OO Gauge VW DB Inspection railcar kit - suitable for a tenshodo spud

This is a model of a Deutsch Bahn Volkswagen Inspection car to use on a 31mm wheelbase tenshodo spud with 10.5mm wheels. (that is the chassis shown with the metal wheels, not supplied with this kit) 
They were popular in Europe, but with the right paint could appear on any layout (Rule #1). The main body is then a drop fit onto the sub chassis which mate with  your Spud and to allow for painting prior to assembly. The kit is printed using high detail resin in the UK. 

The sale is for the body and the sub-chassis that connects to the SPUD only, it is unpainted and comes without the tenshodo spud which is shown for information purposes only.

There is also a picture of the actual vehicle (not included in sale either)

The kit may require some minor finishing if required before painting. Condition is New and is dispatched by Royal Mail(Royal Mail in the UK and Royal Mail  for worldwide). Our packaging is Eco friendly, the exterior packing is made in part from Recycled Materials and is fully recyclable, the interior packing materials are acid free and made from 99% recycled pulp fibres. 

FAQ – Product FAQs

Deutsch Bahn Volkswagen Inspection Car – FAQ

What exactly is included in this kit?

The sale is for the unpainted resin body and the matching sub-chassis only. These parts are designed to connect to your own 31 mm wheelbase Tenshodo Spud with 10.5 mm wheels. The powered chassis, wheels and any prototype vehicle shown in photos are for illustration only and are not included.

What chassis does this body fit?

The model is designed specifically to fit a Tenshodo Spud with a 31 mm wheelbase and 10.5 mm wheels. The sub-chassis mates with this Spud, and the main body is a simple drop fit onto the sub-chassis to make painting and final assembly easier.

Is the model supplied painted or assembled?

No, the model is supplied new, unprimed, unpainted and unassembled (where assembly is needed). All supports are removed, and the resin parts are cleaned and cured by hand so they are ready for you to prime, paint and finish to your own taste.

Can I use this vehicle on non-European layouts?

Yes. While the prototype is a Deutsche Bahn Volkswagen inspection car and was popular in Europe, with suitable paint and detailing it can happily appear on any layout—Rule #1 applies: it is your railway, so run what you like.

How is the kit produced and where is it made?

The kit is 3D printed in high-detail resin in the UK. Each piece is cleaned, cured and has its supports removed by hand before packing, ready for your modelling bench.

How is the kit packaged and shipped?

Orders are dispatched by Royal Mail within the UK and by Royal Mail for worldwide destinations. Packaging is eco-friendly: the outer packaging is made in part from recycled materials and is fully recyclable, and the inner packing materials are acid-free and made from approximately 99% recycled pulp fibres.

The body doesn’t seem to sit correctly on my Tenshodo Spud. What should I check?

First, confirm that your powered unit is a 31 mm wheelbase Tenshodo Spud with 10.5 mm wheels, as designed. Ensure there are no leftover sprue nubs or support marks on the sub-chassis or inside the body that could prevent a drop fit. A little gentle fine sanding on any high spots usually resolves fit issues.

The resin parts arrived with slight marks or lines. Is this normal?

Some fine layer lines or faint support marks are normal with high-detail resin printing, even though we remove supports and clean each part by hand. Light sanding with fine abrasive paper or sanding sticks will quickly smooth these areas before priming.

My model arrived broken. What can I do?

If the piece appears to have been damaged in the post, please take clear photos of the damage and the packaging. Contact us with these images and we will do our best to help and put things right. We cannot be responsible for damage caused after safe delivery, such as accidental drops during modelling.

The resin feels delicate. How should I handle it?

Resin can be quite fragile, particularly around thin details. Handle parts over a soft surface, avoid twisting or flexing them, and try not to drop them. When test-fitting, apply gentle pressure only and work slowly—let the sanding and fitting do the work rather than forcing parts together.

The paint is not adhering well. What might be wrong?

Although the parts are cleaned and cured, it is still important to give them a quick wash in warm (not hot) soapy water, rinse and let them dry fully before priming. Always use a suitable primer for resin; paint applied directly to unprimed resin can sometimes bead or chip more easily.

Do I need to do any preparation before priming and painting?

Yes, a little preparation will give the best results. Recommended steps include:

• Inspect the parts for any remaining support marks or small imperfections.
• Lightly sand any rough spots with fine abrasive paper or sanding sticks.
• Wash the parts in warm, mild soapy water, rinse and allow to dry completely.
• Apply a suitable primer for resin models before your chosen top coats.

How does the body attach to the sub-chassis?

The main body is designed as a drop fit onto the supplied sub-chassis. You can paint the body and sub-chassis separately, then bring them together once everything is dry. A small amount of suitable model adhesive can be used if you want a permanent bond after you are happy with the fit and finish.

Can I paint the model in non-DB liveries?

Absolutely. Although the prototype is a Deutsche Bahn inspection car, you can finish it in any livery that suits your layout—company service colours, departmental schemes, or something entirely freelance. The unpainted resin gives you a blank canvas to work from.

What type of primer and paint should I use on the resin?

Use a primer that is specifically suitable for resin miniatures or model kits. Once primed, most common model paints (such as acrylic or enamel hobby paints) will work well. Apply several thin coats rather than one heavy coat to preserve the fine printed detail.

Do I need to glue the body to the sub-chassis?

You do not have to glue it if you prefer to keep access to the Tenshodo Spud for maintenance. Many modellers test-fit the drop-on body and run it that way, or use a tiny amount of removable adhesive. If you want a permanent assembly, use a small amount of appropriate model glue on clean, dry contact points.