I was thinking about the 2 different methods Andreas proposed. I think a resin model would be more appropriate for the most of us. For me assembling, applying small etched parts and painting is no problem. I've never built a metal/etched kit and I don't feel that comfortable with it. of course there is always a first time...
Somebody would argue do the master in 3D printing etc...I say no because we need time to design it. The Waggon is not so difficult and I could make a master in Styrene faster than designing probably.
I'd propose to make a new topic about conversions, or even a new category with multiple topics, and transfer these posts there Guess it's OK making a post with some model info within the real thing photos but now we'll have a lot of things to arrange. this way we'll keep our reference topics clean.
A brake platform is visible in one of Barbapanagos pictures. However the other pictures do not show any. Did these cars have brake platforms or not. Or half and half. I think probably only Jason can enlighten us.