This is the state of play at the end of day three - the more observant among you will notice the lack of gearbox. I am afraid that the Branchlines box was just locking up going forward (fine in reverse though), probably down to me bending the etches while pushing the reluctant lay shaft in. Out it has come and a new Markits one should be on it's way to my right now. Have used these before and are sturdy and reliable and will actually fit without having to mess with the firebox. Why didn't I use this first? Is a mere 46:1 rather than the 80:1 of the Branchlines and I just fancied trying this!

I got the link beam sorted,

and eventually fitted - it was meant to just slide in .......

on the top picture you will also see the starts of the compensated front bogie taking shape - think I have a design that will work now.

The chassis is now rolling along reasonably well although I did have to refit all the crank pins after countersinking the backs of the wheels as there were slightly proud and occasionally snagging the frames. All this fiddling just seems to take so long with nothing much to show for it.