(an explanation of the tite follows shortly)

Progress today has centred on completing the axle bearings and starting the brake rodding.

The axle bearings went together easily enough once the jig had been sorted out. The hornblock guides being held in place by hair-clips whilst being tack-soldered'. I quite forgot another tip picked up from these forums - using a redundant 'Biro' spring to hold them in place.. Next time!

Next it was on to the brake-rodding - with some assembly taking part 'off-model'

Again, the instructions are lacking - the pull-rods are designated 'front' & 'rear' - but the rear one has form to it, and there's no indication which way up it goes!

However, for now , this is where it's at...

As is my usual wont. the brake-gear will be removable - the brake hangers will just slip over the ends of the upper rodding. One day..

Which brings me to the meaning of the title.

Last Xmas my father-in-law (2nd time around & not related to the loss of my 'first' mum in law) gave me the wherewithal to purchase a Finney Bulldog. Since then his health has deteriorated (he's 87) and for obvious reasons I'd like to get the kit finished quickly... So now I'll have three loco's ubder construction - not a scenario I like, but there we go.

Follow the progress on the next section of the blog - 'A Very British Bulldog'....

Regards

Ian