Horsetan

Right so, I'm just after completing the shell of the smokebox. Photos to follow as Windows Phone 8 will not work directly with the Forum upload software. The smokebox shell is easy, but mounting it on the footplate reveals some flaws in etch design which "Weshty" might want to have a look at if he gets time to revisit the original artwork that he inherited. These flaws also affect the mounting of the front frame plates, making the job a little harder than it should be. The real killer is forming the smokebox wrapper - you have to go slowly and carefully on this, and it helps to have the use of a rolling mill. The reverse curve where the smokebox sides become vertical must be marked out because if you get it in the wrong place, it will be the very devil to correct. I'll show yis how I did mine.....

Have they not resignalled Waterford yet?

The thing we should also remember is that the canopy survived several decades, and CIE/IE's parsimonious neglect. The cynic in me (and I'm a cynical man, Ted, as ye know) wonders if IE were hoping that this thing would fall down eventually, so that they could whip in a new glass-and-steel version.....or save money and leave the platform exposed.

...and remove the pair of irons on the smokebox door ring. The handwheel is only correct for the CIE standard door (which nobody makes....unless "Weshty" is offering?) not the Maunsell door (which should have the rectangular numberplate carved off as well). CIE smokeboxes were also plastered with rivets!!

During the oul East German days, Piko was known for being value-for-money. I was given a lend of a friend's Deutsche Reichsbahn "Reko" 03 Pacific back then, and was quite amazed to find that almost all of its valve gear (fully-working, by the way) was plastic, not metal. Even the coupling rods were plastic. It was still a fine model for the price.

Shoulda gone to SpecSavers.

Jaysus. 15 notes for that yoke?

Wonderful. Thanks

In that case, it may be as well to also adapt parts from the Brassmasters 4F inside motion kit - the crossheads do look suitable.

If delivery problems go on as they are, it could be 2015/2016 before models reach these shores....

That last / first photo (photo 16), in which you showed a broadside shot of the "Piston Valves and piston rod detail and gland assembly" - is it possible to get the camera in a bit closer to see how the PVs are actuated? I've enlarged the photo and highlighted the area in light blue to show you what I'm after.....

I appear to be cursed with long life.

It just so happens that I have a Finney Pannier inside motion kit lying around....hmmmm....