Bachmann class 419 Motor lugage van class 419

Discussion in 'Reviews' started by smleonard55, Mar 14, 2016.

  1. smleonard55

    smleonard55 Full Member

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    [align=center]Bachmann class 419 blue grey[/align]
    [align=center]Catalogue number 31-267[/align]
    If I were to call this item a review I fear I would not do justice to the excellent article in the Model Rail magazine. This is perhaps more a chance to share with you yet another astounding model from Bachmann’s ever growing stable of MK1 based Southern Region EMU stock, as well as permitting myself the indulgence of some unashamed nostalgia.

    In the latish 70s my parents had the job of emptying the home of my grand mother as she moved to a retirement home. The flat she lived in was full of priceless Crown Darby china in the most ridiculously fragile glass cabinets and stuffy antiques.

    Not then a suitable location for a 11 year old visually impaired boy who's mission was to touch anything he could lay his hands on, with the aim of provoking his ever loving parents. As for the hand cranked record player with its delicate wax disks “no! no! no!”

    All was not lost, as this was Ashford, Kent, home of everything southern. So without the cost of an expensive day out I was given some sandwiches and sent to spend the day on the station.

    At the time I was fanatical about anything in corporate livery. It didn't really matter what it, was as long as there was plenty of it! Ashford’s busy station certainly had plenty to satisfy. I had no idea about TOPS meant or exactly what train spotting involved. It was just the real pleasure of watching and listening to life at a busy station.

    For one reason or another I was specially enthralled by the recorded train announcer as She intoned the immortal words Platform 2 for the Dover Priory and Ramsgate service.“ ”This train will be divided here, please stand clear whilst the division is being made.” Lots of two-tones and escaping air and as if by magic two trains where there had just been one. Passengers scurrying around attempting to work out what part of the train they should be in. The days of internal PA and on-board customer information had yet to arrive! The mainline trains with the dark gloomy wooden interiors, The two-hourly diesel electric that trundled across the marshes from Hastings and occasional freight were amusement enough for me.

    To the 419s!

    Something that stood out about Ashford where the centre lines and the clamber as the boat train would come storming through. I would diligently count the coaches, “1,2,3,4….” Sometimes if I was in luck a mysterious 13th coach would be seen at one end of the train, making its own particular sound.

    Much bemused with these odd motorised coaches I endlessly pestered the staff to tell me what there were, what they did? When could I ride on one? and When would one stop on a passenger train that called at Ashford? “What, they’re just MLVs.” I was none the wiser but just as fascinated. It would not be for a couple of years had passed I would finally discover the purpose of those odd 13th coaches.

    The last time I saw then in action was 1989 when I was invited to a church mission. By this time they could be seen in the exotic LSE and NSE liveries still racing through with the boat trains. But all this would come to and end as Ashford station was remodelled and another type of train would race through bound for the continentwithout the need for a Motor Luggage Van!”

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  2. mattc6911

    mattc6911

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    A nice story and some great photos Shaun. :thumbs: looking forward to your next one mate
    Cheers
    Matt
     
  3. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    A great read Shaun. A nostalgic tour followed by some fantastic photo's. Another great post to add to your review stable.:thumbup:

    Thanks for taking the time to put this together. I'm sure it will be widely appreciated.

    Cheers

    Toto
     
  4. SRman

    SRman Full Member

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    Like you, but from an earlier era, I used to see the boat trains passing through Petts Wood station, from my grandparents' kitchen window, or, in good weather, from their back garden. There were occasions when there were 14 coaches on, i.e. two MLVs were attached. At that time the trains were all green, with no yellow panels, so it wasn't obvious to a five to ten year old just where the divisions between units were.

    Needless to say, I have several of Bachmann's 4 CEP and MLV models, in various liveries. All run superbly and all will run quite happily in "multiple" with each other.
     
  5. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    Hi Shaun

    Like the review, and the photo's are really good.

    The detail of the mesh on the window is superb.

    Paul
     

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