richard i

I know how you feel. I was in a similar position but as the kids got older time was freed up and it seems much more achievable. I still have all my br stock if I want to run modern image from time to time. Not too much longer, I am only late 40s. richard

Clive your skills at platting hair are really coming on. Horse 2 shows off your handiwork well. richard

You could file off the top feed and repaint one boiler section. You would also need to change the safety valves. TBH that is definitely a wartime thing where as some might have had top feeds earlier. I would need to do some digging. richard

It isn’t. I did and have never regretted the shift. It saves your wallet as there is less to tempt you. There have been 2 wagons with gc on their sides but they were generic too. You are right kits are the only way……for now. richard

Most popular era in Germany is the early diesel and electric era. No need for turntables. Also much more a “ have lots of tracks and watch many things go round and round” types of layouts too. richard

Lner was not rich. Finishing paint so not to waste it. There are plenty of photos of gcr livery with l&ner lettering on various classes a5 and d11 especially. other than the works grey photo, all other photos people have shown have the small but noticeable curve out towards the top of the window on the lining on the front of the cab side. Both in gcr and lner livery. At a quick glance it might look square but a closer look shows it to not be. however unless sonic read this thread or anyone knows how to contact them then churning this over will achieve nothing. It is why I have not preordered one. I will just have to decide if it is worth the gamble that it will be right or can I live with the mistake/ alter it myself. richard

Any one else’s thoughts on the lining in front of the side windows looks wrong on the gcr livery with lner lettering and lined lner livery looks wrong? To me in pictures it should tuck in towards the window to match the lining behind the cab entrance. The squaring up makes it look too black around the cab side to me. is there a way to contact sonic to see if this is being addressed? richard

I was not given a chair until I had driven properly. Hence standing in the video. Not sure who is in the video. I feel much younger than that. richard

I have found the holy grail. Photo of the only 9n. (A5) to appear in gcr livery and with side window cab. I knew the loco existed but not combination of boiler fittings. Is this really the only image? I have seen sonic’s announcement. I am not sure about the lining on the side window cab version in front of the windows. Need to see if that is correctly done. richard

Thanks for these. They look great and it shows that even when I thought I was driving slowly, it still looks faster than you think. to clarify, sides and ends from worsley works and front one d&s. Most bogies kits from d&s but had to make one. Bits from gcrs or made up. So not a kit but……. some of the wagons will be genuine scratch builds. richard

Glad to here you are improving. Hope the turntable behaves itself. richard

Saved you a job.

Will do Tony.

Probably. It looks similar to me and looks at most 2mm short. The dome is not quite the right height. The relationship between the dome and chimney looks about right. Change the chimney and the dome needs to change. 2mm can be lived with if it looks about right. I have run carriages with 2mm too short bogie wheelbases. 8’ not 8’6” . No one noticed/ commented. besides I would rather a wrong chimney that looks good than a lengthened one where the join is obvious. It looks part of the smoke box casting which makes it harder to turn and smooth at this point/ remove totally and replace. hope that rambling make some sense. richard

Are the D11 small enough? Probably not. However they stand out more as they are green on silver. They could be a smidge smaller but I would rather the correct shape and a little large than right size but look nothing like it. I have saved a few extras in case I need to do this again. Tony, I am sure your way gives a good result. This was quieter than all the hammering and SHMBO has had a headache for the last couple of days. I think it is finished cab handrails fitted. Grab handles above the steps. ( cost me three drill bits for 4 holes) the gaps in the running plate filled. clean up and spray paint. Need some good weather. richard

Firebox bumps made. they needed filing on the back to get the outer ring thin enough. they seem to have worked to give the oval shape. richard

The boys’ modeling Tony. several happy days building them, though their mother did comment on the smell of glue in the living room. painting next. I may encourage them to do that in the shed. Open a window and the smell leaves the room. Spilt paint is a whole different kettle of fish. many thanks richard

Photos always reveal what you think is not seen. richard

I think so too, but I will know it is there. Similarly most will not notice the missing grab handles, but will I? richard

There has been more done but little to show for it. I have taken a mould off the Bachman d11. Other options had such an indistinct blob it would be pointless taking a mould. I could do it with a blob of putty. Also visible is the new reversing lever. almost there. …….lost the top lamp bracket. Do I plug an almost invisible hole in front of the side tanks? Fir two small grab handles? Two steps forward one back. richard

Top half looks like an austerity. I too am intrigued. however if the owner wishes to keep stum, I respect that richard

Photo of one found, everything is correct for how I have modeled the loco…………except the type of safety valves. Ahhhhh. I am going to try and make them. It won’t damage the model to try and if they do not work I can look at changing the safety valves as a plan B. richard

Yes but we will not be doing modern image on this layout.

That is good to know. I will look again, but feel I might have to. I am having carriages in all three livery so having them might give flexibility. I have been ummming ans ahhhhring over the chimney and have finally settled that it is 2mm too short. Now I have decided this I will have to address it though I hope the cut and shut will not be noticeable as a cut and shut. I am intending to make another 2-4-2 with round top firebox for variety sake which will cover the earlier period more. Anther reason to fit the lumps on the boiler sides of this one. richard

Starting to get to the end of the jobs list. have made the frame extender for the rear. It is three levels made separately and each of a different shape then brought together to make the complex shape. the firebox has been smoothed off so the bands can be put on in the correct place. Farme extension just visible behind rear guard irons. seems firebox lumps and pipes below the cab are the only things left. ( I know such technical terms.) richard