The Dean Goods project has gone overseas, just like the prototype, to France. But unlike the prototype, its tender has had major surgery to remove that hideous lump of plastic coal.

The first area was the main lump. I decided to work on this and leave the front of the tender until later as the structural integrity of the plastic "box" was none too secure. So here is the result of much drilling, snipping, cutting and then rebuilding:

Then I tackled the front end. I am very happy to say that alanbuttler's photos from Swindon were indispensable. Thank you Alan!

The photos look a bit crude. This is due to the fact that Hornby really did overload the coaling and thin walls are not an option. I see the reconstruction as a means to providing a container for some real coal as a base, with the option to add more real coal later. So no need for rivets, etc. within the coal tender.

The plasticard has given back the structure its strength. You may also notice that one of the rear handrails has also been replaced. I also have some brass lamp brackets (back in England) to add to the rear of the tender.

Next I need to buy some "alcool isopropylique" to remove the BR lining and logo.