Been building a few more wagons for Brettell Road.
Starting with some RTR offering, from left to right, Dia 2078 van from the Bachmann van. I’ve converted it to a fitted van and repainted it. Next an eastern region van of some descriptions again from Bachmann. My local model shop had these in their bargain bin so I picked 3 up thinking it would be a quick win. In reality it was a bit more involved as due to the chassis design p4 wheels don’t fit. The backs of the W-irons were slimmed down and the brakes removed and replaced along with some extra details. Then we have a Hornby Dublo banana van mounted on a red panda chassis kit. Not much more to say about this really other than to direct you to Ian Flemming’s blog (click here). Likewise the last van, an Airfix body on a Parkside chassis.
More vans starting with the Slaters 8 ton van kit. In reality it’s too old for the layout but I liked its antiquated look and have assumed that it’s an internal user for the steel works. Next along a 12 ton van from the Cambrian kit followed by a shock an and LMS brake van both from Parkside kits.
Finally a Cambrian single plank wagon (left) and an older Parkside open. The load is based on a picture I found in a book or magazine somewhere. I wanted a tarpaulin covered load as being an older kit there was no interior detail at all. Quite why the end of the wooden beams weren’t covered over is a mystery. Next to that is another Parkside kit for a wooden open and the famous Airfix 16 ton mineral. Surprising to think I’ve been into model railways for my whole life and never actually built one before. Finally a Ratio 5 plank open which I’ve depicted as sold off to the steel works due to its age.
Hurrow!
“…Quite why the end of the wooden beams weren’t covered over is a mystery…”
When I was still of use to the world I spent nearly three years in the base workshops at HMS St Angelo, Malta.
Amongst other things I was involved in using and ordering quite big chunks of wood, boards [think ‘planks’]etc up up 12″ square for later re-sawing.
Most had a good 9″ cut off each end before use as this is where the stock contained splits and unsound wood from drying unevenly. Essentially the end bits were waste.
Perhaps this could account for the lack off care taken over the ends?
Incidentally, large end-grain pieces were sought after by engine room staff to use as a pad when cutting bolt holes on pipe joints with hollow punches.
Doug
Thanks Doug
That explains it
Jim
Hi Jim,
A very entertaining selection of wagons.
The banana van is of particular interest as I have a Dapol-bodied one myself. It is possible to make a BR ply-sided banana van from the Parkside standard 12t ply-sided van, but a great deal more fiddling is needed with the door strapping, ends and brake gear.
P.S. Where is banana van’s the yellow roundel?! (I have plenty of spare transfers if you would like some.)
All the best,
Colin
If you don’t mind Colin, that would be great
Cheers
Jim
I can understand your liking the antiquated van.
It seems to have a personality of its own.
its just nice.