As this is the very last loco chassis I will be painting, I think I will write it all up.

I`v already mentioned to you that I prefer to make everything easy to assemble and unassemble despite the brakeblocks and rodding all soldered into their respective places. I like using Tamiya low tack masking tape to protect the hornblocks before painting

I`ve discovered since modelling in 7mm that Closterman etch primer provides a quality finish to the modelled chassis and does not require an additional black top-coat.

I`ve also discovered a new preference of using sprung plunger pickups as standard on all my locomotive stock.

I happen to like Slaters product and if used and set up properly gives excellent results.

There are a couple of modifications I use on them. Firstly, I tweek the springs length so they are the same length as the non-threaded part of the plunger.

I used to file the pointed ends of the plungers into a more rounded shape ,but on the last three loco kits I have left them as supplied and they perform just as well.

On the most recent batch the plunger springs have been long enough not to need tweeking longer.

The final check is that the plunger is free to move in and out of the plastic plunger, the hole in the plastic housing usually needs opening out. I use a small needle file for this.
I also cut a flat on the housing lip to enable the assembled plunger to be gently squeezed past the brake blocks into their offset holes.

IT IS ESSENTIAL to use small gauge wire soldered to the connector spades to ensure ultra free movement of the plunger springs. I use the same size flexible wire that is attached to Decoders.

After that my next preference is to use chemical blackening to wheels and motion.

I prefer the above products finishing off with a coat of Electrofix laquer.

Then it`s just a case of the final reassembly of parts..........................................................................

A canon motor and ABC multistage gear box provides the power.

Then even the wheel balance weights are given the blackening treatment.