HORNBY 8F UPGRADE

Masterclass subject takes shape

The forthcoming issue 198 of Model Rail magazine includes an extensive Masterclass article on the LMS-designed Class 8F 2-8-0, with a focus on their wartime careers. Accordingly, I'm upgrading a Hornby 8F as part of the feature and it has taken quite a while to choose a suitable prototype to recreate; not surprisingly with such a large fleet.

After extensive research, I've also amassed a range of detailing bits and pieces, including a Brassmasters detailing kit that I've had in stock for years. My prototype has also thrown up the need to swap tenders on my donor model, so a mix of LMS- and LNER-liveried Hornby locos has been employed.

There's still quite a bit to do before the painting stage, but I'm looking forward to seeing it finished. I need to get my skates, on though, as time is running out! Look out for the article in MR198, out on July 3.