The Bird Box

This intriguing little model caught my eye as it was a little different from other wagons and brake vans that I'd seen.

Plateway Models provided this kit in a box containing separate  brown paper bags with the different sections and components.

Initially the sides and end panels and their associated overlays were checked for square before being glued together with Titebond Wood Glue.

However, before gluing the bird box end panels together, a thin strip of clear plastic for the window was inserted between the layers. 

Then after checking for 'square', the four complete panels were glued together.

All's square.

The remaining sides for the 'bird cage' were added, followed by the two roof sections. For the roof I used IP Engineering's roof gig to obtain that perfectly curved roof.

The doors can be glued in place or with a little ingenenuity can be made to open and close. I opted for the latter using coffee stirrers as a guide for the doors to slide along.

The hand rails and door handles were fitted using the little jig provided (nice touch Plateway).

The two chassis members were now fitted to the underside of the wagon. They were spaced according to my gauge. Axle boxes were then attached to the chassis using the locations marked with rivet detail.

(Included in the kit is Plateways totem which was duly fitted to the underneath)

I decided to paint this model by hand to give the wooden planking more texture and to help whilst painting the window frames. Using Humbrol Matt Light Grey No.64 for the body and Humbrol Matt Black No.33 for the chassis and iron work and hand rails.

Although the roof sections were scribed to give the appearance of planking, I preferred to utilise a method I'd used before using paper napkin tissue. The roof was sprayed with adhesive spray and a smoothed out napkin applied. Before it dried, another spray and another napkin was applied. Left to dry overnight prior to painting. The next morning Humbrol Matt White No.34 was applied to the roof sections. At this stage, the tissue will bubble and crease as it gets damper. Don't panic, just let it dry. Once dry repeat with a second coat of white paint and leave to dry. Once dry the roof should look creased as though it was stretched material.

Finally the completed model was varnished with Humbrol acyllic matt spray.

A working rear lantern was added to the rear, with a 3v battery box tucked up inside the wagon. The buffers were added and a little oil was added to the wheel bearings.