Why did I call it a 'Tin Turtle'? Have always hated that name. From now on it shall be an Armoured Simplex (40hp to be pedantic!).

For those of you who may have missed the genesis of this project, which was hidden at the end of a rather indulgent rant at the weekend, I shall recap. The aim is to resurect a Wrightlines white metal kit of a 'protected' Sinplex that was dropped almost exactly a year ago but in the form of a fully armoured version. As there is no kit available a bit of scratch building was in order. Now, the simplest way to make the tank like lid on top of the existing body would have been in plasticard to get those nice curves. Far too simple of course so out came the brass and the soldering iron. All this was actually completed in an after noon and a (long!) evening so pretty pleased with that and the results!

First job was to fit some sills across the door opening getting them right this time and sitting on top of the existing body. The sides of the lid were then made from some scrap etch soldered together, cut with fret saw and finished with files then separated to make two identicle pieces. the top then followed after a mock up had been made in thin card to get the length right;

And her it is, all soldered up.

Next came various bits of brass angle and sheet;

This morning it was out with a tin of etch primer to create something that looks remarkably like a CAD drawing!

To keep in line with my newly adopted philosophy that things should be made to work before all the pretty bits are added, next step will be to get the Black Beetle and all the DCC gubins (inc sound and stay alive), fitted. Then I have the doors, interior, driver, various brackets and catches, the silencer on the roof, the transfers and weathering to go - so not much!

Oh, nearly forgot the rivets. One thing I did learn was that I need to do a bit of practise with my GW rivet press before I trust myself with the next project. My attempts were not good but were easily filled off. Hence rivets will be Archer printed ones!