LaScala

I also bought the non DCC version and agree it's a top model. I reckon it wouldn't be hard to make some pick ups and wire LED's via bridge rectifier and resistors to give a poor internal light.

Rob, The biggest tip I can give regarding Griffin motion is checking width over the cranks. It will be almost too late if you solder it all up and cut the axles only to realise it won't fit between axleboxes. I know this because I lost weeks with my Duke and ended up having to narrow bearings, shave hornblocks and file outer ends of cranks.

I'll bet you are the only person to complete a Gateneal pannier this decade. A sow's ear job saved by skill and fresh castings. Rather you than me so well done.

It's designed to test the builder's patience and in my case it succeeded........

Definitely a bad person. This one is a very slow burn that I never get round to finishing.

I have not seen any comments about the unsightly crack in the Minerva cab sides where the top must clip on. Compared to the Scorpio's convincing unbroken brass cab-sides, the Minerva looks a bit Railroad to me. I think fixing this would significantly improve the look.

Sorry to be pedantic, but there is no such thing as an outside frame Dean. There were Beyer & Armstrong 0-6-0's that went before; similar but not the same.

I'm currently using Septone super etch primer from Supercheap. Tamiya is about 10 times the price per litre.

I found this firm helpful and speedy when sending to Australia http://www.normanwisenden.co.uk/ The big disadvantage of the Coopercraft kits is that upgrading them can cost more than you paid

So is Dukedog actually available and if so at what price?

Check your PM box now

Yes, I have them intact but a bit dog eared but I will have to scan them when I get a chance. It's an excellent kit. The instructions are chiefly helpful to sort out the myriad options. I found it an easy build. Here it is about 6 months ago before a few details and plates.

IMHO it's the bunker that is a PITA. The tanks are not too difficult. Having built three panniers, I can say that the ZZ is the easiest but it is an old kit and compares to say the MOK 64xx, light years behind. The Zero Zephyr kit gets over both problems because bunker and tanks are nice resin one piece castings.

Scorpio do one and they are a bit easier to find. Refer http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/16709-scorpio-model-kits/ This one came up on www https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/scorpio-models-gauge-kit-class-2021-479298179 Both are old kits but as this post on WT shows, a great model can result http://www.westernthunder.co.uk/index.php?threads/a-west-midlands-works.3825/page-8

Very nice work Sandy. I had a shot at this kit last year and inly had one problem area, the bunker corners. You seem to have done well. Like Heather K, i surrendered and took the Dremel to the triangular castings and then had to teplace a few lost rivets. The MOK solution for their 64xx of a full height casting is far better.

http://www.gwr.org.uk/no-64xx.html Warren Shephard does a nice lever reverser for his Dean Goods

Pedant warning, but didn't 74xx have lever reverse?

Yes, NS is a dream compared to brass. As for instructions, I reckon impossible to catergorise by source. Take the 3 JLTRT kits I have made, or nearly made in case of 2251. 517 has old school Mitchell instructions probably originating on electric typewriter. Excellent chatty style and informative. 57xx has excellent modern CAD isometrics but virtually no words. Pretty easy to follow. 2251 most frustrating. No meaningful words and little or no explanation except for inside motion. Depends on a CD of pics produced by Ozzyo but don't necessarily match the kit version you have, (2004 or 2007). A good kit but so difficult to work out.

I was a bit puzzled by the top of the smokebox on my Warren Shephard 74xx until I realised it is all but invisible with chimney in place it fixes to the rear of the tank front. Ultimately it just supports the chimney and is all but invisible as you will discover. This looks to be a lovely kit as you would expect from MOK.

Whatever came of the Dukedog in easy build format?

I think you will find that the CD has photos that originated on RMWeb courtesy of Ozzyo http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/30482-building-a-gwr-grange-more-in-7mm-of-from-a-jltrt-kit-starts-on-p85-by-ozzyo/page-50

Rob, Love the Ghost and the MG but what happened to the SS100? Looks like it ran up the back of the Crossley. One of the most beautiful cars of all time made to look like a bad 70's kit car. I too have use the Vallejo paints and been very happy. The Ghost does look very good.

I've been known to leave the SBD retained by Blutac for years. When it finally drops off the penny takes same path.

Sow's ear to silk purse? Bet the upgrade total cost is climbing up towards original cost of kit. I see on FB that the current owner of Agenoria is about surrender to the inevitable and call it quits without a buyer in sight. I guess this thread has added a few nails to the coffin.