VTEC MK4 coach

[Legend]

I’m just acquiring a Hornby Virgin Trains IC225 pack. This is only available with 2 intermediate Mk4 coaches and I’d really like more. Chances of getting spare coaches from eBay are remote and even were they to appear would cost a fortune . So I’m thinking of acquiring some cheap 2nd hand mk4s and repainting them. By masking I think I will achieve a reasonable effect that will stand scrutiny from a distance . I have trawled the net without success for any decals . Does anybody know of any? I’m particularly interested in the first class blue stripes that are beneath the windows. Tricky as they fade at the ends . I can possibly get the blue strip by using decals from an old Inex Adria Airliner kit , but still won’t achieve the fade.

 

I’m assuming it’s licencing that’s holding back availability of transfers, so it looks like improvisation is required

 

Any ideas appreciated

Edited March 13, 2018 by Legend

[Benjamin Brady]

Good Morning,

 

This won't really be a lot of help in your current task but I find myself in a similar position. I've managed to get the mk4 red and white and am now missing the finishing touches, as you say in particular the first class extras.

 

If you do have any luck sourcing any I'd be keen to know and shall be watching this thread.

 

Benjamin

[njee20]

Steve @ Railtec does fantastic decals, including custom, I’d drop him a line.

Edited March 13, 2018 by njee20

[Legend]

Steve @ Railtec does fantastic decals, including custom, I’d drop him a line.

Thanks for that . Probably not viable though as really only looking at one or two coaches.

 

I know the livery may well soon be out of date but I think its one of the nicest ones around at the moment. I'll probably settle for doing the paintwork. It will achieve an effect from a distance rather than having just the 2 intermediate cars . Question is should I model the buffet car with its change of stripe direction or just go all second class

[44690]

Thanks for that . Probably not viable though as really only looking at one or two coaches.

 

I know the livery may well soon be out of date but I think its one of the nicest ones around at the moment. I'll probably settle for doing the paintwork. It will achieve an effect from a distance rather than having just the 2 intermediate cars . Question is should I model the buffet car with its change of stripe direction or just go all second class

 

Steve is certainly worth a try. He's just produced some transfers for a one-off ex GWR coach converted to a bridge department mess and sleeping coach. Probably about as specialised as you can get! If there's a demand for your decals he'll probably do them for you. He works on his own so can't always produce things quickly. However his transfers are, IMHO, the best on the market. Prices are reasonable too.

Edited March 15, 2018 by 44690

[njee20]

He thanked me for my post too, so he knows you’re out there

[MGR Hooper!]

If you don't/can't get the fade then it's really easy to make some. See the image I added below. Can simply print it out (obviously to the correct thickness) and print it out as a decal and add it. There's no branding on the stripes as far as I can see. Just two stripes that fade out on each end.

Note: image is not to scale.

[MGR Hooper!]

Rather something more like this
 

 

 

 

 

 

Easy to print by filling up a full sheet.