QUOTE (Phil P @ 30 Dec 2007, 18:59)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>It doesn't look like a bad deal to me. I did the maths in
my blog and the numbers look pretty good.
The worst problem appeared to be painting the thing and it appears that some of the bits (bolier, tender sides) are ready painted. Assuming the design is good then screws, bolts & superglue ought to be enough to assemble the thing.
Could be a way into the hobby for newbies who want that big famous loco but don't have the skills or cash to hand to buy the kit as a single item.
Phil
My website
Its weekly
Making a good job will take plenty of skill and patience: I'd certainly expect to see many being started and binned half way through.
Take a look at the brass cab and you'll see that it will certainly need careful preparation and painting - plus, if you choose to use glue, some skill with metal fillers as the "tab in slot" methods of the etch make assembly easier but final filling and finishing harder.
Personally I'd definately Solder all metal parts and use either the correct glue for the plastics chosen by the Mfr or epoxy - a large O scale loco is a substantial thing and standard old superglue won't begin to cut it as a structurally strong adhesive!
Richard