Hello James

I think you have every right to be pleased with that engine. It has come out really really well. I hope it runs as good as it looks though!

Missy

Thanks Missy - it's not bad although the Black Beetle is quite highly geared. The bonnets are FILLED with lead sheet though so slow running is improved. I've not got anything other than plain track to run it on at present though - so the real test will be when I make a point.

James,

Very nice -I can't wait to see it weathered.

In practice the Sentinel swords were often pinched/removed on many prototypes, not certain on MSC ones but I would guess so given their place of work (as to a lesser extent were the makers plates) so if you are not sure about them just leave them off!

I guess it depends how long from delivery your model will represent.

Cheers Tony

Thanks Tony - the photos from 1982 of DH26 show them still fitted:

http://glazebrookeast.fotopic.net/c1547689.html

http://glazebrookeast.fotopic.net/p51961894.html

See what I mean about their size? I'm in a quandry... I expect taking a file to them gently might be the best bet.

Hi James,

Yes I see what you mean! I suspect as soon as you go near them with a file they will distort, might be best to solder them onto a backing piece to give strength then seperate them when thinned/shortened. They will be soooooo delicate. I think really they should be etched in 5 thou steel (stainless?) together with the makers names. I wonder if 247 or Shawplan would do some?

I think if I were you, if reducing in size doesn't work, I would leave them off.

Cheers Tony

I agree with Tony, they really should be narrower/shorter.

Given the skill level that you've showed with the rest of this build, it should be no problem for you to sweat them onto a piece of scrap brass and file them down to size together. Separate them by heating gently again with the edge of a sharp scalpel inserted in the join.

If you've seen my post on Beer & Buckjumpers about making a replacement brakeblock, then you'll see what I mean.

Flymo

Looks good James.

The swords might be available as spares from Judith Edge, I picked up a couple from their trade stand once.

What have you used for the headlamp lens?

Paul.

Looks suberb James, i'd be proud of that too! Not too sure what I think about the yellow on the buffers on the prototype, think I prefer the model as it is now!

Good luck with the weathering, that will really bring the model to life!

Paul

Very, very nice..

Andy

Thanks guys - I think the headlight is MV Products - I bought them a long time ago for my Canadian modelling, and it was my last one! I'm trying to track them down in the UK again as it's a perfect fit

Wow, superb modelling. Great work on the stripes, very nice indeed Sir!