Thanks for the useful contributions to this thread, particularly from the the past few pages. I bought an Accurascale 2b with the aim of modelling an early Mk2c and particularly enjoy the “robust yet polite disagreeing agreeably” posts on colours. Food for thought as I think about a Trans-Pennine rake.
Delivery:
Try not to waste any time thinking about or chasing as I did as there is nothing you can do about it. I had a similar experience last summer. Sent with Anpost, the parcel definitely reached DHL Germany but it was sent back. Despite phoning DHL and actually speaking to several helpful human beings, they couldn’t tell me why I didn’t get the parcel, that the sender would be informed of the reason and I never did find out why. It took a couple of weeks before the parcel was resent from Ireland.
Couplings:
If you are mixing Accurascale 2b with Bachmann, a plug and play close coupling option is Hunt Elite C in the Accurascale and Hunt “Buckeye” for Bachmann (Mk1, 2a). The coupler steps down and compensates for the too high, too far back nem coupling on Bachmann coaches. Saves having to bolt a coupler (e.g. a Kadee) on the underside of the Bachmann nem pocket, historical bodge to couple Bachmann Mk1 and 2 to coaches from other manufacturers. This will get you close coupled coaches that will (in my case) happily run round radius 2 curves.
Coach height:
I haven’t found a height issue mixing Accurascale 2b with Bach 2a. Bachmann’s first generation Mk1 BG (e.g. 39-180, 39-181) sits too high but this isn’t a new issue. I’ve lowered mine, straightforward enough but there are pitfalls, a topic for another thread. If you're modelling Trans-Pennine, Bachmann's 39-181 is a useful starting point for a NEA.
Roof hatch:
To model a 2c roof from Accurascale's 2b, there’s a very useful brass etch Ref. P135 for Mk2d/e still showing as available at southernpridemodels.co.uk (you need to go to menu British Rail Mk1 then British Rail Parts 1). The business is winding down so how long do you have to get these? The Mk2f hatch is larger and Ref. P136, also still available.
Roof vents;
Thanks to Flood for the 2b to 2c mod. I did think the Shawplan etches looked the same shape but not high enough. I might try that. There are some GM style vents Ref. P129 at southern pride models but I’m not sure they’re the right shape?