Scrap Tank, Superstructure.

Construction of the superstructure of my Scrap Tank is well advanced and all the sheet metal parts needed to complete it are cut out now and piled on my desk, just like the parts from a kit, though without tabs and slots. With the superstructure mounted on the chassis and a chimney in place it now becomes evident that the Scrap Tank, especially when compared to my previous project, little 118, is quite a monster. The chimney in view is temporary as it is planned to replace it with a more accurate 3D printed one, a job currently in the hands of a collaborator. A casting from LGM resolved the problem of the dome and a pressing from the same source will go a long way towards a convincing representation of those side by side safely valves with the whistle rod between them. I made the boiler and the smokebox as two separate assemblies, though in retrospect I think it would have been simpler to use a smokebox wrapper over an extended boiler cylinder. Near to scale boiler bands were supplied by Hobby Holidays and a curl of 0.8 wire fills the step between boiler and smokebox. Cut-outs were progressively enlarged in the footplate to allow free movement as the coupling rods and the substantial bosses of the connecting rods move above the footplate. Apart from the chimney, for which I could find no suitable match, all the castings I need to complete the model are from the accessory lists of  Laurie Griffin and from 62C Models. Laurie's accessory list includes an extensive range of Highland Railway bits and pieces without which modelling Highland locos, with or without a kit, would be difficult indeed.  

The driving wheels, being re-used ones from old 2-4-0 engines, are larger than one would expect on a tank engine and extend into the cab and partly across the entrance. 

Wide splashers will accommodate the coupling rod bosses and cover the tops of the front drivers above the footplate. This should improve the appearance of the loco, who's proportions are somewhat marred by the outsize wheels. In addition, a whole raft of castings and details are yet to be added, which will greatly improve the look of the engine. Note the "L" shaped trim between the boiler and spectacle plate. This started life as an "T" shape, which can be bent to fit the curve of the boiler, which an "L" shape can not. The curved "T" is easily filed to the required "L". 

An etched back-head from the now sadly withdrawn "Lochgorm Kits" range is in place between the cab side tanks. There is an inner spectacle plate, to which the back-head is attached, allowing the assembly to be removeable. Note the covers over the rear drivers where they protrude into the cab. Some consideration needs to be given to the floor level to close the gap under the back-head.