D 844

Yes, that's very convincing, I also like the third rail setup.

You are quite right about a realistic finish, I had thought about it while doing it but with normal light it does appear to look reasonable when it's running. I think it's the Drummond 700 that really needs toning down, it's more visible than on the M7, thats my next job.

It is very good and can be improved by adding inside valvegear, it shares the same type as a Drummond 700, Lendons of Cardiff will supply the chassis which includes gears, pipework, sandpipes and valvegear at £1.49 plus postage, code X6937. the valvegear is plastic and unclips, to make it to fit into the M7 cut of the front and rear and file the base flat and slot it in, the rocker bar should lineup with the steps.

It's worth checking the front bogie bracket for clearance, if it's too low it can take weight of front drivers. My first N15 would pull anything but my second and third didn't, after checking the brackets it was clearly in need of adjustment. The easiest way is just press on the chimney, if no dip, that your answer. I had the same problem on my first S15, the second one was fine but didn't haul as much as the N15 so weight was added and it now pull sixteen coaches, well worth it.

Hornby S15 follow up, I have added some weight without spoiling the balance. using shaped lead, one in the cab, two at the back of the boiler and one under both flywheels, there is space for more but as it is now it hauls 16 coaches whereas before it was just managing 12. The layout in part is 2nd radius curves and it has no problems with that, well worth doing it

I have three S15s, they are trouble free and they are lighter weight than the N15s. Well balanced but for heavy freight need some weight in the right place, perhaps over the motor rather than fill the smokebox. I bought my last one without the tender as I wanted to couple to a Schools class tender but the loco plug had to go in the wrong way round so I had to swop round the tender pickups to make it work, very fiddly unless someone has a better idea?

On the first three Warships the cab roof was different too, on some angles hard to spot but it was shaped like the main roof almost to the front of the cab. There is a useful shot on Flickr, just tap in D801 CJ 1966. 

I still have D824 Highflyer, bought new in 1980 for £12 and still runs very well. Here it is with classmate d804.