I have never been happy with the look of the coal in the hornby tender of my black 5. This is a China made Loco drive model. I was surprised to see a drive unit minus the armature in the tender. The pick-ups are still used. To leave room for the coal chute the top needed to be cut off the drive unit. The coal was surprisingly thick but the mini drill with cutting disc made short work of it then a quick file to open up the bunker space. I have also opened up the outlet in the cab end. Just need to make up the chute from some plasticard and add some real coal.
What did you cut the motor block with? I have two locos with the speakers fitted in the tender but it’s a tight squeeze.
I have made a new inside for the tender from plasticard. Have painted it matt black and just need some coal.
