Now that my Cameo Competition layout is pretty much finished, its time to get back to work on Brent.  After months of working with plastic RTR models, I feel a bit of kit building is in order. 

So its out with a long term project and my Mitchell Manor kit.  

I started this back in 2015 after buying half a kit from Malcom (a full set of etches and most of the castings), however I have no tender (which will be a Hornby Churchward 3500gl) and no chassis.   I am also missing one key casting, the wide spacer which forms the joint between the smokebox and the boiler. 

I am undecided as to which loco I am modelling, it will either be 7800 (for which plates are included on the etch) or 7813 for which there is a photo of the loco at Newton Abbot in 1948.  

Work so far: 

Most of the work so far has focused around the footplate, which is now pretty much complete.  the next area of attention will be the cab, before having to make a start on the job I have long been putting off (forming the boiler).

I need to make a decision as to how I will power the model, the options are a Mitchell chassis (not currently available, expensive but a perfect fit), a Comet chassis (not quite as expensive, needs modifying to fit), or a rewheeled Hornby Grange (unclear how the body needs to be modified, will be reliable out the box, will be the cheapest option (and includes a tender).

Hopefully I can crack out the soldering iron this evening and start on the cab...