A while back I started a detailing project on an old mainline 2251 with the intention of adding new buffer beams and a new cab amounts other detailing.

Recently I found a Finney 2251 kit on eBay for a good price with no chassis with a motor and high level gear box. Given the need for the moror and gearbox (along with the castings for the chimney etc), it was too good to miss.

The plan is that building this loco will be good practice before I build my Finney Dean Goods and Mitchell Manor, particularly for the firebox and boiler.

I started with the footplate assembly, following the instructions with one exception, I couldn't get the tabs holding the steam pipe through the slots so just soldered them over the top of the pipe.

The smokebox saddle was an interesting fit, resulting in a lot of burned fingers. I was a little disappointed to find errors in the etchings which needed modifications to fit (described in the institutions). I kind of expected everything to be the right shape from Finney... The splashes went a lot better than expected, I was pleased with my first bit of forming metal.

Next up was the firebox, this was probably the bit I was most dreading. I didn't get on with the instructions here. Instead I found my own method that worked a lot for me.

First I used some spare OO spacers to solder a bar across at the top of the firebox, fixing the spacing to the correct width. A bolt was fitted in the lower hole to finish the alignment. I then tack soldered the top on each side, before using the former to roll the corners. These were then tacked in place, before using an old file to hold the final curve in place.

Once it was all checked out I added a ton of extra solder to reenforce the front corners. I'm guessing a later stage involves filing the curve here. This is where there may be a slight issue as it was difficult to get extra solder behind the spacer at the top.

It now needs a little fettling to tidy it up and match up to the chassis.

I'm a little torn now as the next step calls for the rolling of the boiler, and I have yet to buy a set of rolling bars. I'm trying to decide if I can now build the cab out of sequence, or if I'm going to have to wait until im ready with the boiler.

I have test fitted it to a high level chassis, which will require a fair bit of material removing from under the cab to fit. I have a built inside motion axle, and the seller mentioned the possibility of finding the built Finney chassis for it, so until I know for sure I won't touch the chassis. Want to see how similar the parts are to those on the dean goods as if possible id rather reuse the assembled cranked axle on that....

If it's a case of waiting, then it might be on with the Manor. Although I have no instructions, other than an exploded diagram, which could make it tricky...