16mm Slaters Hunslet kit build

[Paul_in_Ricky]

I'm just starting a 16mm Slaters quarry Hunslet kit of 'Rough pup'. Inspired by Quarryman's build detailed here before.

Has anyone else here made one of these ?

If so can I ask a couple of questions please ?

 

How did you add the rivet detail ?

I don't have and can't really justify the expense of a rivet press. I wasn't too happy using a centre punch on a slate wagon kit, so it looks like drilling each hole and soldering in a brass rivet. I can't decide what size to use and in the current lock down can't get to an original loco to measure up.

Having bought some different sized rivets none seem the perfect size for the frames. 1.17mm head into a 0.8mm hole looks a bit small, whereas 2.1 mm head into a 1.2mm hole seems too chunky. That's the 1/32” and 3/64” sizes from EKP, 1mm rivets from Prime Miniatures seem almost identical to the 1/32” EKP, but possibly better finished. Any other suppliers out there offering something in between ?

 

I want it to be self-contained and battery powered with radio control.

A Deltang RX65 will be no trouble to hide, but what battery set and where ?

A quick try suggest it'll need at least 4.5v, so maybe a 4xAAA pack of Nimh or two 3.7v Lipo, but how to hide the packs and make them accessible for future maintainance ?

 

Your thoughts and experience would be gratefully received.