Bachmann Tube wagon catalogue number 38-750 Pipe and tube loads have formed a large part of the commercial goods traffic from early on in the life of the railway. So the arrival of the short wheelbase model appearing a few months ago was well received for its attention to detail. The most recent arrival from Bachmann is that produced to BR diagram 1/448 with an overall length of 32ft. Whenever researching wagons it is to Paul Bartlett’s fantastic site I usually turn so am most grateful for the information contained therein. The model in question here is catalogue number 38-750 described as “weathered”. With an original build of some 2350 many found their way into the TOPS era classified STV and ending their lives in the hands of the engineers where they went on to receive a wide number of differing classifications including ZAV, ZDB, ZDV, ZDW, ZDX, ZGV ZSW with the fish name COD. I am advised one even atained the striking red and yellow SATLINK livery, to be produced in miniature as a limited edition. The way I would describe this model is both exquisite and delightful. There is plenty of detail to please and enough rivets to cater for the most demanding! Much effort has gone into producing an accurate representation of under frame equipment along with body detail such as the corrugated ends and the distinctive diagonal metal bracing so characteristic of this wagon. The interior has not been forgotten with batons for wresting loads moulded to the floor. There are lamp brackets at each end that clearly stand out that could with a little work support a tiny lamp. There is no sense of chunky body sides giving and overall feel of fineness to both look and touch alike. The model is supplied with vacuum pipes to be fitted if required. The self-centring couplings are discretely located and can be accessed by tiny screws on the base of the vehicle. It is fitted with the now usual NEM pockets to allow for different styles of coupler. There is also and authentic looking hook for those patient souls who prefer the three link prototype! Decoration is to the highest standards with a wealth of relevant data panels. Modern printing techniques have allowed the makers to come up with and ever-growing array of ideas to make their models stand out and appear more authentic. One of the more recent innovations has been applied to wooden bodied vehicles with the simulation of replacement of damaged body side planks. This has been carried out extremely well in this example as can bee seen in the photos. This will look even better with some weathering applied by the modeller. There is perhaps a slight catch to what is in my view a good idea in that running a rake of these wagons would present the viewer with the replacement planks all being in the same place! Value for money? I feel the answer has to be a resounding Yes. If faffing around with kits, chasing obscure parts and waiting for decals and paint to dry is your thing there is a perfectly satisfactory solution out there some ware. However if you want your model to run strait out of the box and to a quality that easily meets and in most cases supersedes the alternative then this is a must have addition to many a self-respecting layout. The price tag of around £22 might seem quite costly but compared with the kit option I suspect would be a reasonable trade off. Attached files
Nice review Shaun , thanks for that ! I've passed you the details on uploading and posting multiple images for the future and if you wish you could use the 'Edit' option to add the Images To the above post, Looking forward to your next review cheers Matt
Great review Shaun, Very detailed and the pics are really good. I wasn`t familiar with that style of wagon until I saw your review. Thank you http://www.click Gormo
Nice review Shaun. I had looked at these models previously and thought the price was quite high, which actually swayed me away from purchasing one or two. Now, with your great review, you are changing my mind... Cheers, Gary.