RosiesBoss Posted November 24, 2016 Share Posted November 24, 2016 Disclaimer This paper describes a simple kitbash of an old Tri-ang model into an approximation of a GWR D15 coach. Those seeking images of fine-scale examples should go to Refs. 2 and 3. Introduction RMWeb readers will be aware that I have a substantial collection of (mainly) GWR and BR(W) models, accumulated over many decades. I have had a lot of fun constructing or kitbashing many of them. Among the coaches, there are several which have been adapted from Tri-ang clerestory coaches (R333 Brake 3rd and R332 2nd class). These were first released in the 1960s with the Dean single. Some tips for modifying these old models may be found here: http://www.gwr.org.uk/protriang.html My modified models include: C10 all 3rd: C23 all 3rd: D16 brake 3rd (purchased 2nd-hand, as is): Ex-Cambrian Railways composite: Ex-MSWJR Brake 3rd: GNR PBV: GNR 6-wheeled 3rd: I have a particular fondness for stock that may have run on the ex-Cambrian Railways lines. Page 54 of Ref. 1 has a photo of D15 No. 2385 which has intrigued me for several years. As I did not have any scale drawings or other images, I did not attempt to model it. However, having recently come across Ref.2, I realised that an approximation of the coach could be made from a Tri-ang R.333. I bought an inexpensive rough example, gathered other bits and pieces from my scrapbox and began work. I chose to finish the coach in the simplified livery of early 1927, which still used the “garter crest”. Materials Tri-ang R.333 brake 3rd Whitemetal Dean 6’4” bogies (from unidentified kit) Markits oval coach buffers Flathead nails 220 gsm card Underframe details recovered from warped Hornby long-wheelbase wagon chassis. 0.4mm dia polystyrene rod (for roof gutters) Grey spray primer Humbrol RC424 acrylic coach cream Precision Paints coach brown enamel Humbrol 85 satin black enamel Humbrol 67 dark grey enamel Humbrol 133 bauxite enamel Humbrol 16 gold enamel Humbrol 135 satin clear enamel Clear glazing recycled from packaging HMRS Pressfix transfers Construction As received, the donor coach looked like this: It was completely dismantled, then sliced up: You may note that one window section, on the side facing the photographer, has been re-positioned at the van end of the coach. One complete compartment has also been removed. Re-assembled, the body looked like this: The re-assembled body was then soaked in brake fluid for about a week to loosen and remove the previous owner’s paint. Underframe details (buffers, gas cylinder, vacuum brake cylinder and V-hanger) were then attached. Once stripped, I realised that the donor model had been moulded in black plastic and sold as an R620 Engineering Dept. coach, which had used the same moulds as R333. It was primed with automotive grey primer, then GWR colours were applied. Card compartment partitions were cut to shape and painted cream. These were designed to also support the roof shape. The interior of the coach was also painted cream (an improvement over the black plastic). Simple glazing was prepared from clear plastic packaging and super-glued in place. Compartment partitions were then installed and trimmed where necessary. Bogies were fitted before access to the interior was sealed off by the roof. A new roof was made from card and glued in place with contact adhesive. Once this had set, gutters were glued into place with polystyrene cement. Gaslight ventilators were made from the tops of flat-headed nails and glued into place with contact adhesive. Once this had all dried, the roof was painted dark grey. Any blemishes on the cream paint were touched up, then suitable transfers were fitted. When the transfers had fully dried, the sides were varnished with Humbrol satin clear. Results Reflections This simple conversion is not of the same standard as seen in Refs. 2 and 3. However, it was never intended to be seen in a glass case, but in motion in mixed rakes with other rolling stock as might have been seen on the Cambrian section of the GWR in the early 1930s. Here it is, together with an S9 3rd and U28 compo, behind ex-MWR No.908: The only component bought in was the donor coach – for A$20. The rest came from spares and the scrapbox. The project was satisfying and enjoyable. Isn’t that what hobbies are all about? Other References and links: C.C.Green: “Cambrian Railways Album 2” (Ian Allen,1981) http://www.raymondwalley.com/carriages/gwr/d15.html#.WC9vP1xvT1A http://www.gwr.org.uk/galhowles.html http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/91150-cheap-cheerful-cambrian-railways-composite-coach/ http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/67037-motorising-a-kitmaster-stirling-single/ http://www.gwr.org.uk/nomswjr7.html Michael Harris: “Great Western Coaches 1890-1954” (David & Charles, 1972) John Lewis et al: “Great Western Way” (2nd ed., HMRS, 2009) Regards to all, Rob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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