DLT

Hello Ian, Thanks very much for the info. Black-looking splasher tops are probably due to lack of cleaning compared to the faces! As for the cylinder lining, there are quite a few colour photos of SR locos in BR green with black cylinders. Often the colour cannot be clearly identified, but where it is it SEEMS to show red. For instance, in this photo of 30856 ex-works, the lining looks distinctly red compared to the orange boiler lining. Several photos of Nelsons, Schools and rebuilt Bullieds also seem to show this. Whether this is a photographic effect, or an Eastleigh "signature" I wouldn't like to say! By the way, I'm reading your book and practising my airbrushing; and I regularly look at your galleries for inspiration! Many thanks, Dave.T

Cabside lining was somewhat simpler than I anticipated, but still fiddly: And a start has been made on the jigsaw of lining bits for the tender.

Definitely all green in that shot, Thanks very much.

Quite so Mike, MekPak is definitely not MEK/Butanone. MEK/Butanone will fix C&L track components, but MekPak won't touch them. Therefore the assumption that MekPak is less harmful than MEK/butanone.

Thanks for all the "likes" gents. There is a question of the paint on the tops of the splashers: Of the colour photos I've seen, some appear green, others black, and some indistinguishable. I don't suppose there is a definitive answer, so I've done the one that meets the firebox green and the front one black. The Hornby model has them all green.

Thanks very much for all the advice guys, looks like I'm stuck with the smaller bottles unless I switch to MEK or Butanone, with their added hazards. Having to mail order everything now that my local model shop has gone, also having a shelf full of empty MekPak bottles ready for decanting (I get through a lot) Just had confirmation from Slaters that they are no longer supplying in larger quantities, mainly due to the large number and cost of tins they would have to order, and the subsequent storage space needed. Thanks again, Dave.T

The story so far....

Please can anyone help? Is it still possible to purchase Slaters MekPak in larger quantities than the standard bottle? Some stockists are advertising MEK in half-litre quantities. This is NOT MekPak, but actual Methyl Ethyl Ketone, which I understand is nasty stuff? Many thanks, Dave.

Thanks for all the likes guys, getting on with the lining now. Started with the easy bit; the boiler bands, followed by the splashers. Cab-side (small) and tender (huge) look to be the most awkward bits.

Apologies for not updating this job for nearly two months, but most of the layout refurbishment was done in time for the current shows. I'm still practicing with the airbrush, but not up to painting a loco with it yet, so it was back to the Railmatch spray-can. The three sub-units have been done, and any other bits (valences, splashers etc) have been brushed. Tender interior and cab roof will be brush-painted in matt black. Then its the dreaded lining!

As it did for most of the A-list celebrities who queued up for some ritual humiliation at the hands of Eric and Ernie. I loved the bit during Cleopatra; Glenda nearly lost it when the bust of Caesar suddenly looked up at her, she wasn't expecting that. The sketch is Here and the incident is at about 5mins 50

Wedmore performed very well at The ExeGOG Show, there is a film of the layouts Here Wedmore appears at 7mins 30secs. Not too sure what sort of operation was going on though.... I didn't take any photos myself, but several people did and I will get some on here. Cheers, Dave.

A very successful and enjoyable day was had, with a good number of visitors through the doors. Haven't heard any adverse comments....Yet! Video of the Show on Youtube Here

Good list, I would add Slaters and Markits as well.

Most of the issues have now been sorted out, Wedmore is looking very fresh and running nicely. Still some scenic refurbishment to be done (isn't there always?) And the Exeter Gauge 0 Group show is tomorrow! (see links in the post above) Dave.T

Five days to go till the show at Whimple! Full programme now on this page: ExeGOG Show at Whimple And the Group's site here: https://www.exeter-gog.net/ Anyone coming? Cheers, Dave.

Five days to go...!

Sounds like my school homework being "not quite finished". Actually its "not quite started"....

That's goods to hear. I seem to find just the item that I need, and then be told that "you can't get them anymore..."

Very nice Richard, and such fast progress! All the best, Dave.

They're very hard to ignore Jack!!!

I am very sad to report that Jim Calverley passed away recently. For many years Jim was Manager of The Blackburn Exhibition, making it one of the top shows in the country, and a "must visit" for modellers all over the North of England. Following retirement, he and Zena moved south to Devon, and he became a stalwart member of The Exeter 0 Gauge Group. A hugely talented modeller, Jim regularly carried off trophies, often the Best in Show. A true Gentleman, Jim was widely know and highly respected. David Taylor.

Two weeks to go, plenty of last-minute activity going on! Here is the layouts section of the Programme, or you can download the whole thing Here

How many people actually PAY to get into Chelsea? Or are they all "special guests", or have privilege tickets, or those on VIP visits?