Commission: Seeing double (Standard 4s)…

This pair of Hornby Standard Class 4 4-6-0 locomotives have recently graced the bench for transforming from box fresh BR mixed traffic black to a more work stained appearance with a deluxe weathering...

The models were both based on the same 'base' model but had been renumbered with Rail-etc (I believe) custom sheets. I started with the dirtier example, based on prototype photos this deluxe recreation built up washes, followed by detailed micro painting of streaks and burnt paintwork. The airbrush toned things down and blended the washes and dry brushed gun-metal then lifted the worn metal edges.

Real coal graces the bunker, and the soft sheen of the Hornby paintwork has been preserved where possible to give the look of 'dirt' over paintwork rather than dirt painted on!

The second example, 75020 was to be much cleaner. The same processes were used but before work started I polished up the paintwork on the tender and boiler softly with cotton buds and a small cloth. Less wash was applied to the chassis too, so things appear less 'gunkier' in the nether regions.

Care was taken though to still capture the look of dusty dirty soot and coal in the places the cleaners found it harder to reach, so the upper sides of the tender and flat surfaces where soot was more likely to collect. Dry brushed gun metal shows foot marks up on the tender too, around the water filler. A load of coal also completed this example.

Weathering 'out of the box' models can really lift the appearance of your model railway. I offer a basic two stage or deluxe 4 stage weathering - both based upon prototype photographs and years of observing the prototype. If you would like me to work on something for you, then drop me a note on the contact form here on the website (in the menu) and we can discuss your requirements. I offer a fixed price proposal and can include fitting nameplates, crew, changing identity/renumbering and weathering through to total repaints. In the meantime, more soon...

Donate

I love writing and creating material for the blog. If you enjoy what you read and engage with I would be appreciative of any donation, large or small, to help me keep it advert and restriction free.