Scott

Away from the sleeper coaches I've finished a Network Rail DBSO using a Hurst kit and Airfix donor.

Its starting to look really good, looking forward to seeing the next stage.

Railtec Transfers also produce MGR wagon transfers.

The etched windows make a huge difference to those loco's. It's not too diffucult either but worth getting the laser glaze to match.

Apologies for the lack of updates with these coaches. They are now finished and have been running around in my Fort William inspired sleeper rake behind 67004, until that failed! The seated coach, BUO mk2 Sleeper coaches by scottm1873, on Flickr The lounge, RLO mk2 Sleeper coaches by scottm1873, on Flickr The two together mk2 Sleeper coaches by scottm1873, on Flickr RLO alongside Hornby mk3 sleeper mk2 Sleeper coaches by scottm1873, on Flickr

Looks good, only thing I would recommend with the 950 is to leave the doors for the generators and the little grills on the body to maybe the the last coat of primer before you start putting colour on. That way you don't lose too much definition of them.

Time for an update! Both coaches have been in the paint shop and had the base colours applied to them. RFB with blanked side: BUO The two together I'm not really happy with the white handrails on the BUO so might try and see if I can tidy those up. Other than that just some small bits of black to add around the doors and yellow for the steps and it will be ready for some gloss in preperation for the transfers.

Cheers Ian, there's been a small hold up as I sliced my thumb open on some glass so I haven't been able to do much! Had to be my 'modelling hand'! I see your in Dumbarton, I'm just along in Alexandria.

Its been a while since I've posted in here, thats not to say I haven't been busy! The lounge car is ready for paint, not sure when that'll be yet though! The seated car has had more filling and sanding since this pic and now just needs another dusting of primer to show how its going. This was taken last week.

I recently used Mr Muscle oven cleaner on some models that had been repainted. Seems to work well on enamel paints.

Both coaches were treated to some Mr Muscle oven cleaner and left in a plastic container for around two hours.The paint came off both pretty easily so perhaps this means they were recently done by their former owners. First up the FO. There seems to be some scratching around the window frames but I'm not too worried. Anyway, the toilet window on the left and the next two windows will be blanked and smoothed anyway. The TSO looks pretty clean. I plan to start the RFB first, that should be more straight forward!

Thanks Bob, they were from Precision Decals. http://www.precisionlabels.com/d83.html

I've decided to have a go at modelling a couple of Caledonian Sleeper coaches. Using Airfix mk2D's I'm going for RFB 1220 and one of the BUO's. (I've not decided on which identity yet.) I've previously had a go at a lounge coach. A reasonable job but I learned a few things from doing this that should produce a better model this time! Caledonian Sleeper RFB 1220 by scottm1873, on Flickr After watching some coaches on eBay I managed to pick up a couple of bargains. Both by each sellers own admission poor repaints of Intercity Executive and Network Rail liveries. First of all the FO which will become the RFB. A bargain at £2.40! Airfix mk2D by scottm1873, on Flickr And secondly a TSO which will become the BUO. Airfix mk2D by scottm1873, on Flickr So the first step will be to strip the paint off these, results to follow shortly.........

Nice work Mick. I like what your doing with the RTOV, I've been doing some ScotRail DBSO's but I've been using kits but chopping a doner looks to work really well. I just dont fancy trying to do the front. This may sound strange but I sometimes find it a shame to start priming and painting as I like the evidence of the hard work being on display!

Thanks Mick! I'll have a go shortly.

Do you have any tips for doing the windows? I'm trying to do it on an Airfix mk2d for another project but having problems getting it right.

This is worth a look for a replacement, especially if you are going to have a depot and will be running at slower speads. http://www.diesel-trains.co.uk/lima_motor_kits.html

Hi Mark, this is one of my video's. GBRf carried out this run in preparation for taking over the Alcan workings. They had previously carried out some route learning trips using Virgin light engine 57/3's then this one with the 66 and 325's. They were supposed to simulate the weight of the Alcan wagons.

I recently bought Model Strip from Model Zone to remove paint from an old Airfix coach. I was really impressed with the results.

thanks Jon!

What kind of masking tape have you used? I recently got the red Precision paints tape but both rolls have warped really badly after just sitting in my drawer rendering them useles!

Ah right, I recently visited the St Enoch centre for the first time in years and found Model Zone, reminded me of Beatties! Nice selection of paints, glues and accessories.

Where abouts in Dumbarton is the model shop?

It looks really good in the pics, excellent work. Dont suppose you could give any pointers on weathering the snowploughs? Hoping to do my 156's ploughs but not sure how to go about it.

Have to agree, its all about timing and a bit of luck! I have managed to pick up Airfix mk2D coaches for £5 or less on eBay. At trader stands today at the Cathcart show they were available from £7 to £12. I've also picked up a mint version of 37185 for £16 where it is reguarly available for over £30 in the 2nd hand department of model shops.