On my 'to do' list, and in preparation for almost over a year now, is a model of a Billard A80D4, a one off example which was used in the Netherlands by the RTM starting in 1953, after an almost one year rebuild. The A80D4 is unique because it is more narrow that its siblings and a tad longer, to compensate for the loss in width. I don't know what seating options were originally installed, but the RTM choose for a row of two seat benches and a row of single seats.
I got a kit for the body and the main parts, like boogie sidings. The kit is of French origin and of course is based upon the A80D4 as it rode in France. The rebuild by the RTM is something I have to do myself and to which I am really looking forward. For example, the radiator is quite different and so are the front and rear windows. And the kit has only two seat benches. And is missing A LOT of detail parts.
Anyway, to power this railbus a boogie with a wheelbase of 2.040 mm is required, in 1/22,5 this is 90,7 mm. Unfortunately there is no exact match, but the USA Trains 94,5 mm wold do the job! As a matter of fact, I had your website link saved for reference!
View attachment 263774
View attachment 263773
Prototype RTM, 'De Stern' 2020, front view
View attachment 263775
Prototype RTM, 'De Stern' 2020, rear view, fresh out of the workshop
View attachment 263776
Prototype RTM, 'De Stern' 2020, rear view, at the endpoint of the line Rotterdam - Strijen Steenplaats. The village Strijen is only 10 km away from my hometown, hence the love for the RTM AND this Billard! Unfortunately there is NO trace of the RTM anywhere left...
View attachment 263778
Copy of the original drawings where all the RTM alterations are visible. Image thanks to Eric van der Reiden of the RTM Museum in Ouddorp.
View attachment 263777
The contents of the kit...