I'm not a fast worker by any means, but I managed to assemble another coach for my GWR through train in 2 weeks and a day. Well almost - after the C.54 I realised what a brain numbing task drilling out the holes for the hinges was, so this was done a few at a time over the 2-3 weeks before I actually started building the kit. Other than that this Comet E148 brake composite flew together. There's a rather nice preserved example on the SVR, which I've ridden in.

This time I used the whole etched underframe, except for the buffer beams which were slightly too narrow and were replaced with brass strip. Other deviations from the kit include Slater's sprung buffers (missing their heads in the photos), 247 Developments battery boxes and some extra end detailing from strip and wire. I also decided that making my own corridor partition from plasticard was quicker than modifying the etched one provided to get the odd compartment spacings needed. It has a detailed fixed gangway at the brake end, and will have a working paper one at the other.

Photos taken before giving the model a good scrub, and the sharp eyed will spot that I put the body on the chassis the wrong way round for the photos.

My next coach project is back in Southern territory - a Roxey SECR corridor rake composite. Some of these ended their days in two coach sets with Maunsell 'Thanet' thirds. I've had this kit and the Worsley etchings for the third in my to do pile for about 5 years.

The Roxey kit looks very nice - this is the main etching.

I only had time to solder vents and droplights in place today. Next task is to roll the tumblehome in the sides.