• Taff Vale and Dragon Models
• 20 Slade Close, Sully, Penarth, CF64 5UU.
• Tel: 02920 026122
• Web: www.taffvale.wales
• Email: taffvalemodels@gmail.com
• Price: £38

This kit is now part of Taff Vale and Dragon Models Celtic Connections range however I bought the wagon from the original kit developer, Majestic Models, at one of the Barrow on Soar shows many years ago. I had previously enjoyed putting together other kits from the same stable. The kit requires wheels and was supplied in a stout cardboard box. The etches were wrapped in tissue as were the larger white metal castings. Small white metal castings and the turned brass buffers were in a small plastic bag. Instructions included some notes on general assembly techniques, details of a recommended assembly sequence, some exploded diagrams showing details of assembly and scale side views illustrating liveries. The instructions start with some apologies from the designer on mistakes with notes on how to correct the errors. I followed the recommended assembly order which seemed logical. The solebars and platform sides are two separate pieces that have half etched rivets that have to be pressed out before folding to form two L beams that then interlock with long tabs through slots. These tabs extending from the solebars support the wagon floor which butts up against the platform sides. As the instruction explains it is virtually impossible to solder the platform sides to the floor from inside with the solebars attached. I chose to solder the solebars and platform sides together taking care to get it all square then carefully jointed the pre-tinned edges of floor and platform sides finishing off by soldering the solebar extended tabs to the underside of the floor. It sounds more complicated than it is in reality.

I then deviated from the instructions and soldered the etched internal timbers behind the doors before fitting the wagon ends and sides to the floor.

At this stage I then soldered on the six white metal castings representing the outside timber frame to the etched sides. I found I had to do some minor fitting, principally reducing the thickness of the castings to fit through the holes in the floor. Further white metal castings were added on the ends for strengthening timbers.

The buffers require assembly before fitting. I installed the turned brass buffers without problem but reduced the length of the white metal securing collars to increase the movement of the buffers. After fitting the buffer assemblies a length of piano wire is passed through a hole the coupling hook behind the buffer beam and threaded through the holes in the turned buffers to provide the springing.

I then undertook the fiddly exercise of soldering on myriad of half etched timber jointing plates to the body sides. With the basic body complete the white metal W-irons with wheels are added followed by the simple brake gear. All these components fit through slots in the solebars to aid location.

The wagon was primed with car aerosol and finished with Railmatch paint applied by brush. Pressfix transfers were use but I had to hand paint the text Scottish.

Overall this was a straight forward wagon to assemble aided by good design. I felt it represented good value for money. Potential purchasers should be aware that the construction of the body sides involve a fair bit of overlaying of brass onto white metal onto brass. I used low melt solder but I think adhesive could be used.

A copy of this review was sent to Taff Vale/Dragon Models for their comment.

Julian and Sue Wynn thank Mark for his very fair review and added that the instructions have been slightly updated and that they hope to add to the range of kits during 2018