Create a bespoke coach

Daryl Harris-saxton offers some techniques for successful kit-bashing.

Murphy Models’ Cravens coaching stock proved a big hit with modellers of Irish railways, but there is one essential vehicle that ran with the Cravens that’s not currently available – the Generating Steam Van (GSV). The GSVS were converted from ex-british Rail Mk 1 Corridor Brakes in the early 1970s, specifically to provide steam heating to the Cravens stock. A diesel generator powered the steam heating boiler. They rode on 5ft 3in gauge BR B5-type bogies. There was only one way to have one on my layout – I was going to have to make my own. Like the real things, my model also started life as a Bachmann BR Mk 1 Brake Second Corridor, which was fully dismantled, ready for conversion. Modifications were necessary to the underframe, the carriage ends and roof. Plenty of work was needed on the bodysides too, with one set of double doors being sealed-up on each side, along with the two single-width passenger doors. Indeed, the remodelling of these window and door apertures as well as the installation of a set of ventilation louvres for the diesel generator, were perhaps the biggest challenge of the build. Replacement buffers and gangways were required for a more authentic appearance and their location had to be altered slightly so that they matched their counterparts on the Cravens stock. This has been an enjoyable project and I must extend my thanks to the helpful folk on the Irish Railway Modellers forum, for all their assistance.