Modified Airfix LMS 4F

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Detailing, modifying bodywork and re-numbering

I thought I would share my thoughts concerning a little project where I decided to detail/modify the Airfix LMS 4F I purchased from Ebay for £18.00. This was the second model I decided to modify after completing a Hornby 3F for a static cameo scene.

The donor model was a c.1980's Airfix LMS 4F No 4454. The plan was to detail the loco, re-number and weather it. It was a cheap model, so I wasn't worried about messing it up. The basic loco was fine, but the detail was lacking, and I am sure the experts in the room will advise that the Airfix model has various issues concerning the scale dimensions etc. I was fine with the anomalies - after all, this was a learning project.

I found images of a 4F on Flickr and used this as a guide to help with the details.
I purchased a Brassmasters 4F Detailing kit meant for a Bachmann 4F - £10.00(http://www.brassmast.../4f_details.htm), replacement splashers (£12), LMS buffers (£6), LMS steps (£5), handrail knobs and wire (£4.00) screw couplings (£2.50), vacuum hoses (£2.50), loco tools & crew (£7.00) - total cost so far: £67.00 including cost of the model. So, this is the main question—was it worth the cost/effort, when you compare to newer and more accurate models available between £50-£100?

Of course it was worth it - I learnt a lot, enjoyed being creative and it was much more satisfying than just opening a box and plonking it on the track.

SPLASHERS (mudguards)
The biggest challenge overall was the replacement splashers. This required me to hack the old splashers away from the body, shape and solder the new brass ones up, glue them on the loco body, and fill the huge gaps left behind - very time consuming, but a good deal of thought, model making and creativeness made it enjoyable. Although the pics don't really show it, the size difference between the Airfix splashers and the Brassmasters ones is quite a bit and many agree, the Airfix and Hornby/Bachmann splashers are all over-sized.

DETAILING KIT
Contains replacement loco buffer beams including piston rod covers, locomotive buffer bases and buffer packing pieces, template for front locomotive sandboxes, replacement tender front to produce the earlier type of tender, tender and cab doors, tender buffer beam overlays, buffer bases and packing pieces, replacement tender 00 guard irons.

OTHER DETAILS
Loco crew (PD Marsh), Vacuum Hoses (Gibson), LMS Loco sprung buffers (Gibson), LMS Steps (Gibson), Sandpipes (.33 brass wire), real coal, footplate (plasticard), copper pipe, handrails and small knobs (Gibson), front axle guard irons (scratchbuilt using template from brassmasters kit), Pressfix numbers and letters,

PAINTING/ WEATHERING: Humbrol Matt Black (smoke box) and Humbrol Gloss Black enamel paint (main body), brass, copper and red for cab detail, Microscale Krystal Klear (cab windows) Humbrol weathering powders, Birchwood Brass Black (blackens metals, not just brass).

Below are pictures of my completed project, the donor model and a pic from Flickr of a 4F in captivity!!









 






Ian Lancaster
Please visit my OO Gauge 1930's LMS layout "Jencaster"
http://yourmodelrailway.net/view_topic.php?id=14622&forum_id=21&page=1
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Hi Ian,

Excellent work, there is always life in the old dogs.

Nigel

©Nigel C. Phillips
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Totally agree - even better when the old dogs are much cheaper than those highly sought after young pups on the market!

Ian Lancaster
Please visit my OO Gauge 1930's LMS layout "Jencaster"
http://yourmodelrailway.net/view_topic.php?id=14622&forum_id=21&page=1
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You did a good job there.Piran
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Thank you Piran. I can see where I could do better. I have another Airfix 4F so will have a go at that once I finish some of the other projects I have on the go.

Ian

Ian Lancaster
Please visit my OO Gauge 1930's LMS layout "Jencaster"
http://yourmodelrailway.net/view_topic.php?id=14622&forum_id=21&page=1
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