The ex LSWR new van is an impressive item on the layout, and the model has weight and runs really well behind a train of wagons. It seemed to be taking me a while to build, as I'm used to building a Parkside kit in an evening, and I wondered why this was taking much longer. So I counted the parts - about 200 in all, mainly strapping and parts which needed to be doubled in thickness. Using a resistance soldering unit, the kit went together easily and looks great. All parts fit well with minimal cleaning up. I added a floor from black plastic sheet. Leave the inner cabin ends off until after painting, as you'll never get a good edge between the red top and brown bottom. One of my favourite models.
This was one of the original wagons when first introduced and is painted in a lighter brown than the current precision colour. I believe this was a Railmatch colour.
This is the standard kit as supplied, painted with precision paints SR brown and Venetian red ends. I did not glue the inner ends to the cabin until I'd painted the whole wagon, as the top half of the end is red, while the bottom is brown, and I could not see an easy way to get a nice straight line between the two working in the tiny space inside the verandah. Once painted the ends can be slid in place, and glued with a bit of superglue which will run into the join, or if you are careful, liquid solvent in a small quantity so it does not affect the paintwork. The roof is also glued on after painting is finished.
This shows the model built straight from the kit, with Slaters wheels and HMRS transfers. The buffers have not been changed but can be made to look reasonable at a distance. The load is from Skytrex suitably painted and weathered to give it a realistic look.
