The buffers, Gibson industrial pattern, need a bit of modifying. The base is square when it should be rectangular, easily rectified with a few file strokes. Just keep checking all is square, its too easy to take too much off one side. Here's a piccy, un-modified buffer on the left;

They will be attached after the buffer beam is fully painted, along with the lifting brackets, to make applying the wasp stripes easier. On the subject of the buffer beam I drilled the buffer holes after the beams were laminated together with a slightly blunt 3mm drill. Unfortunatly the brass deformed around the holes, probably due to burrs forming between the layers. Nothing a few strokes fron a file couldn't put right but it would have been better to open out the holes before laminating.

Now a photo of the roof beacon which again will be fitted after painting. This is by Details West, an American company, part number RB-106. I'm not going to make it work although the lens is cored for a bulb.

Here's a shot of the side windows, as you can see they are very fine, especially the quarterlight strip. Personally I think too fine, I would have liked a bit more metal on the uprights as they are a bit too fragile for my liking. Again to be added after painting.

Well thats it for the time being, the loco is now in the paintshop with the chassis/footplate having recieved its first coat of etch primer. I'll add updates as and when theres something worth sharing.

A few notes on the kit.

I have to say that I've really enjoyed building this and that I've learn't a lot from it. Everything has fitted together well and when it hasn't its been down to my lack of skill/patience rather than the kit design. The only exception was the undersize bonnet roller doors but Mike Edge sent me some more and has, I'm told, rectified the problem. In fact Mike has been very patient with my queries (even when I've been an idiot who can't count...) and has freely given advice and help when asked. (Usual disclaimer). I like the seperate body and footplate design which should make it easier to paint. I would have liked the exhaust included in the kit, the cowl is etched but there is no provision for the pipe which sits inside it, not easy to see on the prototype but noticable on a model which will be mostly viewed from above. A case for a resin moulding perhaps? Or am I being too picky? Still, it is easy to add from brass tube and we are modellers after all. Some of the detailing has been fiddly i.e. door hinges and bonnet catches but not as difficult as it first looks.

I thought that the mainly text instructions would irritate me as I like exploded diagrams but I found them easy to follow and well written (there is a GA drawing as well). Photos of the prototype are included.

Going slightly off topic, I found this at a recent exhibition;

Its a flasher unit sold by Black Cat Technology and cost a very reasonable three pounds. The LED supplied is red, white ones are available on request, and measures 1.8mm. Its still too big to fit in the Steelman Royale but might find its way into a future project.

Anyway as the Steelman gets a paintjob its time to start another project...