Hello

I have taken a big step backwards today with the flying banana, it has NOT been a good day...

I found out that one end of the railcar was quite a bit shorter than the other end. The only thing I can think has caused it is because its the end I have chopped around a few times to try and get the front windows the right shape. Because of that it has been repeatedly sanded smooth and with every time thats done I have taken a little more of the roof.

The above picture shows the state of the cab right now. Because it has been repeatedly cut then filled with solder, the solder has built up so I took the decision to strip it all back and 'wick' off all the excess solder which didnt leave that much left! The windows and roof line will have to be rebuilt now.

This shows how far the roof has been taken back. The flat bit of Nickel is the correct width for the point of the roof so it shows the roof is now roughly 1mm too short.

Thinking about it I will have to now do some serious rebuilding of the roof. At the moment I think it will probably be easier to cut the end of the roof off and rebuild it again from a fresh piece of brass. I wouldnt be able to live with the knowledge it has been 'cobbled' together, even if its been a VERY frustrating model to make at times.

I still havent given up on it yet, although come close to it a couple of times now. It is taking a loooooong time to build though.

Missy