Today I have received a pre production pack of Shawplan's new mk3 unit windows intended for use with Bratchell's multiple unit kit range (and Jim SW's etched windows). Deciding to be awkward I have set about fitting them to a Bachmann 150 instead. I have discussed before the advantages in accuracy that Jims etch brings over the Bachmann part, so see my old workbench thread on RMweb3 for more details on that.

The first thing you notice is how thick the new windows are compared with the Bachmann ones (approximately 4mm compared with 2mm), however once fitted the Shawplan window looks like the thin one, with none of the dodgy edges that RTR windows suffer from.

Fitting:

The first job is to carefully cut off the Bachmann window frame with a sharp scalple, and then to prepare the new windows. Unfortunately either the Bachmann or Bratchell (I havent worked out which) has incorrect door windows, the Bachmann ones being a fair bit bigger than Bratchels. that means that for the time being you have to reuse the Bachmann door windows (hopefully Brian can be persuaded to do some Bachmann sized windows for it...)

Upon removal from the fret you are left with 4 fine tabs to file off, and a protective film that needs to be removed from one side. The new window has a tapered edge, so lining this up with the inside of the window with the thick side (that was covered by the film) on the inside. This is then pushed into position until the window is flush with the bodyside.

I then painted up the new frames using Jim SW's etches. The outside half etched section should be painted body colour and the inside of the lower main window should be black (see this photo of Martyn's for a clearer view of this. http://ukrailwaypics.fotopic.net/p6366918.html). Once this is done the window is then sanded back to get rid of any paint thats got onto the full thickness part of the etch. I then use Jon's method for applying the windows, using a masking tape hinge to move back the etch, apply glue, and then push back into position.

The attached image was a bit of a rush job to get something ready for Stafford at the weekend, as such its unpainted still. Even so I think it has made a big difference, correcting the colour of the tint along with getting a better looking window frame.