Hi Sarah, yes nice loco and a great manicure too :triniti:Madame !
On the repaint front, I have bought two of these with the idea of having one in the earlier electric blue. I was wondering about trying to go for full yellow ends, but but electric blue for the main body. Not sure where I would get the silver lion and numbers from yet. Transitional livery if you like, to avoid messing up the windows. I have seen photos of other electrics in this 81-85 family in this transitional livery, but have not found a class 81...yet. If anybody does know where we can find such a photo, their reward will be in heaven !
Looking forward to your motor bogie exploits, I would love to know what sort of haulage power you get.