Background:

This originated with parts from two Hornby Castle releases, with the body originating with Tintagel Castle and the tender from Wellington (with the other parts used on my model of Nunney Castle).  This gives the correct loco body and tender to model Berkeley Castle in 1947 condition, although the frames are incorrect in that they should be of the “joggle” type.  Unfortunately  I think Hornby have only done one release in that condition (as the NRM edition Caerphilly Castle) which came with a 3500gl tender that is pretty useless for 1947 Castles.  Fortunately the error is not that noticeable,  all be it one that I do intend to eventually rectify should the required parts become available.

Work on the model was relatively straight forward, Modelmasters’ etched plates were modified to removing the splasher mount and glued in place over the top of the Hornby plates, likewise the Modelmasters cab side numbers were glued in position.  The buffer beam numbers were removed with Microsol and replaced with HMRS transfers.  All foot plate lining was removed with a combination of Microsol and a scraper, before painting in a weathered black/grey/brown mix along with the rest of the underside.  The green areas on loco and tender were given a coat of Klear to improve the tepid Hornby green, before receiving a light coating of soot along the boiler top and dirt along the lower sides and the leading edge of the tender.   Finally the smokebox and roof were painted with a grey black mix, and some real coal was added to the tender.  It has been fitted with a Dingham coupling on the rear (and a Dingham compatible screw link on the front to enable coupling to an assisting engine).  While a Lenz Gold decoder is fitted in the tender.

Usage:

The two main turns for this loco will be the TPO and the North West service, along potentially with the Sleeper, (with use shared with two other Castles).

Remaining Work:

The only job that remains on this loco is the fitting of a crew / appropriate lamps