Caledonian Railway 15T Goods Brake Van

CR 15 Ton Goods Brake Van construction complete

Built from Caley Coaches' etches with castings from Invertrain, the van is robustly constructed with soldered joints throughout and with a wealth of fine detail underneath which represents the brake rigging. Suspension is by means of a rocking axle which ensures a smooth ride. The tie-rods, which are out of sight behind the footboards, are connected only to the non-rocking w-irons, a loop of wire holds them in place loosely at the rocking end. The longer handrails on the sides and ends are supported midway by 4mm scale handrail knobs drilled 0.6mm to take the handrail.

Slaters' lamp irons have been used on the sides and ends of the van and will take CR pattern brake van lamps which are available from Invertrain. Note the steps mounted above the buffers and the finely detailed and fully articulated couplings which are from CPL Products, these are sprung, despite the lack of space behind the buffer beam, not really for any mechanical advantage but so that they can be removed for finishing.

The roof is held in place by a screw mounted in the chimney, in fact the chimney is the screw. Similarly, the body of the van is fastened to the chassis by two 8BA screws under the floor so the van can easily be dis-assembled for painting and glazing. The van is 120mm in length and weighs a satisfying 250g, heavy for her length, which I think helps her running characteristics.



Interior of veranda with guard, seat and brake winding mechanism.



 

Note the thickened inner windows and the open door to the cabin.

Ready for the paint shop.