Garden Railway Forum

Phil, I believe the prototype side tipper wagons originated from USA, but I haven't found anything on the internet to identify makers. Perhaps Jerry can offer his source of construction details?

Peter Butler wrote: ↑Sun Feb 13, 2022 4:53 pm I like to build different items of stock to add to the collection, so one is usually sufficient.

I thought you'd say that! I'm the same, really - I'm currently focusing on a rake of WHR slate wagons, but will be modelling different variants so that no two are quite the same...

Keep them coming Andrew.... I love them!

Peter Butler wrote: ↑Sun Feb 13, 2022 4:53 pm I also agree a rake of these would look great in the right environment, which is not my priority on the BURPS,

I must admit that when I first saw this a few days ago, my first thought was of a short rake to put behind my Contractors Loco (which, believe it or not, is finally within a whisker of being finished!), but amazing as it is, it simply doesn't look "British". I can't imagine these tippers being at home on the King George V Reservoir in Edwardian Chingford.

philipy wrote: ↑Sun Feb 13, 2022 5:22 pm it simply doesn't look "British". I can't imagine these tippers being at home on the King George V Reservoir in Edwardian Chingford.

I think I recall seeing our Australian and US friends running similar models - Bachmann in origin, possibly??

During conversation with Jerry he has mentioned Bachmann as a possible manufacturer, although only in RTR format, and three times the price!

Although they were of US origin, they were found in the ironstone quarries in the UK. I seem to recall seeing photos of wooden narrow gauge versions running on the ironstone railways but not yet tracked any down. Rik

Best I've been able to find so far (not quite the same design though) ....
Rik

Hi Phil and Peter,

Peter,
What a wondefull job you have done on the Tipper.....extraordinary...
Did you paint strapping before or after fitting ?

Phil,
The Tipper came about as a request from a good friend and 16 mm modeler. ( he knows I like a challenge !! )
It is based on the USA Tipper as produced by Bachman in 45 mm ( google 'bachmann side dump wagon' )

Please correct me if I am wrong but some of these were imported from USA to Wales to help with the WAR effort ..
Apparently these sell for in excess of £100.00.....

Many 16mm modelers buy theses and then convert wheels to 32 mm...

Jerry, thank you for clarifying the details of the dump wagon kit inspiration, I much prefer your version as the mechanism looks more in scale with the model.
I did attach the strapping first on this kit and painted it after applying primer, base coat and dry brushing the model. I then applied a weathering colour wash. I wouldn't normally work this way but decided it would be easier this time.
Not responsible for suggesting this kit to Jerry ..... only wish I had!

It's certainly a lovely model, but I can't help thinking that it's a bit complicated (or do I mean technical?) for British narrow gauge, where everything seems to usually be based on 'KISS'. Not a criticism of the model, designer or builder by the way - just an observation.

I can see your angle on this point Phil but narrow gauge lines have frequently varied in the nature of their running stock from the outset. Many of the tourist/ passenger lines tried to attract customers with beautifully painted and decorated carriages, far above and beyond their basic requirements, and likewise, goods and mineral wagons were constructed to make them as efficient as possible to increase revenue, even if the financial outlay was increased.
If these tippers were in fact introduced during or after WW2, along with various locomotives from USA, then I have no problem in seeing them on UK lines.

Peter Butler wrote: ↑Mon Feb 14, 2022 10:35 pm I can see your angle on this point Phil but narrow gauge lines have frequently varied in the nature of their running stock from the outset. Many of the tourist/ passenger lines tried to attract customers with beautifully painted and decorated carriages, far above and beyond their basic requirements, and likewise, goods and mineral wagons were constructed to make them as efficient as possible to increase revenue, even if the financial outlay was increased.
If these tippers were in fact introduced during or after WW2, along with various locomotives from USA, then I have no problem in seeing them on UK lines.

Point(s) taken Peter. I was thinking more of the pinch penny industrial lines - but if 'cheap' rolling stock became available then it absolutely makes sense that it would be put to use. Waste not, want not etc.

Meanwhile.... another kit has passed through the BURPS works, this time a restoration job.. of sorts!
I have previously mentioned the Brandbright kit I bought from eBay. My original plan was to follow the instructions as recommended at the time, but I chickened out having realised I couldn't make it work the way I am used to. On page 185 of this thread I already mentioned my intention to replace the original overlays with laser-cut MDF ones, which turned out to be satisfactory for one side only as the opposite side differed slightly. In those early days it seems the windows were marked out by hand, drilled in four corners, sawn between the holes etc... I see now why the pressed card overlays were produced as short sections to cope with such variation.
So.... plan 'B'.
Build a grounded, restored carriage, currently used as private dwelling.....
Only one side and one end have overlays and the others are covered with plasticard cladding and planking effect... The pitched roof has 'slate' effect plasticard... And the windows have 'lace' curtains... Porch supports are doll house stair fittings and the whole thing stands on wooden sleepers...

Having done the work I now have nowhere to site it, so it has appeared on eBay.

I'm sure it'll soon be snapped up, Peter.

Rik

That would be very nice, at 12" to the foot, in my back garden..

Lovely!

It's got a cricket pavilion vibe - which is how one of the Ashover carriages came to be preserved, I think?

Phil.P wrote: ↑Tue Feb 22, 2022 10:34 am That would be very nice, at 12" to the foot, in my back garden..

I'll work out the postage and let you know.

I had to look at that a few times to work out if it was a scale model or the real. From the back with the wooden blocks I was pretty sure it was full size for a moment there! Great work

One of the delights of garden railway modelling is the social aspect. Here in West Wales we are well supported by several good friends who have formed the 'South West Wales 16mm Association Local Area Group', who, due to unfortunate circumstances, haven't met in number for a long time. Finally that opportunity arose yesterday and we all took advantage of the fine weather and a chance to visit a member's garden railway.
My personal preference is not to just run trains, but to create a realistic landscape for them to operate. The line we were met with certainly does that and raises the bar of realism to a new, and extremely high level. I am in awe of the work which has been achieved there during lockdown.
We all have different opinions about our railway expectations and how we use them, but this is such a leap forward in scenic design I just had to share it with you....