Barry O

Apologies - missed out a couple of important bits: 1 Try to get good quality colour photos of the loco/stock you are weathering - this helps 2 Tap off surplus powder into a large box ( I use an O gauge coach kit lid) - that way you can re-use powder - if you think Yorkies are tight with dosh then Durham lads after 25 years in Yorks can really show how to be tight(!) And please - try to avoid bright colours - it is rare to see these in real life - most of the locos I can remember (Q6, J27, WD) were greasy and never cleaned by West Hartlepool Shed - but didn't have anything bright in colour on them apart from wheel treads) Hope this helps

A response from Hornby ( I take it others have had similar?) send it back for assessment. ...... wonder if I can deliver it at Warley and save postage?

Another potential source could be local Universities. Leeds Uni libraryhad a lot of historical information in the libraries during my time there - I understand that you can ask for access.

I know its a piece of Ian Kirk O gauge Gresley wooden paneled stock so it should be teak, crimson and cream or red but hey ho its a good size to use as a demo piece. I do ensure wood doesn't get the full rust treatment but do wash down off metal work onto wooden bodies - its that bloke Newton and his gravity again

Hi everyone I keep getting questions about the "technique" so I hope the attached makes sense.... If it doesn't make sense shout!!

Just got a reply to send it back so someone is doing something about it!

Dave If you have Bob Harpers email address seek his knowledge and support. If not PM me as I am not sure how often he visits RMWeb. Or seek him out at Warley - he is always very helpful. However, there are a number of layouts which use dc cab control wiring with DCC (it plug and play) so this shouldn't be a problem. How big is your transformer? (ie is it giving enough umph in voltage/ampage terms?) In addition at some shows the actual voltage arriving at the transformer can be less than ideal - Digitrax handsets let you know what volts they are sending out- can you see this on the Powercab? I have only ever used Lenz and my own preference of Digitrax systems so can't comment on your DCC controller.

Looks like it may be on a H-D blue spot chassis....

I have added a photo of a weathered J39 in the Gallery - its been done in Yorkshire so its a bit more subtle(!)

Take one can of dirt - spray and then bung bits of white and mud on it........ First thing to do is to strip it and repaint before its reweathered. By the time Brits got really dirty nameplates were optional!

the expensive one is on a standard Triang chassis with an X04

Two very rare flatirons for sale from one of our more expensive traders... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WILLS-KIT-BUILT-FINE-SCALE-00-LMS-ex-MR-0-6-4T-FLAT-IRON-TANK-MIB-/271030842510?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item3f1ab2748e I do recognise this loco so it can't be that rare....

so do I bother or do I email Hornby? Mine has now been rescued from the loft where the cab ends are close to disconnect from the rest of the loco. Shame as its a good looking loco but has been used twice....