco, for now.

My aim was to portray a locomotive that looks like its been earning its corn, I have tried not to go over the top on the weathering, but my research has shown these locomotives in a terrible state.

One day I think I may invest in an airbrush to help with weathering, as imagine the destruction I could unleash with one of these

CRAB

Simple modification to the tender involved the removal of the moulded coal load and replacement with some real stuff, and a crew fitted (I hate empty cabs)

I have tried to restrain myself with the weathering as, I don't know why but I have a struggle "grottying" up lovely crimson locomotives (though if you see some of my Jubilee's you would not think it )

Again she just needs some lamps fitting, and of course the missing tender vents (I knew I had something to do) and she will soon find herself at the head of a freight.

Other projects.

The two Duchess locomotives I have been working on, have not seen much progress, thought the tenders have been filled with some real coal. The one that was in a terrible BR green livery has received a nice black coat of paint, and some work to produce a "semi".

I think she will look good in the post war black livery, all I have to do is decide what identity to give her?

As for the BR maroon one, being lazy I'm trying to get away with a total repaint, and I might be able to get away with this as I have some pictures of the class in the war years, and you would be hard pressed to figure out what colour they are under the grime.

Oh the joys of modelling, until the next time as ever Happy Modelling