MR abandoned coach body

The original inspiration for this came from a photo of a very similar coach body lurking in the background of a photo in Midland Record No 30 of St Philip’s Goods Station in Bristol. This model now resides lurking in the background of ‘Midland in Bristol’.

The main body of the coach was an experiment. The construction of which started with a solid lump of timber which was sanded to the profile of the coach body. I then laminated a thin layer of plasticard to the side and end, onto which was added a further layer which was cut away to represent the paneling of the prototype. By the time all the panels are cut out of it, just a fragile web of plasticard remains. This was then carefully glued down to the base layer. Roof details were then added and the whole lot primed with red primer.

The paintwork finish - representing a very dilapidated crimson lake - came about by pure fluke. Once the primer had dried, I went over the body with the top coat, in this case Halford’s Rover Damask Red. However, in my impatience to build up sufficient depth of colour, I dwelt a little too long and ended up with terrible paint runs! In my annoyance I grabbed the nearest towelling rag and wiped it off. Hey-presto, a delightful rendition of old, faded, peeling paint appeared before my eyes! Just a thin wash of dirty paint and dry-brushing once the spray was dry and there it was!

The boarded-up window and old wagon sheet draped over the body complete the scene. There is no under-frame at all represented and instead it has been left chocked-up on wooden bearers.