BachmannSuburbans

1298 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by 14C, May 6, 2008

14C

Discussion Starter · May 6, 2008

Hi everyone,

I've watched the traffic go by on the mainline from the bay platform for a couple of weeks now, and am very impressed with this forum, so thought I'd join in! I've always been interested in the Midland mainline, and anything of a Midland/London Midland nature, and after forty years am about to take the plunge into railway modelling.

I'm hoping someone out there maybe able to help. I want to assemble a rake of maroon suburbans as I remember them - plying their trade on the St. Pancras and Moorgate suburban services and believe only two model types exist - the Bachmann open and a brake 2nd. Are the models very accurate? Has any magazine ever reviewed them?
There seems to be quite a number of running numbers issued from Mainline/Bachmann since their introduction and enquire as to whether anyone has ever kept track of the running numbers and models issued.

Thank you

14C

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Doug

· #2 · May 6, 2008

Hi 14C, welcome to the forum.

If you don't find a specialist, then I'm sure you could fill the vacancy. Everyone starts somewhere

Dapol too make (or made) a 57' maroon suburban composite.

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John Webb

· #3 · May 6, 2008 (Edited by Moderator)

The current Bachmann catalogue only has two versions of the 2nd class compartment coach and two versions of the 2nd Brake coach, all in ER blue. They are reasonably accurate models as I understand it, but the level of detailing and the window glass is now below the general standard of ready-to-run items, and this may account for their gradual withdrawal. I do not recall any reviews in the last 5 years since my return to modelling I can refer you to, I suspect again because they are older models.

There is definately a need for more surburban stock in r-t-r form.

Bachmann did have a wider range of the 57ft surburban coaches a few years ago. I too wanted to make up a rake in lined maroon and was only able to do so because I came across a couple of shops that still had old stock available. Another source is to try swap-meets and toy fairs where you might come across second-hand items or old stock.

Anyway, have fun looking for them!
Best wishes for what ever you end up building.
John Webb

PS: Which shed was 14C?

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34C

· #4 · May 6, 2008

QUOTE (14C @ 6 May 2008, 05:53) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Are the models very accurate? Has any magazine ever reviewed them?
Never seen a review, but they were already available when I returned to railway modelling. Never seen any serious criticism of the basic form; they appear to have the right overall dimensions and proportions. Some of the earlier editions were finished in a very dark rendition of maroon. They are now looking a little dated beside the corridor mk1's, could definitely do with an upgrade to include flush glazing, close coupling and sprung buffers. There are two body shells, one of which is finished in three forms: 2nd compartment brake end; and all passenger, finished as 2nd compartment, composite compartment, 2nd open. It is possible to use the 2nd open to make a presentable lavatory 2nd.

Maroon examples as pairs of 2nd and brake appear regularly on offer split from train sets. By chance I saw some in K.S Models in Stevenage (01438 746616) last week.

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14C

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 6, 2008 (Edited by Moderator)

34C
Many thanks for your help and advice it is very much appreciated, yes I agree that from a distance they look okay and in proportion, and yes they ould do with a facelift.

14C

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