As time allows further developments have taken place on the Stanier 2-6-4t. Pick-ups and motor have been installed and trial running has taken place demonstrating a very free running frame. A minor issue has been noted with the downward springing on the bogie, the spring itself is too short so I'll have to make a small collar about 2mm deep to exert just a modicum of pressure.
The frames are now as complete as I wish them to be at this stage so a start has been made on the body. The basic running plate built us very well
Very minor issues of my own making arose with installing the very front platework, I'd got the curves slightly wrong and had to reform them but now all is well although the photo shows a little additional soldering is still required.
General construction was simple, the valances are nickel silver and give the whole unit stability. The three sections of the platework have the usual etched grooves to locate the valance which went into them with a satisfying click. Work could then start on the main body.
There is an orgy of riveting to be done on this kit. The build instructions said to start by building the side tanks but the huge number of rivets to be formed was just too daunting for now. I have deviated from the suggested build process by constructing the bunker. This photo shows the three basic parts with the right hand bunker side yet to be riveted.
As the leftward bunker side shows, there are two "styles" of rivets, the well spaced lines with generous clearances and then there are the rows of very close rivets. The bunker sides allowed me to gently settle into forming them. The main tanks will probably see me resting in a darkened room once I've finished working on them. This is the bunker with some of the detailing already in place, excuse the marks left over from a quick wash!
The only issue that has arisen with the bunker has been in the coal space. The internal floor had to be reduced in size to get it into position and two fillets are required to cover minor gaps, thank goodness a generous load of coal will cover this "modification" although once the bunker sides are built up the "mods" will be difficult to see. The two "boxes" will eventually be covered up by the rear of the cab. So here is the progress to date
Now a plea for help, these locomotives as built had water scoops and the kit makes provision for the two domes to be fitted in the cab. Somewhere I think I have read the scoops were removed along with the domes, is anyone able to confirm this?
Very uniform and in a nice straight line. NQLTRT
