I had some time at the start of summer to make a start on the Bachmann tram conversion. Here's the inspiration, from the short-lived Plynlimon & Hafan Tramway:-
And here's where I started from:-
Bachmann Streetcar by
Stuart, on Flickr
After removing the original platforms I managed to cut a 11mm slice out of the body and rejoined the two halves without too much trouble. The roof was somewhat messier but hopefully nothing that some filler and sanding won't cure. Removing this relatively thin slice and also the weird extra window pillar has made a massive difference to the proportions!
Bachmann Streetcar conversion by
Stuart, on Flickr
Bachmann Streetcar conversion by
Stuart, on Flickr
After a very busy couple of months I circled back to this project. The coach has been sat on the kitchen counter looking at me all the while, and it became obvious very quickly that my original mock up platforms were way too big - visually, no room for the bogies to swing, and they don't make styrene beams that big! I therefore tried again with some balsa the same size as the largest available Plastruct beam, and I think I'm on the right track now.
The bogies went together very easily from a concoction of Cambrian bolsters and pivots; Binnie wheels, axles and GVT Axleboxes; some styrene beams and false styrene Milnes-style plateframes over the front. I'm also most of the way through the production platforms, although I'm not sure about the anti-slip beading. Too much?
Bachmann streetcar conversion by
Stuart, on Flickr
Bachmann streetcar conversion by
Stuart, on Flickr