Parcel Van Scratch Build

[lyctus]

Hi All,
Following completion of a beautiful, smooth running Roundhouse Katie, I decided to build some rolling stock to give the loco something to form a train with. I wanted something that has an Aussie narrow gauge flavour, two axle and typical economical look which I have observed across many NG railways around the world. I plan to build a number of open wagons and a number of specialised vehicles like petroleum product tank cars and stock cars, but I started with a Parcels Van with offset sliding doors. Why offset doors......? The clown in the Car and Wagon shop couldn't read the blueprints. He will be disciplined ! However, if a loading dock worker has over indulged in a refreshing lager during lunch break, and staggers through the van door and keeps on staggering, he won't fall out of the immediate opposite door onto the tracks. So, a brilliant safety measure which the said C&W Shop employee may use as mitigating argument during the disciplinary hearing.
So enough said - the van is entirely scratch built with Peter Binnie wheels and axle boxes the only bought in items. Hope you like

 

[railwayman198]

Very nice. I like that it sits low on the track to give a proper narrow gauge look.

 

[Northsider]

That's very nice; the proportions look right, and the detailing (lamp brackets, stop for the door) all go to make it look like it could have run somewhere once upon a time. And as those 'mistakes', you'll learn from them -and make different ones next time! The most important thing is the convincing back story, which you've nailed!

 

[Paul M]

Excellent

 

[Jasper]

And as those 'mistakes', you'll learn from them -and make different ones next time! The most important thing is the convincing back story, which you've nailed!

Yes, creating those back stories is an essential modeling skill.