Time to add a bit of metal work.
First the outline and fixing points are drawn onto thin card that is then covered with sellotape, which both strengthens and protects, before cutting out. The shape is then transferred onto litho plate as many times as required; this is where I hit a problem, I am certain I had another sheet waiting to be annealed but can I find it! I need 4 but 1 will have to do until after Easter when I’ll visit my local friendly printer for a bit of grovelling.
The shape can be cut out quite easily with kitchen scissors, not the wife’s best, it’s a good idea to buy a pair especially for this job. Once the shape is cut out turn it over for final sanding of the edge, this shows up any slight imperfections that would be “masked” by the drawn outline.
The fixings are embossed from the reverse side; “rivets” using an old ballpoint pen, the bolt heads using a nut soldered onto a bolt.
The undercarriage legs are looking a lot better now with a few coats of stain.