Chris56057

I've always admired the Heljan 33 and have been longing for a model for some time, the article displayed here is 33103 in the popular Fragonset livery. I plan on carrying out the bogie spring modification, fitting etched nameplates and modeling the fibre glass roof panel.

Excellent James- it's the less known locos like the humble shunter which do react well to some detailing and weathering. You've also now made me re look at my Gronk- I think it needs updating. Keep up the good work though mate- it's ever inspiring. Chris

Thanks for the clarification Nick.

Very impresssed Jim- especially the notching on the 66. One question though, I'm interested in buying a couple of sound chips but having had a look on the Howes website they seem to be out of stock of everything:unsure:. Are you able to shed (pardon the pun) any light on this ?

Hi James, I used this photo from Paul Robertson's website- http://www.toton-rai.../60011toton.jpg At foremost the actual roof colour on the model is technically wrong- rather than black should be a grey. I did find it quite tricky to get the washes consistent and to actually show that something had gone on! Couple of base coats first off -then 'Oil Stain'/ 'Black Smoke' powders on top. This loco was pretty clean most of the time- so no visible streaks really. I'll get some more snaps outside tomorrow of the roof. B) Stockwell Road was a layout I brought off a fellow modelling friend a couple of years ago- currentley adding my personal touches to it while on the exhibition circuit. Toying with the idea of a adding a Mail Depot- RES 47's and some RES GUV's is ever so tempting.

(60011 has since been sold on to Mason of Deeping Lane 04/01/12) This is one of those projects which seems to have languished on the workbench and in desperate need of completing. With a dedicated modelling space now in place outside in the shed I spent a couple of hours rounding this one up ready for its entry to service. To break down the key steps I took in the weathering and modification of the model; I considered each of the parts which I wanted to achieve and then consolidate this in to a short list. . Prototype photo's are excellent in showing specific detail and weathering variations. Here's a brief summary of the work involved: Hornby 60078 base model- renumbered using Fox Transfers Mainline Pack. Fitting of Lima 60 Air Horns Driver figure complete with Hi-Vis Jacket hung up in corner of cab Roof weathering through studying shot's of the loco in service- Mixture of washes with 33 Matt Black and 64 Light Grey with powders. Chassis was tackled with 98 and Rail match Frame Dirt with a hint of Europe Dust and Black smoke powders. From the photo's I've studied- 011's body side tended to be fairly clean- but I've added some dusting around where the Mainline Logo's are. Exhaust was also picked out in various shades of paint/ powders. That's a basic run down of the work carried out to my model of 011, I'm sure I'll return to modify parts in the near future as creativity evolves.

Seems that you have got the decent weather Don- looks to be below freezing outside here. Scarf's and Hats at the ready!B)

Morning folks, Early rise for me this morning, much of a sleepless night which caused half the problem. Still dark round here- wait to see what the day brings. B)

Cheers Neil- not sure if you've spotted the certain football club's tag on the bodyside? B)

Knowing that I've got a box full of stock to weather, I thought I would fill an hour or 2 weathering a Bachmann Freightliner HHA. Background reading was in the form of Nigel Burkins book on modifying 4mm scale wagons- which produced some prototype photos to work from. To start off with I mixed some Matt Black and some Varnish on a scrap CD case with a hint of MIG Black Smoke added in to the mix and applied lightly with a cotton bud and sponge at first to build up the base layer on the bodyside. I feel this is key- as it gives the rest that follow to something strong to adhere to. This was built up in layers to the desired effect. Then left to dry for around 10 minutes. Once this had set- I added some Black Smoke to highlight where the rain had washed the excess coal from the hopper. The chassis was tackled in my normal way- washed over with various browns and then highlighted with different powders until the dusty effect was present. The chutes were also picked out with powders and washes where appropriate. All in all I feel it has worked out rather nicely- as with all these things one does have the desire to come back and add or take away aspects. Although, I'm quite happy with how it has worked out.

Look forward to some photos- particuarly 66705. How do you find the Railmatch Varnish Rich? Which sort is it- the matt or satin kind? I'm thinking about getting hold of a can soon to finish of some projects of me own.

Shaping up nicely there Jon- I find particuarly amusing the Leicester City tag. Will you be looking at adapting the over scale Hornby couplings to fit another type of coupling. ?

Will certainly be buying the mag James. Always interested to see the method's used by other's in weathering locos. Remember picking up one of these Gronk's at a toy fair- it's since been sold on wish I'd kept it really. Chris

Very inspiring Jon, I think its the different levels which broaden things. Can definetly see the inspiration gained from locations such as Mountsorrell. Chris

Morning folks, Sunday's do tend to be a slow one, in any case its my excuse to get on with some modelling. After some brief showers earlier on, it seems to be clearning nicely. Have a good day

Thanks James, yep that'll be good.?

Latest photo of 37422 showing additional weathering, pleased with the progress on this one so far.

Interesting project developing their Rich. There's good scope for realistic train workings and I like the idea of the working clay works.