I've not received my levers etch back from PPD yet (not sure if its stuck in a post backlog..) so I haven't done much in the meantime as my workbench is full of unfinished wagons.. I have tried fitting the underframe to a couple of different wagons though just to see how it goes and add some variety to my fleet.

First is a LNER 6-plank merchandise wagon based on the ABS kit for a 9ft wb unfitted example. A bit of filing back of the white metal solebars and once soldered together the underframe slots in place. I need to look at the club copy of Tatlow to decide on a prototype as most pictures I have seen are of late surviving 10ft WB examples. The wm door springs have yet to be removed as they are a bit chunky compared to my etched ones. There are a couple of prototypes in Paul Bartlett's gallery although I think they are all 10ft WB http://gallery6801.fotopic.net/c1000911.html .

Next is the Cambrian kit for the LMS dia 1666 merchandise wagon that I picked a couple of body frets up for at Scaleforum. With 54,000 made its a prototype every steam era layout should have! These frets contain the sides and ends along with the solebars so I only need to make up some headstocks to complete. Its posed on the underframe for the LNEr wagon for now hence it has push rods in the Morton configuration.

Whilst watching Abu Dhabi i've been busy on the laptop doing some more artwork to get the parts for the LMS 17ft 6" underframe into 'fret' format. Levers are being left until last again but the springy bits and brakes are suitably complete along with the main floor. Note the separate reinforcing diagonals and the triangular piece that fits on the small vee and provides support for the lift-link lever.

ps Anyone who has one managed to build one of these underframes yet? I realise people might be waiting for the levers (I certainly am!) but any feedback would be great, thanks.