In an attempt to distract myself, having reached saturation point revising for next weeks Strategic Cima exams, I have spent a bit of time working on 5813 today.

As discussed in my previous blog, I had completed work on the boiler adding the mainly trains detailing bits along with scratch building the missing lower boiler (probably the most noticeable modification)

After finding some suitable etched doors in my scrap box, I have decided to model on door open and the other closed. It seems that a lot of 14xx photos (along with the few 58xx I have found) have the cab door open. looking at the sole photo I have found of 5813 on the Cheddar branch, it does look as though the door may be open...

At any rate, this will give a better view as to the detailed cab interior.

I decided to rectify another issue with the airfix model while I am at it, the gap between the cab door and the footplate. (moulded flush with the door)

The next job was to add the cab floor,

I started by adding the missing front bulkhead, adding the materiel surrounding the backhead (which will be added post painting). Once this was fitted I glued in the new floor. This was formed in 2 parts, a 40thou base (resting on 2 supports that were measured to get the high correct). On top of this is an overlay of 10thou which sticks out to form the cab steps.

Once the floor was finished, I added the rear bulkhead, this was again formed of a couple of bits of 40thou. Detailed with a couple of etched seats, a plasticard coal hole cover, and the break leaver recessed in as per Castles photos in this thread

It has also had the box shown in Castle's photos on the left hand side. (again made from laminated plasticard)

This is all a bit of a guess, but will hopefully look close enough.

The next jobs:

There is still one pipe remaining on one side that should be removed for a 58xx. I'm a little concerned with this one, as there is so much rivet detail near to it that will make removal difficult...

I also keep looking at the sandbox operating leavers on the front, thinking about replacing with brass strip. At the moment I am thinking against it, but I suspect given how long it is going to be until I can paint the loco I will attempt it at some point...

Finally, the boiler washout plugs still need to be added. I have successfully replicated Buffalo's method, but the brass tube I have has walls which are too thick. it either takes a lot of fettling to thin them, (or more likely I wont get the rest made until I buy some thin walled tube!)

Photos: