I am 'modelling' the BR period based around Hull in the late 1950s early 1960s. I watched many dirty freight engines pass by my high school playing fields and took almost no notice as i wanted to get to York and Doncaster to see the glamorous express engines. So, apart from memories and internet archives I have nothing to guide me except faded memories.

I have a J71, J94, B1 and Class 08 Shunter either built, part built or in the box. All are representative of my area but after seeing the excellent Railways of Hull video by Marsden (if I could only redub the narration) I saw 43079 arriving at Hull Paragon with a local stopper and I was hooked. The fascinating ugliness of the beast sort of epitomises Hull so I had to have one.

I found a kit at Acme and bought it. However, it stayed in the box until I sudddenly had a rush of blood and decided that I would build the MOK one instead. The precision and quality of the kit seemed more suited to such a complex loco so I ordered one and collected it at Telford earlier this month. A quick visit to the ABC stand secured a motor and gearbox, and as I really love Walsall Wheels, I collected a set of them for the loco chassis. I decided to save a small amount by using slaters wheels for the tender. I'm not overly keen on Slaters but the tender axleboxes all but hide the tender wheels so I compromised!

Over the next 10 years or so (that's how long the J71 took!), I will post updates on progress and my personal observations of the kit, instructions and anything else that influences the build.