Chris's Blog - 4mm Weathering & Detailing.

Looking good. I have always liked the Lima 60. Definitely one of Lima's better models and it was only because I was able to get the newer Horny one reasonably priced that I noticed the the couple of minor issues that Lima made.  It wasn't enough for me to stop using them though and its only that the current Peco code 75 track which has issues with the wheel flanges rubbing the sleepers that has frustratingly stopped me using them .   I painted the interior of mine using photos from a Modelrail article and because of the lovely large windows it really brings the cab interior to life more.   I also used some Lima Class 59/66 buffer heads (now produced as spares by Hornby) as the prototypes are elliptical and can simply be glued in place. Cheaper than a pair of Sprung buffers if they are not need.  If you only intend a coupling at one end cut the mount of the other bogie and glue the deflector plate to the underside of the bufferbeam. It looks a 100 times better. You will then be able to fit the pipes the correct way round. The bogie steps are quite chunky and can be made out of square plastic rod. Never liked the A1 etches just to flat.  The Shawplan interior kits add a nice chunk of weight and when used with the Grille etches (they are quite fragile) the Lima model really does look the part. Shame Hornby hasn't re-released it as part of the Railroad range.  Keep up the good work.