After getting the two V1/3 brake vans to the state of the last post (and pretty much just needing some sprung buffers and a few details) I embarked on a another build from my brake van stash. This is another one that still lurks unfinished.... I replaced Jim's cast chimney with a couple of length of brass tube to give it a hollow look I also left one of the doors open which is easy to do due to the excellent design.
I forgot to add that I enhanced the veranda ends with square brass rod to represent the prominent end framing that these and many other brake vans had. I also added a second skin of scored planking inside the outer veranda sheets
Thanks Paul, There is nothing wrong with the casting but I can't help trying to improve on things....
As standard Jim's van kit's including brake vans don't come with a floor in them. I decided to add one from sheet brass. I also thought it would be good to add some planking to the top of the verandas on the inside. Then I raided my castings drawer and found a Slaters Stove and a Brake Standard. They are strictly speaking LMS prototypes I believe but they are better than nothing. you know ho one thing leads to another, then I decided to make a hearth for the stove....
Thank you, I must admit I enjoy making all the additional bit's from scrap etch etc in many cases more than the main part of the kit - perverse or what
No Rob not perverse I'd say just aiming for that extra mile. Top quality workmanship again an inspiration.
Thanks Paul, If you liked the hasp and staples on the V1/3 vans you will love this. Having decided to add the brake standard and stove it was only a short leap to making a full interior. The interiors of brake vans usually have a spare lap bracket, that was easy but I also thought a coat hook might fit too.
Hi Rob, Yes you are not wrong there... that finite detailing is fantastic, yes I'm in awe of the levels and high standards you incorporate in this build. From memory 20ton Standard vans had a couple of coat hooks for the guards great coat and wet wear, also the wooden shaped blocks to hang the track circuit clips on and the hooks to hold the shunting pole on too. Oh also near forgot Rob congrats for being made a moderator.
You certainly keep busy with these kits Rob ! I'm guessing your at that stage where burning your fingers is a rare occasion ! Cheers, Gary.
Thanks Paul, If you can point me at a photo or do me sketch of what they look like and where they sit I can still add them
Hi Gary, Yes, using a microflame as much as I do for soldering you very quickly get to treating everything as hot. It does help that adjacent to my bench I have a sink and I use a swivel computer chair so a slight swivel of the chair allows me to run it under the cold tap after each part is added.
Here is a picture of an LMS van interior showing detail of track circuit clips and the wooden holders, not my photo but found on the net. And here is the interior of a standard van that passed into the Engineers fleet, photo at Bescot Yard 1992 courtesy S Barnes. I'm fairly sure the clips can be placed in a similar position on your van build Rob. Hope that helps.
If these vans lasted into into the 1930's 1940's then yes they would have been given provision for track circuit clips... British Railways Rule 55 Detention of Trains on Running Lines was a direct result of the accidents at Thirsk and Hawes Junction. The exemption to Rule 55 was the white diamond plate affixed to signal posts which indicated to the driver/fireman/guard or shunter accompanying a train that the stopped train position had been detected in the signal box via the block shelf track indicator being shunted to the occupied position, thus the signalman didn't need a reminder call before placing a Line Blocked collar over the relevant protecting home signal lever. http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/gansg/3-sigs/indusig.htm