THE HUGE ACHIEVEMENT of returning a ScotRail push-pull set to the main line has inspired this month’s modelling feature (see p80-82). Locomotive Services Limited’s (LSL) project to bring together five Mk.3 coaches and a DBSO to work with Crewe Diesel Preservation Group’s Class 47/7 No. 47712 Lady Diana Spencer was quite an undertaking.
Undoubtedly, minds will turn to how it can be modelled to suit a contemporary layout scene to leaven a diet of multiple units and Class 66s.
Despite the length of the train and number of vehicles involved, it can be modelled in a fairly short time and with minimal repainting.
The project defined
The objective was to model the complete train which can be re-created in ‘OO’ gauge using off-the-shelf models available at the time of writing. To save time, the models were carefully selected to minimise the amount of work needed to prepare them for the train formation. Workbench time would be confined to some refinishing and transfers except the DBSO and TSOB vehicles which need more attention.
Modern railway requirements together with existing rolling stock dictated the train formation which is not a precise replica of an original ScotRail push-pull set and modellers need to look carefully at the train to see where differences exist.
Mk.2f DBSOs are now different to when they worked Edinburgh-Glasgow services in the 1980s. Refurbishment for Anglia services together with further upgrading for DRS means that DBSO No. 9707 is now different in appearance
