Over the past year I have been working away at a Parkside kit of a GWR AA19 Brake Van.
I decided to build it pretty much as per the kit but with a couple of upgrades:
1. Replacing the plastic handbrake column and handle with a cast brass version.
2. Suspension units from Exactoscale.
You can see the Exactoscle units below, I had to reduce the height on the internal chassis beams to accomodate the units. I have also got rid of the Parkside breakshoes and hangers and used Slaters instead. I managed to break one of the parkside yokes hence the single brass version.
The next change I made was to the Handbrake column. I think I used a CPL version instead on which you can see the teeth and latch. Overall a much better representation.
I had trouble with the handrail brackets provided in the kit. I ended up ditching them and my Dad mentioned there was an article in MRJ about the brackets being made out of metal. Quick trip up to the library and volume in hand back to the shed to start creating the brackets. It took me a day to file and drill the holes in all of them, a couple of cut fingers but worth the effort as once attached to the model it really improved the appearance.
First set of brackets and handrails fitted. I have corrected the wonky bit on the left hand side.
Today I have been adding the footboards, the top step has been filled down in the middle to represent the guard climbing in and out of the van and wearing away the timber. I have only placed the roof on at the moment - glazing still to be added. I am leaving the extra support on the veranda end till the end.
Overall I am pleased with the Brake Van, I have a soft spot for Brake Vans and whilst this was not exactly the right period for me I enjoyed building it and will still find a home on the layout.
Peter