Jump to content
 
  • entries
    261
  • comments
    1,413
  • views
    143,391

GWR Gunpower vans

Barry Ten

Entry posted by Barry Ten

1,448 views

 Share

Before the Parkside kit was announced, I fancied a pair of gunpowder vans via the established route of elderly Ratio Iron Mink kit plus Shirescenes etched brass sides. Unfortunately I cocked up the painting of the first van so it sat in a cupboard gathering dust, until I needed to get the Modelstrip out for another project. Having stripped and resprayed one van, I thought that was as good an incentive as any to do the second one, so another evening was spent with the Ratio and Shirescenes parts. I assembled both vans as per the instructions, except that I also filled in and removed the ventilator from each end of the wagon. Somewhere along the way I'd also managed to lose the etched door locking gear from one of the van sides, so a fair approximation was then botched together from wire and plastic. Incidentally I seem to remember that there are some dimensional issues with the Ratio Mink, but since I'll only be operating this pair of vehicles, they'll at least be consistent with each other. I imagine if the Parkside one is substantially more accurate, it might look a bit odd in the same setting.

 

The transfers were from Fox, and there are enough on the sheet to do three vans. I've yet to add the "GPV" letters to the ends, and it's a good job there are enough for three as I ruined a few of the letters before getting into my stride. I have just enough GPVs to finish them off. In typical Barry Ten fashion, too, I managed to misplace my copy of Beard et al so couldn't track down any prototype lettering info beyond what was available on the internet. From what I can gather, the placement of the GPV's and GWs varied considerably, and some of these wagons also had "gunpowder van" in white lettering. However, in the end I found a photo of a 3mm Iron Mink which was the basis for my lettering for both vehicles. I know it's not really the done thing to model a model, but the 3mm model looks plausible to me.

 

Still a few things to be done, and roofs painted, but nearly there, and I'm pleased with the "different but still GWR" look of them. Now I need to find how these vehicles were marshalled into trains.

 

blogentry-6720-0-95795400-1407272324.jpg

  • Like 14
 Share

8 Comments

Recommended Comments

  • RMweb Gold
Barry Ten
  • RMweb Gold

With exquisite timing, I found my copy of Atkins, Beard et al late last night while looking for something else - isn't it always the way? As it happened, it wouldn't have been that much use for the lettering placement anyway. But if anyone's interested, these vans were meant to be marshalled at the back of a train and never more than five at a time, except during wartime when the restrictions were loosened.

Link to comment
dave k

The book with the complete history of the Iron Mink GPV's is "all about GWR Iron Minks" which was published by the HMRS, I think it was published in the 1980's but it detail of all the Iron Minks variants built by the GWR and also all the Welsh railways.

Link to comment
  • RMweb Gold
Barry Ten
  • RMweb Gold

Yes, careful brushwork. But if I remember rightly there are fine guide lines etched into the doors so it isn't too tricky. However, after I'd painted the crosses I got a decal sheet which had then on anyway.

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...