This is going to be my last modification to these Deltics. There is more that could be done, but it'd be better to start with a clean sheet with those - and I've two more to be done (sometime), I've some bits to get from Mr Hanson, and some more exploration about what else one can get away with. This could include on the bogies, the lifting hooks and anti-sway loops (if that's what they're called?), the lifting bogie-end hooks, and replacement brake cylinders for starters. On the fuel tanks, there's improved pipework and end fittings. On the underframe, there's the sanding gear (if still fitted) and extra exhaust (toilet?) pipe at the no. 2 end (removed circa 1970?). On the body, there's all of Mr Hanson's bits and pieces to keep the most enthusiatic of perfectionist well and truly happy for some time.. we'll see what I feel brave enough to attempt next time.

So, here's my last mod to this pair (Nimbus will need to have proper -etched- brake levers fitted first).. my attempt at fitting the handbrake chains.

Several others have described how they've done this, but I thought that I'd take some photos along the way.

The first step was to acquite some chain. Hens-teeth, springs to mind, but I got a good pointer from a comment in my last blog to contact P&H models in Alford. They identifed that what I wanted was "Detail Associates code 229-2210 Satety Chain 40 links to inch black" and they had one packet left (the rest sold out at DEMU showcase - more in in September, apparently). A cheque went in the post, but they posted it before receiving my cheque... for which I'm very grateful. Very friendly and helpful advice... thanks Phil!

On 43179s workbench http://www.rmweb.co....ruachan-part-3/ Jon describes how he fits his links to his 37... and this gave me the basic plan to follow.

I used the smallest drill I've got in my handchuck (0.3mm) to drill out a small hole in the plastic that shouldn't be there - it's the hole for the brake cylinder lever to pass through the bogie (it's partially filled in on these - it's a proper hole on Hornby 50s). Into this I affixed a small length of 0.2mm wire (hobbycraft jewelery range) bent to a right angle - facing away from the brake lever. This was fixed in place with Rocket Max.

Apologies for the photo quality, but I hope this illustrates the assembly.

I then measured the length of chain needed to connect to the brake lever loosly... about 13 links was my guess.. although measuring these out was a little tough on the eyesight. Time to invest in a magnifyer me thinks:(.

Then, with the 0.2mm wire, I manufactured an additional link, slightly larger than those of the chain - elongated - and left this open. Incidentally, the chain seems to be made from 0.2mm wire too - or a close approximation to it.

Here's a photo of the chain and additional link. Again, sorry about the quality.

Now, the new link could be looped onto the chain, squeezed, then looped through the brake lever hole and squeezed shut. The other end of the chain can then.. in theory, be passed over the wire "hook" on the bogie. Et voila:

Repeat for each bogie and you're done.

CAUTION... when lifting the loco, the bogies tend to swing.. and now hang (to an extent) on the chain. When working, I thought it best to unhook the chains and let them dangle on the levers (see below).. only hooking them back in place at the end.

So, here's another look at the finished item

and

I din't get home in time to catch the sunlight today (Trees ) so will try to get some shots of it in the sunshine at the weekend as I think that It really needs some shadows to highlight the chain.

I think that this "ties" the body and bogie together nicely; coupled with the reduced bogie height, this is as close as I'm going to get with this one I think... roll on next time.

Hope that this has been useful to someone.

Jon