Scottish Region J72 conversion (Bachmann 00)

[Alex TM]

Hi folks,

 

Those of you who have read my layout thread will have seen an image of one of the new style Bachmann J72s that I repainted and renumbered as LNER 2331 as running in the 1930s.  I am not happy with it since I managed to get one of the numbers unevenly spaced, and the paint finish isn't good either (the stain varnish reacted with the gloss despite both being Humbrol enamels).

 

Here's the offending beast:

 

The question now is: what to do with her?

 

I am sorely tempted to strip off the transfers and varnish, and to have a go at converting her to one of the ones that were around the Kittybrewster and Keith areas in the late 1950s and early 1960s.  This would fit nicely with my BR liveried ones.

 

I would need to do the following (beyond dealing with the finish as applied):

1.  remove safety valves, and replace them with fine brass tubing to represent the improvised covers that were fitted.  Not sure what diameter to use (3/32" ?)

2.  fabricate a shunter's step, additional handrail, etc (though I have a photo of one that's had the step removed by the early sixties - 68750 dumped at Dumfries 1963).

3.  refinish - fortunately I have the necessary transfers.

 

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

 

Regards,

 

Alex.