Following up from the work on this loco the other day, here is a photo of the finished windows:

(unfortunately I didn't take a 'before' photo, but there are plenty of the Airfix/Hornby 14xx online.)

Unfortunately an inability to spray at the moment, means that I cannot finish off the loco. Possibly once the new layout room is converted the temperature inside the garage will be ok for spraying.

The longer the loco goes without being painted, the more modifications I seem to be making to it. I am now giving serious thought to replacing the sandbox linkages with separate parts (shame no one makes an etch)

Moving onto the 42xx, the below photo shows the current state. Roof is removed for painting the interior, the filler in the sides needs a little more touching up prior to painting. Interested to see what is going to be in the Branchlines detailing kit, I suspect at the very least those glazing bars and missing rear doors will be there!

I also need to straighten the running plate, but again I will hold fire until I have the new chassis in 2 weeks time.

Looks like next spring is going to be rather busy with the spray gun, with these two along with 7723 requiring a coat of GW green paint.

Next to enter the works will be 7723 which will be getting its new injectors, window grills and a few other details fitting.

I have also been doing some research on my 2 castles, I had seen mention that 4085 Berkeley Castle ran with a Hawksworth tender in my period, however I have yet to find a photo confirming this (in 39 and in 52 it had the collett version) Similarly I understood Nunney Castle had the Collett tender, but the closest photo I have found (early BR crest dated 1950) had a Hawksworth tender. This turns things around a bit, with the ex Tintagnal Berkeley Castle keeping Tintagnals 4000gl Collett tender, and when I get Wellington (if Hornby ever deliver...) it can be a straight renumber to Nunney.

Does remind me of another job for this afternoon, bringing Berkeley's tender up to post war livery...