The perils of old etched brass kits

 

Oh, you think this kit building lark is so easy. Heats some solder up, chuck it in the box, give it a shake, and voila! A working loco. 

Not a chance. In the "good old days", etched kits were designed with a pen and paper. The parts would be drawn out several times the size they were required, and the photographically reduced to make the tools for the etching process. 

Sometimes, this didn't mean they were very accurate. This kit includes lovely pre-formed sides, which should drop into a half-etch line on the footplate. Everything held in place, and easy to assemble. 

Except they don't. The sides need to be fixed in place the thickness of the metal outside the etched line. 

Wish me luck...