It`s been quite a while since I posted on this website, so a brief update on this years modelling work.
I seem to moved over solely to O gauge modelling now, probably because it`s easier on the eye of a retired codger and to keep faith with a life long railway kit building passion.

I have an O Gauge GWR layout project underway but it needed the tracklaying efforts put to one side for a winter and summer season to test the track wiring and workings in the shed.

So, I have been dabbling in MR/LMS interests over tyhe past year.

First up is a Slaters Johnson 1P kit started in the Spring………





Slaters produce `complete` kits so no wheels and motors to worry about.  I did need to buy in the push-pull gear and vac pipes as the kit only really caters for an `as built` early version.

I though I would read up on and try out chemical blackening as part of the chassis painting scheme so that the bearings and sprung hornblocks remained free of paint.




I used Electrofix on the wheels and axles to prevent rusting……….


These are my chosen chassis painting products………..





For the first time I ahve had a go at hand lining a model loco using a Bob Moore`s lining pen and Fox transfers






The final product…. completed August 2016……….






And here she is under track test prior to being converted to DCC sound…………………………………………………………………………………


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9s2FXjL4eQ




Next up………
A Slater`s Johnson 1F………. following the same format…………




Another  `complete ` kit.   Seem to have had difficulty with this one, maybe don`t build two in a year !!




I did treat this one to a Laurie Griffin backplate set as the cab detailing is exposed to public gaze!!




Same painting method as above…………


Currently in the paint shop……….         

Ooooh! Green with envy.  I just started in O gauge and have a few threads on here.  No locos yet - my plan is to use RTR since they are becoming more numerous and are reasonably priced.  I do like those locos.  I even started a Craftsman MR 0-4-4T but it's now languishing as I move on.

Lovely stuff!

John

John,

Nice loco's. It's amazing what an increase in scale can do for the detail, especially steam engines. It's a bit of a paradox, the older we get the easier it is to work in a bigger scale, but then that's when we start to downsize. I have to say a small plank in O or On30 is tempting, if only for the fun of building.

Nigel

As good as anything factory built out of China.

This is first class loco building at its absolute best.


Allan

One word 'Brilliant'.  How easy are Slaters Kits to build as I would like to have a go at the Flatiron sometime.

Thank you all for your kind comments.
You need to be a confident at soldering  Bittern, and like sprung hornblock chassis construction.   They are well designed kits and have good instructions. They are weighted by having very thick milled boilers so you may need to use a flame torch to attach smokebox wrappers. I enjoy making them, and they represent the best in 1980's style etched kits.

John
 

I was that impressed I went to Slaters to have a look at what's on offer.  Very reasonable priced kits if all inclusive and very tempting.  My record with building 4mm loco kits is poor though.  I start a lot and then they get stuffed in boxes. :roll:

John

Now come on John !!!…………………………… It`s time to finish that  4mm Craftsman 1P of yours………………. no excuses!!!

I started mine in 2005 and finally finished faffing with it last year !!!!!!……………………………………………..





The lining is poor though………….     I`ve always had a liking for Craftsman kits and wish they were still around.


John

Ha ha!  It could happen one of these days, that and a half dozen other kits.  However, for right now I'm going to focus on 7mm.  Besides, 7mm feeds my need for detail.

Beautiful looking model.

Thanks for the encouragement.

John

My Johnson 1F finally completed her time in the paint shop this mornong………………….



On the bottom edge of the tank I managed to trap a dog hair which I did`nt notice till the etch primer had hardened. I managed to remove it and repair the damage !!!







Im not entirely sure the LMS painted inside their half cabs this colour………. but it will stay for now……














She`s off to the test track now …………..

You sure this wasn't factory built in China John !

Superb craftsmanship.


Allan.

Gob smacked!  Don't know what else to say.

John

That's a beautiful piece of work carried out with great skill.
Well done John, it looks gorgeous.

Fantastic model. If it runs as good as it looks it will be a winner. Well done. You asked about the MR/LMS painting the inside of the cab cream, I'm pretty sure the Midland did but not too sure of the LMS.

Front Cover of Maggs' "The Branch Lines of Gloucestershire" shows a 1F 0-6-0T with a cream and black cab (and an oxide red regulator). That was in 1999 though.

Nigel

Definately worth a Pic of the Week.

Absolutely gorgeous, John. 

What say y'all ? I vote Twobolt John loco builder of the year.

Allan.

Aye.   :thumbs

Very nice.
I want one!

Cheers