Panniers in progress...

My new project, and passion, OO gauge Western Region in the 1950s will need a small fleet of Croes Newydd based ex-GWR Panniers. My long term aim is to build a section of the Bala branch, but initially, a micro based on the Ruabon Brook tramway will be home...

This pair are both Bachmann models, that have been lightly modified to match a pair seen in the area during this period. They make an interesting comparison, the newer Bachmann 64xx donor has much finer details and improved under frame detailing than what is basically a re-worked ex-Mainline model from the 1980s, the 57xx, although that is a much smoother runner!

The 64xx has been converted into a late 74xx model, to become 7442. This has not only involved the cab modifications described elsewhere by others, but I've also cut out the front boxed in tank supports  and replaced them with a 3D designed and printed item. These will be shortly available direct from me for £4.50 a pair including UK postage.

The side tank handrail has been replaced with a plain grab, as the original Bachmann one had knobs which were not present on the prototype. Elsewhere, extra grab handles on the footplate and replaced moulded detail finish off a pretty basic lift on an otherwise lovely model.

The 57xx has even less work, to represent a typical early cab example I've used a blade to thin the edges of the cab roof, and replaced the whistle and guard with one from ModelU. I've added lamp irons and grabs as well as the front sanding mechanism. Upfront, it also has a new smokebox dart from RT Models.

The new details have been touched in now in black, ready for a little detail painting before fitting the plates, and weathering. More on them both soon...