The locomotive is starting to look like a Black 5. I have spent some time fettling the white metal firebox and boiler and they have been soldered together, giving the correct look as described in the instructions. Everything seemed to fit nicely until I tried the motor/gearbox.

There are two chassis instructions included in the kit. The one that comes with the kit shows one placement, the one that comes with the frame pack shows an entirely different placement! For anyone reading this and contemplating building a Caprotti 5, make sure you follow the instructions that come with the kit! I imagine the frame pack instructions were written for anyone upgrading a Hornby Black 5.

Well, the recommended placement requires quite a bit of cutting and fettling to get the motor in the vertical position, as shown here:

The extended motor shaft had to be cut off (Dremel to the rescue, very carefully), part of the frame had to be cut out, and the rod for the rear brake shoes would no longer fit between the frames. This latter problem should not be a concern as I now plan to install the rear brake shoes after fitting the front two and the brake pull rods. In my experience the brake rods actually give strength to the rather fragile brake shoes. Once everything is soldered, that is.

The white metal firebox and boiler allow just enough space for the motor and a small DCC chip, this after the rear shaft has been removed from the Mashima. A quick placement of the body on the chassis does give the illusion of progress, but there is a lot more to do:

The gap between firebox and boiler needs to be filled, as suggested in the instructions.

Since taking the photos I have fettled the connecting rods, so the next job will be to assemble the cylinders and valves. The cab details are also being prepared ready for installation, along with the splashers - unique to the inside drive Caprotti valve gear design.