I had a surprise visit from the local 'Postie' today, bringing me a kit I wasn't expecting just yet. Jim McGeown announced on his website some weeks ago that he wasn't accepting any more orders until September as he was inundated with back orders which he wanted to get made up and sent to customers. (Would that other businesses use that kind of common sense approach to accepting orders when they get busy!). Anyway, I emailed Jim asking that if and when he was in a position to supply again, I'd like one of his "Queen Mary" brake vans, and lo and behold, that was the parcels contents. I've been too busy with the 02 to find time to have a proper look, but as a taster, this is the goodie box. I suspect that this will be my next kit after I complete the 02, but I also have a hankering for one of Jims LSWR 24 ton brake vans too. Why more brake vans you may ask? Well, my intended 0 gauge layout will be a 'Heritage" railway (Mainly so I can run whatever I want on it!) and Heritage railways usually provide the general public with 'Brake Van rides', so I'll need more than one. Sorted! Keith.
Hi Keith, I've never seen this kit in the flesh before so it'll be interesting to see what comes in the box. It's a beast of a brake van and looks fantastic. Being one of Jim's, I'm sure it'll go together well too. Lovely stuff. Cheers Toto
That`s an impressive kit Keith. It must be one big sucker of a brake van having four axles under it.? Gormo
Weren't these used on the fast overnight perishables / fruit trains from the docks and a bogie brake van could run at passenger rated speeds ?
Nice looking kit Keith! I remember a few years ago one coming through Whittington on the old Midland road, it was definitely a whopper! Pete.
I believe these vans were created from old coach bogies and frames Gormo (back in those days of private railway companies, they'd re-use everything they could, benefits the shareholders I guess!). I gather the "Queen Mary" nickname came as usual from the railway staff due to the size of the vans. Keith.