Before attempting any of the weathering methods, it is best you remove loco bodies from there chassis, remove or mask windows and with modern models spray with a matt varnish to stop printed detail such as numbers and logos being lifted or removed by the paint and sprit you may be using.  Otherwise it could be a costly experience.  I would recommend the first time you try any of the weathering methods using cheap second hand model that can thrown away or repainted easily!

Also study your subject, the places and the way dirt lies on them, different shades of colour and textures.  A colour photo of the subject is always best and where possible both sides. 

Wash Method

Wash method of weathering is when you add white sprit or thinners to the paint you are using.

For Example: I use Humbrol rust No.113 with white sprit or thinners – How much white sprit or thinners depends how much rust you want to leave behind on the detail. Using a ‘00’ thin brush, I brush the wash in between the different panels and other detail. I use a cotton bud to clear any excess ‘rust wash’ away or the Sponge Method depending on what effect I am after.

Sponge Method

First add paint or ‘wash’ (diluted paint using white sprit or thinners) to areas of your model that requires weathering.  Use a fine particle sponge – the sponge used for wash your car has to large particles to get the right effect – to remove the excess paint, this gives a good representation of how dirt sticks to the roof and sides of locos and other rolling stock.  Humbrol matt black No. 33 is used to do the roof staining.  My ‘road dirt’ mix is used for sides of locos and rolling stock. This is three equal parts of Humbrol matt black No.33, rust No. 113, matt white No. 130 and white sprit.

Dry Brush

For this I use an artist’s water colour half inch slab brush. First put a little paint on the brush, wiping the excess off.  Brush up, down and a long the loco body tiring to keep the strokes straight and at an even speed until the desired effect is crated.  For finer detail I a ‘00’ thin brush for things like the edge of bogie steps.

EX-GWR Class 14xx No. 1419 in BR Black Early Crest livery (Dapol Model).  This model was resprayed matt black, using Humbrol No.33. Modelmasters BR early crest transfers were placed on the side of the water tanks.  Jackson Evans etched brass numbers plates were superglued to cab sides.  The model was then weathered and sprayed with Railmatch Matt varnish.  Clear plasticard was then used for the cab windows.  Model Scene driver and fireman fitted within the cab and Springside Models headlamps are used.  Real coal added to banker.    

Referance Material used:

Books: British Railways Steam and Traction in Colour by Colin Boocook and Brain Morrison

Magazines: Model Rail No. 88 p50-52

Websites:

EX-GWR Class 43xx No. 4377 in BR Green Lined Late Crest livery (Bachmann Model).  Jackson Evans etched brass numbers plates were superglued to cab sides.  The model was then weathered and sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.  Model Scene driver and fireman fitted within the cab and Springside Models headlamps are used.  Real coal added to tender.    

Referance Material used:

Books: British Railways Steaming Through the Sixties by P B Hands and C Richards, Steaming into Birmingham and the West Midlands by Coleman and Rajczonek

Magazines:

Websites:

EX-GWR County Class No. 1020 ‘County of Monmouth’ in BR Green Lined Late Crest livery (Hornby Model).  Jackson Evans etched brass name and numbers plates were superglued in place.  The model was then weathered and sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.  Model Scene driver and fireman fitted within the cab and Springside Models headlamps are used.  Real coal added to tender.    

Referance Material used:

Books: British Railways Steam and Traction in Colour by Colin Boocook and Brain Morrison, Steaming into Birmingham and the West Midlands by Coleman and Rajczonek

Magazines:

Websites:

EX-Southern Railways class Q1 No.33020  in BR Black Late Crest livery (Hornby Model).

This model has been heavily weathered and then sprayed with Railmath matt varnish.  Hornby driver and fireman fitted within cab and a Springside Models headlamp is used.   Real coal added to tender.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Railways Steaming Through the Sixties by P B Hands and C Richards

Magazines: Model Rail No. 63 p64, 75 p18-24

Websites:

EX-LNER Class J39 No. 64970 in BR Black Late Crest livery (Bachmann Model).  Detailed and weathered by Solihull Model Railway Circle club member Colin Richards.  Detailing work included rebuilding the inside of the tender so real coal could be used, so the tender didn’t look over filled.  Bachmann driver and fireman fitted within cab and a Springside Models headlamp is used.

This model has been sprayed with Railmath matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books:

Magazines:

Websites:

EX- LNER Class V2 No. 60802 in Black lined ‘Birtish Railways’ livery (Bachmann Model).  Renumbered, detailed and weathered by Solihull Model Railway Circle club member Colin Richards.  Detailing work included rebuilding the inside of the tender so real coal could be used, so the tender didn’t look over filled.  Bachmann driver and fireman fitted within cab and Springside Models headlamps are used.  This model has been sprayed with Railmath matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Railways Steam and Traction in Colour by Colin Boocook and Brain Morrison, British Railways Steaming Through the Sixties by P B Hands and C Richards, Steaming into Birmingham and the West Midlands by Coleman and Rajczonek

Magazines: Model Rail No. 23 p20-28

Websites:

EX- LNER Class A4 No. 60033 in BR Green Lined Late Crest livery (Bachmann Model).  Detailed and weathered by Solihull Model Railway Circle club member Colin Richards.  Detailing work included rebuilding the inside of the tender so real coal could be used, so the tender didn’t look over filled.  Bachmann etched brass nameplate fitted, as were bachmann driver and fireman and Springside Models headlamps are used. This model has been sprayed with Railmath matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Railways Steam and Traction in Colour by Colin Boocook and Brain Morrison, British Railways Steaming Through the Sixties by P B Hands and C Richards

Magazines: Model Rail No. 2 p22-32

Websites:

BR Standard Class 9F No. 92239 in BR Black Late Crest livery (Hornby Model).  Was converted to loco drive by Modelyard of Leeds.  Detailing work included rebuilding the inside of the tender so real coal could be used, so the tender didn’t look over filled.  Chimney drilled out and the lamp irons are made from staples.  Hornby driver and fireman fitted within cab and Springside Models headlamp is used.   Real coal added to tender.  This model has been weathered and then sprayed with Railmath matt varnish.  

Referance Material used:

Books: British Railways Steam and Traction in Colour by Colin Boocook and Brain Morrison, British Railways Steaming Through the Sixties by P B Hands and C Richards, Steaming into Birmingham and the West Midlands by Coleman and Rajczonek

Magazines: Model Rail No.1 p72-75, 5 p18-27

Websites:

English Electric prototype ‘Deltic’ (Dapol/Kitmaster kit Model).  First modelled before the model rail article, I used Lima class 50 motor and trailer bogies and I sprayed the model with Humbrol gloss varnished No. 35 which turned yellow within a year!.  In October 2006 and some time after the model rail article, I swapped the Lima class 50 motor and trailer bogies for Lima class 37 motor and trailer bogies.  Removing the bogie side frames and fitting the Dapol/Kitmaster frames.  After painting and tounching up the rest of the loco’s paint work I sprayed the loco with Railmatch matt varnish, which luckly reversed the yellowing!  Painted with Railmatch deltic blue No. 317, Humbrol cream No. 103, Humbrol grey No. 126 and Humbrol silver No. 11. Directional lighting has been fitted to this loco using a yellow LED.  The moulded lamp irons were removed and new lamp irons were made from staples.  Jackson Evans etched brass builders plated were superglued in place.  Southern East Finecast flush glazing was used for the windows. Springside Models headlamps and a Romford screw link coupling is used.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn, The Power of the Deltics by J S Whiteley and G W Morrison.

Magazines: Model Rail No. 18 p38-48, 20 p34, Railway Modeller May 1999 p233-238 and p244-246, The Railway Magazine March 1959 p188, p196, The World of Trains Part 6 p117-120

Websites:

Class 04 No. D2212 in BR Black Late Crest livery with tramway skirts (Dapol/Airfix kit Model).  The running plate is from a Bachmann class 03 with the cab and bonnet removed. Also used from the Bachmann Class 03 was the chassis/motor block.  A Airfix/Dapol class 04 kit was used for the bonnet and cab.  Plasticard was used for the tramway skirts.  I painted this model using Humbrol matt black No. 33 for the body and Humbrol No. 174 for red on the buffer beams. Clear plasticard was used for the bigger windows, where as Humbrol ‘clear fix’ was used for smaller windows.

Referance Material used:

Books:

Magazines: Model Rail No. 70 p18–25, 71 p26 & 31, Model Railway Constructor Dec 1961 p304–305, Railway Modeller Feb 1962 p39, Traction No. 72 p31, 74 p47

Websites:

Class 20 No. 20128 in BR Rail Blue livery with headcode discs (Bachmann Model). This model has been renumbered, new BR logo’s added to cab end of the bonnet and new ‘tops’ data panels added to lower edge of the cab.  I used Fox Transfers for these. The cab end of the buffer beam has detailed using detailing parts provided by Bachmann and other detailing parts from Craftsman’s detailing kits range.  A ‘wire loop’ coupling has been fitted to the detailed buffer beam, so that ready to run stock can be hauled.  This model has been weathered and sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn, Class 20s in colour by Andrew Fell

Magazines: Model Rail No. 24 p40-51, 106 p20-28

Websites: Electric Nose, 53A Models Rail Photo Collection

Class 20 No. 20210 in BR Rail Blue livery with Headcode box (Bachmann Model). This model has been renumbered, new BR logo’s added to cab end of the bonnet and new ‘tops’ data panels added to lower edge of the cab.  The plastic in the headcode boxes was removed and the printed headcode number removed using a scalpel blade. Using a computer I printed domino’s and stuck these in the back of the headcode box, replacing the now clear plastic back in the headcode box. The cab end of the buffer beam has detailed using detailing parts provided by Bachmann and other detailing parts from Craftsman’s detailing kits range. A ‘wire loop’ coupling has been fitted to the detailed buffer beam, so that ready to run stock can be hauled.  This model has been weathered and sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn, Class 20s in colour by Andrew Fell

Magazines: Model Rail No. 24 p40-51, 106 p20-28

Class 25/3 No. 25279 in BR Rail Blue livery (Bachmann Model). The cab handrails have been replaced with metal ones. The plastic in the headcode boxes was removed and the printed head code number removed using a scalpel blade. Using a computer I printed domino’s and stuck these in the back of the headcode box, replacing the now clear plastic back in the headcode box.  At the fan end of the loco the buffer bean has been fully detailed, using detailing parts provided by Bachmann and other detail parts from Craftsman’s detailing kits range.  A ‘wire loop’ coupling has been fitted to the detailed buffer beam, so that ready to run stock can be hauled.  This model has been weathered and sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn

Magazines: Model Rail No. 45 p18-26, Motive Power September 1987 p17-20, Railway Modeller March 1995 p115–117

Websites: derbysulzers.com, Electric Nose

Class 25/3 No. 25322 ‘Tamworth Castle’ in ‘Ice Cream Van’ livery (Bachmann Model).  Modelled as May 1985. At the none fan end of the loco the buffer bean has been fully detailed using detailing parts provided by Bachmann and parts from Craftsman’s detailing kits range.  A Romford screw link coupling and a ‘wire loop’ coupling has been fitted so ready to run stock can be hauled.  This model has been weathered and sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn

Magazines: Model Rail No. 45 p18-26, Traction No. 68 p28, Motive Power September 1987 p17-20, Railway Modeller March 1995 p115–117

Websites:derbysulzers.com, Electric Nose

Class 31 No. 31107 with ‘skin head’ cabs and in BR Railfreight Red Stripe livery (Lima model).  The Lima handrails have been fitted. Engine room widows were paint on the inside with Humbol matt black No. 33.  At the none fan end of the loco, the buffer bean has been fully detailed using a Craftsman’s detailing kit, a Romford screw link coupling.  A ‘wire loop’ coupling has been fitted so ready to run stock can be hauled.  This model has been weathered and sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn

Magazines: Model Rail No. 1 p64-71, 53 p20-29

Class 31/4 No. 31435 in BR Rail Blue Livery (Lima model).  Modelled as September 1991.  This model has been renumbered using Fox transfers. The Lima handrails have been fitted. Engine room widows were paint on the inside with Humbol matt black No. 33.  At the fan end of the loco, the buffer bean has been fully detailed using a Craftsman’s detailing kit, a Romford screw link coupling.  A ‘wire loop’ coupling has been fitted so ready to run stock can be hauled.  This model has been weathered and sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn

Magazines: Model Rail No. 1 p64-71, 53 p20-29

Websites:Class 31 Photo Gallery, Electric Nose

Class 33/0 No. 33024 in BR Rail Blue livery (Lima model).  The model has been fitted with Southern East Finecast flush glazing – the inside of the engine room windows have been painted with Humbrol matt black No. 33.  Craftsman’s detailing kits have been fitted to the fan end of the loco, a Romford screw link coupling.  A ‘wire loop’ coupling has been fitted so ready to run stock can be hauled.  The Lima exhaust has been removed and on the same roof pannel some ‘milliput’ filler has been used to make this panel one, as Lima modelled it as two.  A new exhaust hole was drilled and filed to shape with a plasticard frame fitted.  A hole was drilled in the top of the air horn box on cab roofs and filed square. Two short lengths of thick hand rail wire were glued in place to represent horns.  A peace of plasticard was then glued behind them.  The roof was weathered by using Humbrol matt black No. 33 and rubbed in with a cloth. This model has been lightly weathered and sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn, Waterloo West by Roger Siviter

Magazines: Model Rail No.42 p24-33

Class 33/1 No. 33109 in BR Rail Blue livery (Lima model).  This loco has been resprayed using Rail Match Rail Blue.  The ‘Warning Yellow’ is by Precision Paints. The Transfers are Fox Transfers.  The model has been fitted with Southern East Finecast flush glazing.  The inside of the engine room windows have been painted with Humbrol matt black No. 33.  Craftsman’s detailing kits have been fitted.  The Lima coupling has been retained on the one end to make life easier, when it is been used to push my ‘Southern Pride’ 4TC unit. The lamp irons are made from staples. The Lima exhaust has been removed and on the same roof panel some ‘milliput’ filler has been used to make the panel one, as Lima model it as two.  A new exhaust hole was drilled and filed to shape with a plasticard frame fitted.  A hole was drilled in the top of the air horn box on cab roofs and filed square. Two short lengths of thick hand rail wire were glued in place to represent horns.  A peace of plasticard was then glued behind them.  The roof was weathered by using Humbrol matt black No. 33 and rubbed in with a cloth.  This model has been lightly weathered and sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn, Waterloo West by Roger Siviter

Magazines: Model Rail No. 11 p37, 42 p24-33

Websites: Electric Nose

Class 40 No. 40052 in BR Rail Blue livery with headcode discs (Bachmann Model). Modelled as May 1983. This model has been renumbered using Fox transfers.  The buffer beams have been detailed using detailing parts provided by Bachmann and other detail parts from Craftsman detailing kits range. The Bachmann NEM pocket couplings have been retained as it doesn’t compromise the buffer detail.  Different thickness of wire have use to represent the steam pipe and brake pipe on the bogies.  Engine room widows were paint on the inside with Humbol matt black No. 33.  This model has been weathered and sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn, Scotland East and North by Roger Siviter

Magazines: Model Rail No. 58 p19-26

Websites: Electric Nose

Class 46 No.46020 in BR Rail Blue livery with centre headcode panel (Bachmann Model). Modelled as June 1980.  This model has been renumbered using Fox transfers.  Bi-directional lighting has been fitted to this loco using grain of wheat bulbs.  The buffer beams have been detailed using detailing parts provided by Bachmann and other detail parts from Craftsman detailing kits range. The Bachmann NEM pocket couplings have been retained as it doesn’t compromise the buffer detail.  This model has been weathered and sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn, Profile of the Peaks by J S Whiteley and G W Morrison

Magazines: Model Rail No. 26 p56-67, Traction No. 78 p16-19

Class 47/0 No. 47207 ‘Bulmer’s of Hereford’ in Rail freight 3 Tone Grey Speedlink livery (Lima Model).  Modelled as June 1988.  Shawplan etched brass nameplates; BR logo and shed plates are fitted.  The Lima battery boxes on the chassis have been removed and Hornby battery boxes and steam boiler water tanks have been fitted.  Both buffer beams have been detailed using a Craftsman’s detailing kit and Romford screw link couplings.  ‘Wire loop’ style coupling have been fitted at both ends, so that ready to run stock can be hauled.  Staples were used for lamp irons.  Engine room widows were paint on the inside with Humbol matt black No. 33 and the inside (back) of the high density light was painted with Humbrol silver No. 11.  The chassis and roof have been weathered and then the radios ariel’s were fitted at both ends.  This was to give the effect of the ariel’s being fitted as an after thought.  The ariel’s are home made using thin strips of brass cut to length  for the bracket  and hand rail wire for the ariel.  Extra pick ups have been added to the trailer bogie of this loco in improve running and to reduce interference with TV and radio signals.  The loco was then sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn, Class 47s by Gavin Morrison

Magazines: Model Rail No. 16 p18-29, 22 p36-47, Railway Magazine Nov 1988 p715

Websites: Class 47 Gallery, Electric Nose

Class 47/4 No. 47456 in BR Large Logo livery (Lima Model).  This model has been renumbered using Fox transfers. The fan end buffer beams has been detailed using a Craftsman’s detailing kit and a Romford screw link coupling.  ‘Wire loop’ style coupling has been fitted so ready to run stock can be hauled.  Staples were used for lamp irons.  The steam boiler exhaust square plate was removed.  A circular plate was cut from a tablet strip and stuck in its place.  Engine room widows were paint on the inside with Humbol matt black No. 33 and the inside (back) of the high density light was painted with Humbrol silver No. 11.  Extra pick ups have been added to the trailer bogie of this loco in improve running and to reduce interference with TV and radio signals.  The chassis, loco body and roof have been weathered and then sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn, Class 47s by Gavin Morrison

Magazines: Model Rail No. 16 p18-29, 22 p36-47

Class 47/4 No. 47476 ‘Night Mail’ in BR Red and Grey Parcels livery (Lima Model).  Modelled as 1993.  Shawplan etched brass nameplates and BR logos are fitted.  The none fan end of the buffer beams has been detailed using a Craftsman’s detailing kit and a Romford screw link coupling has been fitted.  ‘Wire loop’ style coupling have been fitted so ready to run stock can be hauled.  Staples were used for lamp irons.  The roof ariel’s are home made using thin strips of brass cut to length for the bracket and hand rail wire for the ariel.  The steam boiler exhaust square plate was removed.  A circular plate was cut from a tablet strip and stuck in its place.  Engine room widows were paint on the inside with Humbol matt black No. 33 and the inside (back) of the high density light was painted with Humbrol silver No. 11.  Extra pick ups have been added to the trailer bogie of this loco in improve running and to reduce interference with TV and radio signals.  The chassis, loco body and roof have been lightly weathered and then sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn, Class 47s by Gavin Morrison

Magazines: Model Rail No. 16 p18-29, 22 p36-47

Websites:Class 47 Gallery, Electric Nose

Class 47/4 No. 47596 ‘Aldeburgh Festival’ in BR Rail Blue livery (Lima Model).  Modelled as March – August 1985.  Shawplan etched brass nameplates are fitted.  Both buffer beams have been detailed using a Craftsman’s detailing kit and Romford screw link couplings. ‘Wire loop’ style coupling have been fitted at both ends, so ready to run stock can be hauled.  Staples were used for lamp irons.  Engine room widows were paint on the inside with Humbol matt black No. 33 and the inside(back) of the high density light was painted with Humbrol silver No. 11.  Extra pick ups have been added to the trailer bogie of this loco in improve running and to reduce interference with TV and radio signals.    The chassis, loco body and roof have been weathered and then sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn, Class 47s by Gavin Morrison

Magazines: Model Rail No. 16 p18-29, 22 p36-47

Websites:Class 47 Gallery, Electric Nose

Class 47/7 No. 47711 ‘County of Hertfordshire’ in revised Network SouthEast livery (Lima Model).  Modelled as July 1993.  Shawplan etched brass nameplates are fitted.  The extra fuel tank around the battery boxes was made using plasticard, as was the new buffer beams after the crab rail was removed.  Hurst models class 47/7 air dryer pipe and cross tank were fitted.  Both buffer beams have been detailed using a Craftsman’s detailing kit and Romford screw link couplings. ‘Wire loop’ style coupling have been fitted at both ends, so ready to run stock can be hauled. Staples were used for lamp irons.  The roof ariel’s are home made using thin strips of brass cut to length  for the bracket  and hand rail wire for the ariel.  Engine room widows were paint on the inside with Humbol matt black No. 33 and the inside (back) of the high density light was painted with Humbrol silver No. 11.  Extra pick ups have been added to the trailer bogie of this loco in improve running and to reduce interference with TV and radio signals.  The chassis, lower edge of the body and roof have been weathered.  The chassis, loco body and roof have been lightly weathered and then sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn, Class 47s by Gavin Morrison, Waterloo West by Roger Siviter

Magazines: Model Rail No. 16 p18-29, 22 p36-47 Traction No. 71 p37-41, 73 p33-35, 74 p35-37

Websites:Class 47 Gallery, Electric Nose

Class 47/8 No. 47805 ‘Bristol Bath Road’ in Intercity Swallow livery (Lima Model).  Modelled as July 1991.  This model has been renumbered using Fox transfers.  Jackson Evans etched brass nameplates are fitted.  The extra fuel tank around the battery boxes was made using plasticard, as was the new buffer beams after the crab rail was removed.  Both buffer beams have been detailed using a Craftsman’s detailing kit and Romford screw link couplings.  ‘Wire loop’ style coupling have been fitted at both ends, so ready to run stock can be hauled.   Staples were used for lamp irons.  The roof ariel’s are home made using thin strips of brass cut to length for the bracket and hand rail wire for the ariel.  Engine room widows were paint on the inside with Humbol matt black No. 33 and the inside (back) of the high density light was painted with Humbrol silver No. 11.  Extra pick ups have been added to the trailer bogie of this loco in improve running and to reduce interference with TV and radio signals.  The chassis, lower edge of the body and roof have been weathered and then sprayed with Railmatch matt varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn, Class 47s by Gavin Morrison

Magazines: Model Rail No. 16 p18-29, 22 p36-47

Websites:Class 47 Gallery, Electric Nose

Class 50 No. D400 in BR Rail Blue livery (Lima Model).  Modelled as October 1991.  This model has had gapes cut in the chassis, between the fuel tank and boxes.  Radio pods cut and shaped from plasticard, fitted to the tops of the head code boxes.  The headcode boxes have been flatted to represent been plated over.  The exhausts on the roof have being drilled out and filed to shape. Hand rails have been fitted below the cab front windows.  The sand boxes below the cab side windows have been filled using Milliput, as have the roof walkways.  The fan end has had a Craftsman’s detailing kit fitted, with Romford screw link and a ‘wire loop’ coupling.  Steps have been added to the bogies using plastic ladders cut to length, the axle boxes have been painted yellow and wheels painted white.  The chassis, lower edge of the body, body grills and roof have been weathered and then sprayed with Railmatch satin varnish.

Referance Material used:

Books: British Rail Main Line Diesel Locomotives by Colin J Marsden and Graham B Fenn, Class 50 Factfile by Kevin Sunders and David N. Clough, Mainline Colour Albums – No. 1 The Class 50 by Denton And Warwick, Waterloo West by Roger Siviter, 50s To Exeter by Roger Siviter