A Quick Class 26 Update

An update to the Heljan Class 26 which I am reworking, it has now been numbered as Haymarket Depot's 26037, Circa 1981-4, the buffer beam area detailed and the body modernised with plated over windows and tablet catchers. I am now awaiting further details from PH Design including etched cab steps and fan grills, and from Precision decals data panels and depot stickers etc before I can begin on weathering.

A change of scale...

Updated 22.04.14 - The Heljan 26 is out of the paintshop, awaiting final finishing and weathering.

This latest update is all about change. After eight years of building and exhibiting Widnes Road, I've made the decision to move on to prevent stagnation. I posted on RM Web an add suggesting that I may be interested in selling the layout, and within about half an hour had half a dozen emails showing an interest. I will not reveal details of the new owner, suffice to say it was a pleasure dealing with another genuine enthusiast, and I really hope he will enjoy it as much as I have.

So, what's next? I've decided to focus my UK modelling on the larger 7mm / O gauge scale, as I think it presents more of a modelling challenge. There is a layout in the planning stages, one with a lowland Scottish theme, and set a few years earlier than Widnes Road. In the meantime I've started the most enjoyable element (apart from track planning) which is beginning to collect the rolling stock, and paint / detail to the appropriate era. The first in the paint shop is a Heljan Class 26. As released it has large recesses in the cabside for tablet catchers, and drop-light window in the cab doors. Both of these details were long since plated over by my period (roughly 1981-85), so out came the plasticard and filler. 

After a coat of primer to identify any surface imperfections, its was on with the Precision Paints Signal Yellow (Dull), a surprisingly good match for Heljan's  shade, and far closer than Railmatch which is far too bright to my eyes. 

The loco is still awaiting final finishing, including adding detail parts, but I have already fitted a Howes Loksound V4.0 sound decoder and speaker, and it's sounding superb.

Also on the workbench is a PWP VGA long wheelbase van, which is awaiting finishing but has all the makings of an impressive wagon.