29 replies to this topic

[5Bel]

Hi All,

At the recent Peterborough show Replica managed to remove quite a chunk of my hard won cash in exchange for a nice pile of their goodies! Included in this were two suburban bodies that I was going to convert into a 2Epb. However, with the forthcoming Bachman model and the fact that I have a DC Kits model unbuilt in the loft I have decided to give myself a little more difficult task. I have started the 2Hap conversion, with the DTCL. I have removed a window section from a Replica BG and will transplant it into the relevant part of the subarban 2nd body. I will also graft on one of Replica's MLV ends on to the front.


Window removed from BG bodyshell


BG window cleaned up ready for insertion into 2nd bodyshell.


Parts lined up against their relevant positions in new bodyshell.


2nd Bodyshell cut to recieve BG window.

So far it is going quite well. This one will be powered by a MSL motor bogie, just to see how they go. The Replica bodies give a good basis for this type of conversion. I may do a Tynside 2Epb in future. Thanks for looking.

Cheers for now, Ian.

[Pugsley]

5Bel, on 30 October 2010 - 15:41 , said:

This one will be powered by a MSL motor bogie, just to see how they go.

I'll be interested to see how you get on with it - you're the first person that I've heard of actually using one! I might give one a try when I get round to finishing my VEP (odds are that the Hornby one will be out first! )

[SRman]

Interesting conversion. You may have to fill the lower parts of the BG / toilet windows since the main line mark 1s had deeper windows than the suburbans. Looking at the conversion progress so far, that should certainly not be beyond your skills. Keep those photos of your progress coming.

[BernardTPM]

SRman, on 31 October 2010 - 02:53 , said:

Interesting conversion. You may have to fill the lower parts of the BG / toilet windows since the main line mark 1s had deeper windows than the suburbans.

Good point. the best option might be to buy a whole MLV body and use both cabs and part of the plain body section and cut new window openings in that.

[5Bel]

Hi All,

A quick update on the 2Hap's progress. The BG windows have been inserted in the bodysides and the driving ends have been fixed in place. The toilet windows have been corrected as SRMan rightly says, using plastikard and filler. One day the sun might come out here in Lincolnshire and I might be able to get some decent pics.







One thing I have learned whilst doing this conversion is that "Green Putty" is quite soft as a filler for the larger cracks in the model. I have gone back to using the tried and tested Milliput. The cab end is a slightly different size and profile to the coach body, so you have to be careful when fitting it. On to the MBSO now, before final detailing.

Cheers for now, Ian

[Pete Harvey]

Ian

The Revel Plasto dry s rock hard and even polishes when finished it does not shrink over time like Squadron Green putty and is ready to sand in half the time the squadron green takes.

Pete

[5Bel]

Hi Pete,

Thanks for the tip. Never seen this before, I will have to get me some.

Thanks again, Ian

[mikes]

Hey

I must say your 2HAP is looking great, i am doing a similar conversion using the old mainline mk1's to convert into a class 123 dmu, can i ask what glue you use to put it all back together?

Mike

[5Bel]

Hi Mike,

I use plain old Humbrol liquid poly. I brace the relevant bits of coach side with strips of plastikard and I have not had any problems yet. I should have some more photos of the 2Hap in the next few days to show progress.

Cheers for now, Ian

[Colin parks]

Hi Ian,

It's me again. You are quite prodigious with the models aren't you?! This is an interesting conversion, reminding me of some units on a layout called 'Ripper Street' some years ago. You mention the motor bogie you are going to use, but what will you make the underframes from? Are you converting the Replica ones?

Colin

[5Bel]

Hi Colin,

I will be using the Replica underframes, using their MLV parts for the DMBS undergear. I will be modifying the Replica BR1 bogie into the correct type with Hornby wheels. I will also be modifying Replica interiors to represent the 2Hap. Hopefully their MLV underframe will be available soon as it will fit straight in a whole host of my units. I have seen Ripper Street and very good it is too. I have a Bachmann suburban brake that I am going to convert into a 501 at some point. I am waiting on a delivery from Dart Castings to complete the 2Hap. That coupled to the fact that I have aquired a DC Kits 71 has slowed progress a bit!

Cheers for now, Ian.

[Xerces Fobe2]

5Bel, on 12 November 2010 - 20:55 , said:

Hi Colin,

I will be using the Replica underframes, using their MLV parts for the DMBS undergear. I will be modifying the Replica BR1 bogie into the correct type with Hornby wheels. I will also be modifying Replica interiors to represent the 2Hap. Hopefully their MLV underframe will be available soon as it will fit straight in a whole host of my units. I have seen Ripper Street and very good it is too. I have a Bachmann suburban brake that I am going to convert into a 501 at some point. I am waiting on a delivery from Dart Castings to complete the 2Hap. That coupled to the fact that I have aquired a DC Kits 71 has slowed progress a bit!

Cheers for now, Ian.

Hi Ian,

I was involved with Ripper Street and wrote article in the May 98 Railway Modeller and have now moved on to my Croxley Wiggenhall Road Depot layout which currently has 3 Class 501's on it - 1 with sound with 3 more being constructed all but one are made from Replica and Bachmann parts (Check my website) If you would like advice on the bits you will need especially the underframes and the front jumpers that are totally different to SR stock. please PM me



Xerces Fobe

[5Bel]

Hi All,

Thanks for the offer of advice Nigel. I will probably start the conversion in the new year, once the Hap is finished. Here are some more pics of the Hap conversion. This is the sequence for the DMBS.


Starting point. Brake end body with roof and end details removed. This makes cutting much easier.


Sections removed.


New sections to be fitted to the body. The compartment section is taken from a donor composite body. One coach will do at least five units.


Marking out roof for cutting.


Cutting roof with sharp razor saw blade. Masking tape protects the body and helps with straight cutting.



A couple of views of all the parts put together. This time I used Miliput to fill the cracks.

I am waiting for a parcel from Dart to finish the bodies. If you are careful with the cutting and rubbing down, you won't lose any of the door furniture. This is a big bonus when making suburban units! In the meantime I will be converting Replica BR1 bogies into a more accurate representation of the bogies used on these units.

Cheers for now, Ian.

[Pete Harvey]

Looking very good Ian keep the pictures coming.

Pete

[5Bel]

Hi All,
I have been making good process with the Hap. With the weather not being very good here, I haven't been able to take too many photos of the conversion. I managed to take some today though and they haven't come out that bad. I have finished the bodies, all bar the MJT vents. The underframes have been finished with a mixture of Replica and Southern Pride parts. I have decided to power it with a new rewheeled Hornby 5pole bogie. This is because I intend to run 8 coach trains and I don't think the MSL Bogie would be up to it. I have also modified the bogies into a more representative version of the BR Electric bogie. The interior will be cobbled together from Replica and Lima parts. Replica also do a very nice drivers cab interior.


Modified bogie next to Replica BR1







Just waiting for the parcel from Dart Castings to finish it. In the meantime I have a DC Kits 71 to be getting on with.




Cheers for now, Ian.

[davep101]

Ian,

Ive just stumbled on your thread, and im very inpressed, im currently working on a similar project with and EPB, i have enough 'spares' from replicas stand to have a go at a 2 HAP next, keep up the good work !!

[5Bel]

Hi All,

The Hap is finished bar a coat of Klear. I have given the underframe a coat of dirt and it seems to have blended quite well with the overall finish. I have used Precision Paints for the blue and yellow and humbrol matt 32 for the roof. Here are some pics.













Transfers are a mixture of Replica, Fox and Modelmaser. Making these units will be made even easier next year with the release of the Replica chassis. I have had a look at modelling the Eastern overhead Multiple units, just for something different. Hope you like the pics.

Cheers for now, Ian.

[eastwestdivide]

All together now, in a gospel style, "Oh Hap-py Day".

It's a darn good job, right down to that typical "institutional wall green" on the bulkhead of the cab.

[Ian Fisher]

Top work! and so well blended you cant see any obvious join at all.

I likey

Ian

[5Bel]

Hi All,

Thanks for the comments. The 'institutional wall green' is actually the Replica cab interior kit. See their website for details. Unfortunately it won't fit in the MBSO.

Cheers for now, Ian

[Ceptic]

Brilliant piece of modelling, 5Bel. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Lyddrail]

Ian,

Very impressive work, well done.

Cheers.

[Wolf27]

Excellent work Ian.

I bought enough parts about 2 years ago to do a 2 EPB but then decided to do something a little different and go for a 2 HAP. Have the parts but still havnt done anything yet. Must crack on as yours looks superb, The replica parts are about the best available as they capture the look perfectly. Glad to see you used the DC Kits motor bogie sideframes as the also look the part.

I also have enough bits to make a 304, using parts from an aborted DC Kits version. I will use the cab ends and chassis as the will also fit the Replica bodies, with a little tweaking.

As I said at the start, excellent work.

cheers

Shane

[Colin parks]

Congratulations Ian!

A really neat and tidy conversion with an excellent paint-job.

Colin Parks

[SRman]

Very, very nice, Ian.