david.hill64

Ah! Lucky to have the spare! I wondered if anyone produced it. I know that DJH do for the Duke and standard 5 models, but didn't think that they would supply components. I remember the Crownline conversion but was drifting away from modelling and never bought it. Pity. Impossible to have too many Black 5's on a layout!

Looking forward to seeing it. I thought that these two were much better looking than the earlier caprottis, though I never saw them. Actually I cannot remember seeing any of the caprottis though I can remember seeing 44767 at Edge Hill in 1967. Where will you source the valve gear?

The crosti 9F looks as good as it is possible for one of those beasts! I can still remember seeing 92028, but in rebuilt form. Which ABC gearbox did you use? I'd like to try the normal 9F or the Crosti. Thanks! David

I have an unmade Brassmasters kit that includes the following in the instructions: "Wherever possible, spares of small component parts have been included to allow for those which refuse to be parted form their hiding place in the carpet." Priceless!

I use the gravity rivetter: I like it a lot as it is easy to get consistent sized rivets. Here is a suggestion for etched kit manufacturers who produce etches that need to be punched out. Please include somewhere on the fret a test section where you can practice rivetting to set up the correct drop. If you are also going to use part of the fret as strip material, include half etched holes so that they can be used if needed.

Well you have a very good looking model and can be pleased with your efforts! Santa was very generous this year and provided the bits for mine. 10 Black 5's seems entirely reasonable! I have three Comet Caprotti's (one of each variant) and the DJH kit to make yet. I fancy a couple of Brassmasters variants too. 44686/7 are also on the wish list. I know that there was a conversion kit available some years ago. Comet's website shows how someone has used their Caprotti kit as a base for the high running board version: it looks very good.

I agree that it will be difficult to see the difference and it gives me a problem of what to do with the smokebox. I'll find a way! Actually will need to check other dimensions too: is the running plate 4" longer if the cab etc are moved back?

Great to see this model: it's prompted me to make my first post! I am plucking up courage to start my own model. It will be based on the Brassmasters loco and part welded tender kits but with the long wheel based Comet chassis, Gibson wheels and of course the Bill Bedford etch. I also have some Comet Ivatt tender detailing parts. To be completed in OO. I have all the bits. I am near the finish line with a DJH/Piercy O gauge B1 kit. If anyone is interested I'll post some pictures when it is done. After the marathon of building this model I will probably go for something small and quick(ish) - the Brassmasters Deeley 0F - before starting the Stephenson.