One of the easiest ways to introduce variety to a BR-era wagon fleet is to build the N Gauge Society’s universal body kit for the Charles Roberts-built sulphuric acid, caustic soda liquor tank or chlorine tank wagon (built in 1966/7 for Tank Rentals Ltd, also known as TRL). The illustrated model is based on caustic soda liquor wagons with markings and weathering gained from china clay slurry. The kit contains etched walkways for a variety of different tank wagons of this type making the modelling of one of the TRL TT072D TTAs possible. Numbered TRL 51589-51648, they were used in to the early 1990s on china clay traffic until they essentially wore out and their work taken over by highcapacity bogie wagons.
The completed model of the TTA with over-ride guards fitted and etched roof walk and ladders in place.
The model was pre-shaded in gloss black before painting and being heavily weathered with dust, rust and grime hues alongside china clay slurry spillage from the loading hatch.
Squadron green putty was applied to the seams and finished with grade 1200 wet and dry paper.
Several types of etched walkway are supplied to suit the various tank wagon types which can be built with the kit.
Cleaning of rough spots along joining edges will ensure the barrel sides and the ends (conical ones in this case) fit together as neatly as possible.
Test-fitting of the complete tank assembly to the Graham Farish underframe. Bufferbeam over-ride guards are needed to complete the conversion.
The least expensive option is to use the Peco 15-foot TTA underframe for the kit.
The N Gauge Society’s Charles Roberts TRL TTA tank wagon body kit is intended for use on available TTA underframes including the one fitted to the Graham Farish wagon.