Commission: Another dirty rat…

They get everywhere, as promised here we are enjoying 25196 (and typing this, another example arrived has recently arrived)…

This one started out as a Bachmann example with Tops number under the cab window and 4 character headcode blind. First job was a minor re-numbering and swap headcodes for dots - both using Railtec products. A set of Heljan 47 ploughs were fitted along with a variety of Bachmann and Hornby buffer beam details supplied by my customer.

The prototype sported two distinctive features beyond the ploughs… a silver (unpainted) cab window frame and paint flaking off the fibreglass roof. Popping the glazing out helped with the former, although I had to use a bow pen to add the side bar on the glazing itself. The roof was masked and sprayed with Humbrol 28, this was allowed to thoroughly dry before further work. The next step was to paint on the Rail blue paint that hadn’t flaked off, copying photos for the pattern and shape of each ‘piece’. Again this was left for a few days to thoroughly dry. In the meantime my usual Humbrol 98/33 mix was applied to the chassis, varying according to photos and studying photos for the pattern of dirt and rust on the ploughs.

The roof and re-numbers were gently blown over with satin lacquer before traditional weathering on the bodyshell could begin. First a wash, wet on wet, white spirit wash on, then 98/33 mix applied and worked in to the shell, in sections removed with a flat brush. 

As usual, I then used an airbrush to apply some road dirt (133/245/27004) and exhaust (33) to soften the edges, especially the roof, and provide some subtle toning on the body sides.

Finishing touches were a bit of detail painting (rust on the seam on the cab, door handles), silver Oleo buffer shanks (retro-applied to my own Bachmann example at the same time) and drybrushed gun-metal (not shown in the photos) on the step edges and cab door kick plates. Stepping back, the transformation from mass produced toy to characterful model is complete. The poise achieved with the snow ploughs transformed the feel of the ‘go anywhere / everywhere’ Type 2. They may not be the most attractive of the Type 2s but ‘everyone should have one’… if you’d like me to bring your box fresh model to life, tell me about your memories, share your stories and chosen prototype and we will see what we can achieve. Realism isn’t just a paint finish, but a feeling too…

Until next time, more soon…

Support my work

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. Alternatively, feel free to buy me a coffee, where regular memberships start from just £1.