Edited 01 May 2014 22:33, 7 years ago, edited by 1213Driver

This is my most recent completion from the workbench

It is WAGR Buffet Lounge car "AVL 314" as used on the Geraldton "Midlander" and "Albany Weekender" services. Built to 1:64th scale.

The prototype AVL Buffet/Lounge car was modified from an AV dining car in 1962 and underwent substantial modification having originally been a platform ended car. It was fitted out with new Gas cooking equipment, Ride control Commonwealth bogies and lounge type buffet bar and seating as well as Air Conditioning. It is quite likely one of the first WAGR carriages to be fitted with air - conditioning.

The model is mostly a scratchbuild however the window section comes from a Railwest AV dining car kit so it could be considered a kitbash I guess.

Anyway this car has evolved due to some discussions that took place regarding the layout we have been building for the next Model Railway Exhibition in WA over the June long weekend 31st of May to 2nd June 2014. The layout is based on the Midland Railway Co. "Mogumber Bridge" which was a sizable trestle bridge on the line. It is intended to operate MRCo on the first day and then WAGR era from 1964 on the following days.

Discussions had ensued regarding a consist for operating a WAGR "Midlander" and it was recognised that we could muster all the carriages required except the AVL Buffet lounge. After a little research I decided this car could be built reasonably quickly using the sides from a "Railwest Models" AV dining car kit. These sides were to be heavily modified with some windows requiring shifting, new ends including toilets compartments and Doors and then lower sidewalls and upper paneling. All modifications were made as patterns for making rubber moulds. The model you see is the result of the subsequent castings.

It has been about a 7 week project from start to finish and the AVL is now ready in time for use at our Show in June.

Edited 01 May 2014 22:31, 7 years ago, edited by 1213Driver

This is my most recent completion from the workbench

It is WAGR Buffet Lounge car "AVL 314" as used on the Geraldton "Midlander" and "Albany Weekender" services. Built to 1:64th scale.

The prototype AVL Buffet/Lounge car was modified from an AV dining car in 1962 and underwent substantial modification having originally been a platform ended car. It was fitted out with new Gas cooking equipment, Ride control Commonwealth bogies and lounge type buffet bar and seating as well as Air Conditioning. It is quite likely one of the first WAGR carriages to be fitted with air - conditioning.

The model is mostly a scratchbuild however the window section comes from a Railwest AV dining car kit so it could be considered a kitbash I guess.

Anyway this car has evolved due to some discussions that took place regarding the layout we have been building for the next Model Railway Exhibition in WA over the June long weekend 31st of May to 2nd June 2014. The layout is based on the Midland Railway Co. "Mogumber Bridge" which was a sizable trestle bridge on the line. It is intended to operate MRCo on the first day and then WAGR era from 1964 on the following days.

Discussions had ensued regarding a consist for operating a WAGR "Midlander" and it was recognised that we could muster all the carriages required except the AVL Buffet lounge. After a little research I decided this car could be built reasonably quickly using the sides from a "Railwest Models" AV dining car kit. These sides were to be heavily modified with some windows requiring shifting, new ends including toilets compartments and Doors and then lower sidewalls and upper paneling. All modifications were made as patterns for making rubber moulds. The model you see is the result of the subsequent castings.

It has been about a 7 week project from start to finish and the AVL is now ready in time for use at our Show in June.