The photo above shows one of the Gauge 1 Model Co. (now Accucraft) 16 ton mineral wagons with all its glaring faults, and the photo below shows a modified version:

The 'improved' wagon is still not fine scale (and still 1/8" too short) but I consider it acceptable. Given the real shortage of r-t-r 1:32 rolling stock (and obvious faults of much of what is available), being able to rehabilitate the Accucraft mineral wagon is definitely helpful.

Improvements made include moving the W-irons (by elongating the fixing screw holes with a needle file) so the wheels are no longer much closer to one end of the wagon than to the other, and then moving the V-hangers and brakes likewise. The brake blocks have also been moved up to the wheels by sawing the casting supplied in half and rejoining.

The brakes as modelled by Accucraft wouldn't work since there is a cross-shaft connecting the brakes on each side and no clutch to reverse the action of one lever (and the wagon is supposed to have bottom doors which the cross-shaft would prevent opening). So I have modelled independent either side brakes (with double V-hangers) as necessary for wagons with bottom doors. The modified wagon thus represents a Diagram 1/106 wagon and has been re-numbered accordingly.

I have also fitted better (smaller) couplings and made a new (smaller) mounting plate for the hinges on the lower side door, weathered and added a coal load.