Coaching stock base models

Hornby Hobbies: Hornby have always tried to keep abreast of new development as well as producing useful historical models. Mark 1 coaches feature in their catalogue, with updated and face-lifted releases featuring flush glazing. Included is a Mark 1 Sleeper, BSK and CK vehicles fitted with B1 bogies. They produce a good model of a miniature buffer car fitted in the past with B4 bogies. More relevant to current operations is a Mark 2 coach, produced as a TSO and BSK/BFK vehicles. The Mark 4 coach associated with ECML electrification are superbly finished and form a complete set with Class 91 locomotive and DVT. Perhaps the least valuable in the eyes of many modellers is the Mark 3 coach, a throwback to Hornby's policy of operation on track systems designed for tight clearances. Thus it is a few scale feet under-length. The 1999 releases will include a new scale length MK3 coach tooling for HST sets.

Lima: A fair selection of Mark 1 vehicles are offered including a miniature buffer car, CK and BSK coach. They are characterised by very thick plastic sides and brittle integral roof/glazing mouldings of clear plastic. B1 bogies are offered as standard on all but a few models. On the NPCCS side, an over-length BG is offered, whilst considerably closer to scale and much appreciated by modellers are models of the GUV (in two window arrangements) and the standard BR CCT. Later Mark 2 coach designs appear in the Lima catalogue as MK2b designs; a BSO, BFK, TSO and FO available with B4 bogies. Mark 2e/f bodyshells are offered as TSO and FO vehicles, ideal base models for modelling Virgin XC and Gatwick Express services.

Replica Railways: This company is credited with fine retooling of the Mainline (Palitoy) Mark 1 coaches and continued production of the Restaurant Buffet car. Replica Railways include a scale length BG to their range fitted with Commonwealth and B4 bogies. This superb model forms the basis for a number of conversions, most notably the RES super BG vehicle.

Bachmann Branchlines: Mark 1 coaches based on refined Mainline (Palitoy) models feature in their catalogue. An important part of the range is the LMS 50foot GUV, the ideal base model for several LMS/BR inspection saloon conversions. Bachmann Branchlines have added non corridor suburban Mark1 coaches to their range which may be used to model the BR 57foot Swindon built inspection saloons. As a footnote, the B1 and Commonwealth bogie models are made available as separate packs.

Southern Pride Models: Southern Pride are the masters of clear printed side kits for Mark 1 coaches including some rarities, TPO and XP64 stock. T he method produces a flush glazed appearance, but may be a touch glossy for some. Conversions packs, detailing parts and full kits for Mark 2 coaches complement the range.

Comet Coaches: Very comprehensive kits for Mark 1 coaches (as well as many other pre nationalisation types) in brass, cast metal and other materials. This range is aimed at the steam era modeller rather than hardened diesel and electric traction modellers.

Stevensons Carriages: Specialists in LMS and Midland Railway coaching stock, the one important part of their range from our point of view is the LMS Dia. D2045/6 50foot inspection saloon kit.

A1 Railmatch: Develop and supply quality detailing parts and conversion kits. Significant in their range are inspection saloon conversion kits representing modernised versions of LMS/BR saloons. Other conversion packs include Mark 1 courier vans and bullion vans. Many useful detailing parts are available such as roller shutter doors, TDM fittings, door lock indicator lights, Scotrail DBSO parts, couplings, buffers and grilles.

Hurst Models: Specialists in quality conversions and detailing packs for a variety of vehicles. Of particular note are Super BG/GUV, Royal Train and Weed Killing vehicles. Hurst Models develop and supply the Trainsfers range of transfers.

MJT: MJT produce a variety of fittings for Mark 1 coaches including roof vents, cowls, curtains, buffers, bogie sideframes and compensation units mentions a small selection of this range. As a footnote, modellers of Irish Railway practice will welcome the coach compensation units, this bogie is easily adapted to accept the 5foot 3inch gauge and the correspondingly longer axles.

Vehicle Type:	Base Model:	Conversion Pack:	Full Kit:	Project Difficulty:
Virgin X/C MK2f Buffet First	Lima MK2e/f First open	none	none	Simple conversion
Anglia DBSO	Former Dapol, Hornby MK2d BSO	Hurst Models or A1 Railmatch	none	Moderate
Scotrail DBSO	As Anglia DBSO	As Anglia BDSO	none	Moderate
MK2 a/b	Lima MK2b	Southern Pride Models	none	Complex
MK2c	Lima MK2b or MK2f	Southern Pride Models	none	Complex
MK2f Gatwick Express	Lima MK2e/f	Hurst Models	none	Simple
MK2f High Speed Track Recording Coach	Lima MK2f FO/TSO	Hurst Models*	none	Moderate
MK3b BFO	Lima MK3 TGS	Hurst Models	none	Moderate
MK3a Catering Vehicles	Lima MK3 TRUB	Hurst Models	none	Moderate
Super GUV	Lima GUV	Hurst Models	none	Simple
Super BG	Replica Railways BG	Hurst Models	none	Moderate
MK1 Bullion Van	Any Bachmann/Lima MK1	A1 Railmatch	none	Moderate

MK1 Courier Van	Bachmann MK1 BSO	Hurst Models	none	Moderate
MK1 BAA Container van	Replica Railways BG	Hurst Models	none	Moderate
MK1 RES PCV	Replica Railways/Lima MK1	Hurst Models	none	Complex
TPO Stowage Van	none	none	Southern Pride Kits	Complex
TPO Sorting Van	none	none	Southern Pride Kits	Complex
TPO Stowage Brake Van	none	none	Southern Pride Kits	Complex
LMS Dia. 2046 Inspection Saloon	none	none	Stevenson Carriages	Complex
BR 50 foot Inspection Saloon Dia. 550/551	Bachmann 50foot LMS BG	A1 Railmatch	none	Complex
Rebuilt LMS DM45020	Bachmann 50foot LMS BG	A1 Railmatch	none	Complex
BR 57Foot Inspection Saloon	Bachmann MK1 57foot suburban	A1 Railmatch	none	Complex
Royal Train Saloons	Lima MK2 and 3 coaches	Hurst Models	none	Complex
MK3 Nightstar Generator Van	Lima MK3 sleeper	A1 Railmatch	none	Simple

Note: *High Speed Track Recording Coach kit is for the pre-privatisation version. The vehicle now operates in Serco livery, but was adapted for it's changing role. Therefore, the existing kit from HM is not suitable for painting in Serco grey / red livery.

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