Nearly three years ago when I first started out in P4 SWAGs very own Captain Kernow very kindly converted this beautiful Bachmann Pannier using an Ultrascale drop-in-wheel set conversion. Well I thought it was about time that I finished her, so looking through some photographs I have set about thinking about how to improve this lovely little mode.

First off are the lamp brackets, this is where the fun starts as the 57xx and the 875x classes had different positions for the brackets. Looking at two photographs the 57xx had two brackets for spare lamps just over the front driving wheels; on the 875x the spare lamp brackets are located near the cab. So that is the first thing I spotted. The next minor difference is that the 57xx have a flat shelf on the front, whereas the 875x have triangular ends, now I’m not mad enough to build this, but I thought it was worth mentioning! As you can see I have already removed the smoke box dart and this will be replaced with an Alan Gibson product.

The Bachmann model is missing a handrail over the front steps between the two front wheels, so this is something that I intend to replicate and finally on the front end of the loco I will install the sanding gear mechanism, which is a subtle, albeit noticeable piece of the loco.

Moving to the rear of the loco the lamp brackets will be replaced, along with steam pipe and real coal in the bunker.

Looking at the wheels and chassis, I had thought about packing the chassis out with some plasticard, but I think it looks alright. However I do intend to reposition the brakes so that they are inline with the wheels and replace the coupling rods with Bill Bedford ones as the Bachmann ones are a little thick. Lastly balance weights will be added, cut from thin plasticard using Comet ones as a template.

The last little bit of titivating will be to renumbering to 3675 which was photographed at Yelverton in August 1955 (247 Development Plates), a crew (Dart Castings), lamps and tools from Springside Models. Rather sadly the lining will be removed, as I am advised that this was the livery for the station pilot at Paddington.

Currently a Smiths coupling hook sits on the buffer beam, although I intend to fit Alex Jackson couplings to the loco, but I will retain the hook. Final touches will include weathering with enamel paints and powders.