GUARDS VANS

Fm - 50 foot Modern Bogie Van

The Prototype

Fm van Laid up at Auckland Station - 1993. Photo A Wells.(19K)

These all-steel vans were purchased from Japan in 1972, and quickly became the standard van for all passenger trains, and all Main Trunk freight trains. Their general use continued into the late 1980s, and they are still in use on Tranzrail's passenger services.

They have been seen in a number of different colour schemes. Shown isthe NIMT freight colour scheme, also used on Auckland suburban trains.

The Kit

Fm Kit as built up by Rod Murgatroyd. Photo RM. (40k)

This is an etched brass kit, and contains everything required, withthe exception of

• Couplers
• Paint

Etched bogie frames are included, as are wheelsets and bearings, fluxand solder. Note that the kit also accepts the brass-cast Passenger bogies from Dynamic Diesels, and will run better on these as they provide additional weight. However, the etched frames are included to provide a cost-effective product.

This kit requires reasonable soldering ability..on our difficulty scalerated 8/10.

Available now, in two forms

• Flat kit, where you have to form and solder all the parts