Work continued at the weekend on some weathering and detailing jobs. The Jinty is now about finished with crew added and screw link couplings. Having photographed it in bright sunshine I think the chassis needs toning down as the brown/orange tones are too strong and don't match well with the body. This particular model (from the Bachmann Suburban set) doesn't feature the keyhole and I'm not sure if it should with the number I've chosen. No doubt someone will inform me of any error.

I've also made a start on my Fairburn tank. I want this loco to have a recently cleaned but working loco look. I'm finding it difficult to source colour photos of these locos other than in their final days when they were absolutely filthy so I'm also looking at similar tank engines. This is very much a work in progress. The loco has been renumbered to Manningham shed. My usual techniques have been employed so far; dry brushing, acrylic washes, t-cut polishing and powders. Having read the Tim Shackleton articles in Hornby mag I've also introduced some gunmetal into the mix - it's subtle but it works. The tank sides and boiler sides have been polished as if cleaned. I'll look at this with fresh eyes next week but I think I'll be introducing another layer of mucky streaking before some more cleaning.

At some point I've managed to ping off part of the pipe run at the bottom of the tank. This has vanished into the ether - doubtless it won't be found until I've fabricated a replacement from wire.