Model Railway Forum

A newbie error on my part. I bought both an unweathered and weathered version of a Dapol goods van, not realising that the serial number on the wagons was the same. The purist in me can't allow two wagons on my layout having the same serial number. Is there any simple way that I could change/replace the serial number that wouldn't cost the earth? I saw some wagon transfer packs on Hattons that might do the trick, but as I'm new to all of this, simplicity is the key.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be gratefully received. I've attached a picture of the wagon in question, which in all other respects is spot-on, so if I rig the number, I'll keep it rather than try and sell it.

Could you change the last three digits (319) to 349 with a very fine pen? Or a pin dipped in white paint?

My eyesight is rubbish, TBH, which is why I was thinking about some sort of transfer. The other idea was to cut some black masking tape and cover the number altogether, but that will probably look rubbish.

I used to splodge a bit of weathering on the last number or in this case would change the 9 to a 0 by scratching the centre off with a pin and adding a dab of white. To be honest if as you say your eyes aren’t good you’ll have a job with tiny transfers.

Ah, but isn't that what magnifying glasses are for? Annoyingly, transfer packs on Hattons that look like they'll do the job are ~£6 a pop, and the wagon only cost £12. I did get some decals with my Dapol class 121 so there might be something that might do there.

That is exactly what magnifying glasses are for so alter the number with a pin and a minute bit of paint then dirty the number a little bit. Done.

Altering one of the 3's in the serial number would seem to be the best bet. I can get a model brush, but what's the best paint to use? Something Humbrol?

What about extra weathering on the already weathered one to obscure the number?

That sort of paint yes but as has been said just cover the number with dirt. Think I’d be tempted to cover the last figure with black marker pen.

darkscot wrote: ↑Tue Aug 17, 2021 4:51 pm What about extra weathering on the already weathered one to obscure the number?

I think that hat would spoil the weathered effect. Altering the unweathered van is the way to go, I think.