While I try and get my head around how to set up the compensation in my etched kit for 4573, I have got on with a little bit of work on my other 45xx, which will be finished as 5512 in post war GWR livery.

Why 5512? It was chosen due to the number of photos in the 1947/48 period that are published in the Cheddar books, including two photos showing it with LMS coaches (a rake that will be modelled at some point).

As for the model,

The starting point is a Bachmann angled tank model in Great Western livery, so far I have removed the Great Western branding from one side which will be replaced with the G W R letters. While I was at it I also removed the slightly oversized number plate ready for a replacement etch. At the moment I am planning to keep the other side with the full Great Western branding, given that all stock will only face the public on one side, and that there are minimal differences in the track pre and post war, I am thinking that I will keep one side of each loco suitable for running in the 30s.

The majority of the work required focuses on the chassis. I have a full set of Gibson wheels on 3mm axles awaiting crankpins (which annoyingly also need to be drilled out), Must get on and order a set of 3mm pins for my GW models wheel press as well...

The chassis frames are way too narrow, working from the dimensions of my Churchward kit I calculated the correct width of the frames. 2mm Plasticard has been cut to fit and glued on as an overlay in two sections. The first goes from the bunker end to the cylinders, with a rectangular cut out to match the lug for the sandbox. For the front section I filed the metal frame back to the correct angle allowing the same 2mm plasticard to be stuck on that was used for the main frame resulting in a correct angled front

Once the glue is dry, I will be filing back the remaining plasticard to get a perfect match with the frames.

The lower keeper plate is the next task that will be tackled in a revision break sometime this week. The screw mounts for the front and rear pony trucks have been carefully removed from the keeper plate, these will be either glued or bolted into position.

The remaining keeper plate will be cut in two, with a plasticard spacer added (probably on the inside either side of the driven axle). This will space the breakgear and springs out to the correct position.

Other work,

The con rods need to be fitted with gibson washers to reduce the size of the holes to match the new crank pins

I would also ideally like to get rid of the Bachmann pony trucks, fingers crossed the Comet part will be available individually from their chassis kit.

Once I get on and order the remaining Gibson bits, it shouldnt take much longer until I get it running.

Will try and add a couple of photos of the work tomorrow...