Saltford Simplex rebuild part 2.

Here's the basic body castings, the cab back and side have previously been soldered together which dates the build as these days I use epoxy on whitemetal;

The cab front is glued to the bonnet, which is a solid whitemetal casting. Note the rather neat and usefull cast buffer/couplers. These used to be available seperately.

Here's a couple of views with the body castings glued in place;

I just need to fit a new roof (plasticard), radiator hoses and front handrail and I can start painting. I'll leave the green bodywork and red buffer/couplers as they are and just re-do the black frames etc. I'm unsure whether to replace the dirty windows or not, they will help hide the motor if left in place. The side window is actually warped from heat produced by the original cheapo motor!

For smoother running I've turned up a flywheel (12.5mm dia. x 4.2mm wide) to sit above the motor;

The odd finish is from Carrs Metal Black for Brass, not a product that I've ever had much joy with despite carefull de-greasing before use.
Running wise its not too bad, although somewhat hampered by the 12 tooth gear fitted, being rather 'coggy' at low speeds. This is a loco that needs to be driven rather than one that just goes without fuss. Running in should help (not much chance of that here though!).

Paul.