46444

Just read that Tony Soper died yesterday. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/19/tony-soper-obituary?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other I can remember his enthusiasm and knowledge as a youngster helping to inspire a keen bird watcher. A real inspiration. RIP Tony. Mark

Recently I placed an order with PDK Models for a loco parts they sell individually. This included a set of 9F front foot steps and BR Standard Class 2MT chimneys as fitted eventually to many of their Ivatt 2MT cousins. These chimneys are a great way of detailing your Bachmann Ivatt 2MT's. This is the chimney style seen fitted to Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 46441 at Haverthwaite last week. The original style Ivatt 2MT chimney is also available from PDK which covers both 2-6-0 and 2-6-2 variants. A considerable improvement especially for the Ivatt 2-6-2 model which is beginning to show it's age. Great service from PDK as well. Cheers, Mark

Over the weekend I have been able to start weathering my Rapido LT 'E' Class 0-4-4 L44. Using a mixture of Valejo acrylic paints washes which were wiped off with a cotton bud whilst still wet. In doing so I was able to achieve an in service appearance. A little dry brushing emphasised detail. To finish, two coats of brush applied Johnson's Kleer gave the 'grime and shine' look. A few tweaks are required along with the addition of a crew and real coal. She will certainly add to the running roster. Cheers, Mark

Hi Rich, From memory my take on 9717 was not based on prototypical information. I believe Rob (gwrrob) had this loco on loan. He may still have it? Does the Pannier Papers book have any information on top feeds fitted and appropriate dates? Cheers, Mark

Hi Tony, Here is the new Rapido Metropolitan 'E' Class finished as L44 on Juniper Hill Tip ex-works. I have just finished fitting the detailing kit. It now needs a light weathing of 'grime and shine'. There was a reason the LT Panniers took on a distinctive oily look. Not having my Red Panniers book to hand to clarify, I believe it was caused bt the method of cleaning in addition to the product used to clean them. Here's my take on L90. A detailed and weathered Bachmann example. Weathered using acrylic washes and sealed with Johnson's Kleer. The train reporting numbers are from Steve at Railtec decals. Cheers, Mark

A purchase of a Accurascale Pannier in LT Lined Red may represent incredibly good taste CK..

Hi Alex, I've not tried Mig weathering products for a longtime. Thanks for the heads up regarding the Engine Oil. I will get some and experiment. I presume the product can be used as a wash as well as sprayed? Thanks, Mark

Hi Jeff, Good spot. Perhaps Accurascale could clarify. I'm away at present so do not have my copy of Red Panniers to hand. If I remember correctly the original L90/L91 were still vacuum fitted on arrival from BR. Obviously Accurascale's L91 represents the second incarnation of this loco so should not have vacuum pipes fitted. Either way a simple job to remove or not fit the vacuum pipes. I was going to just order L91 but I may order L94 and backdate it to the LT service period as well. Cheers, Mark

Hi Mark, From my teenage spotting years around Wellingborough in the early 80's, I do remember seeing a lot of this type of BR engineers van around which BT did a version of: http://www.modelbuszone.co.uk/britbus/base_toys/da01.htm Cheers, Mark

A brilliant announcement from the Accurascale team. L91 will be gracing the running lines at Juniper Hill Tip soon, keeping L89 company. Just need Accurascale to announce the distinctive Hurst-Nilson brake vans as well as the Gloucester bogie low sided wagons now. Cheers, Mark

Some brilliant news from Accurascale today with the announcement of two LT Panniers L91 and L94 in preserved livery. https://www.accurascale.com/blogs/news/new-accurascale-exclusives-announcement-london-transport-57xx-pair One of these (L91) will be gracing Juniper Hill Tip. With this announcement and the recently released well received Rapido LT 'E' Class 0-4-4 it is indeed a good time to turn to the Met Just need Accurascale/Rapido to announce the Hurst-Nilson brakevans and the Gloucester bogie wagons. Thanks once again to Accurascale. Only another 11 to produce!.. Cheers, Mark

Nice work on the barrier and Class 31. That BR Bedford crew bus/workshop looks like it's seen some sideways action on a Grizedale Forest stage. Cheers, Mark

I've started adding the detail pack to the Rapido LT 'E' Class this weekend ready for weathering. The trip cocks being brass are very nice and robust. I'll take some photos this week all being well. In the meantime a quiet moment captured at JHT. Not a Pannier in sight. Cheers, Mark

Thanks Pete...👍 With regards to the Class 09 perhaps a reflection of too much time spent at Clapham Junction in the early 80's. Of course those BR Blue Class 73's were in residence leaving a lasting impression. A couple of Dapol BR Blue examples have been purchased in recent sales at a good price. Wimbledon engineers yard always looked interesting from a modelling point of view....😉 Cheers, Mark

Hi Tony, Another Southern intruder on Little Bytham in the form of LSWR 02 Class with LSWR Gate Stock Callington branch disc headcode insitu. Cheers, Mark