This week I managed to finish the detailing of a Vitrains class 37 in BR blue. I got this loco at a bargain price and I was keen to see the quality of the Vitrains models against Bachmann and Hornby locomotives. Having read on several internet forums conflicting reports on the Vitrains models, I have been pleasantly surprised by the model. Out of the box the model does look a little 'toy like', but with a bit of work I think it really comes up well.
The class 37 was separated into the chassis, bogies, body and buffer beams. I have read several comments by others on the fitting on the various detailing components to the Vitrains models, with some moaning about having to add these parts. For my two pence worth, I think the detailing parts that come with the Vitrains models are fantastic. They are comprehensive and well made. I remember buying the craftsmen detailing parts for Lima locomotives, so I think having all the components supplied for fitting on the locomotive is a great idea and most welcome.
With the bufferbeams separated I added the various pipes and a shortened three link coupling. The full length 3 link coupling fouled the bogies so a half length coupling was installed. The NEM coupling was cut off and the bogies were weathered separately to body and chassis. The body had the glazing removed and the various detailing parts added such as handrails, etc. The body then had a diluted wash of weathered back and frame-dirt hand brushed over it, using vertical streaks. Then a number of passes of sleeper grime, weathered black and frame-dirt were airbrushed over the body and chassis. The whole lot was sealed with a spray of Railmatch matt varnish.
The model was reassembled and the glazing was added with the windscreen wipers (thanks George Dent for the advice on these). Some MU cables were added to the body/bufferbeam (I nicked the MU cables from another Bachmann class 37). Overall I think this is a pretty decent model and having run it on the Pottington Quay the running characteristics on DCC are superb; every bit as good as a Bachmann or Hornby model.
However, there is also room for improvement with this model. One of the worst aspects of the model is the poor glazing. This glazing really does let the model down and with hindsight I wish I had replaced it. Another issue are poor working lights, with dim lights and both the rear and headlights visible at the same time due to light bleed. The last issue is the nose join to the body, which has a slight gap and again allows light bleed. Again with hindsight I wish I had tidied this join up, but it was something I only noticed once reassembled and running. However, with these minor niggles aside, in my opinion, this is a great model which with some work really looks the part. I think a lot of the Vitrains bashing I read online was completely unjustified and to anyone thinking about getting this model I would definitely recommend it.
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