Another weekly update, bit of a 'Texan two step' week really, but progress none the less. I eventually found out why my coal space didn't fit....because I used the wrong parts...in my defence' the supplementary sheet was buried under all the other etch sheets. Plus, there is no mention anywhere in the instructions that there is a supplementary sheet for these parts
Those sharp of eye will also notice a little problem with the flared corners, they're brass and lovely castings and work really well, until you come to remove the little nibbles that align with the side sheets on the inside. The upshot is simple, you end up with kit kat wrapper thin material at that joint.
The downside is a patch on the inside under the coal rail posts, not prototypical, but I'm citing rule #1 they're local patches to strengthen the joint and coal rail post. The other solution is to totally remove both sides and start again.
In future I'll remove the nibbles first before soldering in the corner posts and make a butt joint and blend with solder.
One other handy tip, drill the corner posts for the handrail knobs on the bench, the brass is very hard and it'd be a real chore once fitted on the model, I didn't fall foul of that one and pre-drilled before fitting.
Another tip, buy some half round 1.0 mm brass beading, you need at least a working 900-950 mm for the tender, the kit supplies 600. I was lucky and already had some, but it's of the softer NuGold variety so may not stand up to the coal rail rigors too well, hence it'll go on last. If it doesn't fair well then I'll have to obtain some harder half round in due course.
The springs, shackles and pull rods are also all done, but need to be fitted after painting, so they're tucked away safely in a little bag ready. I might try and fit them for the final completed photos, but suspect they'll just drop out without some form of adhesive to hold them in place.