Following on from my thread here requesting details of the class, Its about time I described the work completed so far on my Collett Goods.

So far the majority of effort has been spent preparing the body shell, a quick overview:

• This model had already been fitted with sprung buffers, which were removed to be replaced in the new buffer beams.
  
• The pipe runs down the side were removed, unfortunately this took the rivets with it so these will be replaced later on.
  
• Removal of moulded hand rails, (on one side the cabside hand rail had already been done so this had the holes filled as I am modelling 2220, which was built in the war without cab windows or handrails (though the former were added post war)
  
• Removal of bonnet top cover and top feed, the original bonnet top cover was cut down to get a flush boiler top. The lower pipework was also removed so that it can be replaced in the correct position further out on the splasher.)
  
• All buffer beam detail removed ready for a new etched buffer beam with the buffers in the correct position.
  
• Filed down the boiler bands, and smoke box door brackets to get a thinner more prototypical thickness and to get the curved moulding to be more prototypically flat.
  
• Removal of raised cab side number plates
  
• Removal of other moulded on parts
  
• Paint stripping on cab sides
  

So far I have fitted the new top feed, and the upper section of pipe, the brass bonnet cover will not be fitted until after painting.

The new upper pipe cover was made from evergreen rod, while the exposed lower pipe will be brass (or ideally copper) rod one size smaller than the plastic. this will be fabricated to shape and have a square of brass fret soldered on as the joint between the two pipes. this multi meterial approach means that the upper section is easy to glue in place, while the lower section is the right colour and is easy to bend. Once dry (probably at my next revision break), 2 lengths of 10thou by 20thou will be fitted either side of the evergreen rod, with the lower gap between the rod and the strip filled to get the correct _n_ profile,

Still to do:

There is a massive amount of work still to do on this project including:

• High Level Chassis kit
  
• Fit 247 Developments boiler back
  
• Need to research what chimney type 2220 had, I suspect cast iron given there was a war on. I think the model currently has a copper caped version so this may need changing.
  
• New steps, the moulded ones are just two thick. So far havent found anything suitable so will probably add it to my etch.
  
• New cab, one potential improvement I am considering is to etch new cab sides, both to reduce the size width and to replace lost rivet detail. Its a bit of extra work on CAD but tbh wont really add to the cost and should make quite a difference. With the cab chopped up adding interior detail will also be much easier.
  
• Tender - Still undecided on this, I really don't like the Bachmann moulding. Given that so much rivet detail is lost under the moulded on lamp irons. Having now identified that my prototype photos have a Collett 3000 gallon tender, and researched the etched options available I haven't managed to find anything suitable. So unless Bachmann improved the tender when they did the updated release (I havent found a clear photo yet but it appears to be the same) I'm a little stuck. One option I am considering is to etch the lower rivet line for retrofit and using transfers to replace the other missing rivets. Sounds a very time consuming option, particularly as I require 2 of these locos for the layout. Will keep looking and see if I can identify a Bristol allocated 22xx that has a 3500 gallon tender for the second loco I think...
  
• Edit: One extra task that has now been added is to replace the flat bar that goes from the cab to the chassis with brass. The original has been carefully removed, the plan being to fabricate the replacement from two strips of brass with a boss between them as per the prototype. the inner section will be soldered to the chassis frame. I have also been looking at the other linkage above the footplate, the wire that was originally on the model has been removed, and I will include a replacement with the correct rectangular profile/rivet detail on my etch sheet.
  
• Again if anyone can think of any other areas that the Mainline model needs to be improved please let me know, With this project (and the 57xx Pannier that will be following it in the new year) It is my intention to bring the models up to match the standard of the latest RTR / kits.
  

A couple of photos:

The planed etch for the buffer beams

The model so far

Edit: Another photo showing the completed work on the pipe cover and the lower boiler fitted