Original page created on 06/07/2017.
Observation
This is the first series of USI coaches designed by LS Models in collaboration with Heris, references 14001 to 14034. The improvements should also apply to Belgian K4 coaches, which are USIs sold to NMBS, then rented for some time to NS (Dutch Railways) ref. LSM 12003-4, 12131-12134.
The defects
Moulded handles and cables are stunted. The bogies whose axis is offset to facilitate running in curves and which have no rotation stop easily place themselves perpendicular. Annoying. The inner windows of the compartments (for the 1st class coach) have very visible clearance angles, i.e. the sides that are supposed to be vertical are oblique — see the pictures below.
The body is too low (43.8 mm instead of 44.5) and the bogie centre distance is too short by 7 mm! The cantilever of the actual coaches is quite important — but not more than that of “long” DEV coaches — here it becomes caricature. And, at the same time, the body openings above the bogies are strongly elongated towards the middle of the coach.
It is possible to correct the defect of the centre distance, provided that we accept to slightly trim the bogie beams, which come to bump into the steps. For once, here is, before starting, the result of this operation, to show you that the sacrifice is not so terrible.
LS Models-Heris USI coaches A4t4 ref. 14016 and 14011-I.
Top, unmodified coach, bottom, modified coach. It can be seen that in alignment, the reduction of the beams is almost invisible.
On the other hand, the height has been slightly increased, which shows a space between the body and the secondary suspension consoles. These consoles are in fact fixed on the bogie, whereas they should be fixed on the body. This “cheating” could be understood to facilitate the movement of the bogie with the eccentric pivot. As the pivot is brought closer to the centre, we can try to fix the consoles on the body.
In summary, the following operations are envisaged:
- correction of the distance between the bogies;
- correction of body height;
- installation of “actual” handles;
- installation of correct electrical heating cables;
- optionally, gluing the suspension consoles to the body;
- installation of a lighting strip, which will involve…
- … installation of brass bearings — which will not be a luxury;
- correction of compartment doors.