Nelson Grove

Hi David B. (just to avoid confusion, I'm David W.!) You'll recall we had a virtual conversation some time ago about top feeds, ladders and crank-driven lubricators. I like your now-finished Caprotti 5, and you've forced me to turn my attention back to my 20 yr-old version - specifically to the as-yet unadded lubricator crank. I've started to fashion the crank and rod from a gear set from "Peter's Spares" although mounting the underside of the lubricators poses a question ... do I attach it to the underside of the running plate, as in the prototype, or do I somehow make a tiny bracket on the side of the chassis? - although there's not much available room inside the wheels, and removing Hornby wheels is not recommended, apparently! Following prototype means that there'll have to be a way to release it from the running plate to permit servicing access etc. And at my age, the eyesight doesn't cope well with tiny drills and self-tappers etc! Incidentally, I chickened out of lining my 'Caprotti' and kept it in post-war unlined black, as per the classic Eric Treacy photo. If I ever sort out the crank, I'll post a photo! Regards, David W.

I see you've found a top feed! I was going to suggest: https://www.247developments.co.uk/loco_detailing.html Stanier white metal feed £1.50. I made a Caprotti '5' about 20 years ago - like you using a Hornby Hall chassis and Black 5 boiler and cab. The running plate with splashers came from a Mainline "Jubilee and the tender is a painted Wrenn ready made (and rivetted). Plenty of Milliput too ! I still have it. It runs well but I still need to add the eccentric crank-driven lubricator on the RHS (not many photos around of that side). Oh, and good luck with the access steps. They're very slim!