Hello

For years I have been always interested in Network SouthEast era operations and the recent arrival of the Bachmann 4-CEP with further EMU's to come has seen me return to the modelling era I like the best.

This is my workbench thread (I hate the term Blog, sorry!) to record some of the rolling stock that I am working on for the layout.

Current project is the conversion of a standard Bachmann 4-CEP into the refurbishment prototype, unit 1500 in Jaffa Cake livery.

The root of this is the fact that this unit retained the original style hopper windows which makes the conversion a little easier.

The work identified to be done to the model out of the box is as follows:

DMSO 61389 (Motorised):

Removal of body side section in former guards van area.

Replacement with window panel from donor vehicle (a damaged Bachmann Mk 1 BSK in this instance)

Removal of periscope on the roof.

Changing of trailer bogie from current BR1 type to Commonwealth.

TBCK 70345:

Removal of compartments and associated body side panels where where the luggage and guards van were installed.

Replacement wall panels/doors again from the parts donor.

Replacement of both BR1 bogies with Commonwealth's.

TSO 70302:

Replacement of corridor interior with open standard version (cannibalised from a Bachmann Mk 1 again)

Replacement of both BR1 bogies with Commonwealth's.

DMSO 61388:

Same as 61389 above except also put some interior where the new saloon section has been installed, this cannot be done on the motorised version as the motor is in the way!

The trailer bogies are being converted by taking the replacement Bachmann Commonwealth bogies (Cat No. 36-008A) cutting two small slots in the top of the frame to take the power strip tabs and opening out of the axle bearing holes a little more.

As supplied BR1 is on the left, newly converted Commonwealth is on the right.

The first DMSO has been completed in terms of body modifications but still needs some further filing and sanding of the filler:

My workbench is starting to look like Swindon Works circa 1983!!!

Here is the converted Commonwealth bogie now fitted under the inner end of the DMSO chassis.

I have managed to establish some information re the livery. The black lining on the orange band on Jaffa Cake livery was apparently a later NSE era addition and the inner ends were dark brown.

More to come, this may take a while!!