As work progressed on the Op project one thing that has been concerning me was the ability to form multiple numbers of identical roller axleboxes and brake shoes from scratch. Searching the very few O gauge wagon accessory suppliers it was becoming obvious that no product existed similar in appearance to that on the Op wagon. Looking through the range of Parkside Dundas wagon kits I noticed that their excellent kit of the BR Blue Spot Fish Van was supplied with "similar" axle boxes to those on the Op. Although not identical, a compromise would be made versus the problems associated with producing multiple scratch built items.

An email later and Parkside Dundas confirmed that they could supply the separate mouldings from the kit for both the axle boxes and brake gear for £1 each. Three days later a box arrived with the mouldings.

As soon as I opened the box I was pleased to see that the moulding also included the Parkside method of compensation - much like the prototype of floating axle boxes and these too could be used on the build project.

So an hour of work later the wagon is now sat on its axle boxes and rolling.

Work still needs to be undertaken to ensure that the wagon is level and running true and also requires the brake gear to be fitted. Compensation also requires fitting. Picture of the wagon sat on its axle boxes...