Arriving from UK in 1940, the two AA-34 kitchen cars were numbered 285 (attached to A-33 Orange) and 286 (Attached to A-33 Zambesi). They were steel bodied and fully air conditioned except for the kitchen.
Car 285 along with her dining car were taken off Blue Train service and stripped and refurbished for use on the Royal Train of 1947.
Between 1959 they were replaced in Blue Train service by the newer A-37/AA-38 dining and kitchen cars but after a heavy service and refurbishment, they were placed back in Blue Train service in 1962, and continued in service on this train until it was withdrawn in 1972 when the new Blue Train sets came into service. They continued in service with the Drakensberg Express until that service was discontinued in 1985.
There are three versions of this model which can be roughly broken down as follows:
- Early - As built
- Mid - Post 1962 refurbishments, one staff coupe deleted and converted to storage
- Late - Drakensberg service, inter carriage coms equipment and backlit number boards deleted, Day bogies replaced by Commonwealth 2286 bogies. Concertina vestibule connectors replaced with Gummiwurst
The model is supplied with flush glazing as well as individually applied seat backs, bunks and staff compartment doors for the modeller to customise their model. The model also features the unique SARMODEL sprung vestibule walkways
Supplied unpainted, but with a detailed interior with separately applied seats. Bogies, wheels, couplers and screws are included. The model also features accurate underframe equipment and accurate roof vent spacing and arrangement.
