Finally done a part that I have been putting of since I started the body build. For some reason I was dreading doing the centre cylinder covers,

I suppose it stems from the fact the etching on the footplate for them was wrong, and the cast ones also supplied bore little resemblance to the real thing. I now just need to finish the steam pipes. These also needed to be remade, I am about half way through them.

You will also see the boiler has been soldered in place. I was going to make it removable but for strength and to save damage after painting, It is a real tight fit between the tanks.

I am pleased the way this is turning out I was a bit down with the build at the beginning, but it has got better or I have got in sinc with it.

Having got the cab sort I remember I had made but not fitted the sand boxes. Now the boiler is in I see the backhead is the wrong diameter. I will reduce it as much as I can but I am not going to worry to much about it. I still need to add the front floor, Might be those ubiquitous coffee stirrers I stole from the UK. There is an awful lot of detailing required in the cab.

More soon I hope.