LNER N5

So after getting the N5 home and trying it out it very reluctantly moved under its own power.

A major wheel and pickup cleaning operation and some lubrication has helped matters but it still seems rather reluctant when left for a while and then tried again.  Perhaps more use may improve things.

I've also made a start on cleaning it up, replacing the rather heavily applied numerals and the old style handrails this week - something to do while sat in a Travelodge!

Replacement handrails on the front and side - lamp brackets fitted and replacement smokebox door handle.

Coal rails removed from incorrectly fitted location on the outside of the bunker and replaced inside with 'planking' as fitted to most in available pictures.

This evening I have also fitted the replacement ross-pop style safety valves and steam pipe on the front. Then a bit of replacement black paint to see if it would cover ok without having to strip more off and spray the whole loco - so far so good!  I've decided that by 1960 the last of them wouldn't have been looking great with paint or general external condition being 70 years old....

Smokebox and chimney still to do with metalcote black - also side tanks need another light coat to touch in.

The wheels also need painting and a replacement 3'6" 10 spoke fitting on the rear - ready to be picked up on next visit to Dad!