Barton Bedford VAL bus model

A 3D printed scale model of a Barton 1963 Bedford VAL with Yeates Europa body. 

A separate accessory pack with transfers, brass rods, and side window glazing can be purchased here.

This model is based on seven buses of this type that were delivered to Barton Transport in 1963, and were numbered 963 to 969 inclusive. Its small wheels make the bus seem much longer than it is.

We have two versions available:

• 50 seater - coach style seats.
• 56 seater - has a very narrow walkway at the rear to accommodate the additional seats, and two different style of seats.

As far as we can tell from photos, 963 to 966 had 50 seats while 967, 968 and 969 had 56 seats.

Assembly and painting instructions for the model can be found here.

Each version comes as an unpainted model, consisting of a resin 3D printed body shell, the interior/chassis, and the six wheels. The steering wheel is part of the interior. For the OO (1:76) and 1:50 kits, the mirrors are included as resin parts that will need gluing in place.

The kit can be set up with static wheels or with axles. The interior has channels to allow for axles to be fitted between the wheels and the wheel have a hole in the back to allow for 1mm brass rod to be fitted.

The kit is supplied with clear vacuum formed windows for the front and rear windows. The kit does not include other glazing, brass rod or transfers. These can be purchased separately here.

You will need the following length of brass rod for axles between the wheels:

• 1:50 - 2 x 42mm, 1 x 30mm
• OO (1:76) - 2 x 27mm, 1 x 20mm
• N (1:148) - 2 x 14mm, 1 x 10mm

1:50, OO (1:76) and N (1:148) models are available. Due to the complexity in making mould windows that fit, this bus model is one we will not be producing in other scales.

This model has been developed with the help of Phil Lacey, Phil Stevens and Matthew Smith.