James Hilton

Is this going to be compensated Paul? It looks very neat so far - makes me yearn of another etched brass kit...

Thanks! Yeah they are equisite - I've had to bodge them around as they're HO so I needed to 'stretch' some of them a bit. Should look ok with a coat of black and weathered!

Looking forward to seeing the DA brake cylinders and PHD steps on this one! It's worth 'narrowing' the bogies too - I cut off the sideframes with a disc in my mini-drill and re-attached with superglue. This removed about 1mm and set them back perfectly.

Hi Alex - yes it does doesn't it! As for the steps - I'm not 100% convinced by the PHD steps - I've not seen a set fitted and painted yet, when I do I may change my mind but in brass they look like they stick out a bit far when you compare them to the prototype (as my photo of 37255 at the GCR shows). I look forward to seeing posts/blogs on your progress!

What have you used so far John?

That inter-tank pipework is both inspiring and overwhelming - I can't hope to achieve anywhere the same effect in 4mm but I'll try and lift the standard again so thanks Martin! When I saw the brass for the sandboxes with the marker pen on I initially thought you had cut up drink cans or something! Oops!

On the 37 I won't be doing the middle brake cylinder as it's hidden behind the steps but yeah on the Deltic (and 50) it would be worth doing. The ones on the Deltic aren't bad size wise, just lack the relief of a 3D part. I've dug out a link to the MG Sharp website and the direct link... http://www.mgsharp.com/Details_Associates.htm

With the Deltic project - actually these would be great on it - but you will need two sets as you only get enough for 8 in the pack (and you'd need 12). PM me if you want more info on the elastic too that'd set off the end hoses, ETH connection and sanding gear!

My word Jon - I don't think I'd describe you as a novice with such quality work with this model. The attention to detail and passion for getting the basics right (like re-profiling the bonnets a second time) will pay off I'm sure - I can't wait to see this in primer!

Thanks Jon - if you look in my other blog tonight you'll find a little bit of thanks for helping out with that chain too as although the Shed has stalled the Tractor is still ticking over!

Awesome - good work and interesting - I suspect we may see a shortage of Hymek bogies if people cotton on to your modifications. I've found plasticard and superglue sufficient to support the normal bogie spring mod so I'm sure you're new leaft springs will be safe enough with glue and milliput

Lovely work Look forward to seeing these progress, I love the concept for this layout

In the past I've written lists and found it a great way to get a project finished as it splits it down into 'achievable in a session' chunks that without the whole job seems so overwhelming. Thanks for referencing my blog too!

Good read Chris - thanks for sharing - had me smirking out loud in the office!

Jo I think you've done a wonderful job of capturing what is probably my least favourite locomotive in a pretty uninspiring livery! The Dapol model is a good base but the quality of details and weathering - a testament to your observation of the prototype - have really lifted it Awesome.

I don't think there are enough superlatives to describe this entry Missy - truly outstanding modelling. Lovely and I can't wait to see it painted!

Hehe the 66 fuel tanks is done, as are the cab interiors... but that's another post and another topic.

I'd probably use the ViTrains 47 - the headcode marker lamps look too big on the Bachmann model to me... the model would be a Railfreight Distribution European livery (the ones with 'Railfreight Distribution' spelt out along the body sides).

As for an 08 - I've 3 Bachmann models and I do like them - as by adding some detail they're really lifted and that seems more of a challenge then just weathering and renumbering a Hornby one! However I can't find a panelled bodyside version for less than £50 at the moment - and since I'd be repainting it to model 'Lenny' (one of the Didcot pets from the early noughties) I can't justify the outlay. Mind the Hornby one with sound, now there's an idea!

Building looks fine to me John... I think normally we 'underscale' model buildings for our layouts.

Dear all - thank you for both your kind words, and your musings! Yes I think Mikkel has nailed it - so at least that justifies me shopping around for either a 47 or an 08 for Paxton Road despite having a myriad of unfinished and half started jobs.

I do intend to follow up this kit with another - I hope to tackle a sprung 0-6-0 Sentinel for this layout - that'll take the challenge on one step!

On the plus side the good side is very good! I think you've just learned one if the valuable lessons of loco weathering! One side is always you'd favourite and that's the beauty of a layout only viewed from one side! If you want to repaint the oatch give it a go but I'd be tempted to put it down for a few dayys and start in something else!!! Chin up, I reckon she'd looking wonderful!

Wow Jon that is looking fantastic! The new details are lovely and fine - I can't wait to see it in primer.

That looks a really great start, awesome! are you going to add powder for exhaust staining? I think I'd be tempted to add a light dust of Matt varnish tinted with some roof dirt over the roof. Since I got my airbrush for my birthday in August I've been dead excited by combining powders, washes, dry brushing, removing these to varying degrees and now toning the finish together with the airbrush!

Can't wait to see the 60 mated with it's chassis!

I bet they look massive as a rake of 3! I've not been tempted by any of this new infrastructure stock as it's all just TOO long for Paxton Road (or my Didcot Yard 'one day' plan!). Seacows and VGAs are about as long as I want to entertain really, although if someone releases an MOD 20ft container I'll get a few to go on the new Hornby freightliner flat

The windows and doors are particularly effective

Coming along at your usual quick pace John - great!

I think that's a grey roof too - just a little work stained and then bleached out by the light in the photo! If Whitemoor is GBRf how come you've got some MOAs and MKAs in EWS? (forgive my ignorance - it's not a yard or traffic I'm familiar with). For the Cotswold Rail one I'd probably give the underframe a good gunking (whilst the paint is still wet 'flick' on some black weathering powder and stipple it a little), tone back the black buffer beams with a grey wash, give the body some washes very subtle to start to bring out the panel detail, then touch in specific things like grease/rust around hinges, fuel leakage and spillage, gronk grime on the cab roof, foot plate and top of tool cabinets and some exhaust staining. They're quite rewarding to weather I find - I'd love a BR blue specimen for Paxton Road