20Ton 6-wheel Goods Brake Van

I decided to stop work on the brake van featured in my previous post as it was proving too time consuming to correct all the mistakes, so at the moment it’s consigned to the sidings of shame. A better use of my time I decided was to build a 20 ton brake van from one of the etched sheets I had made some time ago, it was the last of these etches and there will be no more. The etched sheet is a basic “aid to wagon building” and though the parts provided are accurate it is not an easy project, there is much work before a recognisable van emerges. Construction of the model took me four weeks, working 2 or 3 hours a day and I thought the result pictured above worthwhile. Note the new improved HR pattern buffers which are now available from the GOG. I await some warmer weather in the north and the departure of the family of robins nesting in my workshop to glaze and  paint the van, number 14 is favourite.

Building a Jones d.25 goods brake van, a new project for ‘26

Jones d.25 goods brake van, Type B in original condition. 

The model started life as a series of etched sheets which I undertook to assess to see whether they would build into a respectable model and be suitable for issue as a kit or at least as a modelling aid . I soon realised that there were far too many mistakes and omissions to expect a modeller to rectify or make good, it would never do. However as I’d made some progress by the time this dawned on me I thought I’d continue and try and complete the model and here you can see progress to date.

Below the sole bar all is my own design. 

The superstructure and underframe are built as separate units which screw together. This facilitates construction and allows access to the interior for painting and glazing. The w-iron trays were raised slightly with Plastikard sheet to give clearance for the springs and axle boxes. I used my own etched w-irons without compensation of any sort and found that the chassis runs surprisingly smoothly.

Internal walls and cross-braces have been added to strengthen the structure and support the roof which is half etched and rather flimsy. Window openings have been thickened too to give a more robust appearance and add strength to the structure.