Review: The BCK joins Hornby's Mk.1 coach collection
InterCity No. 21274 is examined in this review of the new ‘OO’ gauge Mk.1 BCK coach model.
A NEW addition to Hornby's collection of re-tooled Mk.1 coaches is the useful Corridor Brake Composite (BCK) which was built in a roughly 10-year period between 1953 and 1964 in small lots by various builders.
Two diagram numbers were issued, with those built with six-seat compartments in Second Class being allocated to the ScR, LMR and ER, while the eight seat compartments without arm rests went to the SR and WR.
Stock is immediately recognisable in having five compartments with two fitted out as First Class accommodation and the remainder for Second Class passengers. Two lavatories were provided in the BCK which was built for train formations not requiring a great deal of First Class accommodation such as those used on secondary routes. It was not unknown for some branch trains in Scotland to be operated with a single BCK and locomotive as cover for a railcar.
The model submitted for review is finished as a Diagram 172 vehicle as AB31 No. 21274 decorated in InterCity ‘Swallow' livery with the white roof of the InterCity charter unit (R40020). When operated by InterCity, No. 21274 was fitted with Electric Train Supply and heating as well as air brakes. The full size coach currently resides at Locomotion in Shildon where it has been displayed in recent times.
Assembly
Hornby's Mk.1 coaches are generally well-made and of the correct shape and proportions, although they have a number of one-size-fits-all features which are applied to the bulk of Hornby's Mk.1 coaches. The body shell represents a BCK possibly to Diagram 172 with ridge dome ventilators. Detailing is primarily done with integral moulding with the bodyshell, including commode handles, water tank filler pipes, which are a distinctive feature at over the guards van end of the coach, and the guards door hand rails.
The underframe is a standard
assembly with separately applied trussing and battery boxes. Vacuum brake detail is present but none of the air brake fittings that would be applied to a coach in the InterCity fleet of the time. Some attention to assembly quality is required by Hornby. A couple of the underframe parts were not correctly fitted to their mounting holes and required removal and refitting to seat them properly.
Internally, the compartments are detailed with partitions and the correct compartment door detail. No arm rests are featured which means the model could be used as a Diagram 171 coach if desired, roof ventilators permitting. The glazing is neatly fitted to the openings with little sign of an edge around the inside of each window opening which is modelled flush to the body sides, without any of the framing present on the real No. 21274 which possibly nudges out the position of the red and white stripes slightly. End gangways are separate fittings, while the end footsteps are moulded alongside the alarm gear and water tank pipes.
Bogies, wheels and couplings
Commonwealth bogies are fitted to the InterCity model and are nicely detailed models featuring a good depth of detail and well defined springs. The rear face of the side frames is flat and the brake shoes are moulded just inboard of the frames, but not aligned with the wheels. The bogies clip into the underframe rather than being secured with a screw, which is a cost saving measure.
Paint finish
InterCity ‘Swallow' livery sits well on these models with the upper edge of the white band crossing the lower part of the windows as per the prototype. Closer examination shows that the red and white band is a touch low compared to the position of door furniture such as the door and commode handles
alongside the door stops, possibly due to the lack of window frames.
Livery application is neat, with just a touch of bridging over moulded detail. Apart from the shade of InterCity executive light grey being a touch on the yellow side, colours look good and printing is pretty neat too.
Overall impressions
Remember the Hornby Mk.1 coaches are reasonably priced compared to many coach models, but with level of sophistication reflected in that price. There are no electrical pick-ups for interior lighting; NEM coupling pockets are bogie mounted; there are no close coupling cams, and generic details are used in much of the ordinary stock. However, they provide an excellent
Roof detail is integrally moulded instead of being applied as separate details and wire to keep assembly costs to a reasonable level. The gangways are nicely moulded as is the flush glazing.
foundation for detailing and conversions. The roof-on body mouldings work well for Mk.1 EMU conversions and the underframes are sufficiently detailed.
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Produced by Hornby Hobbies Ltd. www.hornby.com
£
RRP £34.95