Not a lot of progress over the past few days.

First up I double checked the instructions and the cab front was assembled correctly. I still agree it was a bit of a strange way of doing it though…

Unfortunately as I want to fix the boiler to the firebox before attaching to the loco (as per the instructions), I'm very limited as to what I can do now until I get the rolling bars. (I think I am right in saying the next show with GW Models in attendance is not until Expo EM in May.)

So I have now got on with a few more of the small details, first up the Firebox. One job I was not looking forward to was the fitting of the wash out plugs. As Nick suggested this was quite tricky, though made a lot easier than it could have been by Finney etching the whole row on a single bit of brass (I think the Mitchell Manor has a separate etch for each plug, which will be fun!)

Each time I pinned in place with a modified hair pin and then tacked one end before checking alignment, and then flooding with solder. It looks rather messy inside, but did the job (and should still have plenty of motor clearance!) The next job should have been the firebox band clamps, these should go up from the underside of the firebox, however as I had fitted my spacer across the top there was no room. I need to look again, but they are going to need modifying to remove the tab and then fitting from the top. As I think this is more or less the last job I can do, I guess I will be tonight’s project…

The final job completed was the sandbox linkages and footplate handrails, nice and easy to add with a bit of .45 wire to hold it together. Wish a few more detail bits like this were available from the trade, a nice set of etched sandbox linkages would be very welcome to detail the Bachmann model…

So I think that will more or less be it for now, other than possible a bit of prep work on some of the castings (particularly the assembly of the boiler back head.) Need to decide now if I feel brave enough to tackle the Manor without instructions…..