All this rain lately has given me a chance to start working on the Gramps kit from Phil’s Narrow Gauge. This is an impressive kit - very well engineered with a great set of instructions including lots of pictures. The castings are very clean and the parts are nicely laser cut. I should have taken pictures along the way, but I was just having too much fun putting this one together. Tonight I brought it upstairs to show my wife and decided now was a good time. I have just finished putting the brass rivet strips on and it has taken on a new look. The most time consuming part has been sealing the thin plywood that forms the tank. This plywood is wrapped around a circular framework for a nice tube effect; three pieces make up the tank proper. A specially cut piece forms the dome so it sits on the tank correctly. Seal, sand, repeat. But it does look good. Next, I’ll be putting the catwalk on, followed by a lot of the metal details.
If you enjoy building, you should enjoy this kit!
I was thinking of priming it first - but I’m not sure if it’s really necessary since I’ve sealed it with about 4 coats so far. I plan on just using some black Krylon. It’s almost a shame to cover up that pretty wood. 
There will be some more details to add on when the paint is complete; chains, lid, and decals. A great kit!
