This Post describes some modifications that I have made to a Replica Railways BR Mk1 RB. Previously i have modified the Mainline Maroon RB by fitting Finecast glazing, wire handrails and Bachmann close coupling mechanisms. I promised myself that I would do the same for the chocolate and cream Replica BR(WR) RB. Success!

Replica Railways BR(WR) Restaurant Buffet on BR1 Bogies

First task - find a suitable coach!

Replica Railways Mk1 RB from around 1992

Models are bit like London buses. When I first started looking for a BR(WR) RB there didn’t seem to be any around and eventually my coach came from Australia. Then suddenly there were lots available here in the UK.

On opening the box I was surprised to discover that Replica had painted the solebars chocolate to match the lower body panels – why? Was someone confused by the blue solebars on the blue and grey version? They should be black and they can be over painted with new transfers added from the Pressfix range. Alternatively a complete replacement black underframe can be sourced from say a Mainline coach.

Extract from Modern Railways January 1962

The above extract from the January 1962 Edition of Modern Railways reports the introduction (in 1961) of 74 new BR Mk1 RB vehicles from Pressed Steel’s Paisley factory. We are told that the vehicles were destined for all of the BR Regions with the exception of the LMR. The article indicates that the vehicles were turned out with Commonwealth Bogies and the accompanying picture shows one of the 14 BR(WR) vehicles in BR lined Maroon livery on Commonwealth bogies. I have discussed the authenticity of the Replica Chocolate and Cream livery with Alun Hughes. He was of the opinion that the model chosen by Replica (W1732) was finished in chocolate and cream - but that it was outshopped with BR1 bogies.

Wire handrails and Finecast glazing

Back to my model and I replaced the moulded handrails on the coach ends with wire and fitted Finecast glazing all as detailed previously for the Mainline RB.

Modified underframe

Also the underframe was modified - again as detailed previously for the Mainline RB.

What about the BR1 bogies? Replacement bogies are available to purchase from Replica Railways. I purchased a kit and prior to assembling the side frames I substituted part of a worn out Bachmann bogie to matchup with the Bachmann coupling mechanism. Using the solvent MEK/Butanone the joints between the bits of plastic can be made as strong if not better than the original plastic.

Complete modified Replica Railways BR1 Bogie left, Replica kit of parts (modified) centre, Bachmann donor bogie right

There are some views below of the finished carriage on its BR1 bogies. A good result I would say. I would even suggest that the Finecast glazing looks better against the cream window surrounds rather than when used on the maroon Mainline model.

Replica Railways BR (WR) Restaurant Buffet on BR1 Bogies

Replica Railways BR (WR) Restaurant Buffet on BR1 Bogies

Replica Railways BR (WR) Restaurant Buffet on BR1 Bogies

The more observant will note that I have also added a BR roundel to the coach sides. The Mainline maroon RB model was produced with a roundel so maybe perhaps the chocolate and cream version would also have had a roundel? The Bachmann Mini Buffet was also produced with a roundel but there again in the 1960s was it ever painted chocolate and cream – seemingly not.