Conclusions?
I feel I have posted so much about this build I really ought to include some conclusions so here goes.
I could try to claim that this kit has been far too difficult for me, but of course I have managed to get though to the end. I can remember my enthusiasm when I started the kit, but I lost it all along the way. I have altered and renewed so many of the etched parts that the build has been more like a particularly infuriating job of work than a hobby.
On the bright side, I have built the loco from only the parts supplied in the kit plus the new parts I have made. There is nothing bought-in here beyond the motor and gearbox, control equipment and etched plates. I think this is an achievement. The model weighs 300 grams, which is enough to let it pull a small train but (subjectively) small enough to not put too much strain on the 4mm scale gearbox.
I have made a model with three power options: NiMh charged through the smokebox door socket; a LiPo battery charged from its own charging port; or even a primary battery. The PP3 battery is a standard off-the-shelf item and it is easy to remove it and install a new one. Controllability using the Micron MR601a receiver is excellent. This is still the only controller board I know of which is powerful enough to drive the 12V motor and small enough to fit inside the model, and the radio control would not have happened without it.
For me, the best thing about the loco is the generous amount of daylight visible between the frames and especially the clear view down through the model onto the track. This is so much better than the appearance of a model with a monoblock chassis.
The loco will be useful on the layout and it was well worth building, but I will try a different brand next time.
