Pugsley

I'm not terribly convinced by your platform surfacing

James, seriously consider replacing those rods with the Brassmasters ones - they are the only thing that detract from an otherwise very nice model.

Chris - Thanks, I'm glad it's not just me that found them a bit of a challenge to put together well. There is a front plate included in the etch, which looks very nice. I'm going to give shaping what's already there a go, before finishing it off with Jim's etch.

James - Yes, it is going to be finished in NSE livery - I'm not looking forward to that bit! Keep an eye on what Electra Railway Graphics are doing - they proposed a 313/4/5 kit a while back, so a 507/508 would be a logical development of that. I'm hoping for one of those to become available too, I'd like to do a 455/7 at some point in the future

Yes, indeed - looking very much the part. A bit more underframe work will get that looking superb B)

That's a superbly realistic picture Al B) The only thing that gives it away is the slight shadow on the backscene from the trees above the carriages - and I had to look reasonably hard to spot those!

James said - "At this rate it's a good thing I'm building just a single line terminus!"

You're joking aren't you? Compared to what I've achieved this week you're positively flying!

It's OK, there's a few of us 50 fans about

Go on then, I'll buy it: what's naff about the Hornby louvres, other than that they are open?

They're set too far into the body and don't look quite right.

Thanks chaps.

Richard - Yes, I'm hoping that they're as robust as they look. I've just tried to pull a couple apart and they're stuck pretty solid so, as long as I don't use solenoids for the points, they should be OK. I wanted something that was functional, yet didn't look out of place - something I think I've achieved successfully.

Yes, it is still EM James - I'm too far down that road to switch to P4 now. The 7mm excursion will be S7 though

That is surprisingly effective - it'll really look the part once the body is back together B)

I never cease to be impressed by how much you get done in a short space of time! I never manage to get anything done that quickly.

Looking good too - especially the loader B)

It's a shame it's not the British American Railway Service Enterprise

The decals look like they're of very good quality - I guess they're ALPS printed?

Get the Mig 'Black Smoke' powders - I've found no better for doing exhaust soot.

Cosmetic sponge and water will fix it - keep the sponge damp, dab then rinse and wring regularly. Try using the powders without the hairspray on the roof, breathing on the roof will help them stick if the finish isn't matt enough.

Which powders are you using, out of interest?

No, Railmatch black spray will still be black. If it's only the windscreen surrounds that you're doing, why not brush paint it? IF you use reasonably thin paint, a decent quality brush, and build it up in a couple of thin coats, it'll look fine. If you eventually give the whole model a spray coat of varnish, you'll never know.

I have something in mind for that

It doesn't involve those Noch naughty people does it?

The greenery is looking extremely effective, it captures the look of unkempt grassland very nicely indeed B)

One thing I would suggest is never using pure black on a model, it just doesn't look right. Even if you just add the tiniest bit of white to make it a very dark grey it'll look better.

I'd recommend the NCE Powercab as well - it's really easy to use - even I can manage it! I've no practical experience of the Dynamis though, so can't tell you if it's any better.

I see the effects of the 'Steamy Chuff' magazine have worn off...

They're both looking good, especially the 03!

Thanks Paul - yes the layout will be set in the Spring of 1991.

The baseboards really are brilliant, very strong and very light - I really need to pull my finger out as I've had the boards for about a year now!

I've nearly finished 2 out of the 3 remaining points to build, so the next update shouldn't be too far away!

Wow, if it wasn't for the wood effect on the ground, that second photo could be real! B)

It goes to show that all the effort you're putting in is well worth it. I'm guessing that the threaded part visible in the photo is Scale Hardware again?

Wow B) You've every right to be happy - that looks superb!

Thanks - it wasn't quite where I was thinking of then!

Thanks for the warning Peter, but it's a bit late for me - my weakness has been exploited too. The main protagonist commented after you

Dan - Look forward to seeing that - I fancy one of those myself at some point, the idea of doing a 7mm gronk is really appealing!

Yes, see you at Reading - not long now...

Where is the original building please? It looks kinda familiar, but I can't quite place it!