Interview: Graham Muspratt on our 'BZ' project
Howard Smith: Graham, explain to readers your role at Kernow Model Rail Centre and the relationship with Bachmann, its EFE Rail brand and your involvement with TMC's 'OO' BR 'BZ' van project...
Graham: Hi Howard, good to be part of this project. I am the Development Manager at Kernow Model Rail Centre, and my role includes the research, design and project management of our own exclusive models and those that we have produced under licence for Bachmann and its EFE Rail brand, either utilising existing tooling, or brand new toolings. This relationship provides additional resources and capability for more models to be produced and made available to modellers and in the case of the BR six-wheel 'BZ', producing a model exclusively for TMC.
I've been responsible for the development of the 'BZ' models from concept to completion.
Eight guises are included in this new range of BR 'BZ' vehicles spanning their lives. Discover the new range of models, here.
H: Model sales of these new 'OO' arrivals are strong. Why do you believe these vans resonate with modellers today?
G: The 'BZ' vans, although produced under British Railways, were to an interesting Thompson LNER style design with a characteristic look. Although an ‘Eastern Region’ design and build, like all NPCS vehicles they could be seen on the network the length and breadth of the UK, and their styling stood out amongst other pre- and post-nationalisation parcels stock that they would typically run with in formations.
H: Explain the research underpinning the development of these models. Would it have even been possible had there not been a preserved example at the Great Central Railway?
G: As with any RTR model project, research is a vital and enjoyable part of the process. Although I'm known as a Southern Region modeller, when doing research of other prototypes, every day is a school day. We source as many reference drawings as possible, often including when possible original historic general arrangement and or part drawings.
As well as drawings we seek out as many reference photographs of the prototype in service from as many angles as possible. And this is very much easier with locomotives than humble parcels vans!
The availability of preserved example E70654E at the Great Central Railway certainly helps, especially with close-up details not usually seen on period photographs. A few examples would be the underframe details including the brake pull rods. So, it was possible to carry out a photographic survey including getting underneath the vehicle.
Preserved example E70654E which was used during the research of the new range.
H: We have our favourite areas aspects of the range that we're happy with, but is there a particular detail on these models that you’re especially pleased with?
G: Whilst the characteristic body shape is in reality quite simple, being able to include as much of the underframe detail and brake pull rods as practically possible is very satisfying. These are details that modellers now expect on such models.
The underframe of 'BZ' E70654E, showing the dynamo, cabling for lighting and brake pipes. Considering the age of the vehicle, the steels of its underframe appear at first glance to be in fine fettle.
H: What do you think will stand out the most to modellers when they first see a finished model in hand?
G: I think it will be the classic Thompson styling that will stand out amongst other pre- and post-nationalisation parcels stock that modellers might own (including Southern designs…) not to mention the fact that they are a six-wheel chassis!
I have also been very impressed by the custom weathered versions that TMC has done. Those really bring the models to life with that great in-service look.
Discover the TMC range of custom-weathered BR 'BZ' vans, here.
H: Did the six-wheel design prove problematic? What was the design criteria for the underframe?
G: There have been a small number of similar six-wheel chassis models produced in the past and nearly all have utilised different methods to ensure the chassis will run smoothly and successfully through second radius curves and small radius point work that is still demanded for RTR models. We work closely to agree a design with the factory to keep it simple and effective, and extensive testing through a variety of RTR and kit-built track showed we achieved the aim.
H: What has been the most-satisfying part of seeing this project come together?
G: As well as successfully achieving a good running six-wheel chassis, the ongoing collaboration at all stages of the project between ourselves at KMRC, Bachmann and TMC to bring this model range to the market has been a very enjoyable process.
