So having had time to consider the options, I decided that I could probably remove the buffer beam without causing any damage. I placed the unit buffer beam down on a block of wood, flooded the rear with flux and with the iron fired up to 450 C, pressed the tip down firmly on the inner surface in the middle and watched the heat flow out left and right. I then carefully folded the unit over at the running plate/ buffer beam joint and the two separated. No collateral damage and nothing else moved. Here if is after cleaning up ready to refit.
And refitted along with the front steps, rivet strips, grab rails and the valance to the drop plate. The foot steps under the running plate are also fitted.
And from the underside showing the webbing behind the buffer beam.
Here's a view showing the right hand footsteps and drop plate valance.
Next the rear bulk head for cab. The half etche door overlays have folding tabs on the hinges, that fit into slots in bulk head. After slotting in they are soldered on the inside, so cleaning up, if any is minimal. The locker extends up to the roof which believe is incorrect and if should stop short. However, it will give some support to the roof and will not be visible so I've left it alone.
Here's the cab rear plate with the bulk head and lockers. I've drilled the missing vent holes I the cab rear. There are 19 on the locker but I believe 15 are correct.
And the two parts soldered together. I've jumped the gun here and should have done this later, but I don't think it will cause any problems. There's a nice representation of the latch on the coal doors.
Here's the cab rear and bunker rear after adding the footsteps and grab rails.
And the other side of the bunker rear with the bottom plate. All the step and grab rail stubs having been clipped and dressed back.
Here's the support for the cab floor. A couple of extra grooves not present on the etch have to be filed each side where the cab output is. This is mentioned in the instructions.
This is the underside with the strengthened clipped in place with the mini tabs.
Here is the bunker fitted to the cab rear.
And inside the bunker with the inner sloping sides fitted. Again the soldering is done on the inner non visible areas so only minimal cleaning up is required.
And the underside. The cab floor support is just slotted in place. The box structure with the hole has and 8BA nut soldered on the other side and I assume the is for the rear body to chassis fixing.
And flipped over again showing it from the front.
Cheers,
Peter