OK here we go.

This will be a part build Comet GWR C54. (Comet Code W6) see the lovely product below:

By part build in this case it means:

prep/mark up/drill holes in the etches;

fit 48 hinges;

construct the body shell;

construct the under-frame and prep /add the foot-boards and sprung buffers' stocks (MJT buffers supplied by new owner);

cut the roof to length but do not drill for vents.

These sides have very helpfully got etched droplights and WC window vents and so the new owner saves a little on the build as he does for having no bogies built or white metal detailing added to the under-frame/ends. He likes to do that

Here are the bits:

Having fettled the sides I have consulted the Russell Appendix Vol 1 & marked the door 'jams' (vertical half etches) with marker pen, marked the diagonal 'positions' for the hinges with dividers, then made little indentations at each intersection, with a scribe, ready for 4.5mm drilling.

I almost always drill carefully on an old wooden block. I only broke one bit this time. Not bad for 48 holes!

Now I have to apologise for being a slow worker. However, the job gets done eventually. I've only got 1 and 2/3rds coaches to do by the end of February so there's no rush.

This afternoon it was 'orrible weather so I did the hinges and listened to the afternoon drama on R4. Drama was good but sad. Hinge fitting was boring but theraputic. I use Frogmore hinges on GWR and most coaches and some Comet ones on other builds; depends on the sort of look/profile (is that the term?) I need to achieve.

4/2/14

This part build is completed now. I hope the new owner will post pics of the completion of the coach on a Blog of his own, however it would be better if he did it on the Kitbuilding section as more people will enjoy it there.