FITTING ETCHED COACH OVERLAYS
Need a specific type of carriage that is missing from the RTR market? George Dent reveals an easier alternative to kit‑building.
While the choice of RTR coaching stock, especially in ‘OO’ gauge, is better than ever, there are still ‘gaps’ to be filled. Specific types of catering cars are a good example, especially within the BR Mk 1 range. A number of important pre-nationalisation designs also remain missing from mainstream product ranges. In some cases, the elusive vehicles may have been built in small numbers – hence why RTR makers have steered clear – yet they may be integral to the accurate re-creation of key passenger services to suit your layout’s era and location. Kit-building is a possible solution, but not everyone fancies the idea of constructing a carriage from the ground up. Indeed, the assembly of many coach kits demands a certain degree of skill, not least with a soldering iron. The other option is to employ etched brass overlays atop an existing RTR model. There are plenty of overlays to choose from, with the likes of Comet, MJT, Bill Bedford and Hurst Models offering all sorts of options to suit pre-grouping, ‘Big Four’ and nationalisation eras. There are even some packs that cater for modern-day prototypes, such as the various Network Rail test train vehicles. Illustrated here is a BR Mk 1 non-gangwayed lavatory composite coach, based on a Bachmann model. The etched brass overlays are from the Bill Bedford range and installation is a straightforward affair. Flattening the model’s sides of all raised detail is essential, followed by cutting long slots to give clearance for the new window apertures, as well as allowing space into which the new glazing material – clear plastic sheet – can be fixed. Forming the curved profile on the new sides is aided by half-etched grooves on the inside face. Fixing is best achieved with epoxy adhesive and plenty of clamps (wooden clothes pegs will suffice). Once the sides are in place, smaller details can be installed, such as hinges and door handles. Roof vents may need rearranging, as will the interior, with plenty of suitable components available from Bill Bedford, Comet and Dart Castings.