Pffft - a Powell Duffryn PFA in N (part 1)...

When I watched the film about Boston Docks in 1992 (that inspired the D2112 build) I was taken by the steel wagons in use, and reminded of some models I'd had as a teenager...

I later found that one of the types shown was a Powell Duffryn conversion of a TEA tank wagon (shortened and fitted with container eyes) for Railease - who then leased them to ISIS-Link for steel traffic. The idea of converting a Farish TEA appealed - but it wasn't until last week that I finally caved on this rather mad-cap scheme!

Dismantling the Farish model was just a matter of minutes - and I opted to remove all the brake gear on the spine as well before cutting this down and re-gluing with a brace. The diagonal cross members with the brake wheels on were also removed. The new side frames were added, and then the cross braces in styrene. Brake parts were guesstimated and re-attached - the lot painted black.

PFA container flat, TIPH93288, loaded with 2 Isislink containers, in the remains of the hump yard at Margam. 19th September 1992. This vehicle was converted from two redundent tank wagon chassis in 1987. Photo 'Jamerail', Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/2drCb8p

But what about the distinctive containers? I did toy with modifying these Gypsum ones but didn't think I could replicate two accurately enough not to jar in service - so Will at Coventry Rail Works kindly offered to help me by printing them, if I produced the artwork. No scale drawings and a handful of photos, this is an approximation - measurements taken from the Revolution Gypsum as reference. I've added a representation of the ribs that support the tarpaulin - this will be added in foil or tissue and then painted. I've drawn up the ISIS Link decal, but need to prepare artwork for the smaller markings before I send off for those... 

So a project fuelled by nervous energy, but somewhere to focus that today - and the results will be a unique wagon for the collection - and one that did see service in Speedlink trains too - and as it's quite short, will work well on Paxton Road. Now, what about those PXAs?...

Until next time, more soon...