HOW TO DO IT: RE-NUMBER WITH PRESSFIX DECALS
The Hornby ‘4MT’ is a lovely model, but my donor engine required a few detail modifications. First, though, we need to change its identity and add the later-style BR crests. Original formula T-cut colour restorer, applied sparingly with cotton buds, slowly removes factory-printed numbers and logos. Rub gently and buff dry to leave a shiny, smooth surface. Leave the model overnight for any solvent residue to evaporate, before applying decals. HMRS Pressfix transfers need to be cut out from the backing film (don’t cut all the way through the paper). Lift the transfer gently.
Position the decal carefully. The thin paper film is slightly translucent. When you’re happy, with the position press the decal onto the surface with the edge of a cotton bud, especially over surfaces with raised relief. Water, or preferably Micro Set solution, is then brushed onto the paper film. Leave for a few minutes until the gum has softened. Micro Set, or other decal setting solutions, are more effective than water. Lightly brush the paper film away and apply more Micro Set to remove any traces of adhesive. Don’t rub the decal or attempt to dry it out with cotton buds - allow it to dry naturally. The same process is followed for the new cabside numbers. When applying individual digits, mark out the centre point of the panel and add the middle digit first, followed by the adjacent numerals. A strip of low-tack masking tape can be used as a positioning guide, if desired, ensuring the numbers are correctly aligned. Once all transfers are in place, leave overnight before sealing with a coat of clear varnish.