Semi Fast

Adam, thanks for the tips.

I know what you mean about the Kadees, but for me they seem to be the best compromise.  And I am somewhat conditioned as my first train set was a Hornby Dublo "Cardiff Castle" with the giant claw couplers and a couple of what I think were Trix chocolate and cream coaches, similarly endowed!  That would have been in the late sixties...

I work fairly close to Frizinghall Models in Bradford, so I'll add the wire and other bits to my shopping list for my next visit.  It will be nice to go shopping for constructional items instead of looking only at things in boxes.

Andrew

Thanks for the comments.

Re: Mekpak - thanks for the tip.  How do you clean the paintbrush after use?

@jwealleans:  As far as I recall, the instructions don't mention a brake cross shaft; but logic said there ought to be one (brake gear was a mystery to me before this build, but I now see how it would work on the prototype). What type/size of wire would you recommend, and where could I obtain it?  Any other 'raw' materials you would suggest having in stock?

Re: Door controller - instructions recommend fitting after applying transfers if using the early, large lettering as the controller location overlaps the 'M' of LMS.

Couplings: I'm planning to use Kadees.  Would be grateful for any tips on which ones...

Primer:  Already have Halfords grey primer - interesting idea to leave that for LMS wagon grey.  Question - should I prime the running gear with that as well, before painting black & weathering?

@MikeOxon: Thanks for the encouragement!  The pretending-to-be-a-kid part of me really appreciates that.  I'm not obsessed about detail, but this first wagon has shown me that having a goodly amount helps improve the overall impression.  Putting on the brake gear has also enabled me to finally work out how it worked on the real thing, which has been interesting in itself.

Planning a van next, and I think I'll pull any other grey finish wagons out of the 'pending' box before batching them through the paint shop.

Isn't this modelling fun?  I really can't explain how much I've enjoyed this (relatively) simple job.