Canada Road scratchbuilt Covhop.

03111 is seen shunting a Covhop in Wibdenshaw goods yard, with other examples of this wagon type in the background. Normal operation will find just a block of 2 or 3 in different mixed freights running on the layout, and have been parked to show the variety of finishes they appeared in. (All featured here and below are Bachmann).

A pair of Bachmann vacuum fitted Covhops on the work bench....

... and later seen in a formation at Wibdenshaw. Note the 2 external V hangers on the left hand wagon, which should only be featured on one side of the vacuum fitted examples.

Five unfitted Covhops are spotted in a mixed freight heading south at Wibdenshaw.

The Bachmann model is nicely detailed straight out of the box, but as always there are several ways to improve and represent different variations in the fleet. The roof walkways have been painted to highlight the wooden planking with fixing bolts and associated weathering.

Bachmann have incorrectly fitted the 2 'V' hangers to the outside of the solebar on one side of the unfitted Covhop - this arrangement was only found on the vacuum braked examples. It's an easy enough job to snip off the offending outside bracket and fit a replacement inboard as shown here.

The OHLE flashes appear to have been fitted on a ad-hock basis, with no particular specification regarding the quantity or positioning, and were fitted to blocks mounted on the bodyside. To represent the depth of the block on the model, the transfer is left attached to the backing paper and stuck on with superglue.

B886291 has roller bearings by 51L Models, the oil boxes having been cut off with a Dremmel and burr, and brass pinpoint bearings fitted into the axleguards. Different styles of roller bearings were fitted to the fleet of Covhops, so it's always worth referring to a photograph of your chosen model. As always, Paul Bartletts wagon website is invaluable for reference - details are on the links page.

There is also a useful article in Rail Express issue 217 (June 2014) by Trevor Mann in the modelling section, which outlines the history of this wagon type along with some excellent colour images. In the same issue, Alan Monk describes some simple upgrades to the model.

Unfitted Covhop B886472 at Wibdenshaw.

From the Shenston Road fleet, this and the following few images feature vacuum fitted Bachmann Covhops starting with B870855.

Shenston Road Covhop B870832.

Shenston Road Covhop B870775.

Shenston Road Covhop B870816.

Shenston Road Covhop B870780.

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BULK POWDER WAGONS (PRESTWIN)

A rake of 4 Prestwin wagons on the work bench, having been constructed from the Airfix kit, enhanced with etched brass ladders and wire handrails, and some initial weathering.

Spillages often occured around the filling hatches, which resulted in residue streaking down the sides of the wagons. This has been reproduced by applying thin washes of white paint. A diluted mix of PVA glue was brushed onto the top area with talcum powder sprinkled around the hatches.

The 4 wagons finished and captured in a mixed freight at Wibdenshaw.

Another Airfix kit built for the Canada Street fleet. Built to Dia 1/277 on a 12' wheelbase, this image shows the wagon fitted with EMGS
W-irons which are badly undersize for scale, so these have since been swapped for MJT etches.

A major conversion from the Airfix kit is this Dia 1/274 design which was mounted on a Parkside 10' wheelbase chassis (without the J hangers). This design is much higher so a layer of plasticard between the deck and the silos is fitted to lift them. The silo assemblies are just about identical, but raised to sit on the chassis. The Hornby Dublo version of this taller body has many inaccuracies (including the chassis) so was ruled out as a basis for conversion.

Showing the difference between the 2 Prestwins, with the modified 10'WB Dia 1/274 wagon on the left, and the Airfix/Dapol 12' Dia 1/277 wagon on the right.

Showing a trio of kits from the Shenston Road fleet starting with B873721.

Shenston Road B873748......

The Airfix kit dates from the 1960s and unfortunately the plastic is affected by age becoming brittle. Rough shunts or bad handling can result in pieces easily fracturing and falling away as shown here by the missing horn block keep plate.

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CEMENT HOPPER WAGONS (PRESFLO)

 

APCM Presflo fleet number ‘PF20’ is finished as it might have appeared after a year or two in service…..and begins to show why Blue Circle switched to a basic grey livery for the type around that time.

Shenston Road (Airfix kit).

Shenston Road (Airfix kit).

Hornsey Broadway (Bachmann).

Hornsey Broadway (Bachmann).

Hornsey Broadway (Bachmann).

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CEMENT TANK WAGONS (CEMFLO)

Weathered Accurascale Cemflo wagons at Hornsey Road depot.

Based on the Metro-Cammell built wagons.

Paul James is planning a few Gloucester RCW versions to mix into the rake, highlighting their slightly higher profile - watch this space.

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