Two Toads...
Work has commenced on detailing a number of Bachmann GWR Toad brake vans as I mentioned in my previous entry. These are not meant be exact replicas but representations.
Some of them will be finished in late GWR livery as Newton Abbot variants suitable for working on the Teign Valley line. Others will be finished in unfitted grey livery as brakes that worked in the Forest of Dean using some excellent decals produced by John Isherwood.
Of the two ready to run GWR Toads the old Mainline now Bachmann model which cuts it above the Airfix version. Both show their age and have pro's and cons. For me the Bachmann version captures the outline of the prototype better but the Airfix Toad has finer detail and 'J' Hanger suspension.
I had a couple of Airfix Toad chassis in my spares box and saw on ebay it was possible to buy Bachmann Toad bodies marked as seconds for a good price. My two came intact with no damage for the princely some of £6.70 for a brace with postage.
To fit them to the Airfix chassis retaining lugs must be removed both the chassis and the bodyshells. Other tweaks include slicing off the corner stanchions from the Airfix chassis. The Bachmann body should fit easily now.
Here's the GWR version representing a Diagram AA15 with the 'J' hanger springs. By adding some diagonal bracing to the middle panels of the guards compartment you could probably get away with a late GWR period Diagram AA13 with metal sheeting to the van sides. Here's a comparison of the springs on the standard Bachmann version compared to the Airfix/Bachmann alliance:
Both vans have been sprayed with Tamiya German Grey over pre-shading. The roof is finished in NATO black. I've added the tie bars from brass rod and have used cut down staples for the stays. Bufffers have been replaced with Lanarkshire Model Supplies GWR unfitted wagon variants which I feel improves the look no end. The stove chimneys have also been replaced with aluminium tubing and the wheels are Alan Gibson. Application of HMRS decals will be next followed by detail weathering and reassembly. I also plan to add the sanding handle as as well.
I'm pleased with how the Bachmann/Airfix marraige has gone. It certainly offers up a few more Diagram variants even if they are not totally correct.
More soon.
Cheers,
Mark
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