Seasons greetings.

Just an interlude, I can assure you, but I have aquired a class 25 and wanted to make a few mods to make it look better.

The one I bought was the weathered blue model, and the first thing I noticed was the depth of the glazing, and that the windows were too small. A brief question on the 2FS forum indicated that there were other issues with the doors and exhausts on this now dated model.

I thought about a class 24 cop-out, but have always preferred the looks of the 25, so decided to go ahead.

I ordered some drop in wheels from the 2FS shop, and then set about the ( plastic) body with a scalpel and files.

Removing just a little ( .5mm) of the window frames immediately improved the ends. Brass handrails were then added either side of the doors, which also help to disguise the fact that they are not as indented as they should be. I then scraped off the headcode, and have painted in a couple of white dots pending what to do with these.

Transfers from Fox were added to the sides and repainted ends, and some more weathering done with powders. This is now one dirty diesel!

I have not added as yet any flush glazing, as the original dropped straight back in and seems to sit further forward now. The intention is not to do too much to ths loco.

I did try replacing the Farish wheels with the FS ones, adjusted the PUs and reassembled the bogies.

Result: It didn't work as well! It seemed a bit tight in there for some reason, so I have removed them and put the N ones back for the time being. Anyway, it means I can run it in on my Kato loop.

It does run very well, compared to steamers.

I have in mind to construct a small industrial shunting plank, using the 25 and a few wagons.

Who knows - maybe in a couple of box files!

Meantime, back to the early 20th century....!

Chris