NCB CLASS 14

Fresh off the weathering production line is a Hattons/Heljan Class 14, a pair of Guy Tippers and a handsome little Thames van, all resplendent in National Coal Board livery. Although there are a few tweaks still to be made here and there, it does feel like I’m making progress with Maudetown. Each model is straight from the airbrush, in terms of the weathering, and shows how nice and dusty a light spraying of enamels can look; perfect for items in a colliery scene.

This Ford E83W Thames van is from the Pocketbond Classix range. For just a couple of quid, it makes a splendid model, especially with a little weathering.

The weathering effects will be heightened further by hand, with Tensocrom acrylic paints, Tamiya pigments and a little dry-brushing. The Class 14 in particular needs a few streaks of leaking fuel and oil, plus the odd scratch and rust patch while the pair of tippers need loading with coal or slag and similar weathering ‘extras’. However, these models are now back in the 'in progress' drawer, awaiting a spare couple of hours to finish the job. Then they can go back into their boxes to await the layout extension.

As much of the cab is visible through the windows, it pays to spruce up the interior mouldings and add a driver. I'd have liked to model one of the cab doors open but it's not possible - the metal chassis and motor are in the way.

Look out for a full demo of how I treated the Class 14 in a forthcoming issue of Model Rail, while the road vehicles may also turn up in another feature that I’m currently assembling. I’m also putting together some plans for a weekend of hands-on demonstration classes, in airbrushing and weathering, that I hope to be teaching in the New Year. More details of these will follow...

The GUY tippers need quite a bit more work, including drivers, wing mirrors, registration plates, coal or slag loads and some final weathering touches. Note the polished steel effect on the hydraulic rams.