RedRich

Smashing model Fitz, N gauge models from Atlas and Kato are at the top end of US models and an N gauge layout should enable you to run more prototypical length trains. The best of luck and lot's of enjoyment on the build. Rich,

If you have the head for heights and you are disciplined and well trained that doesn't appear as daunting. You would have to be seriously physically and mentally strong. My great gran uncle emigrated to New York 90 years ago and he used to fix the RSJ's on the skyscrapers (no cranes then) when they were being built. He used to have his sandwich's sitting on the steel and used to walk across the steel beams without any protection 40 or 50 stories up. Either he was as hard as nails or as mad as a hatter. Rich,

Alan's point is very relevant here. Another very important fact is that when flushed the contents of the toilet would land on the coach bogies of the coaches, especially the MK11, MK111's. Although not a particularly pleasant topic it shouldn't be discounted. Several shades of brown should do the trick . I would never have known only a guide on an IRRS tour of Inchicore mentioned it to a chap who was about to put his hand on one of the bogies on a MK11 aircon during the visit. That is seriously informative reading in those posts J, your knowledge and enthusiasm for sharing it are really important and hugely appreciated. Rich,

A great effort on the weathering Noel the loco looks well worked and that is the finish you want. Weathering can be a bit like soldering to some people and can seem daunting, but once you get your head around it you get confidence, and with that confidence you can achieve great results. The model is now uniquely yours and no one else has one like it. Rich,

No thanks needed J, you are among an elite group of historians on our railways history and I love your posts. Rich,

Your skill is a gift Richie, and your willingness to share your work with the group is hugely appreciated. You are also as modest as ever. It's a huge inspiration you deserve all the praise and gratitude. Rich,

Welcome aboard, it's very nice to have you here. That's some positive news about the collection. Rich,

That was highly enjoyable and hugely informative. This is historical fact, it's a generation that I am too young to remember but I am hungry for knowledge of this and earlier periods. J you have been an encyclopedia of accurate historical information and we are very lucky to have you here. I look forward to more, it doesn't matter which period, it is all relevant. Superb topic. Rich,

That's looking damn good Barl. Silver can be a tricky color to get right but you have done a marvelous job. Color separation between the silver and green looks really crisp. The warning panel yellow on the cabs and black outline looks good. I can't wait to see more. Rich,

A great testament to Richie's workmanship. It's great to see some track laid Vincent, you're miles ahead of the posse. Rich,

Congratulations to the winner, what a start to the new year. Much respect to Dave for offering one of his fantastic baseboards as a prize, the winner is getting a great piece of kit. Rich,

Lovely photos, it's really soul destroying when you think of the situation the collection is in now. Rich,

You did it in style then Pat. Rich,

Richie Tim Shackleton is a highly regarded weathering and painting expert along with people like Ian Rathbone and Martyn Welch and they have all written about the subject. You touch on an important fact regarding the needles. The high end airbrushes use precision engineering in the manufacture of their airbrushes. The cheaper brushes under analysis are not engineered to the same standard, therefore the needles are often pitted and have an orange peel effect on the surface. I'm not going to add anything to your op as you have covered everything that matters. I will say that when using varnishes use the paint manufacturers varnish and don't mix paint and varnish from different manufacturers as this can cause a yellowing effect in years to come. People don't release dvd's or articles in the written media without years of experience or experimentation and these guys know their stuff. Learning how to mix colors to produce a particular color are also very important. I can't wait for part two and happy new year to you also Richie. Rich,

Happy Birthday Pat. I hope the new year brings you good health, good fortune and lot's of happiness. Rich,

Super modelling, I can't wait to see more. Rich,

Happy Birthday Fran it's age before beauty now man. Rich,

Taxi for Northman. Rich,

Some very good and important points lad's. It's alright walking into Lidl and reckoning you've got a bargain, but after a few months things can begin to give trouble. Look after your equipment clean your airbrushes regularly after every session, learn how to mix your paints to the correct consistency. If using enamels spray in a well ventilated location and wear a proper mask. They cost around 30 Euros and are essential. I've seen some imitation Zippo lighters in the past but they ain't Zippo's and do begin to fall apart after a while. It's the same with any precision tool buy the best you need or can afford. There are tonnes of spares, and online support available. Needle files are a classic example I have a set Swiss made files and needle files the cheap pack of 8 for a fiver don't just cut it in the long run. I stopped using cheaper cutting knives and scalpels in the past and now I only use Swann Morton knives. It makes a difference in the long run. Putting aside all opinions practice, dedication, and studying the prototype are also as important. Acquire the skills and believe me anyone can do it with practice. If you make a mistake start again don't hope the next one will be better once you get the first one right you won't look back. Rich,

An iconic design Fran which also saw the birth of MK111's, and still looks as good today as it did then. Rich,

That's a wonderful achievement he deserves the recognition for all his work. Photographs do play a huge part in the hobby. Huge respect and good wishes to Charlie. Rich,

The thickness of the nozzle dictates how fine you need your work to be. The fact that they are double action is a plus point. I would however take some caution before committing to buying the set. Check that there are spare parts readily available for the compressor and airbrushes. If you want a starter set to develop your skills it would be a nice starting point. You can always buy better quality equipment in the future that has good after sales quality and service. I have a friend that airbrushes fuel tanks on motorbikes and he has an airbrush for the last twenty years that is a bit like Triggers sweeping brush in Only Fools and Horses. It's had lot's of parts replaced through the years so he doesn't think that any of the original parts are left, but he still calls it his first. It's like any other tool be it files, drill bit's, knives etc you get what you pay for. I read an interview with the guy that does the custom painting for the American Chopper guys a few years ago and he said that it's like any other job where you need the work to be faultless you need the best equipment. Kudos to you for wanting to get a set and have a go, the very best of luck to you. Rich,

Excellent collection Richie. I am particularly taken by the pics of the chassis and J hangers on the ballast wagons. The whole collection will prove to be a great resource for multiple modelling exercises. It's sad though to see most of those wagons parked up and not working any more. These are invaluable pics and thanks for posting them. Rich,

That's a classic Fitz. Rich,

What a wonderful gift and a very loving gesture from your daughter. Your daughter and her friend did a fantastic job. Happy birthday by the way. Rich,