spearmint100

Hi Sandy, lovely loco and build. For me the other area that stands out for a re-work in any final kit though is the chimney casting. Compared to prototype photos, including those linked above, it is far too skinny and as a result the model loses a little of the real character of the loco. Regards Terry

Thanks Chris. I must give AK and MIG a try.

Hi Chris, Like a number of other posters I'm very impressed with the results you've achieved - particularly on the Ixion locos. Having never used AK Interactive products can you give some idea of the methods used? In particular is it largely brushed finishes, washes or fine powders - or a mix - and from your comments do you use an air brush at all? Regards Terry

Thanks for your offer of dimensions from your GAs Arthur.. Would you have the distance between smokebox front and front buffer beam? Also any information on cab layout would be helpful. As you have suggested, I have made the cab floor removable but am unsure of the position of seats, brake standard etc. Regards Terry

Sorry photo posted in wrong place!

It's good to see your progress on the 7mm J77. I am just ahead of you in what can only be described a bit of a challenge! I wanted to post to warn you of a potential but easily solved problem with the footplate that you are yet to start. The valences supplied are way too narrow compared to photos of the prototype. I had to remove mine and fabricate some 6mm wide (a guess) replacements and the loco looks much better as a result. I have also fitted LNER GS buffers which some carried particularly those with vacuum brakes and steam heating. The resulting pipework for these will be interesting but should add to the character of the model. The photo attached shows the current status. The boiler assembly is just resting in place - the fit against the cab front is not that bad! My biggest problems to date are poor castings and over-sized handrail holes in some of the etchings. The cab roof also had to be 're-profiled'. Everything else is fixable with effort but without the kit I would not be building a J77 so it's certainly worthwhile. Keep up the good work. Regards Terry

Jack, Just spotted a complete Zero Zephyrs/ABS B4 kit on eBay with a Buy it Now price of £224.50 if that helps.

I am currently building a 7mm Fletcher cab J77 (Medley Models) and agree that it is a very interesting and attractive prototype. The difficulty I have encountered with the enclosed cab is how to paint and glaze the cab interior with the cab in place. I have resorted to the time consuming process of making the body detachable using brass angle and screws with the intention of only soldering the cab floor in place once the interior is complete. I will let you know whether it is successful in due course! In the meantime I will be watching your thread with interest. Incidentally mine will be based on 68406, a loco I was lucky enough to see as a young boy from a train passing Selby yards and depot. J73 68356 was with it and I intend to build that at some stage but I am not yet aware of a J73 kit... Regards Terry

An impressive fleet - just my sort of locos! The K2 in particular is magnificent. Any thoughts on livery? I always thought the BR lined late logo really suited the survivors of this class. Regards Terry