Sylvian Tennant

Good luck and please keep us up to date with your progress. I must be honest it's a brave step P4. I would like to one day attempt as 2mm finescale layout but that is an eventuality.

This my second commissions for a friend. Done for free for two main reasons. Firstly, I initially didn’t ask for a price and secondly…I’m not too happy with the outcome though he is completely fine with it. It was a bit of an uphill struggle I don’t mind telling you, especially repainting it from scratch. Any way here’s the outcome.Also please bare in mind that this was an old and cruder model than what I we expect of todays models. Same techniques as mentioned before. He wanted a hard worked locomtive with a bit of heat scaring on the smoke box door, the buffer beans were under painted humbrol 62 & 33 before weathering. Final touch up included light lime scaling & water spillage. Also, something I plan to have as a signiture if the red top on the chassis to imitate the inner frames. As this rather unflattering photo shows. All in all, I was not completely impressed with the end result though I was happy to call it a day as the client was happy with what I've done. I would ask for any CONSTRUCTIVE critisim though in regards to the work in hand to help me improve for the future. Thanks guys

Why thank you, hopefully she'll look alot better once weathered and "artistically" tatty. I'm aiming to have her finished within the month, if not the fortnight

Just a few further updates on “Colin” my Area 51 Mucky Duck. She has now painted up and look fairly complete is a little tatty around the edges. The pony truck and coupling was a humbrol 98 & humbrol 33 that was going spare. The rest os humbrol primor (1) and humbrol 33. The buffer steps were humbro 60. I've also given the smoke box door a coat of humbrol Matt cote to protect the transfers when it comes to weathering. I’ve (at great frustration) added a smoke box number using HMRS transfer sheet 14 (I believe). Also replacing the withered lining and the knackered “3” on the left hand side of the engine with HMRS transfers. Unfortunatly it looks a little low compared to the 4 but I think once it's weathered it won't be too noticable. You may also note that I’ve been rather crude in applying a shed code. I could have used a transfer if I had wanted to however three points helped me to decide on this choice. Does anyone really notice a shed code on 4mm locomotive, 3 foot from it, whilst it’s in motion? There a fair bit of debate as to where this engine was based. I say (and am led to believe) that this engine was at Stockton in 1959… other disagree and claim it to be a Thornaby. This really a way to keep everybody happy It’s going to be weather (I’m aiming for a heavy job too) so it won’t be too noticeable. If you don’t like it… tough, it’s my model and that’s all that matters.

Why sir You have found a fair few faults with this model! What are Dapol up to!!!! good luck anyway

That is some cracking grime there mate!

I tend to quite like the chunky look about them. In the end I find a good paint and weathering job is as good as an aftermarket etch. Not to say they don't have a place in modelling society.

Why thank you

Top drawer man, I have one of those I need to repaint. Shame I'm not modelling the LT!

Well, I'm going to test out my Ivatt tonight before painting those bits and pieces. I really need some HMRS tranfers to get her initally completed so I can start weatherting! Anyway whilst you wait for the finish line. Here are some updates. Firstly. I have been asked to weather a tatty old (and rechassised) 66xx for a friend of mine. In the end I figured a total repaint was necessary. I think I was justified. Now to touch up the paint work get those numbers painted (and a new sets of totems) and crack on with the weathering. (he wants something that's worked hard) Unfortunatly, I have very little experience working with metal and maybe I should have used paint stripper instead of wet/dry paper as I've removed some of the rivet marks (I'm hoping he's still my friend afterwards). The finish product will be up in my commissions section. There was a few trials and tribulations with this model. Next up, I've finally painted up my updated bolsters. You can still see the joint line with the bolster superstructures so I may have to sand them down a bit and re-paint them. It's not an exact match but close enough (Games Workshop Fortress Grey & Catachan Green). The brake gear was also painted (Tamiya NATO Black)

Aww thank you nigel. That's quite a statement to be fair. Mike, I've sort of started doing other people's stock now (as you may see with my friends pannier) 300 is still a hefty task for someone of my experience though, but maybe one day!

Danke. It's been a bit of a trial and error thing. Just realised I may have put the rear stop cock on wrong and I can see glue everywehere! Never mind!