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Paul/Bucoops, I have looked through Peter J Coster's excellent "Book of the A4 Pacifics" for some evidence of if/when the original guides were fitted. This is problematic since with skirting fitted we really have no idea of which type is fitted. Coster's book would suggest that the early A4's, rather like the V2's, had the early design fitted, i.e. the Silver loco's, although not these exclusively. P165 of Coster has two images of Silver Link the top image dated August 1958 with the original design and the lower, dated June 1956 with the later design fitted. So perhaps it would seem that the designs were interchangeable and what was fitted when was determined by what was available for fitting during overhaul. Kind regards, Richard B

Hi Paul, A great piece of observation and an interesting point. When building my Pro-Scale V2 and then Nu-Cast V2 I checked many V2 images which seemed to confirm that the first 10 V2's were fitted with the older style guide whilst the rest had the later version. My PS V2 was therefore fitted with the latter style and 60800 the former. I have just checked some images of A4's and to my real surprise some A4's had the earlier style of valve guide however most seem to have the latter style. As always, have an image or two of the model painted number that you intend to build! It is possible, indeed likely, that this component, being interchangeable, will complicate matters as locomotives were overhauled. The good thing is if you are modelling a "skirted" A4 it doesn't matter..... Kind regards, Richard B

Truly first class work. Kind regards, Richard B

Sorry David! I agree with micklner, a whitemetal kit is an easier step to make than a brass kit. I am not aware of a whitemetal kit for a J83, that does not mean there is not one available, perhaps Mick can advise on who made one? Another thought, and I don't have the detailed knowledge of the J83, if you do build a kit, take a good look at the Hornby models and see how you can improve them to get them closer to the kit based version. It is surprising what you can do with thin brass sheet, wire and plasticard. If I recall, you have detailed some of your loco models? Hope you have a shot at it. Kind regards, Richard B

Hi David, Until that happens, there is always the 52F Models version of the J83. Maybe a good starting point for building a kit loco? Kind regards, Richrd B PS I HAVE JUST NOTICED SOME OF THE COMMENTS SEEM TO SUGGEST THAT I BUILT THIS MODEL. I DID NOT! I WAS SUGGESTING TO DAVID THAT THIS MAY BE A GOOD STARTER MODEL FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS NOT BUILT A LOCO KIT! THE IMAGE IS FROM THE 52F WEBSITE. SORRY FOR ANY CONFUSION. RB

David, As always, weathering is first class, it may be the effect of the light but the hue of the valve gear and cylinders has that "emulsified oil" look that I well remember.... Those poor J83's in the backround look a bit sad after your harsh comments earlier! Kind regards, Richard B

Strikes me John that working back from June would mean that we would all see the most relavant first since things have moved on a great deal since the start of your thread. Just a thought. Kind regards, Richard B

Good evening Tony, I thought that your objection to the Pro-scale frames would be due to the compensated nature of the frames. I have only ever built one such chassis and the results were not as good as expected. I am sure that others can build such a chassis but, like you, not me. The Pro-scale V2 that I constructed had the hornblocks soldered in position on my surface plate. I will do the same for the A4 if I use the supplied the chassis components. I guess it has all been covered before but I am a relative newcomer to the hobby so thanks for all your tips - goodness all those years I have wasted not building little loco's....... Kind regards, Richard B PS some pics. The compensated G5 Chassis The de-compensated V2 Chassis

Good day Tony, Looks lovely! So you don't recommend building the Proscale chassis etch? Major problems or just prefer the Comet version, which I know are very good. As you may recall, I have a part built one to build that I purchased from you. Kind regards, Richard B

Yes I did. We worked together very well and we shared an interest in fast cars, Ferrari's as I am sure you know. His loss was a tragedy to his family and to the industry. He worked very hard and expected us all to do so. Many a weekend was spent at Crewe leading up to the delivery of the first class 91 which contractually had to be delivered on February 14th, which was a Sunday if I recall correctly. It didn't go down well with Mrs B and the family but had to be done. Kind regards, Richard B

Morning Tony, I am. its true, a little out of date but the almost complete reliance on multiple units for passenger services in the UK is, I think, in contrast with most of European Railways where Push-Pull working is very prevalent. This provides for a very flexible means of operation which can respond to passenger demand very quickly. In contrast, UK train operators have to lease another complete MU (an expensive option) to provide extra capacity for a given train path. This often leads to train overloading which is unpleasant for the passengers and frankly potentially dangerous in the event of train evacuation. The class 91's were the last BRB influenced design of passenger locomotive (GEC had a big input) and utilised push-pull operation. The BRB appointed a Project Director and Project Engineer to oversee the design and build at Crewe and I had the pleasure (I think!) of being the BRB Resident Engineer signing off all the class for service. It was a great project to be involved in and it seems odd that this class is almost defunct - how time flies.... Kind regards, Richard B

Never! These images just takes me back to a simpler (and younger!) age despite the increasing complexity of the formations. Keep up the good work and many thanks. Kind regards, Richard B

Good morning David, Weathering on 60501 looks really good as do all your locomotives. Most proprietary steam locomotives have a lot of clearance between connecting rod and crankpin hence the conrod in relation to the wheel (and rail) can look a little odd at times. I really like the views of the shed front and the detail - I must get some of the wheelbarrows! My only suggestion is that perhaps ash piles (even if enginemen should not drop loco fires in front of the shed) and more "stuff" - kindling for example, might improve the view? Having said that, my recollection of Haymarket is a bit hazy now, but you may know that dropping the fire was tightly controlled at this shed and the shed foreman were hard nuts! Kind regards, Richard B

Really good images Gilbert and two of my favourite locomotives although I preferred 60501 as a P2 as most people seem to do. Despite the Thompson re-build still an impressive looking locomotive. Hope to get up to Darlington soon to take another look at the P2 recreation. Booked onto the first run, all being well! Kind regards, Richard B

Lucky you Clive, very talented with great voices. Kind regards, Richard B

So that is where some of our NHS Nurses went, no wonder we are so short of them and in trouble. Then again, thank f........... Kind regards, Richard B Great Video Great Central

Morning Tony, The A4 looks great - I see that Mr Thompson had further ideas regarding solving the problems with Gresley's conjugated valve gear! Hope the finger clamps are not too damaged.... Kind regards, Richard B

Hi, It is probably worth drilling out and filing away the sliding covers over the clack valves (firemans side) whistle, likewise the covers at the base of the firebox and low down on the cab side sheet over the washout plugs were often missing. If you look at the moulding, it has many covers that can be drilled out and filed and if you make up a replacement from thin brass sheet, left hanging "by a thread". Don't forget to model the part of the boiler/firebox thus exposed by the missing cover! I did a bit of drilling and filing my Little Engines Q1 many years ago to remove the cover over the clack valves, which was often missing on these utility locos. Not so successfull I admit, white metal is too thick! Kind regards, Richard B

Afternoon Tony, Mortehoe looks splendid, the heat distortion on the thin cladding works very well and I like the way you have left the middle and trailing sandbox filler sliding covers open, they often were. I nice detail. I have a very old Hornby BB body that I intend to flat back to remove the rivet detail and then cover with ultra thin brass overlays. I also have an Alan Gibson set of frames for it so I will have to build that up first. That is, when I get around to it! Kind regards, Richard B

Good evening Tony, Yes I am in agreement, original WC/BB and MN also suffered from the "hand built" look that, as you suggest, just doesn't work with a plastic moulding. I seem to remember someone covering a Hornby WC moulding with very thin brass sheet to create that "lived in" look. I might have a go at that myself. To extend the point a bit further. Most cab side sheeting had imperfections created by manufacture, damage, poor re-assembly after repair etc. I guess though the area is so much smaller so we can, perhaps, let that pass? Kind regards, Richard B

Thanks so much for the feedback and the tips. Valances are always "little devils" are they not? But A4's must be about the worse. Kind regards, Richard B

Tony, I have one to build too so will follow with interest. Looking at my Pro-Scale A4 it seems as if careful alighnment is going to be crucial. Hope I can emulate the neatness of your work. Kind regards, Richard B

Good work! Kind regards, Richard B

Yes David, agree. I think Gresley's designs were powerful but graceful looking locomotives and his two successors followed his example (what we might now call a design language) to a great extent but each subsequent pacific design had its own character witihin Gresley's framework. I think it is interesting that Thompson's design development of the A1/1 class included Gresley A4 style streamlining recognising the contribution that this made to efficiency. "Thompson the Iconoclast" as he often seems to be portrayed, is a bit unfair. Haymarket looks as wonderful as ever. Kind regards, Richard B

I am afraid that it may be a tattoo! Kind regards, Richard B