Available from Peco - kit originally manufactured by Parkside Dundas

Reviewed by Peter Jary

Parkside Dundas’s newest release is in the form of another, but earlier Toad in the form of PS115, an LNER 20 ton Goods Brake Van TOAD ‘B’ (Diag.34).

No, not another LNER Toad, I hear you say. Well this one is for those who model earlier than the BR period and it saves a heavy conversion from the ‘D’ version. In this model comparing it to the later model, there are very subtle differences in the plank spacing throughout the body, van ends and the side lookout vents. This model also covers the early BR period.

On opening the box, and taking off the protecting wrapping, I noticed that there was a little flash and quite a few prominent pips present. The roof vents are of the later type but as with all vehicles, these were periodically changed. Other versions are commercially available from ABS, Sidelines, Slater’s, and of course from the Parkside LMS ventilated van kit.

The kit is in the usual form, fitting in the box when finished. It is provided with very comprehensive instructions, the latter having a blank page available, which once again is filled with useful information from the LNER General Appendix, Nov. 1947, book. This time the subject is Re-railing Ramps. I’ve never seen these modelled and it would be a nice little project for the ingenious modeller. It also mentions in passing the official ruling on door operations and the use of brake sticks. These were about 30in long, rounded on one half and square at the business end. It was used to pin down the brake lever. For the uninitiated, these sticks in my day on BR eastern region were referred to wrongly as ‘SPRAGS’. This is a billet of wood or similar device that acts as a simple brake on spoked wheels according to the Oxford Dictionary, although sizes and shapes of these implements did vary according to use. Sprags were larger being about 40in long and 5in diameter pointed at each end like a pencil. Unfortunately, the printing peters out on the page edge. The instructions like the previous Toad show the extra small parts that are on separate plastic sprues, in Photostat form for identification purposes. For those that want to represent the earlier model, there is provision for sanding apparatus positioned on the INSIDE end wall.

I would contest the diagram showing the end stanchions. This shows the starting holes for attaching the wire rails on the inside face, but they should be on the outside face of the stanchion. This could be confusing for those who do not read the instructions. Also, the floor (5) is not numbered on the diagram, but it is that obvious plastic slab at the bottom of the body.

Looking at photographs is a must when constructing models and this model is no exception as it lends itself to many small differences. For example, there were Toad ‘B’s with Toad ‘D’ duckets, making them into an ‘E’ version, this being the same broad planking as the ‘B’ model and with or without end stanchions and differing buffer sets. The latter of course were often changed when shopped with whatever was to hand at the time, but some ‘B’ models had narrow planking the same as the ‘D’ version. It can be a minefield. See also Paul Bartlett’s internet site: paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/paulbartlettsrailwaywagons, for further examples.

Additionally the kit, unintentionally provides for two versions of the ducket, as it is on a sprue that is needed for both versions so can be useful for future conversions. Lamp irons positions are varied, so I must further reiterate that photos are a must for your chosen version. All parts for these are included. This is well pointed out in the instructions. Please read these to prevent later pitfalls. The wheels supplied are Slaters disc type. If another type is required, P.D. will of course exchange them. The waterslide transfers are identical to the previously released Toad (PS113), but serve both vans. Parkside are thoughtful enough also to mention reference guides in the form of Wild Swan and Gamble publications, the latter being of great help.

Finally, I would submit that this model, like the last Brake Van, is intricate and needs careful building. It is fiddly and therefore perhaps is not for the complete beginner.

My disclaimer, as ever, is that I have no tie with this company other than I like