In between messing around with other projects I've started work on one of the Narrow Planet (NP) O&K 40HP contractor loco kits designed by James Hilton.

http://shop.narrowplanet.co.uk/collections/loco-kits/products/npl-003

The kit is designed to go on a Minitrains Kraus chassis and does so easily. The quality of the 3D print is superb and with a soak in white spirit to remove any residue left from the printing process as well as a clean up of the sides with wet and dry paper a lovely smooth finish can be achieved.

The etching is also well thought out and is gradually added to build up the detail. Obviously you can add as much or as little detail as you would like but I thought I would add some panel lines, add rivets from Archers transfers and a few other cosmetic details. I'm using the NP Bosna couplings which were fitted with the aid of a Greenwich coupling height tool.

Here's the state of play this morning:

O&K 1 29-9-15 001 by Mark Branson, on Flickr

Various gauges of brass wire has been used as you can see and further pipework needs to be added. I've added the flanges to the clack valves as well as the valve on the side of the dome from plastic rod. Lines have been scored on the cabside and rivet detail will be applied.

I've also reduced the the size of the dome shape on the smokebox door and added details from Microstrip and wire. The wheel is from a Mainly Trains etch.

O&K 1 29-9-15 002 by Mark Branson, on Flickr

Lamp brackets have been made from staples and the cylinders are in the process of being modified to bulk them out slightly. The chimney will be reduced in height and receive a lip as well.

Here's a side on shot showing the added detail so far.

O&K 1 29-9-15 004 ps by Mark Branson, on Flickr

Steam pipes are to be added along with roof and whistle and the wheels and valve gear painted.

Out interest does anyone know what the cab flooring is made from on these little O&K's. Is it wood or steel?

Livery will be plain black but I'm in the process (Still!) of designing some decals for John at Precision to print for me which will be old gold for the locos and coaching stock of the FBLR. The loco's are to be named after sea birds, local folk and locations around Filey Bay.

This is a lovely kit to build and I'll be ordering a 20hp version once this one is complete.

More soon.

Cheers,

Mark