2014 was a busy year, a new job, and the birth of my first child left little time for modelling.

And while the new year may not see the progress on the layout that I would like, I want to get on with some more stock projects. (We have started looking for a plot to build a new house, which if all goes to plan will allow for a substancially larger layout plan.) It all depends on how long it takes to find a suitable village plot, in the Berkeley Vale / South West Cotsworlds, which I suspect may take a long time). In the mean time the intention is to get on and build the simple test track round the edge of the current garage. I think running trains will get me finishing more stock...

Anyway, on with the project...

I am currently rather lacking in resturant coaches, so I have picked up a Hornby H33 (along with a couple of D95 which will be used as part of a 4 coach set.)

The plan:

Roof:

• Seperate Handrails
  
• Replacement Roof Vents
  
• Bolt head detail on panel
  
• Re Profile the name board brackets
  
• Vent Cowl - drill out ends
  

Ends

• Replace handrails
  
• Replace Lamp Irons
  
• New Corridor Connectors
  
• Cut away edge of end moulding and correctly recess into ends
  

Sides

• Comet replacement sides - need to be corrected for length
  

Underframe

• From plasticard / scrap box add tanks, correct battery boxes, dynamo, V hangers, pipework etc
  
• Replace incorrect mk1 bogies with GWR 7ft sprung
  

So far the prep of the roof has been finished, drilling out the cowling makes a big difference, so it now just needs the vents adding.

The ends were a quick cut, and again made a big difference. However approx 1mm of the chassis end needs to be removed as well to provide clearance.

Im now awaiting a package from Wizard Models with the sides and roof castings for this (and for a RH and LH D95)