Ullypug's tales from the tinking table

Nice work there, Andrew.

 

Apologies if you've already explained this, and I'm sure you've got a prototype in mind, but I'm slightly surprised to see the loco in unlined green livery with the early crest...?

 

Very nice job on the pipework, by the way, especially the right hand cab side, not seen anyone else do that.

Nice work there, Andrew.

 

Apologies if you've already explained this, and I'm sure you've got a prototype in mind, but I'm slightly surprised to see the loco in unlined green livery with the early crest...?

Thanks CK.

I've a picture of the engine at Yatton in 1957 in that condition. There's always the possibility that it's a trick of the light or something but the engine's pretty clean and I can't see any lining on it.

If it subsequently proves otherwise I'll have to dig out my newly acquired bowpen and express myself.

Could the loco at Yatton be black rather than green? I've known pictures of both black and green engines to prove misleading in this respect, especially when reasonably glossy. Whatever, it does look good. Minion is still too clean though - a bit of oil here and there will stop it looking as though it's been stuffed and mounted in a playground!

 

Adam

Could the loco at Yatton be black rather than green? I've known pictures of both black and green engines to prove misleading in this respect, especially when reasonably glossy. Whatever, it does look good. Minion is still too clean though - a bit of oil here and there will stop it looking as though it's been stuffed and mounted in a playground!

 

Adam

I've sent you a PM. Defo not black.

Can't bring myself to whether Minion just yet. It just sort of sits on the workbench keeping my spirits up!

Thanks for PM, and I have now finally responded to it.

My first contribution and somewhat late I know for this article.

 

I too was surprised to see the loco in unlined green with the early crest but reference to the HMRS bible (part 6) states "in 1956 it was decided to paint them green whilst from early1957 some (the numbers are given) were turned out resplendent with full lining and with polished sfatey valve covers." I believe the move to painting every locomotive green and the introduction of chocolate and cream coaches was instituted by Keith Grand when he became WR General Manager. The later BR crest was introduced at the end of 1956 so it is entirely possible that those 14xx undergoing overhaul during the transition period  would have been green with the early crest. Just remembered now that I have the Irwell Press publication and reference to that indicates that 1454 had a heavy intermediate repair at Swindon at the end of 1956 coming out early 1957 so it is highly likely that the earlier crests were being used up on the less important locomotives.

 

As further evidence that those overhauling locomotives had little regard for modellers in the future, some 14xx appeared fully lined with the early crest, one example being 1458, as the works concerned (I think it was Newton Abbot) had "run out" of the new crest and were using the old ones. Also, on nationalisation, the livery earmarked for the 14xx was unlined black but a few, 5816, 1465 and Asburton's pet, 1470, were lined out with the mixed traffic lining. If modelling the class as built (as two of mine are) then a photo is probably not necessary as each lot would have been identical. As they age though it becomes more of a problem as modifications and liveries mean each locomotive is different and a photo is then essential.

 

I reckon the 48xx/14xx 0-4-2T must be the most modelled loco. I have three, two much modified K's kits and one Rod Neep etched (made for Puffers of York). The etched kit is excellent and the instructions alone are a veritable gold mine of information concerning the changes and modifications to the class over their lifetime. I have never modified the Airfix version which I think needs a lot of work to capture the look of a 14xx, like the K's kit it suffers from the wrong smokebox door which stands out like a sore thumb. Easily rectified of course but you feel Bachman would make a better fist of it should they choose to model this popular locomotive. Two of my 48xx / 58xx  work the Blagdon branch goods in the 1930's with one 14xx in unlined BR black representing 1950, immediately prior to closure.

 

Hope I've not bored everyone and looking forward to making further contributions. 

Thanks for the reply!