WELCOME WAGONS - Conflat B with 2x Birds eye containers

So here’s the next victim, which again I believe was sold by M&M models, then Welcome Wagons, but I can not find them on the net and First class models do not have this kit listed, but
They do list the bogie bolster “C” kit I have, which is in the same Packaging as this kit ?? I’m sure it’s from the same range. If any one knows the correct history please fill me in.

I purchased several kits , including the Presflo kit, from the Reading o gauge show back in 2017.

HISTORY.
Early 1958, a new type of insulated container was designed to carry quick frozen food pallets from East Anglia to the London markets. These new containers were not to the standard A or BD size and were listed as a AFP type, also a new Conflat wagon was also called for to carry them in pairs, these new wagons were in fact converted ex vacuum braked 12T pipe wagons with the original body work removed, just leaving the floor and were listed as dia 1/076 and coded Conflat B. Most were taken from the batch with LNER pattern vacuum brakes, but some (14) of the LMS/BR pattern vacuum brake gear were also converted. These wagons were fitted with chain pockets centrally to each side.
Later some ex-flat ED wagons were converted, but this kit does not cover that build.

The first batch of AFP containers, as far as is known, were painted in the dedicated Birds Eye livery, and later the MacFisheries livery, and when they were broken up after with draw at least 2 were painted BR ice Blue livery.Most containers had been with drawn by late 1960’s.

As always some excellent reference material on Paul Bartlett pages....

https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/conflatbafp


So what’s in the rather nice box.........

let battle commence........

 

Similar chassis construction to the Presflo kit, parts all have tabs and slot and really go together very quickly.

Soldered up....

kit comes complete with a real wood insert. Trial fit here to see what it looks like.

side tool box’s next.

buffer beams then need two load loops added and a lamp bracket.

First for me, the wheels are mounted in micro bearings which need to be fitted into the white metal axles. 4mm drill required.

Solder axles and wheels into place, tacked first to check the model runs level

V supports and brake parts next

not a great fan of the white metal brake parts, but they do look better when soldered up to the normal very thin etched in other kits...

time for a break. Should have this finished tonight.

 

Cheers Toto,
Bearings couldn’t be easier, Mark the depth of the bearing on a 4mm drill and drill out slowly, then using a 2mm drill extend the hole to give space for the ends of the axle, aoorox 1-1.5mm
I think building a hard kit like the Presflo has put me in the groove to build a few more of these “basic” shorter builds....working up to the big one in my stash.
Kim

 

Cheers Paul,

I thought as much, it’s a shame, these smaller manufacturers / supplies need our support as once these kits are gone the kit build side of the hobby suffers.
I’m also well impressed with the bearings, they work very well, no sideways slop and even with no weight on the wagon runs very smoothly. The kit does mention that Slaters wheels and bearing caps can be used, but as these were already in the kit when I bought it, seemed best to try them out.
I can think of a couple of wagons that might get bearings retro fitted to improve their running issues.

kim

 

Chassis completed with the final job of soldering the tie down loops in place. Note, two each side facing up wards ready for the loads

so ready for yet another check over and clean up

Containers have had a coat of primer which has shown up a few casting errors

so next job is to attend to the containers, small sanding block to sort out the casting errors and the corner fittings need drilling out to allow split pins to be fitted for the securing chains

and finally a dry fit / test to see if it all works

so it looks like I’m ready for some primer this morning.

Kim

 

Hi Toto, they come in the kit made up as one lost wax casting, just need blackening.

 

Yes nice surprise to find them made up. I’ve got some etched ones in the detailing box and they are a pain to assemble.

first coat of etching primer on today.