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That is interesting. The Cambrian were using 4-4-0 for their passenger expresses from 1878, but express might be typed 'express' as they went nowhere very fast.

At the time it was the norm for express engines to be 'single wheelers' - probably because really accurate alignment of coupled wheels for fast running was still difficult. The GWR persisted with 'singles' later than most and built rather too many late in the 19th century.

My original model has conventional bogie arrangements, with the Tenshodo drive unit in the rear one. It even copes with my small radius curves!.

I find it interesting that they went for bogies but retained a single driving wheel. It would be interesting to know their thinking. Still, the Pearson one is quite beautiful in its own way.

If you've used bearings, and you're feeling brave, you can resolve this with a soldering iron. Put the wagon on a flat surface, identify which bearing needs to be adjusted down (you only need to adjust one side of one axle) and then remove the relevant wheelset. Warm the iron and then touch it to the bearing, applying gentle pressure in the desired direction until the bearing just starts to move in the softened plastic. Remove the iron immediately and assess whether the wheels are now closer to level. The plastic will reharden quickly so you can have another go if things need further adjustment. Don't dwell with the iron or the plastic will melt all the way through to the front of the axlebox. It's a method of last resort but I've found it works if done with care! I had to do it on on one or two Dapol cement wagons with the soapy plastic.

The Hornby pullmans have a similar mechanism and mine were also derailing in the same way. I found that there was roughness on the upperside of the cam that prevented it rotating smoothly. sanding off these rough edges sorted the problem for me.

Thanks for the interest. It's great isn't it. Even my sister commented. It is such a smooth runner, quite a contrast to the 15xx from thoses other people. Cheers Ray

The firebox flicker looks particularly effective in that video👍

Thanks Mikkel, I am very happy with the completed model. Yes, I actually enjoyed the construction of Croesnewydd which is just at the outer edge of my concentration and patience levels!

A sad end to all the previous work, but I’m looking forward to seeing the new layout develop. It’s a pity all the earlier photos have been lost from RMWeb.

What a great finish, all the modified parts are completely integrated with the original body. I'm impressed with "Croesnewydd", very neatly arranged, not easy when you're adding each letter individually. I enjoy it though, there's something satisfying about making up the words letter by letter.

It looks to be coming together very nicely. I will be an good excuse to make the trip to Wells in August to see it in the flesh.

Yes, it deserves the name on it. If you already have one of the HMRS transfer sheets, the name can be composed from the lettering - either the alphabet provided or from bits of the other wording. But it takes a bit of time of course.

Thank you Mikkel. Yes, the appeal of this type of modelling is that it is cheap and occupies the mind. As I say, I was inspired by the Geoff Kent book. Having said about the cheapness, I am thinking of getting some "croesnewydd" transfers made for it. I know Geoff hand paints his lettering!! Never going to happen!! :-)

I enjoy making these kits, but have found the issue with "soft plastic". Out of the three I made, one only ever has three wheels in contact with the rails, which results in it derailing regularly. That really put me off making more, but I'll keep an eye out for original Airfix kits at future shows (though I'm not sure the decals will have aged well)

Very nice work, David. And all done with basic components, without buying in special items (save buffers and hooks). The L sections for the handrails are particularly impressive. And the lamp irons are ingeniously simple, but effective. There's a magazine article here, I think.