Way back in this thread I was asking for details about the working of Hereford good yard for a potential N gauge project. I never did build it, but did start building in some suitable stock in 00. Then Heljan announced they were producing the ex-BR class 05 in Bulmers Cider livery...I knew I'd have to get one when they were released.

Well I picked mine up yesterday courtesy of Hereford Model Centre, and once I'd given it a test, fitted a Digitrax DZ126IN decoder and stick on the very delicately moulded plastic(!) nameplates, decided to get the paints and powders out. I've tried to be retrained and given a light muck wash around the panels and inside the cab just to give it the look of a working but cared for loco. I would usually seal any weathering with a spray of purity seal varnish, but with some many clear parts I decided to give this stage a miss for now. Heljan's finish is satin enough for me, and the powders have toned it down.

Running is perfect and there are many fine details...only one was broken during the weathering process! The lights are also a great touch. It's interesting to see the provision for sound designed into the model...I look forward to a suitable chip being made available!

Now then, about that layout...