Painting and Weathering Service

[Hound Dog]

Nice work Steve - it is coming together very nicely.

I think some of the rods and shoes, and metal fabricated steps are supplied by Heljan as options, but I always thought they were primarily for static display purposes rather than a operational loco........ I have some 2nd radius curves and points, so full bogie movement is essential.

Also, have you allowed for a coupling at number two end only ?

Cheers - Richard

[Steve M]

Hi Richard, yes the brake rodding is definitely for ‘showroom queens’ only but I will try a length of square rod as Brian suggested - it makes a big difference to the final look.
The metal steps are fitted and don’t seem to foul anything so far. Of course it will get a good test (and adjustment) on my layout before it goes home.
I have left the ‘snowplough’ off the rear buffer beam but I will need to shorten the pipe work at that end to clear the coupling, but I won’t do that until I have taken it’s final pictures after final reassembly.
Finally, I changed the DCC address and it seems to have cured the intermittent starting without resorting to any other CV changes - keeping my fingers crossed on that one.

[Walkingthedog]

What make is the loco. I had Heljan, Dapol and an old Hornby version. Dapol was amazing, worked on 2nd rad in the sidings with all attachments fitted.

[Steve M]

What make is the loco. I had Heljan, Dapol and an old Hornby version. Dapol was amazing, worked on 2nd rad in the sidings with all attachments fitted.

This is the Heljan version.

[Walkingthedog]

Is it, thanks.

[Steve M]

I added the dummy brake linkage without the brake shoes which fouled the side cowling (I straightened them up after this picture was taken).
I have removed the cowl under the buffer beam at the rear as it blocks access to the NEM pocket but left the pipework intact - that can be snipped off with side cutters if the coupling is to be fitted.

Tested and running this morning but I suspect the wheels have quite deep flanges as they rattled on my ballast and the body has quite an overhang in the middle on curves - I kept it away from my platforms!

20220106_102244 by Steve Mumford, on Flickr

[Walkingthedog]

I had a Heljan 52, not the best runner due to deep flanges. They did the opposite with there latest steam locos. The flanges were so shallow the wheels derailed on curves.

[Hound Dog]

Looks fab and exactly as requested - another very fine job Steve.

Thanks - Richard.

Ps - Will try to upload a video of it running when it gets back to Portencross.

[Walkingthedog]

I think you have a fantastic colour scheme there Richard, really suits the Western. Steve has made a beautiful job.

[Steve M]

Thanks for the comments. The bit that I am most pleased with is the soot from the exhaust - it took three shades of black and even then it's more of a change of texture rather than colour.