Converting Porter saddle tanks is more complicated than it looks. First the handrail is removed to be replaced with a finer one using knobs supplied in the kit. At the same time holes have to be marked and drilled on the other side, the new look locomotive will have double the hand holds of the RTR model. To get a nice level handrail the same height as the original I dug out the odd-leg calipers and scribed lines in the paint with them - so much easier than trying to measure anything.
Three of the locos have spark arrester chimneys which require the bell to be relocated to the side of the tank. Working out where the new bracket is to be fitted I went for a position up against the rails which allows me to brace the joint by sticking it to the handrail knob. The bell bracket needs a little fettling to fit to its new support. Finally a dash of filler sorts out the hole left from the original mounting.
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