Replace buffer beam on Hornby 31?

[faa77]

I'd like to replace the red buffer beam on this (below) for a black one. How easy is it to replace a buffer beam on a Hornby 31? I know I can buy black buffers, Just I am unsure on whether I can change the beam component and how simple it is.

 

[sandwich station]

Can you not just paint it black?

[SRman]

It's a while since I took my Hornby 31s apart, but I seem to recall the buffer beam is a part of the underframe casting. If I'm right, then repainting is the way to go. Black is a good covering colour so won't need too many coats. 

 

The buffers have a tendency to fall out on some of these models, so you may find that you can tease the shanks out of the buffer beams to make repainting them easier. Alternatively, I'm sure I have seen spare buffers with a choice of red or black shanks, from the likes of Peter's Spares and AC Models (Eastleigh).

[faa77]

It's a while since I took my Hornby 31s apart, but I seem to recall the buffer beam is a part of the underframe casting. If I'm right, then repainting is the way to go. Black is a good covering colour so won't need too many coats. 

 

The buffers have a tendency to fall out on some of these models, so you may find that you can tease the shanks out of the buffer beams to make repainting them easier. Alternatively, I'm sure I have seen spare buffers with a choice of red or black shanks, from the likes of Peter's Spares and AC Models (Eastleigh).

 

Yeah you can buy red or black buffers.

 

So you're saying the buffer beam is not a separate component?

[Clive Mortimore]

Sorry I am lost with this one. As far as I can make out the DCR green livery is the same on the model as it is on the real locomotives and have red buffer beams, I have not found a photo of one with black buffer beams. 

 

The buffer beams are a separate item on the Hornby Brush type 2, From memory the body needs removing first then you can unscrew the buffer beams without the cab interior riding around lose inside the body, a very strange arrangement. Getting all back together without losing the springs for the lateral side play of the NEM coupling mounting is fun. Much easier to buy a pot of Chaos Black paint from Games Workshop and a fine brush (a size 1). Games Workshop paints are acrylic, so clean the brush under the tap and they cover lovely without losing the detail.  You may find it easier to take the body off so that you do not get paint on the lower part of the front.

[SRman]

Now Clive has jogged my memory, I do remember the cowls being separately screwed on, but still can't remember if the buffer beam is separate or not.