Bachmann Farish Mark 1 Coach Developments
N gauge, 1:148 scale model. |
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Bachmann continues to expand its range of N gauge coaches, both on the suburban front and the venerable BR Mk.1 range. A pair of suburban coaches were submitted for review including a non-corridor second (374-271) and an open second (374-291), both finished in BR maroon. A full review featuring the non-corridor composite in crimson livery (374-280) appeared in the September 2005 issue of BRM.
The latest review samples feature the later, fully lined maroon livery, with the ends also painted maroon - a feature BR began to perpetuate on its coaching stock from the early 1960s - complete with electrification warning flashes. However, unlike the crimson examples, the maroon coaches feature London Midland Region running numbers. Livery application and lining is to a high standard on these new coaches.
Regular BRM readers may recall that Bachmann planned to increase the variety of its Farish BR Mk.1 coach models. Over a year later we are able to report on these new coaches including an open second in maroon (374-003), corridor first in WR chocolate and cream (374-152), and a corridor brake second in Intercity livery (374-179).
There are some interesting and subtle changes in the range. Firstly, the open second (374-003) features a new roof and interior based on the existing bodyshell. The new roof on the open second features correct pattern roof vents making a marked visible difference to the corridor second. The open layout of the interior also makes a difference to the coach when viewed from the side. Attention to detail extends to the 'No Smoking' signs in the windows.
The corridor first (FK) is also a welcome addition. With a change in window layout apparent, these make quite a visual impact mixed in a rake. The FK and BSK also feature a subtle change in the shell of the coach - whereas previous Mk.1 bodyshells had a slightly raised moulding for the doors and hinges, these shells are completely smooth with the doors now represented by a finely painted black line, enhancing the appearance of the coach along with the first class logos in each window - the decoration of these FKs is excellent.
The Mk.1 corridor brake second (BSK) is another welcome addition, being more numerous and common than the brake composite (BCK) as originally produced by Graham Farish. The review sample was finished in Intercity livery. As with the FK, the door lines are painted, enhancing the appearance of the coach. On a negative note there was no interior on the review sample, although for its livery and period it was correctly equipped with B4 bogies, the  earlier livery variants featuring the new B1 bogie moulding. These new coaches still retain the usual underframe moulding and one can only speculate on how long it will be before the underframe reaches the standard now set by the new suburban coaches and 'Super BGs'.
To conclude, these new releases represent welcome additions to the Farish range. The black printed door lines enhance the appearance of the coaches. Modellers who wish to update their older models so they match new releases could try using a Rotring pen with a .13 nib attachment, an invaluable aid in replicating these printed door lines.
- 374-271 - Mk.1 57' Suburban Second maroon
- 374-291 - Mk.1 57' Suburban Open Second maroon
- 374-003 - Mk.1 Open Second (SO) maroon
- 374-152 - Mk.1 Corridor First (FK) chocolate and cream
- 374-179 - Mk.1 Corridor Brake Second (BSK) Intercity
Scale/gauge: N gauge /9mm to 1:148 scale.
Produced by Bachmann Europe plc.
For more information on Bachmann Farish models, visit www.bachmann.co.uk
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