Mophead45143

Funny how the ancient mainline model has managed to capture that curve on the top of the cab door! I think the current Bachmann model does too, but only just.

Yes I had seen this. I guess we need to see an EP in 00, as scaled up to 7mm any issues tend to look worse.

I have to agree, it does look like something is not quite right here, particularly with the outer windows. The Bachmann model can be accused of not even trying to represent the changing radius in the gutter strips, but then it is such a subtle feature in real life, and would be even more so in 4mm. Is this too pronounced on the Heljan model? I also wondered if the nose cone is slightly off in shape or if its just the angle of the photos. Hard to tell as the EP all grey.

Noticed on some other threads for Heljan projects that there were a couple of cl. 25 EP's on the stand at Model Rail Scotland. They were in the background of the photos so couldn't be sure, but they looked like the same EP's we've already seen. Can anyone confirm?

Appreciate the kind comments! I should probably clarify as my Dia 1/107 title is a bit misleading. The models I have produced are supposed to represent the early 1970's rebuilds of earlier Dia 1/107 and 1/110 wagons using the existing 1/110 kit available from Parkside. As Southernman46 says, you can also use the Parkside PC32 kit as a basis. I did this to represent one of the as built welded Dia 1/107's. For this I used the side doors and end door from a spare Airfix 16t mineral kit. I find this method best represents the original welded 1/107's as the stanchions match the original BR build. For the method I have described in this thread, the plasticard is rectangular in cross section, and is a pretty good match for the simple stanchions used on the early 1970's rebuilds. Paul Bartlett's site is invaluable as always. For as built welded (1/107) examples, I would opt for either butchering a 1977 rebuild (Parkside PC32) or cutting down a 24.5 tonner (PC04). See: https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/mdo For the early 1970's rebuilds, you are probably best either scratch building the bodies or adopting my approach as described above. See: https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/mdorebuiltrenumber Cameron

I'm certain this was in an issue of Model Rail, going back a few years now. One of those articles aimed to give inspiration on what you can do in a relatively small space.

Glad you like them! The only reason I replaced the top part of the door was to keep it consistent with the tops on the wagon sides, but I get what you mean. Cameron

John, I opted for the BR approach - rebodying a riveted model using the available parkside kit. See my thread: Cameron

Just the way the light hits it in the first picture, the only thing that was done to the end door was cutting off the thin top and replacing it with a thicker horizontal 'welded' top.

Strangely a Diagram 1/107 21t Mineral Wagon has never been available in kit or rtr form in 4mm/00 gauge, despite kits existing in N and O. I also don't believe a kit exists in any scale for the 1973 rebuilds, which were similar in appearance to the Dia 1/107's. For the Dia 1/107's, I have seen varying methods of trying to create them in 4mm. These include either cutting down and hashing the existing parkside kit for a 24.5t mineral, or adding extra doors from an Airfix 16t mineral to a parkside 1977 re-bodied MDO. For the 1973 rebuilds, the only time I have ever seen one of these modeled is on the excellent EMGauge70s website (link to page: http://www.emgauge70s.co.uk/model_omwb44.html), using scratch built bodies with donor doors. Having done a Dia 1/107 using one of the aforementioned methods, I wanted to do some 1973 rebuilds. For this I used the rivetted dia 1/110 as a basis, which is available from Parkside in 4mm. The first step was to VERY CAREFULLY cut off all the existing stanchions and rivet detail with a sharp knife on the kit before assembly. Once assembled, appropriately sized strips of plasticard were fixed to the tops and sides of the wagon. Apologies, I can't remember which size of plastic strip I used now! I did four models this way (see below, one is already painted and awaiting coal loads). As I intended to load these wagons I didn't bother removing rivet detail around the doors inside the wagon, but this would need to be done if running them empty. The other three wagons were then painted and given transfers. Followed by weathering: Finally, all four wagons were given suitable loads of ground up coal, ready for service in a mixed rake of minerals / hoppers behind a pair of Toton class 20's - whenever I get round to building my layout that is!!!

I'm a 70's Diesel modeler, but have always had a penchant for WR steam (in fact my original plan for a railway was a 20's - 30's GWR layout!). That's irrelevant though, as far as I'm concerned it doesn't matter what the era or setting is, it's capturing the atmosphere of a given time and place - something you have done beautifully. I must admit I always find steam layouts seem more tolerable to tighter curves and are better suited to limited space without looking 'wrong', something an HST would look silly on. But even there you've managed to create the illusion of space on a layout that is not massive, and it it still feels like a mainline. Hat's off, very enjoyable thread.

Not in all cases, for instance the 45's which were retro-fitted from split headcodes with doors to single piece headcodes did not receive the trapezoid grille. 45015 was one of them (I can mention that loco here right? It's not Preserved Diesels)

Not sure about 46047, but 46049 missing from this list and that definitely did retain the handrails / brackets etc. Also worth noting is 45071, which in addition to retaining the handrails / brackets, was given smaller non-standard marker lights (more like those seen on disc fitted class 20's).

Apologies that was a typo, 45113 did indeed have split headcodes!

Weathering would sort that out!

So far on Bachmann cl. 45 models, the folding access panel has actually just been represented by printing, and not actually formed part of the moulding. If this is still the case, then a bit of t-cut will sort it out for a 46!

At the moment, Heljan are the only ones doing a 45/1, so there's a niche there. It would be nice if all the 45/1 variants were produced. The 'sealed beam' was the logical one to go for first as it's surely a contender for the most requested D&E era model of the past 10 years. The other nose end variants could come in future releases, and give a good choice of numbers for 70's modelers. The below should be correct prior to the overhauls with 'sealed beam' noses: Split Headcode: 45101, 110, 113, 115, 120, 124, 127, 132, 135 - 136, 138, 140, 142, 150 Centre - Split Headcode: 45111, 116 - 119, 123, 125 - 126, 128 -131, 133, 137, 143 - 146, 147*, 148, 149* Centre - Solid Headcode: 45102 - 109, 112, 114, 121 - 122, 134, 139, 141, 147*, 149* *45147 had centre - split at No.1 end, centre - solid at No.2 end. *45149 had centre - solid at No.1 end, centre - split at No.2 end (Just as it does now in Preservation). A bog standard blue 'sealed beam' 46 would be another win, as this has never been done to modern standards. I would have one, and it sounds like many more would. Once you have class 46 tooling that gives scope to do the centre - solid version, and for the early members of the class in green days, centre - split. Also the split box 45 with the nose end doors for 60's modelers, again, never been done. Peaks give lots of Potential!!! Cameron

Unless I am mistaken, with the exception of the battery boxes, this news should make renumbering a 45/0 to a 46 fairly feasible then? Good to hear though either way.

Many people may have Bachmann models lying around that they do not wish to sell, like myself. I haven't converted all my intended 45/1's yet, and I found that link very useful before I started. I'm sure other people will too. Ignoring the 'sealed beam' variant, I converted a handful of headcode fitted 45/1's for virtually no cost at all using this method. I'm not going to ditch my Bachmann peaks just because a new model has been announced. With the class 25's it's different, the Bachmann model has obvious shape issues that need major work to resolve. Selling these and replacing them with the Heljan model is a no brainier. But as I've said before, the Bachmann peak is a good base model with no shape issues that I am aware of, and if it only takes a little bit of modelling to get the prototype you want to model (which you'd probably have to do anyway because there were so many detail differences), for some people that's worth it. Many may want to sell their Bachmann models in favour of the new Heljan model, fair play, Bachmann have left the goal open. And of course I realise some people won't want to do conversions, I understand that, buts it's nice to know there's options for people who do. As far as due dates, I think the Bachmann model will be pushed through quicker being a sales exclusive item, but don't hold me to that. I share your sentiment regarding demand, it would be sad to see models sat on shelves. Had a model already been produced by Bachmann years ago in the mainstream catalogue then it would have done well, but in an arms race against a new tooling, well that's a different story.

I do believe it was the Craftsman kit, don't know if any can still be found. You could also get white-metal buffer beams to add to the ends of the bogies, to replace the totally wrong body mounted ones! You probably won't remember, but when you were exhibiting Abbotswood Jn at Toddington a few years back I was quizzing you on how you had done D15 - very impressed I was too! Cameron

Phil, I just remembered there was actually a detailing kit donkeys years back for doing up the old Bachmann / replica / mainline peaks, which included the various grilles in brass. However, they were to suit the dimensions of the old models and I know that at least the angular lower bodyside grille was overscale and would look too big on the modern Bachmann model, therefore not appropriate. Cameron

This link will be useful for those that want to know how to convert a Bachmann peak into a 45/1, in this case with marker lights and high intensity headlight. http://www.45133.co.uk/uploads/2/2/3/1/22313750/converting_a_bachmann_class_45_model_to_45133.pdf

I'm surprised the likes of extreme etchings haven't (to my knowledge) provided etches for the various small grilles on the peaks so they can be plated over / added to models to represent different class members. I know you can get the large rectangular body-side grilles, particularly those odd ball ones for 44009 / 44010.

Some people have mentioned the chassis in the picture of the forthcoming '46020' by Bachmann as an indication of a possible 45/1, due to the apparent 'ETH' equipment. It should be noted that every single Bachmann peak, be it a 44, 45 or 46, has exactly the same limited bufferbeam detail arrangement (let's not get started on the missing main res pipes, steam heat etc.). Included in the detail pack is a jumper cable, which I assume represents the multiple working equipment present in the early 60's on all three classes of peak, but also passes off as ETH cables on any models numbered as a 45/1 (not that they have ever accurately modeled a 45/1). This is not an indication of Bachmann doing a 45/1. I don't think they've ever given enough attention to the detail differences of the peaks, a case in point is the totally incorrect lamp bracket / handrail arrangement on the centre/solid and centre/split headcode examples (the split headcode models which came later, have the correct arrangement however). To be honest I think Bachmann are too late to introduce a new tooling for a 45/1. Had they produced the peak that everyone wanted years ago, then Heljan will not have needed to make the announcement for this massive gap in the D&E era market. Someone was going to do it at some point, my money was on Accurascale but it makes sense for it to be Heljan as they did the 45 in O gauge. Also, I wouldn't count on Bachmann producing models with the angular grille on the lower bodyside. As mentioned before in this thread, this appears to be the same body as the Modelzone '45048', which had the grille plated over. I heavily doubt this this detail difference was even considered in the choice of 45022 & 45041. I'm not slagging off the Bachmann model, overall it is a great representation of the prototype in terms of shape / looks. I have over 20 of them, and if you are happy to sort out the fixable detail differences, then you have a good model. However, this makes it all the more sad that Bachmann didn't have the foresight to expand the range before someone else jumped in to fill the gap. I did actually put an order in for one of the new sales exclusive Bachmann models, and I will go through with it despite the Heljan announcement. No doubt it will be modified and renumbered anyway. It will be interesting to see what the Heljan one turns out like, especially if they adopt the clever idea of being able to swap the angular grille for a plated version, as on their O gauge model. I may end up getting a couple of these, especially if the range ends up expanding for the other nose end variants, or even class 44's / 46's. We shall see.