Tri-ang 2011

Peter Zimmermann Collection

Canadian National: Pre-Production Models
R.55-CN GM F7 Diesel Locomotive & R.115-CN Caboose

Peter has obtained these two models. They are Tri-ang Pre-Production versions of the Canadian National range that were produced for the Canadian market by Tri-ang in the UK as there were no manufacturing facilities in Canada.

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R.55-CN GM F7 Diesel Locomotive

On close inspection it can be seen that this model is an overpaint of a standard R.55 model of the period. These models were moulded in grey plastic with a red oversprayed nose and red stripes running along the lower body. They carried the yellow 'whiskers' on the front of the cab and Transcontinental lettering in yellow along the sides.

Standard livery model of the period

It is easy to see the Transcontinental lettering under the re-paint

Masked off Cab window surround and roof with tape before spraying the red nose. 'Ragged' edges and re-touching can be seen

Red paint and Grey plastic showing through and hand painted number. Yellow 'Whisker' paint and Grey plastic showing through

The re-paint process is described by Peter.
The model maker started with the body of a silver-grey TC loco with “Transcontinental” markings. It is clear that the first step was the spraying of the entire body exterior in semi-gloss black. The next step was to spray the cab using the standard mask of the time for their red cab TC version however (because of differences between the TC and the CN cabs) before putting the mask into position they masked off the cab window surrounds and roof with tape. Because the spray mask for the TC model did not allow for a triangular red area behind the cab doors this was then painted by hand as well as a couple of touch-up spots along the edge of where the tape had been applied. Next; the diagonal white side stripes were masked and sprayed followed by the hand painting of all markings. The clear plastic window insert and metal horns were removed and replaced to facilitate the spray painting process.

Here is a picture from the 1966 Canadian catalogue insert of a model that apparently bears a “6500” road number. The model shown above has a 6516 road number. It would be logical that more than one pre-production evaluation sample would be required and applying a different road number with successive numbering would be helpful way of attributing feedback comments to a specific sample when being evaluated for production.

All of the above leads to the conclusion that this was a factory produced pre-production prototype.

Photos and information courtesy Peter Zimmermann from Vintage Toy Oasis

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R.55-CN GM F7 Diesel Locomotive

On close inspection it can be seen that this model is an overpaint of a standard R.55 model of the period. These models were moulded in grey plastic with a red oversprayed nose and red stripes running along the lower body. They carried the yellow 'whiskers' on the front of the cab and Transcontinental lettering in yellow along the sides.

Standard livery model of the period

*It is easy to see the Transcontinental* lettering under the re-paint**

Masked off Cab window surround and roof with tape before spraying the red nose. 'Ragged' edges and re-touching can be seen

Red paint and Grey plastic showing through and hand painted number.	Yellow 'Whisker' paint and Grey plastic showing through

*The re-paint process is described by Peter.* The model maker started with the body of a silver-grey TC loco with “Transcontinental” markings. It is clear that the first step was the spraying of the entire body exterior in semi-gloss black. The next step was to spray the cab using the standard mask of the time for their red cab TC version however (because of differences between the TC and the CN cabs) before putting the mask into position they masked off the cab window surrounds and roof with tape. Because the spray mask for the TC model did not allow for a triangular red area behind the cab doors this was then painted by hand as well as a couple of touch-up spots along the edge of where the tape had been applied. Next; the diagonal white side stripes were masked and sprayed followed by the hand painting of all markings. The clear plastic window insert and metal horns were removed and replaced to facilitate the spray painting process.


Here is a picture from the 1966 Canadian catalogue insert of a model that apparently bears a “6500” road number. The model shown above has a 6516 road number. It would be logical that more than one pre-production evaluation sample would be required and applying a different road number with successive numbering would be helpful way of attributing feedback comments to a specific sample when being evaluated for production. All of the above leads to the conclusion that this was a factory produced pre-production prototype.