AUSTERITY COMPLETE

The much-improved Hornby J94 Austerity 0-6-0T is now complete, with the RT Models upgrade kit proving to be very effective. I mentioned in a previous post  that I'd taken a few liberties with the quality of my hand-applied lining, with a view to applying a heavily weathered finish. Hopefully, the overall effect has proved successful. The weathering has been applied in several stages, using enamels applied by hand and airbrush, as well as weathering powders and the odd bit of talcum powder mixed in with the paint for that distinctive grimy texture. However, the sides have been kept shiny, with that wiped-with-an-oily-rag-but-not-very-effectively patina.

I also spent a long time fine-tuning the original Hornby motor and ensuring that everything electrical was spotless and the mechanical parts lubricated. As a result, the loco runs nice and sweetly and should look at home on Maudetown Colliery. Hopefully, when current shed renovations are complete, I can unpack the layout and allow Albert to start earning his keep.

What started out as a cheap and fairly basic Hornby model now looks much more interesting and authentic!