Regarding the raised window surround on the Mainline and Replica RB, this is prototypically correct. When built new in 1961 by Pressed Steel, these vehicles were fitted with double glazing. I believe that they were the first production Mk. 1 stock to be so fitted. To accommodate the extra thickness required by the double glazing, the thick window frames were extended about one inch outside the body panel. Hence the raised rim seen on the models. The outer pane of glass was essentially flush with the frame. The use of Commonwealth bogies on these coaches is also prototypically correct. There is a brief full page announcement article, with photographs, on these coaches on page 27 of the January 1962 issue of Trains Illustrated.
I agree that this Mainline RB model was way ahead of its time in terms of the detail and finish it had compared to other contemporary models, especially the other Mainline Mk. 1 stock with their trademark pockmarks (body to underframe locating holes) and thick gold (brass coloured) and black lining. When Replica took over the former Mainline Mk. 1 coach range, they greatly improved them by getting rid of the trademark Mainline pockmarks, improving the paint finish and particularly the lining and by adding all the little markings that we now expect at a standard comparable to Bachmann's much later Mk. 1 stock.
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A blog by Silver Sidelines in RMweb Blogs
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Regarding the raised window surround on the Mainline and Replica RB, this is prototypically correct. When built new in 1961 by Pressed Steel, these vehicles were fitted with double glazing. I believe that they were the first production Mk. 1 stock to be so fitted. To accommodate the extra thickness required by the double glazing, the thick window frames were extended about one inch outside the body panel. Hence the raised rim seen on the models. The outer pane of glass was essentially flush with the frame. The use of Commonwealth bogies on these coaches is also prototypically correct. There is a brief full page announcement article, with photographs, on these coaches on page 27 of the January 1962 issue of Trains Illustrated.
I agree that this Mainline RB model was way ahead of its time in terms of the detail and finish it had compared to other contemporary models, especially the other Mainline Mk. 1 stock with their trademark pockmarks (body to underframe locating holes) and thick gold (brass coloured) and black lining. When Replica took over the former Mainline Mk. 1 coach range, they greatly improved them by getting rid of the trademark Mainline pockmarks, improving the paint finish and particularly the lining and by adding all the little markings that we now expect at a standard comparable to Bachmann's much later Mk. 1 stock.
Nice work and nice photos!