Rivermead Central

[John R Smith]

Nice work, Martin. This reminds me of the sort of conservation issues we used to deal with at work, with Roman pottery and similar artefacts.

Interestingly, a dark grey version of this Carette wagon sold on eBay on Sunday, I don't know if you spotted it. But it was in a shocking state compared to yours.

A similar conservation project has just landed on my kitchen table workbench. But this is a much later (probably 1930s to 1950s) wooden model of a MR six-wheel brake van - it looks at first sight to be in fairly good condition but needs a little TLC. Something to keep me busy for a few evenings!

John

 

[40057]

Nice work, Martin. This reminds me of the sort of conservation issues we used to deal with at work, with Roman pottery and similar artefacts.

Interestingly, a dark grey version of this Carette wagon sold on eBay on Sunday, I don't know if you spotted it. But it was in a shocking state compared to yours.

A similar conservation project has just landed on my kitchen table workbench. But this is a much later (probably 1930s to 1950s) wooden model of a MR six-wheel brake van - it looks at first sight to be in fairly good condition but needs a little TLC. Something to keep me busy for a few evenings!

John

Hi John

Yes, I did see the grey version of the Carette wagon. But there was nothing that could be done with it. Repainting extensive areas of lithographed models totally changes their character, however well it is done. Beyond rescue, I thought.

Is your MR brake the BL model that was offered before and after WW1?

Martin

 

[John R Smith]

Is your MR brake the BL model that was offered before and after WW1?

Hello Martin

Well, I have only just unpacked it and given it a once over. But I don't think it has anything to do with Bassett-Lowke. It is a model of one of these -



This is a preserved one which lasted into the 1960s, amazingly. Mine has a wooden body, solebars and headstocks - I think the roof may also be of very thin wood (or perhaps card) -



All the detailing is in brass - handrails, footboards, and buffers. The drop-link couplings are standard steel items.



The axleguards are white metal and the wheels are turned steel. As you can see, it needs a bit of work but it is basically all there.

John

 

[40057]

Hello Martin

Well, I have only just unpacked it and given it a once over. But I don't think it has anything to do with Bassett-Lowke. It is a model of one of these -

View attachment 266502

This is a preserved one which lasted into the 1960s, amazingly. Mine has a wooden body, solebars and headstocks - I think the roof may also be of very thin wood (or perhaps card) -

View attachment 266503

All the detailing is in brass - handrails, footboards, and buffers. The drop-link couplings are standard steel items.

View attachment 266504

The axleguards are white metal and the wheels are turned steel. As you can see, it needs a bit of work but it is basically all there.

John

I think it’s Milbro. Heavily modified, but started life as a Milbro product.

Martin

 

[John R Smith]

I think it’s Milbro. Heavily modified, but started life as a Milbro product.

It would be nice if it was, Martin. Looks like a fun project, anyhow.

John