Hi,
I've been busy beavering away on the L12.
I've attached the boiler unit to the previous work and built and fitted the transverse water tube covers. Horrible things to look at and a sod to fit. There is a helpful jig to set the height, but that only goes so far, as if it is the slightest bit out horizontally or vertically, or too high or too low, it sticks out a mile. Despite my care, each side was removed before being refitted to my satisfaction.
I also had to round the top and bottom front edges. The cover was far too sharp in this respect. I added some copper wire to the inside join, flooded with solder (not often I'll say that) and rounded with files. I don't see how the initial shape could be bettered, I think its just that no 2 people will build the body exactly the same and there will always be a little bit of filing to fit. Glad to move on!
The front end wings had the bracket etches added, and the front cover was formed to shape. Again, it dropped into a recess on the footplate.
And this is where I am up to now.
I want to get the cab interior and roof fitted before Telford, which will mean most of the etched work on the body will be finished.
Richard