I am trying to restore a previously scratch-built LNER/BR guards van, the one with a balcony at either end. Whilst there is a picture of the GRS version of this on their website, there is no detailed pics of where the decals may go. Any reference photos or pointers would be greatfully received.
Many thanks in advance,
Mark Thatcher
Hello Mark,
Tell me which livery are you applying (LNER or BR) and I will upload photos.
Regards,
John.
A (PDF) file which shows lettering positions/samples for BR livery is available to download from www.gauge3.org.uk/members/Toad_D.pdf .....it is available to non-members upon request.
The LNER post-1936 livery details (together with a list of modifications to 'backdate' the GRS BR kit to the final LNER version which had similar concrete end platforms) can be downloaded at www.gauge3.org.uk/members/LNER_livery_Toad_D.pdf
Thanks so much John,
I am going for the LNER variant, but will follow your link anyway.
You're a star (actaully EuroStar is a train and a very bad pun) but thanks soooo much!
Regards
Mark
I used a photo of brake van 157838 new in 1930 and made a side-on projection using Paint Shop Pro. I hope this proves useful. The italic script on the side reads
Braked Goods Kings +
Edinburgh & Aberdeen
If you would like more detailed pictures of these vans please contact me via my e-mail address in the members list. Regards, Ted (I hope that the photo actually attaches this time)
For the benefit of anyone intending to build the GRS kit in LNER guise, I would draw attention to points of detail between different LNER batches of these 'Toad D' brake vans (there are other modifications to 'backdate' from the BR version represented by the kit and those are listed in the download which is mentioned in an earlier message in this thread).
The earliest batches were built with steel plated covers to the open end platforms (which were level with the solebar tops) and the underframes were not fitted with the central angle trusses.
The (raised) concrete end platforms and underframe trusses were introduced as a steel-saving measure on those vans built during and after the war (previously the 20 ton tare was achieved by loading the underframe with iron or steel as ballast) so, if you wish to produce an accurate model with the pre-1937 large lettering, you will need to modify the GRS kit by omitting the trusses and concrete platforms (as well as several other modifications listed in the aforementioned download).
More details of these vans can be found in 'A Pictorial Record of LNER Wagons', Peter Tatlow, OPC,
Thank you both Ted and John for the useful info. The wagon in question is actually scratch-built by the guy who sold his ebay collection to me. I have uploaded a picture of it into the gallery under the "work in progress" section, but it looks to me as if this is a late version with the concrete platforms fore and aft. I was hoping to model the NE variant, but don't fancy the idea of hacking these sections off the model.
But thanks for all the great advice and pics.
Regards
Mark
Mark,
You can still model in LNER livery but the post-1937 livery with smaller lettering would be correct.
Having said that, it is your wagon and your railway...if you prefer the 18 inch lettering then that is your choice....and most will not know it is not quite right!
To convert the BR model to a wartime LNER build, you need only remove the grab rails from the end platforms and shorten the step boards to a scale 19ft (other minor details you could change such as planking over the windows in the doors).
I have in fact written an article on producing the 'Toad D' from the GRS BR 'standard' kit and this is currently being 'proof read'!
Regards,
John.
Hi John,
Thanks for that. I think I'll see how the repaint goes and leave the decals decision 'til last. Anyhow I have a play-day tomorrow so might have something close that's ready to upload after that. Perhaps you might take a look then and give any final thoughts then? As you say it's my railway and that always holds true. Occasionally when folk say it's not quite right I often reply - "well prototypical it is, this is how she ran on my railway!" I like your sentiment!
BR
Mark