Card Coach Interiors
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| Connoisseur Models | Jim McGeown |
| 1 Newton Cottages | 01544 318263. |
| Nr Weobley | |
| Herefordshire | Email: james.mcgeown2@btinternet.com |
| HR4 8QX | Web: http://www.jimmcgeown.com/ |
Reviewed by Bob Alderman
In the November 2013 Gazette there was an article about building the Connoisseur North Sunderland Birdcage Brake coach. I was taken with the model so much so I purchased one for my light railway project. Whilst making the purchase Jim McGeown prevailed on me to accept a set of his card interiors to try. The interiors were inspired by the ones that Peco made to fit Kitmaster coaches in 4mm. I remember seeing them but never used them.
The pack contains six A4 sheets of thin quality card with the
various interior details printed on them. The paper has a satin
finish. The print quality is such that the framed pictures on the
partitions can be made out; several landscapes and trains and
what looks suspiciously like a German loco. There are partitions for
both First and Third class compartments with accompanying seats
and floors; even a brake wheel for the guard’s compartment. The
sheets come packed in a clear bag and are supported with a piece
of mounting board that is used to make a thicker backing for the
printed details. The instructions are printed around the parts
including markers for scoring for folds.
Jim suggests the mounting board is also used as a floor in his coaches. There is good reasoning behind this as it not only makes a good base to stick the compartment details to but also assists with sound deadening. The finished coach runs quietly without any hint of tininess.
I used third class components for my coach. I would recommend a new scalpel blade to cut out the parts. The printed compartment partitions were cut out and glued to one side the mounting board. I used Titebond wood adhesive as that was to hand. Ordinary pva adhesive will do just as well. Once dry the outline of the partition was cut through the thicker card. The second compartment end was then stuck to that. The match is good.
The top corners of the partitions have marks so that they can be trimmed to match the structure of Jim’s coaches; the flange at the top of the sides. This may not be necessary if the parts are used in other coaches. I also had to trim a little off the bottom of the partition. This was due to the way that I had installed the floor.
Again this may be unnecessary in other installations. The completed partitions were glued in position on the floor. Adhesive is not needed anywhere else as the fit is snug. Indeed internal protuberances like the door hinges, handles and hand rail wire can interfere with positioning the parts.
Mounting board in situ
Partitions in place
The seats are fold up units. There are marks to show the position of the folds by scoring the card. Some are indicated on one side and some on the other of the unit. I found that those indicated on the printed side showed a white line when folded. This can be seen along the front edge of the folded seat. I made all the scores on the plain (unprinted) side even though some were folded in reverse.
Following the instructions to construct seat
Paper seat fitted
The seats are installed against the partitions as shown. I did feel that they seemed too facetted presenting a series of flat surfaces. This may less of an issue with the First Class seats as they have seat dividers and armrests. As matter of personal choice I substituted a moulded seat in my coach.
In the end the change of seat is probably is of little consequence and the whole interior becomes quite discrete once the glazing and roof are fitted.
I have a number of unused sheets and if building another coach would have no hesitation in using them again as they are clever, inexpensive solution for a coach interior. Indeed it would be good if the range were extended to fit coaches from other manufacturers. I can think of several that would benefit.
