Another bash for the PLR

[ge_rik]

After bashing the Newqida vans I remembered I had a couple of cheapo open wagons which I bought over 10 years ago, sitting on the shelf (one of existing opens in between for comparison). As you can see, they were too large for my railway but, given the Newqida van was as well I decided to attack them.

The wagons were made by Echo Toys in the 1990s but can still be found on eBay from time to time (one on there at the moment for around £6.00, but it's in the USA). I started with the most challenging one which had been painted green (badly).

Out came the trusty razor saw and and it was hacked about a fair bit - trying to retain as much of the moulded detail as possible

I think it's turned out OK - well not bad considering the original cost.

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The second one should be easier - I've learnt how to do it by now and I don't have to strip off the old paint.

Rik

 

[ge_rik]

Progress so far on bashing the second wagon ......

Rik

 

[ge_rik]

Now finished the bash of the second wagon. Seems to look OK.

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And here's how I dun it.....

Hope it's of interest.

Rik

 

[Rhinochugger]

What is interesting, given my current activities, is that while this is a cheapo wagon, there is commendable details on the springs and axleboxes

 

[ge_rik]

What is interesting, given my current activities, is that while this is a cheapo wagon, there is commendable details on the springs and axleboxes

It does seem they have attended to these details - surprising really given the low cost.

Now blogged the build of the first wagon in case anyone might be interested - Peckforton Light Railway: How I bashed a couple of cheap US style gondolas into UK open wagons

Rik

 

[ge_rik]

Before .......

....... and after.

Rik

 

[65 1057]

Hello Rik,

very nice conversions with excellent results! Your post encourages me also to take the saw...
Before I do so I have to understand one thing - I saw your picture:



...and I was wondering how you managed to get the diagonal cross beams from the door aligned to each other.
If the upper with the bottom part would be simply glued together, the cross beams would look like this:

Did I miss something in your explanation, or could you please share the trick?

Andreas

 

[ge_rik]

Hi Andreas
I removed the old diagonals with a craft knife and then replaced them with plasticard.


I've described how I did it in my blog post - Peckforton Light Railway: How I bashed a couple of cheap US style gondolas into UK open wagons

Rik