pdanny

My apologies for the lack of updates, I've been all over the place lately. So I've begun the painting process. Priming always uncovers the areas you've not got right so following some filling, filing and sanding, I've now started painting and spraying the livery. Its going into Blue Grey, a livery they looked awesome in with those chunky yellow cab fronts. I've also built the MSO, wired up the connections and power supplying wheels, fitted the Hornby Class 153 motor and fitted out the undercarriage components.

Class 455/8 Update: the cab & side vents from @PPDLtd arrived & are absolutely amazing! Big thanks to Piers & Ross for their patience and skills in reproducing these from the notes and diagrams I gave them, they're awesome. 0.3mm thick brass. Order #27941 if anyone wants to order some from them at enquiries@ppdltd.com

Thanks. I enjoy reading other's threads on southern units in this era and I don't think there's enough of us so I like sharing in the hope others will come forwards too.

Flooring, bogies and brake discs added on DTSOs and TSO. Flooring, brake discs and Motor installed on MSO. Wiring for internal lighting to be connected to all wheels on all four cars. Going to add detailing to bogies and then start on the undercarriage components.

It's been a triumph and inspiration for many of us southern region fans who certainly in the 90s were often overlooked. I was elated to see it again last year have read numerous rave reviews about TWY at Canterbury so it's great to see it still has that effect on all modellers & enthusiasts. It's legendary Paul, thanks for sharing it with us.

So for my next project it was decided for me that I would build a 455/8. It's a Bratchell kit however as the 455/8 isn't available as a kit, I'm having to adapt a 455/9 instead. Bratchell Models were amazing and managed to provide the correct roof and cab sides but the front itself I would have to make myself. My oldest friend cast in resin the 455/8 front using a template from his 455/9 adapting the window frames and wipac lights to the /8 format. I mounted them on plasticard and then filed out the windows and sides to fit the model. Vestibule doors have been provided using Bachmann Spares and I scratchbuilt the beams below the cab front. The rest of the kit should be fairly straightforward although the undercarriage components have also been provided by a friend as a result of the lack of offering from Bratchell. Like the 319 and 313, the unit will be internally lit, have full seating and have lit Headlights and destination blinds. Livery will be Blue Grey with white Network Southeast logos.

With the 313 finished, I've done got some time back to look at things I started that still need completing. First up is got his gorgeous kit from MARC Models, 975025 General Manager's Inspection Saloon in NSE. I built and painted the kit 2 years ago but never finished completing it with interior and full lighting. Ironically I bought the interior tables and chairs and it comes with drivers panel but I never progressed it. The flooring is down and I have now built the central compartment walls. Flooring walls and furniture all needs painting plus the drivers panel needs installing. Lighting will be simple and straight forwards with headcode panel lighting in front and back and the headlamps fitted for trackside observation. Minor weathering will follow later.

I would be honoured to share any tips and show you the finished model anytime.

All done. With the exception of the roof vents which need adding, it's finished. I will add the roof vents when they become available or I fi d something suitable to scratchbuild them from. Lights are working fine and destination blinds look great. Must try and get text on them at some point. Richmond at one end and Broad Street at the other! Interior seating looks great with the lighting inside. I thoroughly enjoyed this build particularly as the kit was still being developed when I started and as yet, is incomplete. I learned a lot from it and it's been a real treat to complete. Many thanks to Andrew.marsland@live.co.uk for producing the kit and support in parts etc. PPD Ltd for the window frames and Express Models for the fantastic lighting kit.

Thanks njee20

All the interiors have been cut down, painted and fitted. The cabs have been inserted and all the wiring has been concealed inside the false flooring. I've near enough finished the 313 now. Just a few tweaks and finishing touches left to do. I've also got to add on the roof vents that the original unit had. Otherwise it's near enough complete.

It's all interiors now. Cutting up seati g for the 3+2 interior using Hornby Class 466 interiors. It's a long slow process but the result is bang on. My hands are aching though so that's it for today... Thank you www.networksoutheast.net for these fantastic interior plans

Glazing in and the exterior is finished Weathered unit Northern City Line style Work begins on interior next

So I've now varnished the entire unit enabling me to get on with all the finer elements like windows and weathering. Saturday I started to add the windows (at last) with the PTSO centre car done first. I've also weathered it which meant adding in that stain they have from the drains outlet from the pantograph well. I've also weathered the unit ends and bodysides which get pretty filthy from their service on the Northern City Branch. Also added windscreen wipers to the driver's cab window. Will crack on with the remaining windows this week.

Thanks Jules that means a lot. I post as I go so what is shown is what I'm working on right now. There's lots more to come believe me...

Gave 313 a good test run on Saturday and it runs really well. Lighting works perfectly and the motor seems to be able to cope with inclines and adhesion I'm really pleased with it. Glazing and interiors next...

Glazing begins and it's gonna be a 2 part process. Part1 - cabs have had their windows individually crafted using Lima Mk3 glazing removed when I built my 442 and replaced the windows with Shawplan Laserglaze. Had to file each one individually to shape and then wet & dry paper it clear. The destination blinds had to be handcut but I didn't clear them up as much so they have a white look for the destination. For part 2, the side carriage windows and doors windows will be tinted so they will be fitted in from behind the frames with acetate sheeting cut into size.

Adding more undercarriage components. Scratchbuilding my own and converting some parts from Class 442 components. Getting there...

The 6REP is a Hornby VEP plus two additional 4VEP Trailer 2nds. The sides are 2x MJT 4TCs with the full set from one and the DTS and TBS from the 2nd set used to build the MSO and and the 2nd TBSK. MJT don't sell 4REP sides but the 4TC Driving Trailers are the same as 4REPs so for the 6REP which is made up of 5x 4TC vehicles and a 4REP DMSO can be made entirely from the Hornby VEP with MJT 4TC sides.

Work continues on the undercarriage detail with a few added elements on the centre coach and commencement to the DMSO. Working from photos and some great pictures in Modern Locomotives Illustrated mag this month, I've managed to get some finer detail on those parts that aren't yet available to purchase and require scratchbuilding from next to nothing. Almost done now, just a few parts left to make and then need to go back through all three coaches and add the detailing to the undercarriage components and paint them.

Yes well thanks piranha230 for that short commercial break. If you missed it, email andrew.marsland@live.co.uk for purchases direct to make big savings on eBay... Right, so back to the 313. I'm currently working on undercarriage components on the centre car. Had to scratchbuild these as they're not available yet but it's been quite a process. Good photos help as 313s are dual voltage units so differ from 508s, 315s and so on. The transformer was a challenge to build as you need a lot of patience but I'm pleased with it.its also given me a box to install added weight to give the motor more adhesion. Almost done, just the DMSO left to do. Interiors and glazing to follow.

Hey thanks. Really appreciate the feedback. Yes, on the vents. You are correct. The vents aren't available yet so waiting and looking at scratchbuild options. I have plenty of other things to do first but it is on my list of things to do. On 313001, I'm working from photos so the black around the cabs is correct to this unit. I always wanted to model the 457 but I would rather do it in its original format as a class 210. I saw them at Reading in the 80s roaring through on the down fast at speed and was captivated by it. On the windows, they are Mk3 windows with a hopper section laid above so measurements wise, I would perceive them to be the same as the 455s in width. PPD Ltd would etch them for you if you can give them dimensions.

Regarding the window etches, are there any spare cab window frames on the etches? I'd love to do a 314, these have an additional small window each side under the pantograph Hey, thanks for the like. The window frames are produced by PPD Ltd and on the sheet that I had produced, there isn't an extra window as per the 314s I'm afraid. Try contacting the original vendor for the kits as he may produce them.

Glad at the news, was concerned after everything disappeared from eBay. Especially as I am still building and will need to source more parts. Good news on the one piece sides and possible bodyshell formats going forwards though, good luck. Currently adding cab windows and preparing the side glazing. Need to get undercarriage parts next.

Not sure on the exact date/time but all the research shows it as being during their NSE phase as I have pics with and without. 313001 when first in NSE was without but I also have pics with so I can only assume it was between 88 and 93 lol.