Matt B's going loco (mostly)...

[PaulBradley]

Nice work, Matt - the interior is terrific.

[ShaunW]

That looks really great Matt. I am also thinking of using plastic rod for the replacement handrails as it is a bit easier to work than brass rod.

[mattbacon]

Thanks, guys. Finally finished the J94 build today.





...and then I made a big mess:





It's still a tad shiny here and there as it dries. Once it's dry tomorrow, I'll do a little light chipping, rusting etc, and use some powder weathering.

It's all done using the airbrush techniques described by Tim Shackleton in "Weathering Locomotives":

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/071103656X;

Basically three paints: Humbrol Metalcote Gunmetal, Humbrol 62 Leather, and Matt Black in various proportions.

Note to self: get down lower, BELOW the engine to start with, before you can't pick it up any more!

bestest,
M.

[mattbacon]

...and some of the "restorees":




This is the big French 241.P "Mountain". This is the one I'm most keen to get restored to it's full glory. It's big and impressive and a great example of Kitmaster's art...



Duchess of Gloucester -- I'm going to need to find a tender for this one. It's a real shame Airfix and Dapol didn't pick this tool up: it's a lovely looking loco...



Big German thingy. Needs a front bogie -- one axle, spoked wheels. rather like the back.



Crane. I've got Kate on the case trying to figure out how the ropes work!

bestest,
M.

[JohnRatzenberger]

Duchess of Gloucester is one I am still looking for.

Those are really nice, Matt !!

[splash]

I have a spare 9F tender if that's any help?

[Ratch]

It really needs a Stanier tender - I think the 9F has a Riddles tender

[mattbacon]

Thanks, guys... I've got a bid in on a "spares/parts" Kitmaster Duchess, and I've confirmed that one does have the tender...

bestest,
M.

[mattbacon]

OK... this one's done now:



bestest,
M.

[JamesPerrin]

I did build the crane for a friend (22 yrs ago!) but it is just about the only kit I've built I don't have the instructions for.

[splash]

Well done on the shunter, the weathering looks great.

[splash]

Cheers for the link to the weathering book, I have just placed an order.

[beany]

Cheers for the link to the weathering book, I have just placed an order.

I can recommend the DVD also, a 2 DVD set which I thought was very good value for money. Tim has a very laid back style, just sitting at a table in his garden doing the spraying - extremely well presented and very relaxing to watch.

[mattbacon]

Well, I won a "spares or repairs" Duchess of Gloucester, which the seller assures me has the tender, so I'm hopeful...

bestest,
M.

[splash]

Did you see the set of 14 built Kitmaster kits that went for just over £30 hiding in the middle of the pack was a Garrett