| Hi Malcolm...I have made this model out of Hornby China made parts and would be glad to help if you need it, you're on the right track with your basic method though...don't feel you have to couple up a 6000 gal tender as some Merchants never were paired up to big tenders, even when their tenders were being rebuilt/repaired. Swapping tenders was common practice though so this does give you some license, and V-cabs is definitely the way to go.Make sure you cut the bodies in the correct place to allow for the extra pair of boiler wash-out plugs that the Merchant Navy Engines all had.
Millholme made this kit some years ago and broke-up the moulds, but do still have the plans, another source (I used) was the black book on Bullied Southern Pacifics. This has the drawings and constuction diagrams to scale for you to use. It also gives tender pairings based on shed listings.
Hope this helps...good luck...jules |