Hi all,

I am currently making the A4 which will be painted, (eventually) in the grey and black livery as applied to the `Silver Link` ,(and its sisters) during the days of the `Silver Jubilee` train. I decided against making `Mallard` because I thought the grey and black livery to be more striking. My experiences thus far are these: I liked the idea of the parts being laquered as at least it stops the brass from getting stained etc before painting starts ! BUT as I prefer to solder my locomotives I am now finding it a bit of a chore to remove said laquer !! Ok, some parts have been super glued but I am not convinced about the longevity of the joints made using this method. The boiler castings seem to be good but when the valances are attached to the main boiler unit there is too much of a gap and also between the ends of the valances and the cab floor unit, might have to use filler here but a bit a of a bind as I think that the parts could fit better. Also the cab unit will need a little bit of `tweaking` to get it to fit properly and I am not convinced about using the top screw to join the cab unit to the firebox. I think that after all the detail is added to the completed boiler assembly it should look fine though. The main frames look very nice but it says in the instructions to file off the heads of the screws which attach the frame spacers, I did not like this idea very much so I drilled holes in the outer frames, assembled them with the inner frames and then attached the screws into the frame spacers, I think this will make a far better structure. You can see this in the attached photos. As far as the tools which are sent later, (mine came with issues 10.11,12 etc) the square was chucked away, (not 90 degrees and therefore useless) the two clamps will be used as the clamping strength is quite good, (not too harsh) the rule is ok but just for straight lines !

I like the idea of making the loco from weekly parts because I can make parts as and when they arrive to me, also I am not prepared to buy a kit , then wheels and motor, doing it this way is much more preferable. Planning ahead for the painting will most probably mean that I will keep the cab unit and boiler seperate , paint the boiler unit first followed by the cab unit.

So now an update on progress so far: The boiler unit and footplate were stripped of their paint coatings and a fresh undercoat applied using Halfords etch primer, Various other parts have now been added to the chassis and handrails, blower pipe chimney and other items added to the boiler unit, It is now taking shape and I am looking forward to receiving the buffers which willl make it look so much better, photos attached: