Jump to content
 
  • entries
    23
  • comments
    211
  • views
    23,197

Two Toads...


46444

750 views

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.

 

blogentry-7584-0-21150600-1456494269_thumb.jpg

 

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:

 

blogentry-7584-0-60031900-1456494323_thumb.jpg

 

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.

 

blogentry-7584-0-29587900-1456494344_thumb.jpg

 

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

  • Like 3

4 Comments


Recommended Comments

  • RMweb Gold

Nice work Mark

 

Good to see you back after a 'brake' from posting :D

 

Looks to be a good marriage that and I do like your methods of painting.

 

Pete

Link to comment
  • RMweb Gold

Really nice work.You don't fancy doing me a couple too do you !

 

In the words of Jarvis Cocker.... 'I'll see what I can do'

 

:D

Link to comment
  • RMweb Gold

Nice work Mark

 

Good to see you back after a 'brake' from posting :D

 

Looks to be a good marriage that and I do like your methods of painting.

 

Pete

 

Thanks for those kind words Pete :D

 

Transfers next then almost completed bar final weathering and glazing.

 

;)

 

Cheers,

 

Mark

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...