This kit, like so many, I found best constructed by assembling as many sub-assemblies as possible. The six doors (3 per side) and the ends are constructed of 10 separate parts and the intervening panels of 6 parts. The cross bracing and stanchions were fitted by twisting the locating tabs from the back of the part. This holds them securely and ensures that no solder creeps into the plank joints.
These
two pictures illustrate how it works. 
The next picture shews
all the parts
for the sides ready for construction. While some of the parts are small,
they all fit well.Back to top
The
individual segments were then fitted together using the twisted tab method
and the bases, which fold up to form an off-set, soldered to the sole bar.
Not the easiest job but with a few clamps (a lá hair grips) it is possible
to get the sole bar soldered in place. I strengthened it all with some
off-cuts of steel rail soldered across the backs of the inside fixed
panels. The extension is to solder to the inside of the ends
when the two sides are fitted together. I also soldered some thick scrap
brass joining the inner panels to prevent the body sides bowing out.
The
roof comes as a piece of flat sheet but the instructions have 7mm scale
drawing included so marking out for ventilators and rains strips is easy.
The holes were drilled prior to rolling and the rain strips added once
rolled. There are no lamp tops to fit here since I am building for my
client a later, modified, version with electric lighting. One thing to
watch for is the roof not quite taking up its proper shape along its whole
length. I got round it by making a former to the profile of the end
and soldering that across the centre of the roof. This meant that the
roof only needed soldering to the body at the ends.
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The
under frame is relatively simple with no brake gear trapping the wheels in
so I modified the fixed set to be
bolted in place.
The wheel sets, I think, benefit from strengthening. I soldered some 1mm square rod into the fold and another piece to the upright to give added stiffness. The axles needed two 5BA washers behind each wheel to prevent the vehicle hunting when in motion.
The final assembly was simple enough but the steps are very delicate so some care will be needed when the vehicle is in use.
This
picture give a good view of how the whole thing goes together. A tad
fiddly at times but nothing with which that mythical creature, the average
modeller, could not cope.
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Since
this is a later, modified build, it requires fittings for electric lighting.
The couplings, steam and vacuum pipes are from CPL and the buffers from
Sanspariel from a batch I had cast some years ago.
Here
are all the components ready for the final assembly after painting in works
grey.
The client is to paint it himself so here it is in works grey in my private siding awaiting delivery.
An interesting kit and well up the standard one has come to expect of Bill Parker.
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