I guess I did have an unusually large head start on this loco (I started it about two years ago!), but the final push on completing has been pretty swift. Just some makers and number plates to etch, some crew to paint and add a couple of pipes and I am there. I gave it a bit of a dirty up but will finish off along with the rest of the stock with a grand dusting with the air brush - doing it all together to get consistency.

The DCC fit has turned out OK - not the neatest as it is possible to see the speaker in the cab but will be even less noticeable when crew are added. The default steam sound on the Digitrax chip being American in origin is pretty good to be going along with as these are, of course, American engines. The only thing I don't like about it is there is an intermittent up and down whistling sound, a bit like one of those Kazoo things that that you pull in and out to make the pitch go up and down. My wife says it sounds like a clanger! I have no idea what it is meant to be and even less idea on how to get rid of it. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. I will get around to adding a query on the Digitrax forum at some stage.

Is running pretty well now after the addition of a hefty flywheel and pick ups on the pony truck which is now staying on the track. The 5% I deducted is that it just comes to a halt sometimes, especially over points with the wheels turning but no forward motion. Suspect that it is something physical getting in the way. Gauge on the wheels seems OK but it should be as they are Romford type on this one. Will just have to push it along and try to get my head down close enough to see what is going on. Actually, could this be a use for a remote inspection camera that I don't have but have always fancied adding to my pile of gadgets.]

In celebration of a (near) completion I treated it to some proper portraits in the studio - which have (usefully I guess), highlighted where I need to do some touching up.