This blurry shot shows the basic sub-assemblies.The footplate on the RHS is the original and needed lengthening,the one LHS is from the revised test etch.
Boilers rolled and ready to join to smokebox.The join technique is a clever part of the etch,flats allowing the boiler to telescope in.The early etch was difficult to roll being stiff N/S ,the revised has extensive relieving lines etched in,but in retrospect I should have filled them with solder as the rolling was TOO easy and produced a stepped effect which had to be carefully stoned and polished out.ON balance,a plain sheet for the boiler would be best.
This shows the two tender tanks underway.The sides are beautifully detailed half-etches which fit well,the flares took a deal of patience to form and are then soldered along half-etches to the sides.
Getting the tender and loco footplates level.The tender does not have a sub frame for inside bearings and its a fiddly job.
This blurry shows the worm,later hidden by the floor and backhead.Branchliners compact,40-1 Romford,DS10 and small flywheel.
Holding the RCTS pose!
and Dapol couplings to finish-not very finescale but they have worked for me so far!A very satisfactory build.And at least I can be pretty confident Hornby won't be announcing these for next year!I think Jonathan is next up to bat by the way!........
where can I find them, and what are they like to build?
but I hate suspense 
on the other hand,everyone likes a surprise 
.Just don't keep us waiting too long 
