Back on track with the Caprotti after a quiet Christmas with family. With the frame and running plate fettled into position I was able to solder the cylinder plate into its correct 2º sloping position. With the frame half built I decided to continue with that element of the kit and assembled the gearbox and motor:

The five sequences show how the simple fold up and solder etch houses the gears. The holes for attaching the Mashina motor need enlarging and quite a lot of filing is needed to fit the bushes between the frames. The motor sits on top of the frames and can be fixed into place with some double sided tape if desired. The gearbox has yet to be tested but will turn easily by hand on the spindle so I expect it to be OK.

Next I assembled the Romford wheels and began to prepare the simple motion before tackling the front bogie assembly: