FPH 603

Hope I don't sound stupid when I ask this, but what exactly do you mean?

I've made some developments with the paint scheme since last post. I've finalised the scheme on the front end and now I'm considering the decals (things like the number and crests), I might even make number plates like various other electric blue locomotives. I've also made sheets for the interior sides using Google Drawings.

Length: 31.5cm Height: 5.7cm Width: 3.8cm Specifications are per carriage in OO gauge. Also, I intend on running the set as a part of a test train, maybe with some of those coaches used to test new stock. Otherwise I'll run the two car set on its own or with an additional set to make a 4 car one.

Thanks! I'm glad you like it!

True, maybe if they had made the V sets to the original specifications. They were intended to be stretched and air conditioned versions of the Tulloch Double Deck Suburbans, however the specification wasn't quite right due to the placement of the aircon. If these were to go ahead I'm pretty sure the motor cars would have to have been Single Deck. So that's when Comeng redesigned the train, hence coming out as what we see today.

Paint scheme has been (nearly) completed. I've chosen the Electric Blue colour scheme, like some of the BR electric locomotives like the class 83. I've also put in sockets for sprung buffers and I've included other buffing gear. As well as that I've started adding the components (the MetroVick electrical equipment) that will determine how it will operate. EDIT: How about completely Electric Blue??? Any takers? (No, this won't be how I paint my model!)

I'm also considering motorising one of the carriages of my model using a black beetle bogie, and also sprung buffers at the front end. (Don't know whether I should make my own or buy Bachmann ones though). And also does anyone know how those bus destination blinds work? I'm one of those stupid people who are amazed when you see those things change, and that's when it makes you wonder how they work. I have a vague idea of how they work (I've seen some of them hanging from the roof in the LT Museum) but I'd like to know how I can make a changeable one into my model. I've already made the destination indicator box removable (I'll post that later) and now I just need to know how it all works so I can find a way to incorporate it into my model.

Whoops! They do look very much similar, if not the same! Sorry about that to any electric fans out there!

*Update!* I've made a decision for the front end of my model! EDIT: There's potential for a roller blind inside the destination indicator, like those old double decker buses you see in the LT Museum. P.S. See the link attached below for the sounds of my train (actually a red rattler!) https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=g6dtxtER1d0

If that's right then the slot may need to be bigger or I may need to scratchbuild the pantograph too. INSET: Enlarged pantograph slot.

*Another Update!* I've now trialled the pantograph to see how it will look. Really I will use an Auscision pantograph but I used this to trial how it will look. Does anyone know how long the large (46 Class) pantograph is when it's in the down position. I'd prefer not to use the small cross arm version as it will look like a later V set. The slot that it will go into is about 35mm on the model.

*DDIU Front Ends Update* I've looked into the Destination Indicator and I've trialled a small one mounted above the windows. I have also fitted small headlights to the very top of the ends. Maybe I should make them larger...

I'm still finding a potential line for it to run on. I'm thinking I might have to come up with a new line along with it. It's interesting to point out that it was only luck that the NSW railways could even fit double deckers in the first place, so what would have come of the railways if they couldn't fit them? EDIT: I will also say that like the series one V sets that the equipment will be shared between two carriages, meaning I will make them semi permanently coupled two car sets which can form into an eight car set which can divide into two four car sets. I'm also considering whether to move the Pantograph to the trailer or to keep it in the motor car. (There will be one pantograph per 4 car train).

The removal of the end communication door came out from my experimentation with the model. When I did this, that's when I came up with the alternative front. The reason I chose the class 312 as the basis is due to it being an EMU, unlike the 101. I also find that EMU's front ends are either very plain or very characteristic. In the subject of the paint schemes, I never intended it to be a MODERN prototype, my intentions were for it to run during the 1974 - 1990's period. I was going to use a simple retool of the original 'Blue Goose' colour scheme, but if I do go with the alternative front I think it will take a more consideration. It's funny that you mention the S set. It's interesting that the V set actually was proposed (and the first series built) prior to the NSW railways even thinking of such an idea. My model is actually going to have completely smooth sides at the bottom deck window level, just like the series one S sets.

It sounds stupid but it is an Australian prototype made for BR (my design is). The original is from Sydney.

On post #1284 I mentioned a MetroVick V set Double Decker, also a Sketchup model. I've also come up with an alternative front end slightly based on the class 312. I'm still considering the Destination Board and maybe a sunshade and conventional locomotive buffers too.

BR rebuilt a Mk2 coach with Leyland bus parts, not sure what it was for though.

I've considered a DD parcel van before, but what I envisioned was different. I intended on using slow speed parcel lifts, but in reality they would have been expensive to maintain so I went with widened stairs.

(Temporarily) Going back to the subject of Double Deckers, This one is an interurban (or intercity, however you like it) during the 1970's from NSW. I intend on making a modified version with good old Metropolitan Vickers electrical equipment, improved aircon and (maybe) lightweight plug doors. It will also include a buffet in one trailer (the bottom deck will be a kitchen and the top deck will be the buffet table) and bifold doors in the gangways (excluding the leading/trailing motor carriages which will have a semi permanently sealed door). I will give any further info about the history later (if anyone's interested). I am currently making a sketchup model of the train's carriages to 3D print in OO gauge. (It will be HUGE, about 31cm long, PER CARRIAGE!) (Image credited to the owner)