Turning the clock back (or forward)

This explains what I'm trying to do and why ...

OK you can accuse me of being a pedant. But I would like a loco, coach or back scene look like it really did at the time period claimed. I can't claim perfection but there is now a lot of information out there in dated photographs to allow a fairly accurate depiction of a time frame. Of course there are catches due to inaccurate dating of photographs, failing memories etc. But at least I will try, and enjoy the process of creating a scene or tell a story with the scene I'm modelling. So I will accept that this is modelling pedantry in moderation, but it gives me pleasure and satisfaction to do it, so it is OK by me!

My aim is to see how far back, or forward it is easily possible to take a proprietary model in the life of its prototype. The modifications should be simple and without too much risk of damage to the model by someone with a modicum of skill. If you dare not touch a model for fear of damaging it, this is not for you, (or me!). This particularly applies to the latest offerings from Bachmann and Hornby, I feel that taking a knife to these may not be appropriate, but older models from Airfix or Lima, say, are fair game as mistakes won't cost that much! The end result will not be Pendon quality, looking right from a distance will be fine for me with the really obvious things looking right.

With models bought 'off the shelf' you are very restricted to the period you can accurately model. This may not be a problem, but if you want to, say, go back to the late 20's or early 30's, many models can be simply modified by changing a chimney or dome, so allowing you to create an more accurate scene from that era.

Obviously the more recent creations from Hornby and Bachmann allow a higher quality depiction of a particular era, but none the less the time span is restricted as minor features of most prototypes were changed over the 30 to 40 years that they were in service. Good examples are the introduction of top feed in the late 30s and 40s to most small GWR engines. In the case of the LMS, most ex MR types, of which there are several high quality models available now, had their domes and chimneys changed during the Stanier years, looking quite different in the final years
compared to their introduction to service. Also, many of the older models from Airfix or Hornby had generally the correct dimensions, but the boiler fittings look really weak or are wrong and cry out for replacement - the auto tank being a good example.

So as a demonstration, here is my layout, under construction, with a collection of unmodified 'ready to run' models from Hornby / Airfix and Bachmann to illustrate the point. The 'period' is restricted 1935 to 1939. Location: S&DJR and GWR lines. What restricts the period? Detail fittings and liveries of the locos and coaches, plus the introduction dates of the stock.

So why 1935 at the earliest? the 2P is ex Airfix No. 635 in LMS lined black. 635 is ex S&D 2P No. 46 supplied in 1928 in S&DJR blue livery. Renumbered to 635 in 1930 but not repainted, and likely ran in blue with LMS markings until major overhaul sometime in 1932. The 2P is hauling a rake of Stanier Corridor coaches introduced in 1933, but painted in 'Simplified livery' from 1934, with a Hornby 1932 built 12 wheel restaurant composite. (This last, at least can be found in lined livery, but there are no other coaches to keep it company!). The ex Airfix and Mainline LMS coaches, a pair of 1930 built non corridor lavatory brake seconds and a 1925 built corridor compositein the bay behind are also in 'Simplified' livery.

Further in the background is a Bachmann LMS 3F No. 3205 in LMS black with yellow letters shaded restricts this to the mid 30s since earlier the letters and numbers would have been plain yellow or gold. It is hauling a three set of Hornby Mansell coaches built in 1925 (four compartment low window brakes), with beautiful yellow / black lining, but the window frames are green! I believe that originally they were varnished wood or painted brown like the examples running today on the Bluebell Railway. I can't be sure about this but in the later 30s I believe the frames were painted green, so anyway I feel they are 'limited' to this period. At some stage I'll get the paint brush out, but putting them 'back' in to the 20s or early 30s is a lot simpler than painting fully lined LMS livery on the early period LMS coaches.

Finally on the left - a Bachmann GWR 4575 class 2-6-2T, the only proprietary modelled GWR small tank class that could be from the early 30s, since the panniers and auto tanks are all currently produced with top feed (apart from the very recent auto-tank announcement where a top feed less version may appear!). The 4575 dates from 1928, but would need to have the bunker top lamp shield and the sliding shutters removed to be in as built condition!

Well, I've made a rod for my own back trying to roll the clock back, but I'll try!