Hello everyone,

For this episode I wanted to do something a little different. The purpose of this kit build is to develop my design thinking around the design and assembly of etched kits generally.
I have a lot of projects on the go right now which will feature etched brass and nickel silver in their construction. A friend suggested trying a Colin Craig kit.
The kit featured in this video is for an FGA container flat wagon, and has proved really inspirational. It's been a lovely kit to out together, I'd say really easy given the massive
construction manual, which combined with some clever thinking in the design of the kit and made the process an absolute joy.
I don't think this kit is available any more, which is a shame as it really is excellent. I was grateful to get hold of one on Ebay. I believe that some of the parts, including the bogies
are available from Stenson models.
https://www.willsworkbench.com/shop/s... (I've no affiliation)

I've tried to keep my commentary to a minimum, and let the video give a flavour of the processes involved rather than waffle on.
I have consciously sped up much of the footage to cram as much in as I can, if it's too fast you can always using the playback settings function to look in more detail.

I hope you enjoy watching the video, and for those to whom etched kit construction might seem like a black art, I'd encourage you to have a go.
It really isn't that difficult, and the results are very satisfying.

Not included in the video is the parts washing process. It is essential that the soldered parts are cleaned as one progresses through the build to remove residual traces of flux. Hot soapy water and a toothbrush is all that is required. Rumour has it that the domestic dishwasher is excellent for the task.. :)

In addition to the kit, I used:

A 60w soldering iron: https://amzn.to/3EDF9Ng
Flux and 145 degree solder: https://amzn.to/3Y1KKUg & https://amzn.to/3lVA7VF
Inexpensive side cutters: https://amzn.to/3SseJDD
A Scalpel with a no 23 blade: https://amzn.to/3Y010Fe & https://amzn.to/3ko8sMI
Ceramic tipped Tweezers: https://amzn.to/3EDF9Ng
240 grit abrasive pads and various emery boards.

I also used a Foredom jewellers drill which I'd thoroughly recommend for all sorts of modelling jobs, although they are quite an investment. A Dremel would work also.

Thanks for watching,

James