SR Newsround #November 25

Although I try and bring you any SR / BR(s)  related model news as soon as it is announced, especially new tooling etc., sometimes smaller snippets of news do not necessarily justify a dedicated post, or simply time gets in the way etc.  This is the first of an ‘SR Newsround’ style post to capture such items to include a number of SR/BR(s) model news items from a number of manufacturers that have taken place over the last few weeks.

Bachmann Europe, as part of their quarterly British Railways Announcements (BRA) at the start of this month, have announced the return of the Graham Farish South Eastern & Chatham Railway C Class 0-6-0 in N gauge for a second production run with new identities. These models will be available with Sound Fitted options for the first time. Two models are being produced in the SE&CR’s attractive Lined Green, and BR black late crest livery.

• 372-775A Graham Farish SE&CR C Class 4 SE&CR Lined Green (Simplified)
• 372-778 Graham Farish SE&CR C Class 31579 BR Black (Late Crest)

Also included within the recent BRA was the EFE Rail Class 313 (and the Glasgow based Class 314) three car units, a project that I have been working on for some time in my day job with Kernow Model Rail Centre, whilst the Class 313 originally worked north of the River Thames a number reclassified as Class 313/2 were used by the ‘Southern (Govia Thameslink Railway)’ Train Operating Company on East and West Coastway services from Brighton. Between May 2010 and May 2023 they primarily operated local services from Brighton to Hove, West Worthing, Portsmouth Harbour, Lewes and Seaford. In addition, they worked the Littlehampton to Bognor Regis and Portsmouth & Southsea services.
Two ‘Southern’ related units are being produced and these units are in production along with the seven other livery versions (and four Class 314 versions) and should be due to arrive in the first half of next year.

• E81005 EFE Rail Class 313 3-Car EMU 313211 Southern (Coastway)
• E81008 EFE Rail Class 313 3-Car EMU 313201 BR Blue & Grey (Southern)

Golden Arrow Productions have added to their cast resin locomotive body kits the experimental boilered body for 857 ‘Lord Howe’.  Whilst not yet added to their website, Chris had samples at the recent Tolworth Showtrain exhibition, but should be available online soon.
This was the ‘Lord Nelson’ fitted, between January 1937 and September 1951, then again between January 1943 and February 1945, with the round topped fire box and experimental tapered  boiler to gain experience for a potential ‘pacific’ design.

The heating surface and volume of the firebox was increased by the addition of a combustion chamber extending into the barrel. This also had the effect of shortening the length of the boiler between tube plates by 1 ft 2 in to 13 feet.

The kit is designed to fit directly on the Bachmann Lord Nelson chassis with no modification required, so if you have upgraded your Lord nelsons to the latest Hornby version and have some older Bachmann models kicking around it would make a nice project to have a go at.

PECO announced a little while ago their intention to produce in TT:120 scale laser cut buildings based on Ventnor West, these are now available. The station building itself is able to be built in a number of configurations, not just as per Ventnor West which is a nice touch to give variety.
Having seen made up and painted versions in the flesh I can say they are very nice. It’s a clever tie in with the Hornby TT:120 Terrier and Brighton coaches that have just arrived at retailers too.

With any luck they might also be produced in 4mm scale at some stage in the future…

Hopefully this ‘SR Newsround’ style post is of interest, and if you spot any relevant model news item that you think I might missed, please let me know and I will include it in the next ‘SR Newsround’ (and give a name check).