Sophia NSE

Its amazing how adding a small amount of detail makes a big difference... A bit more filing and filling to do yet!

Just tried Model Trains 4U and was unable to purchase as their internet safety certificate has run out which caused an error

I was a bit nervous about quartering the wheels but it turned out to be no problem at all. I do, however, need a replacement small gear for the Q1. It's originally a 14xx chassis and Peter's Spares are currently out of stock. Its code X8067 if that's any help

As you well know, I don't like to make things difficult for myself, so yesterday I decided to rewheel both the C class and the new Q1 The C now sits on 14xx wheels (upside down I know ) and could probably have slightly smaller wheels than those The new Q1 has the 4F wheels that came from the C and I shifted the rear bogie back to a more prototypical position. Next for the Q1 is the box around the top of the bunker

Tidy!

I did actually think about that earlier. I'll have a practice on an already hacked body

Here's my latest attempt at an ex SECR Q1 0-4-4... I might give it a coat of primer tomorrow to make it look less Frankenstein's monster. It's mostly Wrenn/Dublo R1 with a cab spliced together from a pair of J72 cabs. I even removed the bulbous lumps from the firebox that were included to fit the original motor underneath. "Do you actually make any other locos?" I hear you ask. Why yes, yes I do... As close to an ex LCDR T class as I can get from a J72. Just need to find some safety valves and give the handrails a coat of paint before gloss varnishing ready for transfers

It's modellers like you, Corbs, Nile, etc. that have got me in this mess!

A cheap spares/repair J72 has given up its wheelset and the T class is slowly nearing completion The newest Q1 attempt has gained a cab cut up from a pair of J72 cabs and now looks more like a loco Still a bit of a Frankenstein's monster but should improve with some more filler and a coat of primer

Means I'll actually have to build a proper layout!

I wasn't entirely happy with the boiler bands on the T class, so I replaced them with thinner ones which is a big improvement And then we get to this... While I'm happy with the Q1, it's just a representation of the class. This time I wanted to make one closer to the prototype. The tanks are shorter and it will need a scratchbuilt cab, which I'll be attempting in plasticard. Also the buffer beams will be made from plasticard as they are much thinner than those on the R1

A bit more work done to the R1, including a little major surgery. If you look very closely you can see what I did

I think it's time for an update on the locos for Chart Sutton and their origins, plus a bonus neverwazza Q1: chopped around Wrenn R1 body on a K's 14xx chassis and scratchbuilt bogie. Remotored with an X04 motor. The story is that the cab was damaged and replaced with a pagoda cab which is why it has escaped being scrapped after the rest of the class was gone by 1930 C: GBL body on Airfix 4F chassis. The main loco for goods traffic on the branch R1: Wrenn body, either Wrenn or Dublo chassis. Used for goods or short passenger work T: modified Mainline J72 on its original chassis. Need to find the missing coupling rods and crank pins. Mostly used for shunting but occasionally used in an emergency for passenger trains Boughton Quarry shunter: modified Nellie body on Bachmann junior chassis. Used by the local quarry on its trains ?: modified Dublo R1 body on an R1 chassis with scratchbuilt pony truck. Needs motor and pickup plate. One off conversion of an R1 into an 0-6-2 I also have a plan for another loco bought by the branch before it was absorbed into the Southern, so watch this space!

I actually did some modelling today A nice shot of the station from the bridge

Smokebox, splashers, and footplate. The rest will be coming from a GBL T9 I have stashed away. @BlueLightninghas already made one so it's another of his ideas I'm shamelessly stealing

It's quite a way down the list of projects. I'm currently after an M7 body and Caley single trailing wheels and tender chassis for another bodge to create the LBSC B1 named Hastings.

I need a chassis like that to put under an extended bunker R1 I made

No call for a Terrier at Chart Sutton when the T class gets finished. I'll probably pop to the shop in a couple of weeks once I have a bit of spare cash. I will be looking for a decent coupling for NEM pockets as a bit of an upgrade from ancient tension locks

I can't escape from Terriers, even at work!

Did I forget to post an update? Shame on me!

Needs to be one in each of Ashford, Brighton, and Eastleigh olive green in the interest of fairness! It really suits the 73 and I'm not tempted to find a cheap Lima 73, honest!

After sanding and another coating of filler

Stage one of filling... Another quick look in Russell has mention of some T class locos that were given longer frames for a bunker extension. Result!

I think I might even order some transfers for them! I'll probably come along next week after I get paid. It depends on what you've got in stock

As promised/threatened yesterday! And the T class/ex J72 Congratulations to @BlueLightningfor being my 500th reply. Your prize is a visit to your shop by me