Bluemonkey presents....

So the finishing elements are added including 'the lid' as questioned by the Boss. The final detailing parts really do add life to the model and has some what redeemed it from my previously thoughts. Although it is now, after a little running in against a buffer, destined to sit in a display case. Here she is; Any observation very welcome, as always. Positive and Negative both happy here. I do appreciate I have flipped a little on the livery i.e. copper chimo and fully brass safety vale? but tried to do everything else as per pictured prototype example. I have mentioned before but will again the coal is that from the actual location and I am really pleased with how it turned out including the bunker hatch inside the cab.

Thank you one and all. Well here it is the final push on The Beast. The time line of picture sequence is a little condensed but I am posting to sections of a build that is spread over the afternoon, not minutes as it will appear on the thread. The first set are the completion of the chassis and with the addition of the footplate. This took a little tweaking, as everything on this kit has but runs very smoothly, since oiled and its a beauty. Bizarrely I can definitely say I prefer modelling in 4mm not 7mm! Comparison in size is staggering when together. This is The Beast and the 39xx chassis facing each other!

Thank you everyone appreciate your thoughts.

On your signal box evidence I would suggest it is not you. I found the kit a tricky little beast to build but found a crate of cider helped no end. By the end of the modelling session I cared very little about the instructions and it went together like a dream, honest. I have since cut it up and used some parts/pieces to build the crane part of Hercules crane tank engine, a much better result in my opinion. Good luck!

Progress has been slow as there are many other distractions at this present time especially with the weather as nice as it has been. Not that I like the sun or heat but I have returned to enjoying growing vegetables from seed once more. Although I do make time to have a read through the posts on RMWeb daily. I have made a started to the dismantling and rebuilding of the layout boards. The Beast from the West has now a working chassis just have to tweak the rods as there is a little rub somewhere, then the jigsaw can be put together for completion. I am still looking around at various airbrushes but Ric's recommendation of the H&S range is still top of the list due to the drop in needle and ease of cleaning. I have fallen foul of the thread shearing already in my short time using these tools. I have decided to line the 39xx in earlier livery as I think this will look more appropriate and make it stand out from the number of similar prairie type locomotives I have. The siphons have stagnated for the time being as they are at the usually stalling stage of transfers.

I would like to say things are back on track, but they are still some what in the air. Even though I have now managed to remove the main station and yard boards and construct more boards to now sit on top of the original framework so th can be moved if required. I am not motivated to progress at any great pace as I really do not like the idea of so many line breaks from board to board especially across main lines and varying angles. I need to be 100% happy with this before full engagement. Shame there are no shows etc to really study how to achieve faultless running from board to board across mainline. Nonetheless I, selfishly, have really enjoyed lock down. Not the suffering of others, as I really do appreciate how desperate the situation can be but on a very personal level I have bizarrely found it mentally stimulating and has encouraged me to actively re-establish old interests and skills. The slower and more thoughtful pace of life it has brought is a real refresher to one's state of mind, as to the positive impact on the natural world and surrounding wildlife. Best wishes to All and hope to meet up at coming exhibitions and events whenever these will be possible. Happy modelling and be safe my friends.

I appreciate where you are with your livery sorry i can not aid with transfer printing or design. I am often at the same end.

checked Russell's coach appendix2 no dia041 and in the wagon building book a number of tankers but not the 041, sorry.

Morning. Yes this is the same sort of picture I have from the Russell wagons Appendix.

Just to prove I can solder and was genuinely being lazy with the Siphons here's some laminating, there layers for the couplings rods (I think that's them) and just two for the coupling hooks. Nearly finished The Beast just a few finishing touches to add. Yes, I appreciate there are a few minor detailing errors on her but I got the point and decided; rule 1 and get it done! So I am.

Hi I will see what I can find from my kits etc but will take a evening to too, sorry.

Siphons Cs all ready at my usual stage of no couplings and no transfers. As you can imagine I am somewhat short on the branding 'Siphon C' transfers so delving into the books for appropriate livery and hopefully find 5+ without the branding just GW and numbers. Fingers crossed. I have also got The Beast to the motorising the chassis stage and of course there is a problem. The gear box will not fit inside the loco body or the only other option means the motor fouls on the back head and all the cab frontage There are no useful instructions with this kit hence the length of time building as I have had to pretty much guess and work things out myself. Annoying and frustrating as this is my first (and most likely last) O gauge loco build and my only other previous loco build was Hercules which in itself was mainly scratch building. The 39xx was already built I just added detailing. Looks like I will have to start cutting the gearbox about so it can fit inside. The only axle location available is the rear as the other two are completely covered by the tank. Failing that I guess leave the motor and gearbox out. I dont have a O gauge layout nor do I plan for one. Half the time I truly feel like selling the thing so I can get on with more useful OO things, one less distraction.

Try Simon at Old Time Workshop. He has a set of WD transfers for wagons so may have something for locos. Hope this helps, Matt.

Thanks I might just do that. I seem to recall a Cambrian hopper conversion conversation in this parish and have bagged a couple so, as they say, watch this space 'my work bench' thread but I do have those siphon Cs to complete first. Naughty Mikkel for tempting further starts before competing the current ones I am trying to be good

Couple of pics of the Beast nearly finished. Lamps have been drilled out and ready to plonk as I do not wont to permanently fix them, I may decide to sell her!

I am lucky enough to have the David Green kit to build up just have to get my skills sharpened as well as finding a considerable amount of time for the builds and appropriate research. I know what you mean about the chassis, Hornby definitely better than Dapol but such a wealth of livery in Dapol.

I have since restarted researching more airbrush types so am yet to jump in completely. Some nice detail (standard stuff) has been added to the Beast and the 39xx and this has really lifted the appearance of both locos, even was able to use of old coal from the Calne branch I picked up whilst walking (years ago!) for the Beast as I dont have any O gauge stuff. Very pleasing outcome, if I do say so myself.

Fingers crossed.

Well I have had to come up with a new idea to ensure some sort of layout exists before my demise! And now I think I have the answer. Using the original main frame structure I can create new portable boards that anchor to the frame. This will allow removal should the need ever arise but allows me to continue with the main line and yards. A positive note the new structures are 3 inches higher that the original flat lines so allows the development of some scenic embankments and gradients. I do have to remove the boards that have the foam on though, I will try to salvage at much as possible but being self adhesive stuff this is highly unlikely.

A considerable effort. Nice job on the fruit C, well everything really but I have a thing for brown vehicles it seems. Any milk tankers in your plans? Thank you again for the airbrush advice, I thought I was settled on one in particular but since our conversation I have started researching again.

Many thanks a very comprehensive site/shop. Looks like the Harder & Steenbeck Ultra 2 in 1 is best suited to my needs and wallet.

Sorry I made a mistake,wrong scale, I'm an idiot for not reading the fine print in the subtitle.

Lanarkshire Models offer excellent quality buffers, (disclaimer; no connection just a very satisfied repeat customer); http://www.lanarkshiremodels.com/lanarkshiremodelsandsupplieswebsite_008.htm

Here's a snap of progress; and a couple of other distractions to change my modelling mood The Pannier 'The Beast' will require a further coat. Here's the 39xx cab detail. I am very please with the coal and the wood flooring (not very visible, sorry). Only really taken as once the roof is on all of this will be 95% invisible.

Thank you Mikkel. I am pleased with the result and they are coming back in favour. I have since painted the roofs and they look better just need attaching to the bodies and chassis now. Waiting for the last roof to harden off as it needed another coat.