Uploaded May 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
For a change, the overshadowed and unloved LNER Thompson pacifics outnumber the Gresley classics by three to one in this video.
That's because I’ve just been lucky enough to have a trio of the new Hornby A2/2’s visit recently for weathering. Happily each of their proud owners requested a different style of finish, which makes for an interesting comparison.
First in to view is Cock O’ The North visiting from @rosconation for a “medium” level of weathering. Go check out his channel here for more info on the chequered history of these controversial rebuilds: youtu.be/eIrjvehuyAA
Levels of weathering are subjective, so between us we found several reference photos of dirty ex LNER Pacific’s, but where the BR green was clearly visible and actually still shiny in certain areas.
This was a rather common appearance for Top Link steam locomotives of the period, but as far as I can tell, is seldom seen in model form. So this model was treated with plenty of overall dirt, and a patchy smattering of polish to the boiler, cab sides and tender which makes the green paintwork “pop” amongst the dusty layers of grime.
Characteristically, the A2/2’s also had plenty of rust and discolouration around the front end - particularly towards the rear of the smokebox, and on those elongated frames in front of the cylinders.
60505 "Thane of Fife" has received heavy weathering for @lew73050 and I must admit I really enjoyed transforming the factory finish with dusty, crusty layers of grime and rust to represent a typical appearance for this frequently overlooked class of LNER Pacific. All signs of polished paintwork are long gone. I actually think the unkempt look suits them very well on a model, but was deplorably commonplace on BR steam as resources declined.
Also featured is a second model of 60501, "Cock O' The North". This one was visiting from @auckleyjunction along with this videos imposter - none other than Gresley Legend 60022, "Mallard". The latter is a most impressive model from the Hornby Railroad range and both have received the more familiar Neville Grove "polished / in use" finish.
I know they’re controversial, but I’ve always liked these Thompson Pacific’s. Ever since seeing a superbly atmospheric painting of 60506 "Wolf of Badenoch" by Philip D Hawkins as a kid, the A2/2’s have captured my imagination.
But having now worked on 3 of these recently, I’m now smitten with the Hornby A2/2’s and really need to get one (or ideally three as I wouldn't be able to decide upon which level of weathering to go for!).
For a change, the overshadowed and unloved LNER Thompson pacifics outnumber the Gresley classics by three to one in this video.
That's because I’ve just been lucky enough to have a trio of the new Hornby A2/2’s visit recently for weathering. Happily each of their proud owners requested a different style of finish, which makes for an interesting comparison.
First in to view is Cock O’ The North visiting from @rosconation for a “medium” level of weathering. Go check out his channel here for more info on the chequered history of these controversial rebuilds: youtu.be/eIrjvehuyAA
Levels of weathering are subjective, so between us we found several reference photos of dirty ex LNER Pacific’s, but where the BR green was clearly visible and actually still shiny in certain areas.
This was a rather common appearance for Top Link steam locomotives of the period, but as far as I can tell, is seldom seen in model form. So this model was treated with plenty of overall dirt, and a patchy smattering of polish to the boiler, cab sides and tender which makes the green paintwork “pop” amongst the dusty layers of grime.
Characteristically, the A2/2’s also had plenty of rust and discolouration around the front end - particularly towards the rear of the smokebox, and on those elongated frames in front of the cylinders.
60505 "Thane of Fife" has received heavy weathering for @lew73050 and I must admit I really enjoyed transforming the factory finish with dusty, crusty layers of grime and rust to represent a typical appearance for this frequently overlooked class of LNER Pacific. All signs of polished paintwork are long gone. I actually think the unkempt look suits them very well on a model, but was deplorably commonplace on BR steam as resources declined.
Also featured is a second model of 60501, "Cock O' The North". This one was visiting from @auckleyjunction along with this videos imposter - none other than Gresley Legend 60022, "Mallard". The latter is a most impressive model from the Hornby Railroad range and both have received the more familiar Neville Grove "polished / in use" finish.
I know they’re controversial, but I’ve always liked these Thompson Pacific’s. Ever since seeing a superbly atmospheric painting of 60506 "Wolf of Badenoch" by Philip D Hawkins as a kid, the A2/2’s have captured my imagination.
But having now worked on 3 of these recently, I’m now smitten with the Hornby A2/2’s and really need to get one (or ideally three as I wouldn't be able to decide upon which level of weathering to go for!).
