I've finally managed to get all the bits I need to start this little project together, so I've made a start today - I've only had the kit since June...

Opening the box (well, bag really )

The parts are sealed in a series of bags, within one big bag. Each of the 4 cars is comprised of 2 ends, one roof, one floor and two sides. The instructions are pretty good - there is a part list for each car and a basic exploded diagram, but no numbers to identify the parts (some of which don;t apply to the 455, but more of that later)

I'm using Jim Smith-Wrights etches for this build, although I'm just using the windows, doors and some other details - as his kit is intended to convert the Bratchell kit to a 455/8, which have a different front end to the later batch of units, the 455/9 end is included within the kit.

Parts for the TS:

I've modified the floor in the same way as tomstaf has with his, just to make the assembled cars easier to get into, as the floor just snaps into the sides. There is an inset part of the floor - run a sharp Stanley knife around the edge of this area repeatedly to cut it out. Once out, stick some 1.5mm strip around the aperture - this should be level with the top of the floor, although there will be a slight lip on the sides still, which will help align the strip.

This photo shows the modification a little more clearly:

As I'm using Jims windows and doors, I've removed all of the raised detail from the window surrounds and doors. There is a small lip around the edge of the doors that needs to be removed as well as the window surrounds and the central join. These were removed with a sharp scalpel, taking care not to damage the surrounding bodysides - the plastic is quite soft and easily damaged.

The window surrounds are best removed by gently paring them down with a sharp scalpel to start and then carefully filing the remainder down - again great care must be taken as the plastic is very soft. Once all the detail is removed, the body can be assembled with Plastic Weld. The ends slot into the roof first, then the sides join onto the ends and roof. Dry fit and adjust until the fit is perfect - I found I had to fettle both ends of both sides for it all to fit together properly.

The assembled bodyshell, with the etched doors fitted. These will receive a little more detail in due course - there are some small fittings at the base of the doors, either side of the shut line.

One car down, three to go..