Conniseur Models BR standard 20T Brake Van

[T30RRA]

So I have recently begun my Conniseur Models brake van and intend to show here my trials and tribulations. This is only my second kit (My first I am also still working on). Photos tomorrow once I get on the PC.

Edited January 19, 2019 by T30RRA

[Arun Sharma]

It's a seriously good kit with excellent instructions. I've built three of the 7mm variety over the years - The only modifications I made were to:

1- Change the axleboxes to roller bearing ones 

2- Stick a Slaters stove inside

3- Replace the buffers with the Oleo type

 

But those mods were simply because I wanted a later version of the vehicle not because there was anything wrong with the kit straight out of the packet.

[PatB]

If it's anything like their LNER Toad E kit it should go together really well and make a model to be proud of. I don't remember their being anything inherently difficult about the E, but it did take a while (there are an awful lot of bits in a brake van) so take your time and work methodically. I also wish I'd found Paul Bartlett's excellent photo website before I built mine as it would have let me avoid one or two detail mistakes that now irritate me.

[T30RRA]

As promised, some photos.

 

Folded up the sides on the half etch line, folded out the tabs, overlaid the rivet detail for the duckets, put the cabin and van ends in and formed the door handles so far. Next job will be to solder the veranda floors in,

[Jintyman]

Jim's kits are superb, a great start in brass kit building, as well as totally enjoyable for skilled kit builders too.

 

I've built a couple in the past, as well as his GWR A20 Toad Brake Van.

 

Here is one of them, which I fitted with working tail lamps, directionally operated through a decoder.

I also used some Poppy's Woodtech panelling inside the veranda's. Needed trimming down a bit but helps to finish it all off.

 

 

 

You're making excellent progress on yours.

 

Jinty

[T30RRA]

Thanks Jintyman. I will look at Poppys wood panelling too and want the lighting but might also do full interior. Already have the stanchion and stove. 

 

Just an update to say I'm currently waiting for my riveting tool to arrive then the brake van will be "back on track".

Edited February 2, 2019 by T30RRA

[T30RRA]

So finally done some more last couple of nights. Rivetting is mostly done and been adding the brackets, I'm on the triangular brackets now which are a pig.

 

I will post again once the sole plates are finished.

[T30RRA]

It's been a while since my last update. The solebars are finally finished and I've done most of the corner strapping tonight. 

[T30RRA]

Buffer beams on. I don't get much time for my kits at the moment so it's taking a long time.

[T30RRA]

Can anyone enlighten me what a double skinned veranda screen is? 

 

Ps. Latest photos of the kit.

[T30RRA]

Not much left to do. Lamp irons and duckets on. 

[T30RRA]

Finally got this primed last night. Might start the paint tonight.

[T30RRA]

Near enough finished now. Just need to refit the buffers, glaze it and transfers/ weathering.

[Hal Nail]

Looks a neat job! I've had one to do for years and might have a crack this winter inspired by this.

Edited November 6, 2019 by Hal Nail

[pwr]

Who makes your rivet press?

 

Paul R

[JeffP]

Looks like a Metalsmith one?

I have the GW one.

 

T30RRA, does the Connoisseur kit come with the interior, or are the bits Slaters?

[mike hughes]

Definitely a Metalsmith one (same style as I use)

 

Michael 

[T30RRA]

Sorry for the delay in responding. The rivet press is metal smith. The planked floor, internal side panels and veranda infills are scratch built from plastikard. I used slaters stove and brake stanchion and I swapped the buffers for slaters lost wax brass ones.

[T30RRA]

I've since added the transfers and painted the veranda floors to look like a more woody effect, they will be toned down with weathering powders before a coat of matt varnish. Going to fit dcc lights to this too, as long as I can hide the chip under the body.