This is my 3rd etched kit.

I started with the footplate, as you do. Rivets punched out the bufferbeams were laminated together from 2 pieces. Whilst doing this I noticed that the holes for the buffers are out of line with each other! Solder now, sort later...

Bonnet next. Punching out the rivets made it bend so I had to straighten it after. I use a slide-hammer type riveter.

Top curved the bonnet was bent up and the front soldered in place. However there were big gaps around the angled upper part.

I wasn't too worried at this stage as I could use plenty of solder to fill the gap. The corners were to have a curve filed on them anyway so a good fillet of solder was needed.

Paul.