Hornby Dublo restoration project

[Ancientmariner]

I sell them on to new homes usually but one I have is coming with a chassis so I maybe starting a new collection.
I have a shelf the length of my shed which would suit a bit of track along it to display a couple.

I'm glad our modelling is appreciated :tears-of-joy:

[Ancientmariner]

A few more bits in the production line.....

[Tim Marlow]

More steamy goodness! Strikes me that you could use these to finance the start of a collection if you were so interested…..

[Guest]

Hi James lovely work. Just love restoration work.

Last boat I had I restored top to bottom. . Hard work frustrating but worth it all
as you see it all coming together.

My eldest son is the same lathes this that all over the place.

Laurie

[Ancientmariner]

More steamy goodness! Strikes me that you could use these to finance the start of a collection if you were so interested…..

Yeah seems very mixed what they go for though. Some quite simple designs seem to fetch far more.

Issue I have is sourcing tenders for a realistic price. Duchess class bodies are easy to come by and I enjoy doing them but the tenders are now at least the lion's share of 20 quid each including postage unless you get a lucky break.

Got a batch of 9 N2s being blasted currently and at least these don't need the tenders.

[Ancientmariner]

Hi James lovely work. Just love restoration work.

Last boat I had I restored top to bottom. . Hard work frustrating but worth it all
as you see it all coming together.

My eldest son is the same lathes this that all over the place.

Laurie

Thanks Laurie,

I am currently using this when I need a mental break from the Honda I am now restoring as it mentally exhausts me!

[Tim Marlow]

Yeah seems very mixed what they go for though. Some quite simple designs seem to fetch far more.

Issue I have is sourcing tenders for a realistic price. Duchess class bodies are easy to come by and I enjoy doing them but the tenders are now at least the lion's share of 20 quid each including postage unless you get a lucky break.

Got a batch of 9 N2s being blasted currently and at least these don't need the tenders.

Cost comes down to rarity I suspect. It’s a collectors market after all, and the N2 was a standard starter train set engine. Tenders probably got lost more easily as well. Are you just going for Dublo, or are you searching on Wrenn/Triang As well? They used the same body castings as they were the subsequent owners as Hornby went under.

[Ancientmariner]

Cost comes down to rarity I suspect. It’s a collectors market after all, and the N2 was a standard starter train set engine. Tenders probably got lost more easily as well. Are you just going for Dublo, or are you searching on Wrenn/Triang As well? They used the same body castings as they were the subsequent owners as Hornby went under.

I just like anything I can give a new lease of life to and gain some skill along the way.
I have a Wren N2 by that's it. Basically has to be metal so I can vapour blast them.

I thubk after the batch of 9 N2s I have 2 castle tenders which I will do bodies for and that will be no done unless a bargain box comes my way.

[Ancientmariner]

So this is the Wren body I have almost completed, just needs couplings. I know it's not accurate but I thought it looks good in this scheme.

The two Duchesses and a 4MT also shown. As they are all in black I have highlighted some brass and copper piping and fittings just to add a bit of contrast.
The 4MT will be orange and black lined as I have a set of decals for it and the City of Birmingham needs a number.
I have a 2 rail Dublo tender but am not sure if to just continue this as a separate sale as I've started it in green. Also I don't have wheels for it.
So scouting for tenders currently so I can get these off to new homes.

2 castle tenders and an N2 also ready to be blasted along with 9 other N2 bodies and 2 motorbike wheels. Will be a good few hours work in the cabinet but I will be doing it myself as I think my friend must be getting sick of me sending models, engine blocks and wheels to be done.

[Mini Me]

Very Nice. :thumb2: Rick H.

[Tim Marlow]

More good stuff. The N2 looks pin sharp in its lining.

[Ancientmariner]

More good stuff. The N2 looks pin sharp in its lining.

I think that's come out the best so far. It's noticable how the time it takes to do the decals is decreasing. Which is good as I loathe that part!

[Ancientmariner]

The bench currently.

The 4MT I would say is by far the best I have managed so far and I couldn't be happier with it.

The N2 just needs the couplings need gluing on and then it's done.

Both of these locos I did I have out the larger BR decals on but I think they are ok.

I have sourced one tender for the coronation class locos which I plan to do in plain black with an early BR crest.
Hopefully one more tender and I am done with the tender locos (that I don't have tenders for already) for a while.

[Tim Marlow]

Excellent stuff. The 4MT looks superb in mixed traffic lined black doesn’t it!

[adt70hk]

A very cool pastime! Well done. They look great!

Andrew