STRAT'71

I like that

One of the problems with model railways is the compulsion to keep to a particular era or region. Some of the alternative schemes can be most attractive, as above. I suppose the only answer is to have that magical preserved railway, where nothing is prohibited, even Thomas.

Thanks andymac. Please keep them coming.

Thank you for the updates.

It looks pretty good for a Railroad coach.

I wonder how many other people have bought Bachmann coaches to go with these.

With so many variations possible, maybe I should have bought a few more.

I thought you must have been extra busy. Please post any more you come across.

Those look really good. Did you airbrush the sides? I love the weathered roofs. Very effective.

The three Hornby Hawksworth coach I have just received from Hattons each cost less than that. They are gorgeous. You can get the Bachmann Mk1 for less that that. Some people and their money.

Great pictures there. A medium grey seems to be in the majority, but some look lighter, and some look darker grey like yours. I was tempted to paint the next three a darker shade like yours, but now think not. As an aside, these cheap coaches are costing me loads. I have purchased the following, 1. Bachmann maroon Mk1 brake van as in photos to go with three of these. 2. Bachmann SR green Mk1 restaurant car to make a rake of four. 3. Another Maunsell to make a rake of four. 4. Waiting on three Hawksworth coaches (may get a fourth or use one of these) A rake of four coaches is just about right for my small layout.

Thanks for your kind comments. The colour of the roof is one of those things that perplexes me. I painted mine to match the Bachmann, yet I have seen many photos of the prototypes with roofs like yours. My green Bachmann Mk1s look different again, and my Maunsells also different. I wish someone could explain how it works.

One with Bachmann Brake. Another pair. With Bachmann again. Notice use of Bachmann close pipe couplings. Very effective.

Managed to finish the first three. Very pleased with them, especially for the price. I will upload some photos tomorrow. I still have another three to do, which will be Midlands.

Applied some of the transfers. What a nightmare. They so small and hard to handle. The thought of applying the coach numbers, individually to six sides is most daunting. Any tips?

I will be interested as to how you do that.

Will do. The transfers arrived today. Just had a play to see how they work. The numbering looks fiddly. I should be OK when I figure out the carriage numbers. The Brake van is E201011, so I guess that is the Eastern Region. Painted the door handles, which look fine.

I have sprayed the roofs to try and match the roof of the Bachmann weathered brake composite I have just purchased to go with them.. Looks so much better, and the piping looks more realistic now. Thanks for the link to the Peco interiors. These are on ebay for

On Track doesn't stock them, going to the supplier to get them for me. Could take 14 Days. No hurry, as I still have to do some painting. What colour green are BR(SR) coaches?

I have placed an order with On Tracks.co.uk but am not sure if they have them, or have to get them in. Might know tomorrow. Peters Spares are out of stock. I wonder if loads of buyers of a certain magazine have bought them all up. Thanks for your help. Regards, William.

I have bought eight of these, and have changed the couplings to the 36-060 Bachmann Spare Branchline Coach