First, an update with progress on the ladles. The wheels as supplied are not quite to the correct pattern (this is detailed in the instructions). Who knows, some one, somewhere might want to do something similar so how I did it is shown, and described in full, below. The wheel as supplied is originally meant for 4mm scale narrow gauge, has a recessed face and six holes. We need a flush face and 8 holes. I used Miliput to do the bulk of the job.

Once this was fully hard, I levelled off the face of the wheel using Squadron green putty - used because it sets quickly, and importantly, it's a different colour - before sanding flush using various grades of wet and dry.

Next, in order to ensure that the holes were drilled accurately and consistently, I made up a jig from plasticard. The holes are on a circle of 15" diameter (5mm) so using a pair of dividers, I marked out a circle, and the eight positions using a steel rule and a set square, though you could do it by eye. The centre was drilled to 1.5mm diameter to match the axle and the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions to 0.7mm, the required diameter with the remainder to 0.5mm (to save wear on the jig and possible inaccuracy). Mounting each wheel independently on an axle and the vertically in a small vice, the jig was placed on the end of the axle and the 0.7mm holes drilled. The jig was in turn anchored in place by short 'pins' of 0.7mm wire prior to drilling the smaller holes. Fiddly, but well worth it I think. The jig and completed wheels are shown below:

Finally, a photgraphic selection of the bright yellow machines that will go with the pair of ladles. The Sentinel has been featured before (see also my RMweb mk III workbench thread ) but here is dad's Judith Edge YEC 0-4-0 DE (these photos and more can be seen on Mike and Judith's display screen on their exhibition stand [with permission]).

More shortly

Adam