Steve Sykes

The colour on an individual vehicle could change over time. I remember an article explaining that when the lead white component of the paint was exposed to sulphurous industrial atmospheres, lead sulphates would form darkening the paint and conversely when the paint wa exposed to strong sunlight it would bleach back to a lighter colour. So a wide range of shades is possible, even before the effects of dirt are taken into account. There's a photograph at the front of one of the Midland Wagons volumes with two Midland brake vans in the background, nominally the same colour. One is pale grey, presumably newly painted while the other is almost black.

Do you have any concerns over the fastness of the colours on computer-printed texture papers, Jim? I ask because a friend made a number of buildings in 4mm using the downloadable sheets from Scalescenes and found they faded badly over time, even though they weren't exposed to direct sunlight. Steve

They do look great. Can I ask what paint you used for the Caley blue? Steve

I bought mine from an art supplies shop. There are a variety of blades available for them. Steve

Erm, I'm sorry to point this out but the brakes are back to front - lowering the brake lever will take the brakes off rather than applying them. Easy mistake to make, I've done it myself. Steve

Wasn't City of Lincoln one of the black Sam Fays?

The chassis kits look really good. Any ideas on sourcing Terrier bodies? They seem to be somewhat in the hens' teeth category.

Patient mode on.

Given my circumstances I don't think there will be enough time for the Rhymney project. I do have some stock suitable for a small South Western branch including part-built carriages so it's probably best to concentrate on getting something working for that. I know the M7s were mostly London based before electrification of the suburban lines but I'm prepared to argue special circumstances! Steve

That's not unexpected. Do you have a feel for when the etches might arrive in the shop? Steve

Now back home, I've had a look at Southern Wagons vol. 3 and I was wrong. Although the four end-posts are right for the SER, their covered goods had three panels either side of the door rather than the two on this vehicle. Back to the drawing board! Steve

Chris, Can I ask what gears the M7 chassis is designed to use? I can then pick them up from the central shop at Expo next week. Thanks, Steve

Excellent, thanks. Steve

Would the M7 chassis be suitable to go under a Worsley Works body? Steve

Jim, It looks like a South Eastern Railway van to me; the external framing and four end posts fit. I'm on holiday away from my books at the moment but I will have a look when I get back. How it ended up so far from home is something of a mystery, though. Steve