85A Models O scale Hunslet 0-6-0 shunter.

I have been very lucky to get my hands on a rtr O scale shunter made 20+ years ago. I bought it from class48nswfan along with some coaches and a couple of kits.
The loco was made back in the mid to late 1990s by Martin Wynne of Templot fame. It hasn't (or hadn't) been run since about 95/97 and so as can be imagined it took a little work to recommission to running order.
I'm hoping to repaint it into an industrial finish but after some investigation into how to remove the body for paint stripping, I think I may have to remove the hand rails, mask off the chassis and spray it in one piece.
Any way here's a couple of photos.




More when I get to work on her.

Cheer's, Pete.

 

Well after much wheel cleaning and lubricating where I was able I got her running. She is a smooth slow running beast but only on DC, I don't think I'm going to be able to chip her as the assembly method, where it is mostly glued together, if I try to separate the top from the base will cause too much damage.
I have read a thread on RMWeb about one of these locos, and the general opinion is that because of their age and rarity it would be best not to mess them around. One suggestion was to stick it in the fridge overnight before trying to break the glue joints, I think I will give that a miss!!
So, after much consideration, I am going to repair any obvious damage, broken plastic handrails etc, remove the LNER lettering and give it an industrial finish, weather it and then put it on display. Karen will be sooo pleased.....


Pete.

 

Hi Paul. Yes I agree, so I will keep the general condition as is but make it look a bit more detailed as things like the steam pressure release valves and whistle are missing, replaced with some short lengths of brass wire. I will have a look what is available on line.
I have removed the LNER lettering, it was a bit nerve wracking but they came off without making much off a mess, easily cleaned up with some 1000 grade wet and dry paper and some fine polishing compound, and once I have fitted some etched name plates they shouldn't be seen.
I'm going to have a word with Narrow Planet and see what he can come up with. I need some more handrail nobs from Eileens as I've run out .
I think Agenora made a version, they did like their industrials and they were a doddle to build.

Pete.

 

Thanks Martin, yes I have read the the thread on RMweb. It was that that made my mind up not to strip it down. The plastic is quite brittle and I'm loath to mess it about too much.

As I said earlier I am going to replace the broken handrails, safety valves and whistle and to this end I have ordered some parts from Laurie Griffen and they arrived today. I am well impressed with the quality.



I'm still waiting for some more handrail knobs from Eileens Emporium, but I have enough to replace the ones on one side of the saddle tank.



The LNER lettering came of ok and where they were I am going to get some etched plates from Narrow Planet, I think I'm going to call it Sir William. I have a photo of one at Staveley works in the repair shop so named and was taken by it.

More when the parts arrive.

Cheer's, Pete.

 

Had a session on the Hunslet today and fitted the new safety valves, whistle and other side handrail.




And a lick of paint.





Next I need to order some name plates from Narrow Planet, a bit of weathering and the job will be a guddun!

Cheer's, Pete.

 

My nameplates from NarrowPlanet have arrived and very nice they are too!



First job today was to give them a lick of paint. I wasn't sure which colour to go for but I suppose you can't go wrong with red, so red it is.


I have used enamel gloss so will have to wait a couple of days for it to harden, then gentle rub down on 1000 grit wet and dry, polish and lacquer once fixed to the engine.

Cheer's, Pete.

 

I had considered "Ben Doon or Phil McCrevice" but knowing you lot,

Pete.

 

Right, the paint has hardened, and looks great, so I have given them a gentle rub over with 1000 grade wet and dry with a little water and they look fab! I didn't bother to polish the brass as I'm going to give it a light weathering, super glued them on and hey presto!







I've since painted the wheel rims and put the guard irons back on. Once the paint has dried I will make a start on the weathering.

Cheer's for now, Pete.