Bachmann/TMC limited edition 20T ex LNER toad brake van

Discussion in 'Reviews' started by smleonard55, Feb 10, 2016.

  1. smleonard55

    smleonard55 Full Member

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    A rare sight on modern freight trains is the humble brake van. They are more usually associated with use as translator or barrier wagons. These often overlooked vehicles have been a part of railway life from the word go.

    When the railways were taken into public ownership in 1948 they inherited wonderful collections of non-standard locos, coaches and wagons, many dating back to the previous century!

    Many of us will be familiar with the standard BR 20t type with its verandas and heavy concrete ballast weights that could be seen on all regions of the network on a diverse range of duties. From Top-link express freight, endless rakes of coal trains to private siding and quaysides these ubiquitous wagons plied their trade, keeping their trains safe from harm. As the need for Brake vans diminished many would escape the breakers’ yard by finding their way into the engineers’ fleet appearing in liveries from dull olive green to the bright and exotic! Others rescued by the burgeoning preservation market.

    The predecessors of these vans had their routes within the LNER and were known to railway staff as toads. They looked very similar to the BR version but there were enough subtle differenced to make it worth while producing an RTR model. This is a limited run produced for TMC by Bachmann. Once again we are offered a delightful model that represents something slightly different from the norm.

    Looking at the bodywork there is plenty to interest. The separately applied handrails and lamp irons. Also clearly on display is the safety rail that prevents the guard from being thrown from an often rough riding train! Curved rain strips are clearly but subtly implemented above each of the four entrances with stovepipes and ventilators also present. The inner ends are clearly visible with glazing and detail to the doorways

    A couple of notable differences between the BR counterpart and this model are the absence of concrete weights beyond the verandas correctly depicted here. Ware you would expect to find these there are two small round wholes. I am not sure if this is prototypical or if a generic chassis is being used. I wonder if the holes are intended as receptacles for weights on the BR equivalent?

    The running boards are far shorter only being between the entrances. This is also correctly depicted here. This feature is also used as a selling point by TMC. There is a brake pipe at each end of the wagon. Whilst quite sturdy I feel they are vulnerable to being knocked off during handling for example when returned to a box or storage after use or easily damaged during a collision. I realise the “You should be more careful” brigade are always waiting in the wings. However, life is never that simple and it is far too easy to be smart after the event! I note with interest such pipes are supplied by Hornby as a separate detail that can be added at will.
    As we look below the bodyline there is plenty of detail with a vacuum cylinder and associated equipment. The brake shoes line nicely with the wheels. Coupling is by standard NEM pocket allowing different types to be added by the user there is also a hook that can be used by three-link fans. A nice touch is a works plate baring the legend “LNER Darlington 234998” The model is supplied in bauxite with a running number E234998, clearly matching the works plate. Decoration is minimal as per the prototype. Handrails in white and lamp irons in black.
    TMC’s main area of expertise is that of custom weathering and are therefore very much aimed at the premium end of the market. They offer the vehicles in various stages of grime. This looks rather good but certainly adds to the cost so I opted for the Ex-works version to adding weathering of my own choice at a later date.
    Conclusion.
    Perhaps not the most earth shattering offering it will certainly please freight enthusiasts and make a good talking point. At £28.50 you would have to be quite a fan of brake vans to justify this price tag. However compared to the normal BR 20t van with an RRP of about £24 you are getting something a little different for just a couple pounds more. As time passes it is more apparent the makers must look to the slightly unusual in order to satisfy the veracious market for RTR modellers.

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  2. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    Hi,

    Another great in depth review covering the subject matter very well and terrific illustrative photo's as well. Many thanks for posting this up as it adds very nicely to this section of the forum and gives the members a well versed and informative article with which to refer to if contemplating buying.

    Excellent stuff

    Toto
     
  3. mattc6911

    mattc6911

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    Many thanks for another great review Shaun, As you say something just a bit different from the norm, but on a small layout with not much rolling stock , well worth that extra few pounds to stand out from the crowd
    Cheers
    Matt
     

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