Bachmann Class 20’s x 2 – A pair of ‘Bombs’ 20 114 + 138 using the Bachmann model as a starting point. Both are re-sprays and detailed with the buffer beam pipes being my own scratch built versions. The two of Eastfield’s finest from back in the day, also have scratch built NRN aerials on the nose fronts and are complete with small Eastfield West Highland Terrier emblems. They are also fitted with Express Lighting kits DCC lights and have ZIMO sound chips on board to give that distinctive 20 Chop!

Here are a pair of Bachmann Class 20’s, the older moulding, not the brand new one with directional lights. Just because they are the older mouldings doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with them at all, in fact the models themselves still more than stand up against the brand new Bachmann releases. So our customer contacted us wishing for these two BR stalwarts to be detailed and weathered from straight out of the box condition. No respraying of livery this time, but some lovely distressing of the existing paintwork to be conducted. I really do love getting my teeth into doing some faded weathering, but prior to that, both Locos needed new numbers and the conflicting BR arrows repositioning on to the bodyside rather than the cab, using RailTec Transfers products. Once completed, both Locos received various washes of white paint, and then left to dry. Once all the distressing was complete, they were then airbrushed with differing shades of Grey and Black to achieve the dirt levels required. All buffer beam detailing was then scratch built, employing my bespoke method of reproducing air and vac pipes out of Brass rod, bent to shape and then steel wire soldered on as taps. Screw link couplings were then also fitted throughout on both Locos. As per ALL of JAVmar’s weathered Locos, the wheels were taken out, de-greased with IsoPropyl Alcohol and then primer applied. Once dry each wheelset was then weathered with frame dirt and Brake dust. It doesn’t matter if you just want light weathering or a really run down appearance like these two 20’s, ALL wheelsets on our customers model’s receive this treatment so that the weathering on the wheels will have a very good chance to endure many future cleansing of them. Our customer was delighted with his Locos and immediately commisioned two more 20’s of his, this time in Railfreight Red Stripe, to receive new numbers and weathering. As per every photograph on our website, all images have been taken by Jerrard.

37 425 ‘Sir Robert McAlpine/Concrete Bob’ – This is a ViTrains model which has been re-sprayed using Railmatch enamels and weathered by Airbrush, wet brush and dry brush methods. This is the method I employ on all my models, with no compromise on the quality or level. EACH model will have this method of weathering utilised, be it light, medium or heavy – I believe firmly that you either weather a model properly or not at all! Hence, no offers of basic, somewhere in the middle, or The Full Monty – all locos and stock leaving my workshop will be as close to the real thing as possible.

37 049 ‘Imperial’ – Do you own some Lima Diesels that are close to your heart, but would like them detailed up a bit and re-sprayed? That reason is why I have included this model on here for you to look at. I think it just goes to show that Lima models can be made to look very respectable indeed in the 21st Century, with this Loco stripped, fully detailed using Extreme Etchings brass parts, replacement sprung buffers, re-sprayed, Etched plates fitted and then weathered. Yes, contemporary models are now exemplary, but if you don’t wish to spend your hard earned money on them, let me bring your already owned and loved models up to modern standards for you. Extreme Etchings is the extension company of Shawplan Models and can be found at:

47 541 ‘The Queen Mother’ – here’s another example of a Lima Class 47 which has been through my workshop for one of my valued clients. Again, she has had a full strip down to the plastic before having all the detail fitted and re-sprayed and weathered. I cut my modelling teeth on hacking about Lima Loco’s in the 1980’s and are still my most favourite models to ‘do up’. Transforming one of these Locos still provides the most dramatic of make-overs and is incredibly satisfying for me when a client views the end result.

47 004 – Onto the big Brush 4’s here and this particular model has been included on here as it is a bit of a pet project of my own. This is a Bachmann 47 model, but has a Penbits Etched Brass spring Chassis underneath it, with EM Wheel sets. Still a work in progress to dabble at when I have the time, the chassis and running height still need some tweaking, but if you’re after some extremely realistic running loco’s then the Penbits chassis are an absolute delight to behold. Complete with primary and Secondary springing, they enable the model to ride along in exactly the same manner as the real thing. Penbits website can be found at: http://www.penbits.co.uk

47 712 ‘Lady Diana Spencer’ – I was extremely fortunate and honoured to be asked to volunteer on the restoration of the real Loco when she was purchased by The Crewe Diesel Preservation Group. To mark that period of time in my life, I decided to produce a 4mm model of her in roughly 1983, nearly ex-works guise and present it to the group. So the model I chose to use is a ViTrains Class 47, which has been completely stripped to the plastic, fully detailed, re-sprayed and very lightly weathered (but still using my bespoke method of weathering!) I replaced the ViTrains buffers in favour of some Brass sprung versions and completed them by representing ‘buffer grease’ on the faces. She has been Laserglazed all the way around and this can be purchased from the excellent Extreme Etchings range.

47 712 ‘Lady Diana Spencer’ again! – This time, I have represented her in mid to late 1980’s work worn condition for my client. This is also a ViTrains model that was stripped down and re-sprayed in the usual manner. Further items to note here are the scratch built wind screen wipers ( from 0.45 brass wire ), RCH cabling on the cab front around the lights and Etched brass bogie steps which are from Peter Harvey’s range of etches at: http://www.phd-design-etchings.co.uk All of these features are available to you if you so wish and all these details can be discussed, either in person if you wish to visit my workshop or over a telephone call.

Bachmann 47. This Loco visited the workshop for nameplate fitting, detailing and weathering. I always use gloss varnish to fit nameplates, depot plaques etc, so there is zero chance of any unsightly seepage with super glue, plus it gives time in order to ensure the plate is in exactly the right position and is level. PH Designs etched bogie steps were soldered up and fitted along with Ultrascale EM wheelsets. Sound fitted, this Loco will be one of the eth fitted 47's for use on Cross Country services out of 'Glasgow Queen St (EM)' My usual weathering techniques were used to give some very subtle rain streaks and then the whole model was finished with airbrush applied Matt varnish, just to seal everything in.

This is 50 031 'Hood' in Large Logo blue, with EM wheelsets fitted and DCC sound on board. She was stripped right the way down and has had a plethora of extra detailing fitted. Extreme Etchings/Shawplan produce etches for the roof area of the model in order to rectify issues with the Hornby model and all of these were fitted, including the fan and grille. PH Designs manufacture an etch to replace the over scale louvres in the body side radiator grilles - a real challenge as all the individual slats need to be soldered in place - well worth the effort though for overall appearance. Once all the relevant details were added, she had her livery applied by airbrush and transfers added from the RailTec range. She was then given a light to moderate weathering and laser glazing from Extreme Etchings was fitted. This model was completed for one of the lads on the 'Glasgow Queen St' team, so will eventually find employment as one the Railtour collection of Locos on the layout.

This is the Accurascale Class 55 'Deltic' finished in BR blue and weathered from a 1981 photo of Number 11 in pretty run down condition. All my usual weathering techniques have been employed on the Loco and then everything has been sealed in with an airbrushed layer of Matt varnish. To compliment this Loco, she has received replacement brass horns, Extreme Etchings etched brass nose steps and the bespoke footplate crew for the Deltic from ModelU. She also has onboard DCC sound factory fitted by Accurascale. Our customer wanted detail adding and screwlink coupling fitted at one end only, with the tension lock being retained on the rear end. I thoroughly enjoyed the weathering process on this model and found it really difficult to send her back to the customer!

56 010 – Onto some Heavy Freight Locos here and this is the Hornby ‘grid’ which has been used to recreate one of the earlier Romanian built examples. This is a good shot showing a factory finished paint version, with supplied buffer beam detail added and then weathered to the clients wishes. Sometimes it isn’t necessary to strip a model down and start again, but a re-numbering and re-naming service can be provided for you on request, with the tension lock coupling retained at one end of the model and buffer beam detail fitted at the other, so you can have the best of both Worlds, by having a more detailed appearance at the head of your train, but still with the simple and easy to use tension locks in use to haul the train.

56 040 – This is another Hornby model that has had the same work as 56 010 completed for my client. This is a factory finished model which has been weathered and given the appearance that this Locomotive had in the early 1990’s, prior to British Rail repainting her. Of note here is the patch of paintwork represented on the model to copy the real Loco having her nameplates removed. This again can be brought to you if so desired and is an example of the bespoke nature of my business – it’s all up to you as to what you would like.

HST Power car – This is another work in progress for my client, but has been included for you to see the work I put into the models if so desired. This is a Hornby model on which I have removed the bottom part of the front faring and fitted a Shawplan/Extreme Etchings buffer beam kit, to represent the few Power Cars which were so fitted in the late 1980’s/early 90’s for trials on the East Coast Main Line. These were converted by British Rail so that they could use them as a Driving Van Trailer on Mk4 coaching sets and a 91 at the other. Once this experiment had concluded, BR then simply re-entered the Power Cars back into regular HST service but retained the buffers. This model was started for my client prior to Hornby producing their own model of the buffer fitted Power Cars, but as my client had already purchased the model and buffer beam kit, we decided to go ahead with this model as it then provides a unique model for them. Of note here are the Inter-City red and white striping around the nose of the Power Car which has been hand painted by myself. Some of the transfer companies produce curved striping for the front of Lima HST Power cars, but as yet, none for the modern Hornby model. Having attempted to make the transfers fit the Horny model, I wasn’t satisfied with the look, which is why I then decided to hand paint the striping instead. This again is a good example of the lengths I will go to for my clients bespoke wishes.

Even from an early age, all I wanted to achieve was to make my models look as close to the real thing as possible.

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