Parkside Dundas kits- scope for converting?

[Frazmataz]

Hey guys, just want to gather some info on the usefulness of Parkside Dundas kits in terms of converting into other vehicle diagrams. I've been thinking especially about the LNER Bulk Grain Van and Extra Long CCT kits for conversion to other LNER/Pre-group longer wheelbased vans, including covered goods and fish vans. Has anyone got any ideas about this? I would like to know the scale dimensions and potential of these kits before I invest in some.

I'd also love to hear about conversions that any of you have created, from these or other kits (Doesn't even have to be Parkside)

[jwealleans]

While on holiday I started the conversion of a couple of grain vans, one to the earlier type with large side doors and a single roof door, the other to a GWR rebuild of the original design (these were a GWR van which the LNER copied). Both are feasible - it's really down to how well I can do the job. The jury's still out on whether the sides are better cut and shut or scratchbuilt. I'm doing both. Pics on my WB in due course.

I also reckon that the cattle truck will convert to the GNR 6 ton type with alteration to the door and some additional bracing. I haven't tried that one as yet, though.

[Frazmataz]

Sounds great jwealleans, can't wait to see those on the Workbench!

I was also wondering about using Parkside chassis with scratchbuilt or kitbashed bodies: I've noticed that Parkside sell underframes in separate kits on their website under 4mm accessories, So I was hoping that the wheelbases of longer vehicles in the range could allow me to utilise their underframes for other longer-wheelbase vehicles, particularly covered goods vans, refrigerator/insulated vans and ventilated vans. Any ideas?

In the meantime, I'm going to try and hunt down some books on vans for inspiration.

[jwealleans]

If the wheelbases are the same, it might save you some detailing. TBH I'd be more inclined to scratchbuild the underframes - it depends how concerned you are about the bolt head detail (which is all but invisible unless you've got it in your hand). Most of the axlebox/W irons you can obtain from one of the 'bits and bobs' specialists.

Parkside do do spares - I had a set of extra sides for the grain vans for 75p a sprue from them.

[Frazmataz]

Well as for me, I like to try and keep scratchbuilding down to a minimum by using as many commercial parts and aids as I can find. For instance, I am hoping that the Parkside Extra Long CCT will convert into a pre-war diagram (could be any wagon, not necessarily a CCT), with appropriate adjustments to the body and underframe. However, I haven't researched it enough yet to know of any particular diagrams

[jwealleans]

Bass - Grain Vans now under way OMWB.

[Frazmataz]

Awesome, I'll check them out

[jwealleans]

See also the thread on shortening the 12' wheelbase fish van.

parkside-lner-fish-van-cut-and-shut-t1725.html

[jwealleans]

See my workbench for an unfitted version of the 12 ton plank ended van.

[duncan_am_smith]

I want to create an LNER diag.195 12ton plywood vent van, clasp brakes)

Current thinking is use donor body from Parkside kit PC61 LNER diag.94 12ton planked vent van; and with brakes from Red Panda kit RA01

Parkside's body moulding feels a bit lacking in key details; if anyone can suggest a more detailed donor body, I'm all ears

Thanks

[duncan_am_smith]

Scrap my last post - I think I've cracked it...

I've procured two old GraFar 4mm vans - one strongly resembles LNER diagram 116; the other is loosely WR origins

A bit of "cut and shut" from each - and some liberal use of filler and plastikard - and the old girl will be quite presentable

[Frazmataz]

Scrap my last post - I think I've cracked it...

I've procured two old GraFar 4mm vans - one strongly resembles LNER diagram 116; the other is loosely WR origins

A bit of "cut and shut" from each - and some liberal use of filler and plastikard - and the old girl will be quite presentable

Good that you found an answer. Make sure to show us how you get on with it! =)

[jwealleans]

Thought I'd resurrect this thread as it seemed the most appropriate place. I've finally got round to starting some work on some containers for the fish train on Thurston and was perusing Tatlow last night looking at Conflat Vs. He states that the early LNER Conflats were altered so that they all had the same arrangement of chocks and chain pockets as the Conflat S. Does that mean you can take the Parkside floor from the Conflat kit and put the chassis from the cattle van underneath it to make a Conflat V?

Failing that I have found a view of what I believe is a Conflat V or similar conversion showing an earlier floor arrangement in Freight Train Operation for the Modeller by Bob Essery, page 30. I tend to forget what excellent photographs all those Bob Essery books contain.

Edit - I had a study of this over lunchtime and now think the parkside floor needs lengthening as the cattle van was 19' over headstocks. That's based on a rather crude analysis of some photos and the amount of wagon sticking out from under the container. I've put something together so we'll see how it looks in due course.

[clive0r]

The Parkside 20T plate wagon kit looks a good match for the 12T plate wagon:

- remove the tie-bar
- shorten the brake levers
- reduce the amount of brake gear!

There are probably too many leaves in the w-iron springs but that wouldn't worry me.

[jwealleans]

Does anyone have one of the new Parkside GW Gunpowder vans? I was wondering about the possibility of cutting it down to the Great Eastern version.