David Burton

On the drawing, the slidebars are 5' 5 7/8" (just short of 22 mm) long, 1 1/2" high at each end and 2 1'2" high where attached to the motion bracket. The width is 5 1/2". The connecting rod should be 6' 10 1/2" (27.5 mm) long between the the big end and small end centres. David

I've just been catching up on the slidebar discussion but haven't noticed any comment on how far the slidebars are apart. The prototype drawing shows they should be 1' 4" (5.33 mm) apart. My model measures only 4.6 mm, so here's another reason that the ends of the slidebars are turned up. David

Having only just found out about the loss of 'Finescale' when my Saved Search returned 11,570 items instead of the normal 20 or so, I looked to see what was being siad on here. I agree with Dave. What was listed under Finescale wasn't always, but then neither are a lot of the others, unless Hornby have started producing full size boat parts and Bachmann selling cars. However people listing would find that this was the best place to put, for example, kit built locos and rolling stock to 4mm scale, whether 00, EM or P4, and similarly the other scale guage combinations, and buyers learnt that this was the place to look. Over the years I purchaded a lot of models through ebay, mostly via Finescale, but I am not sure that this will continue as I am certainly not going to spend my time wading through pages stuff to find the odd thing in which I might be interested. Somebody has suggested starting off the description with the word 'finescale'. That may certainly help if it catches on. David Burton

Following the announcement from Martin Finney of his retirement Brassmasters are pleased to announce that we have acquired the 4mm range of Martin Finney kits. These high quality kits have been admired by ourselves and fellow finescale modellers since their introduction; this will ensure their future production and will complement the existing Brassmasters range. It is our intention to make the castings, sundry components and complete kits available as soon as possible and in the longer-term to introduce new kits. Martin is working with us to ensure a smooth handover and when this is complete we will then set out our future plans. However realistically it is unlikely that any of the kits will be available again until the Autumn. We will provide a regular update via our website www.brassmasters.co.uk and newsletter.

6376 is a correct number for a loco in this condition. In fact with the longer cab side sheets and roof, the separate right hand splasher, later shape motion bracket and the tapered cast iron chimney it is a standard 63xx, a description which covered 5390 - 7321. 6362 - 6369 and 7320/1 were built with outside steam pipes and other locos started to be fitted from 1928 onwards, but locos without could be seen into BR times. However it is not fitted with ATC equipment or conduit along the right hand valance (hanging plate) which was fitted in the early 30s. However, this can easily be added. Good luck with the project