1:35 “Silverside Trailwagon” Trailways Company

Silverside Trailwagon, Trailways Company 1:35 (Roden)

An injection-molded plastic kit of a long-distance bus in 1:35 scale from the manufacturer Roden, in the finish of the Trailways carrier. The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted.

The real subject

Trailways was an American network of intercity bus carriers which from the 1930s competed with the largest operator of long-distance bus transport in the United States. Coaches of that generation are recognizable by their characteristically fluted sides with a polished aluminum appearance, which is also where the designation silverside comes from. They were long-distance coaches with a tall body, glazing along the whole length and the engine at the rear.

Building and painting tips

A bus in 1:35 scale is a large model with long smooth sides, so the straightness of the glued joints decides the result: dry-fit the parts and glue the body in sections while checking the right angle. Handle the fluted sides with their aluminum appearance using metallic paint over a perfectly smooth base; stir the paint thoroughly, because the pigment settles at the bottom, and apply it only after the filling is finished. Mask the glazing and glue it with cement for clear plastic. Chrome strips are handled best with a fine brush and metallic paint, or with self-adhesive chrome foil. Apply the carrier's decals over a gloss base. Keep the weathering restrained, because dust in the wheel arches and a light soiling of the underside is enough.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of American civilian transport machines
• Modelers who build large vehicles for dioramas with figures
• Those interested in working with metallic paints and polished surfaces
• More experienced builders who do not mind large glued surfaces

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.