Gresley Beaver Tail Observation Cars

[Adam1701D]

I've been approached to produce some BR-era overlays for the Gresley "Beaver Tail" observation cars, presumably after rebuilding like this...



Has anyone ever attempted a conversion in N? I'm guessing a Dapol Gresley would provide a suitable launching point but it's a bit out of my comfort zone, era-wise.

I can't help thinking it might be an interesting project for 3D printing. 

[EtchedPixels]

I did actually look at it I confess. I'm not convinced its the right approach. The rebuilt end is very angular and visibly very thin. You would be better off etching it IMHO. If you think about how you'd make it from vinyls the same goes for etching. You've got a side, a front and a pair of angled pieces that fill in plus a couple of small fillets where the angle and side join lower down.

Some day I may get around to it, or someone will commission it and not squeak and hide at the actual costs to do the work

Reminds me Adam.. I need to send you an Elliot railbus. The prototype is printed and I think a few people might want vinyls to match rather than painting the research livery. Me for one 

[Adam1701D]

I didn't think it would be easy - I may well do the vinyls and leave the clever stuff to the buyer!   

My day job finishes at the end of the month (we've rolled out Windows 7 to Associated British Food), so I will have some more time on my hands for doing the interesting stuff. Really must get around to learning this 3D stuff myself...

BTW, i posted your replacement Nightstar coaches today.

[MikeDunn]

I've been approached to produce some BR-era overlays for the Gresley "Beaver Tail" observation cars, presumably after rebuilding like this...

Has anyone ever attempted a conversion in N? I'm guessing a Dapol Gresley would provide a suitable launching point but it's a bit out of my comfort zone, era-wise.

I can't help thinking it might be an interesting project for 3D printing. 

Oh, the ugly version ... 

I'm not convinced a Teak would be a good starting point; I could be wrong    As EP says, it'd be a bugger !  Although probably a lot easier than the proper Beavertail.

I've got the original (and I guess this one) on my 3D print list ... in fact they're currently 1 & 2 after I sort out my current item.  But timescales - that's another matter 

Mike