Category Archives: Kernow Models

Kernow Models, Model News

Bachmann announce new versions of the LSWR/SR Adams O2 with additional tooling as part of their EFE Rail Range

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As part of their quarterly British Railway Announcements for Summer 2024 Bachmann have announced a further run of the LSWR/SR Adams O2 as part of their EFE Rail brand.  Some of these versions include new tooling to allow earlier condition versions and liveries to be produced. These models are produced by Kernow Model Rail Centre on behalf of the Bachmann EFE Rail brand and I have therefore been involved in the development.

The additional tooling allows for mainland versions, still with Drummond chimney, but with open coal rails, and Isle Of Wight air brake fitted but as first delivered to the island prior to gaining the extended bunker.

The five versions being released, and will be with retails in the next couple of weeks are as follows:

  • E85014 Class O2 Steam Locomotive 205 in LSWR Urie Green Livery, Mainland, with open coal rails, as running between 1918 and June 1924
  • E85015 Class O2 Steam Locomotive W25 in Olive Green livery, Isle of Wight, with original style bunker and open coal rails, as running between June 1925 and May 1929
  • E85016 Class O2 Steam locomotive W26 “Whitwell” SR Maunsell Green livery, Isle of Wight, with extended bunker, as running between June 1925 to c1941
  • E85017 Class O2 Steam Locomotive number 30179 in BR Black livery with Early Emblem, as running between February 1954 and December 1959
  • E85018 Class O2 Steam Locomotive number 30199 in BR Black livery with late crest  as running between February 1956 and December 1966

Two other new tooled  items announced as part of the EFE Rail Range are firstly the  GWR S8, S9 and S10 Fish Bloater Vans, as introduced between 1916 and 1925, including the dual braked ‘A’ versions that were converted vacuum only in the mid 1930s and ran between between Cornwall or Pembrokeshire and London, later used for parcels and departmental use. Available in various GWR and BR liveries.

YOB Crane DRP815122 in original BR livery

And secondly the more modern 12T Plasser YOB  cranes, in operation since the mid 1970s  that could be see working at track relaying sites across the Southern Region being allocated for example at Hither Green, Ashford, Three Bridges, Eastleigh and Woking.

E87047 represents YOB Crane DRP8522 in original BR yellow livery & also as preserved on the Swindon & Cricklade Railway by friend Ron Bailes who has kindly assisted with the project. Other livery versions are E87048 Southern Track Renewals yellow and E87049 Jarvis/Fastline maroon.  Note this model is a completely new project  from the ground up and has no connection with a previously abandoned plan elsewhere to produce these cranes.   

These two totally new EFE Rail models takes the number of completely newly tooled models, including those within the KMRC brand, that I have been responsible for since working full time for KMRC in mid 2020 to over 15 models across three scales (with another well rounded new model to be announced at the KMRC Guildford branch 5th anniversary event on Friday 17th May!)

The Bachmann Branchline 00 gauge BR Mark 1 coaches is expanded with the addition of Brake Second Open (BSO), First Open (FO) and Restaurant Buffet (RB) vehicles.
These brand new models have  flush glazing, extensive detail and separately fitted parts including various handrails and pipework, and a full complement of underframe equipment. Era-appropriate details, such as the presence of end steps and, on the BSO, the inclusion of roof periscopes, are all catered for. The new tooling extends to the bogies fitted beneath each vehicle, with new BR1, Commonwealth, B4 and B5 bogies being developed. In addition, the BR2 bogie has been added to the pool of options.
Of the Diagram 73 First Open is by far the most numerous type of Mark 1 FO with S3063-3070  allocated from new in 1955 to the Southern region, and received SR green post 1956.

39-852 Diagram 24 RB No. S1767

The Diagram 24 Restaurant Buffet was the most numerous of BR’s many catering vehicles, with the RB providing both a kitchen and pantry along with a service bar and seats for 23 passengers. Numbers S1755 to S1772 were introduced by the Southern Region in 1962 in BR(s) Green.

The first batch of these new Mk1 coaches announced includes 39-852 a Diagram 24 Restaurant Buffet S1767 in BR(s) Green.

The other highlights of the Bachmann BRA  Summer announcements are a range of Class 25 diesels and Palvans (vans due at the end of the year) in 00 and also a new NG7 brand of 0-16.5 narrow gauge models. For N Gauge modellers new tooled  14T anchor mounted tank  wagons and an SR style concrete footbridge enter the range and the previously announced Class 450 EMU will be available in South West Trains and South Western Railway liveries due to arrive this summer.

The location of the excellent and well worth joining Bachmann Collectors Club, members day event in September was announced as being at the Swanage Railway… I look forward to being there…

The full Bachmann BRA  Summer announcements video can be viewed here.

You can of course pre-order the Adams O2s and all their newly announced items, at retailers such as Kernow Model Rail Centre here.

 

 

General, Kernow Models, Model News, Model Reviews

Bring in the New Year with a first look at the EFE Rail SR Boosters and a vote for the restoration of the Adams T3

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As we recover from last nights celebrations to bring in the New Year, here is a bonus New Years Day post with a couple of things you might missed in the inevitable  pleura of social media postings the last day or so.

Firstly, just as the model themselves are arriving with your favoured model railway retailer such as *cough* Kernow Model Railway Centre  Hornby Magazine, with a possibly recognisable face presenting, have released a “First Look” video of the EFE Rail SR Bulleid/Raworth ‘Booster’ locomotives that were only announced last November and as I type are on their way to the retailers, click the link below to watch.

The Swanage Railway Trust 563 Locomotive Group

Following  the exceptional restoration of Adams T3 563 that has steamed again for the first time since 1948 and last October hauled passengers for the first time for over 78 years.

The graceful lines of the T3 Class 563 at Norden on the Swanage Railway 7th October 2023

To end the Swanage Railway Trust 563 Locomotive Group extraordinary year the project has been recently nominated for The Heritage Railway Associations’ awards and the Steam Railway Magazine Award that is “voted by you, you the reader”, The recognition is very much well deserved and you can now cast your vote online until the 18th January – here  Thank you.

Happy New Year!

General, Kernow Models, Model News

Bachmann announce the SR Bulleid/Raworth Electric Locomotives CC1/20001 & CC2/20002 as part of their EFE Rail Range and the refurbished 4-cep joins the Bachmann Branchlines range

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As part of their quarterly British Railway Announcements for Winter 2023 Bachmann have announced the the SR Bulleid/Raworth Electric Locomotives CC1/20001 & CC2/20002 in their EFE Rail Range. I have developed these models in my role with Kernow Model Rail Centre for the Bachmann EFE Rail brand. The Refurbished CEP in the Bachmann Branchline range has been bolstered with a fourth vehicle to create a Refurbished 4-CEP.

The five livery versions (note:sample models)

By the late 1930s the Southern Railway’s electrified system had expanded beyond the suburbs sufficiently to consider using electrical traction on more than just multiple units. Accordingly, two experimental Co-Co mixed traffic electric locomotives were designed and constructed by Oliver Bulleid and Alfred Raworth (who was chief electrical engineer for the Southern Railway from 1938 until 1946).

To overcome the problem of ‘gapping’ when the gap between conductor rails is longer than the distance between the locomotive’s pickups the traction power from the 3rd rail was used to drive two motor generator sets with heavy flywheels. Thus, power to the traction motors would be maintained by the motor generator sets being driven by the flywheel when the traction supply was briefly lost. These motor-generator-flywheel sets were referred to as “boosters” which also became the nickname for the class (and sometimes “Hornby’s”). These locomotives were also fitted with a pantograph for tram style overhead pickup in sidings and depots where a conductor rail presented danger to staff.

E82001 CC1 as built in SR Grey livery

The first locomotive numbered CC1 (renumbered to Nº20001 by BR) emerged from Ashford works in 1941. Until 1942 it ran in photographic grey livery with three horizontal lining stripes, two on the body sides, one on the lower part of the roof, which were extended round the cab front, rounded down, and brought to a point which in later years would be known as “speed whiskers”.

Being introduced under wartime conditions the front cab windows had metal protective plates added top and bottom to reduce the glass area, although these plates were soon removed.

E82002 CC1 in SR malachite green livery now with head signal discs and lamps

The grey livery was replaced by malachite green livery with “Sunshine” Southern lettering and yellow lines at solebar and cantrail level. The second locomotive NºCC2 (Nº20002) emerged from Ashford in 1945 in malachite green livery. These two locomotives were used on both express passenger and goods trains.

Various modifications happened to these locomotives throughout their lives. MU jumpers were an early addition to CC1/2. Three sandboxes from each bogie were also removed to give just two per side. CC1 was built with a stencil headcode panel which was subsequently modified to be a boxed lamp / disc along with five other lamp / disc positions to allow route head signals to be shown (as per steam locomotives) but later converted to a roller blind headcode panel. CC2 (20002) was introduced with engine head signal lamps / discs and also received a roller blind headcode panel in later life.

E82003 20002 in Aluminium and black

They settled down to a productive but unremarkable life doing exactly what they were designed to do. They were closely associated with Victoria-Newhaven boat trains and Royal trains.

From 1949/50 they adopted the black and aluminium colour scheme chosen by British Railways for diesel, electric and gas turbine locomotives, however prior to this in 1948/9 Nº20002 carried an experimental light blue livery. From the late 1950s they carried green livery with a red and white line halfway up the side stopping short of the cab doors.

E82004 20002 in BR green

Nº20001 was withdrawn January 1969 in BR blue with full yellow ends, by which time it had also gained twin air horns on the roof. Nº20002 was withdrawn in December 1968 in plain green with full yellow ends.

The extensive KMRC / EFE Rail  tooling suite allows for variations across and between CC1 (20001) and CC2 (20002) throughout their lifespan that includes: different cab fronts (route stencils, discs or roller blinds, MU pipework, lamp bracket positions, whistle and wiper positions), solebars, central steps, and bogies (sandboxes, fuse styles, flash guards and axleboxes).

E82005 20001 in her final BR Blue livery

The models feature a centrally driven five pole motor and flywheel driving all axles. A sprung pantograph is fitted that can clipped in the down position, and the buffers are also sprung. DCC is via a 21-pin decoder socket and a speaker is factory fitted.  Directional lighting is included with either user fitted open or closed discs, alternative route stencils or roller blind numbers depending on the version.
The cab lights are switched on or off via a magnetic wand on DC or via functions on DCC.  Third rail shoes are provided to be user fitted, via a simple clip on or off fixing to the shoe beam, for those with suitable clearances on their 3rd rail.

Initially five versions (RRP £184.95)  have been announced:

  • E82001 CC1 As introduced with head code stencil, wartime window guards in Southern Grey as running between 1941 and 1942.
  • E82002 CC1 As modified to head signal lamps and discs in Southern Malachite Green with two yellow stripes as between 1942 and 1948.
  • E82003 20002 with engine head signal lamps and discs and with MU jumper cables, whistle and wiper positions as in BR Black Silver as between 1950 to 1952.
  • E82004 20002 with engine head signal lamps and discs in BR Green with red / white stripe,  light grey solebar and window surrounds and late crest as between 1956 and 1964.
  • E82005 20001 with roller blind box and roof mounted horns in BR Rail Blue with Full Yellow Front Ends as carried between 1968 to withdrawal in 1969. [Edit: Unfortunately the buffer beam on this E82005 BR Blue version should be BR Rail Blue (Railmatch 207), we/I are somewhat frustrated that this managed to get through the review processes. We are very sorry that this oversight has occurred, and we hope that this won’t detract from your enjoyment of this model of a very interesting prototype.]

Note: Pictures above are courtesy and copyright KMRC.

Bachmann  Branchlines Refurbished 4-CEP

The Refurbished CEP revealed in Autumn 2023 has been bolstered with a fourth vehicle to create a Refurbished 4-CEP including Sound fitted versions.
The 4-Cep is being released in BR Blue & Grey, the colourful liveries of BR London & South East Sector, affectionately known as ‘Jaffa Cake’ livery and also Network SouthEast livery.

  • 31-421 Class 411 4-CEP 4-Car EMU (Refurbished) 411506 BR Blue & Grey
  • 31-422 Class 411 4-CEP 4-Car EMU (Refurbished) 1512 BR Network SouthEast
  • 31-423 Class 411 4-CEP 4-Car EMU (Refurbished) 1522 BR London & South East Sector

The Bachmann Scenecraft range expands with an impressive Electric Train Depot inspired by the depot at New Cross. The adaptable two-road depot can be used in multiple to create longer depots or to provide additional roads.

The full Bachmann BRA Winter announcements video can be viewed here.

You can of course pre-order the SR Boosters, that are currently being shipped to the UK,  and all their newly announced items, at retailers such as Kernow Model Rail Centre here.

Kernow Models, Model News, Model Reviews, Talking Stock, Workbench Witterings

Bespoke footplate crew by MODELU for the KMRC Beattie Well Tank

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The Kernow Model Rail Centre ex LSWR/SR Beattie class 0298 well tank was first produced back in 2011.  Incredibly for a class that since the 1930’s had only three members, with a restrictive sphere of operation, albeit into the late 1960s, on the Bodmin and Wenford branch, the model has been extremely popular resulting in no less than five production batches, the last being under the EFE Rail brand as recently as November 2020.

THE KMRC Beattie well tank 3314 with crew added

Being by nature a very small locomotive, space within the cab is quite restrictive on the real thing let alone the model, finding loco crew to fit has always been a bit of a challenge.
After receiving many requests, my friends at scanning and 3D printing specialists, MODELU have now added a bespoke Beattie well tank crew to their Loco Specific Crew range. 
These MODELU crew have been actually scanned on one of the preserved locos and then modified to specifically fit the footplate of the model.
This ensures the poses are both natural, realistic and can be easily fitted to the model.

The MODELU figures as supplied and a cruel enlargement following painting

The highly detailed and crisply 3D printed MODELU crew are supplied free of all sprues and ready to paint without the need for any fettling or primer. To aid painting I lightly glue the crew to a wooden string stick to make handling easier, I then firstly paint, nowadays using acrylic paints,  all clothing matt black to act as a base and eventually give shadows within creases, folds and any inside edges.
Using matt acrylics, my prefered range is Vallejo, I apply the top colours using almost a dry brush allowing the black within clothing folds and inside edges etc. to still be visible to give the effect of darker shadows etc. and to bring out the exquisite detail within the 3D print.

I was able using tweezers and a small dab of UHU glue fit the crew into place without disassembling the model in any way and immediately bring the loco to life.

The fireman checks the road to the rear

If you have not had a look at the excellent MODELU range of people, loco crew, animals and details accessories such as loco lamps etc. then take a look here, or catch them at an exhibition and even get yourself scanned there and then to ultimately create a mini you figure in a pose of your choice to be part of a crew your own locomotive or feature elsewhere on your model railway.

 

Kernow Models, Model News, Model Reviews

Rapido Trains UK ex GWR V6 ‘Iron Mink’ as SR ‘Cone’ Improvised Gunpowder van arrives

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The Rapido Trains UK ‘OO’ gauge GWR V6 ‘Iron Mink’ covered vans have arrived, it might seem unusual for such a wagon to mentioned here you might be thinking… there is a reason, read on…

The SR ‘Cone’ Improvised Gunpowder Van converted from GWR V6 ‘Iron Mink’.

The GWR covered vans of all metal construction, therefore known as ‘Iron Minks’, appeared between 1888 and 1901 (after which their covered vans construction reverted to being built with wooden bodies) were built on 16’6″ underframes with a 9′ wheelbase and had a capacity of 8 tons, with over 4000 being built.

Due to the Governments re-armament programme, the fact the Southern Railway had not built any Gunpowder vans and only had 38 were in service (such as ex LSWR Diagram 1701) , a further 100 were apparently required from late 1937.  It was decided to exchange 100 covered vans for GWR ‘Iron Minks’ and convert them as Improvised Gunpowder vans, they were to be returned at the end of the armament period or potentially the end of the war.

Crisp livery application and lettering.

It does not appear to be documented exactly how many actually came to the Southern or for how long they stayed, but they were lettered SR with temporary SR numbers in the range 59001-100 and carried the SR code name ‘Cone’.

They were never allocated any SR Diagram number, and do not appear to to have been included within the SR Wagon registers, although they are very similar to the aforementioned LSWR Diagram 1701 Gunpowder vans, except the LSWR vans had lifting link brake gear rather than the two independent sets of brakes on the GWR Iron Minks.

Well detailed underframe.

As is now standard on the Rapido Trains UK they feature good underframe detail that includes nicely moulded beams, planking and central coupling rods/spring details and brake gear nicely in line with the wheels. Standard NEM slim line tension lock couplings are provided (on removable mounts for those that want to use 3 links) although they do protrude out past the end the buffers a little more than I personally prefer.
The brake handle correctly passes through the see through ratchet, rather than just being a solid moulding, a welcome development that is now starting to be seen on some of the more detailed new RTR wagons.

Another 3/4 view.

They also feature correct 8 spoked wheels on 26mm pin point axles that run in brass bearing cups, that, despite being slightly lighter than I would prefer at 32g, run very freely.
The black livery application is crisp and well printed with the red cross and red and white lettering and has an overall pleasing satin finish. The roof is mid grey which I prefer, although it is suggested that they might haver originally been white.

These excellent SR Improvised Gunpowder van versions are already sold out at Rapido Trains UK direct,  but are still in stock at official retailers such as Kernow Model Rail Centre here.

 

 

General, Kernow Models, Model News

Hornby announce their 2023 range, a summary of SR/BR(s) items

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Hornby have today announced their forthcoming range for 2023 as being a year of catch up, so not a huge amount to report for SR / BR(s) modellers (or anyone really…unless you are a collector of Gresley pacifics).

New Tooling

Hornby’s new tooling for 2023 is not SR / BR(s) orientated and includes the LNER streamlined 4-6-0 B17/5 locomotive, no new coach tooling and the following wagons: GWR Macaw B / BR Bogie Bolster C, BR TTA tank wagon and LMS/ BR Salmon/YMO bogie wagon.  The LNER A1/A3 and prototype DELTIC are added to the Hornby Dublo diecast range.

Locomotives

The 100th anniversary of Grouping occurring at the start of this January is marked by the limited edition, (500 each model) “Big Four Centenary Collection” of one loco representing each of the big four, but being due in October…

With no new tooling of any kind for Southern modelers we see only the following two steam locomotive livery releases:

  • R30273 SR N15 ‘King Arthur Class’ 4-6-0 741 ‘Joyous Gard’ – Limited Edition – Big Four Centenary Collection – in Maunsell olive green livery as she was between June 1925 when named and January 1928 when fitted with smoke deflectors  – Era 3 – Due Oct 2023

  • R3860 BR Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 35012 ‘United States Lines’ – in malachite green with wedge shaped cab, Gills Sans BR numerals as carried between March 1949 and January 1951 – Era 4 – Due Oct 2023

  • R30176TXS Railroad Plus GB Railfreight Class 73 Bo-Bo 73109 ‘Battle of Britain’ – Sound fitted – Era 10 – Due Nov 2023

And for Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway modellers as it was jointly run by the SR and LSWR before it and I am not just trying to fill the page honest:

  • R30285 S&DJR Blue Class 4F 0-6-0 No. 61 – Era 2 – Due Dec 2023
  • R30286 S&DJR Blue Class 2P 4-4-0 No. 46 – Era 2 – Due Dec 2023
  • R30316 RailRoad S&DJR Blue, Class 3F ‘Jinty’, 0-6-0, No. 20 Blue – Era 2 – Due August 2023
  • R30325 RailRoad S&DJR Black, Class 3F ‘Jinty’, 0-6-0, No. 25 – Era 2 – Due August 2023

Yep… that’s all folks… really no other SR/BR(s) model locos, coaches or wagons in the 2023 range!

In reality with quite a number of last years range and some still from 2021 to be delivered, along with the TT:120 investment that has taken place, it is perhaps not surprising that a more manageable scaled back, catch up, 2023 range has been announced.

Watch the full Hornby announcement video here.

However… there is a potential new ‘Generic’ Railroad 0-4-0t locomotive that might just have a passing resemblance to an Adams B4 (but stick with the Dapol version!) It should also be noted that the catalogue when it arrives may include some models that have not been included in today’s announcement and will not be available this year.

The ‘full’ Hornby 2023 range can be found on the Hornby website here of the RMweb forum here.  You can pre-order items from retailers such as Kernow Model Rail Centre here…

Kernow Models, Model News

Bachmann announce ex LSWR / SR 56ft non corridor cross country sets as part the EFE Rail range

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As part of their quarterly British Railway Announcements for Winter 2022 Bachmann have announced the ex London South Western Railway (LSWR) / Southern railway 56ft non corridor cross country sets in 00 gauge.

EFE E86013 3 coach set 253 in SR Malachite (Picture Courtesy and copyright KMRC)

There were 36 sets formed wholly of 56ft vehicles and these sets were generically called ‘Cross County sets’. They were constructed between 1906 and 1910 being built originally as 4 coach sets. These sets comprised of the following:

  • Brake Thirds, four compartment to LSWR Drawing 1446, SR diagram 124, 2 per set
  • Composite (1st / 3rd class), seven compartment, to LSWR Drawing 1298, SR Diagram 274
  • Third LSWR Drawing 1302, SR Diagram 17, 8 compartment, (The all Thirds were originally introduced as 2nd / 3rd Composites but rebranded to all Thirds with no structural change by the end of 1919)

The set numbers were in the ranges 130-151, 253-263 and 311-314 (sets 311-314 were originally introduced as 6 coach sets but became four coach formations in 1934 (and subsequently 3 coach sets). All sets were reduced to three coaches in the mid to late 1930s by the removal of the 8 compartment Third Diagram 17 coaches which became loose stock. At the same time the number of first class compartments in the Composite, Diagram 274 was reduced from 5 to 3 (not a physical alteration just reclassification and change in class banding on the outside of the compartments)

EFE E86013 3 coach set 130 in BR Crimson (Picture Courtesy and copyright KMRC)

Despite the longevity of these sets, apart from the reduction from 4 to 3 coaches and the reclassification of some of the composite compartments there was no real physical changes to any of the coaches.
In terms of use, they were seen all over the SW section of the Southern and their duties were pretty well interchangeable with any other 3/4 set. They did not generally run on Brighton or SE section lines, although photographic evidence exists of them running along the south coast to Brighton.

Withdrawal of these sets was completed during 1956/7 Brake Third number LSWR 1520 SR 2975 (ex set 63 / 146) survives and is operational service on the Bluebell Railway http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pics/1520.html and Composite number 5065 (ex set 134) survives on the Kent and East Sussex Railway awaiting restoration.

As was standard LSWR practice not all the coaches had full electrical equipment, i.e dynamo and battery boxes the others being through wired.

EFE E86015 coach set 314 in BR Green showing box set (Picture Courtesy and copyright KMRC)

The initial EFE Rail Releases, build on the success of the EFE Rail Gate stock (and utilising some shared tooling), in three coach book box sets are as follows

  • E86013 ex LSWR Cross Country Set – 3 coach set 253 – SR Malachite SR Malachite
  • E86014 Ex LSWR/SR Cross Country Set – 3 Coach set 130 – BR Crimson BR Unlined Crimson
  • E86015 Ex LSWR/SR Cross Country Set – 3 Coach set 314 – BR Green BR(s) Green

These coach sets are currently on the high seas and should be with retailers such as Kernow Model Rail Centre  in the next few weeks.

Kernow Models, Model News

LSWR Diagram 1410 Covered van in 0 Gauge announced by Kernow Model Rail Centre

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Kernow Model Rail Centre have announced the LSWR Diagram 1410 Covered Van in 0 Gauge as an exclusive model with the tooling owned by Kernow Model Rail Centre

The numerous LSWR 10 ton covered vans were built between 1885 and 1922 to a few different diagrams as the design was developed. Different body styles were combined with either timber or steal chassis with two axlebox types; Panter or Warner’s, and several different brake systems.

The low roof, sliding door Diagram 1410 covered vans were the most common LSWR covered van with well over 1000 built. Although many were scrapped or entered departmental use before Grouping many passed into SR ownership at grouping with a number, many in departmental use, surviving beyond nationalisation.

Brake gear varied from: single sided double block, ‘Morton Clutch’, the rarer for this diagram ‘Lifting Link’ and most commonly what the SR called ‘Freighter’ that had independent brake gear on each side.

Ten covered vans to the Diagram 1410 were built for the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway (S&DJR) they differed from the LSWR versions as they did not have the end vents and only single sided brakes. They later were absorbed into SR stock and had end vents fitted, become identical to D1410 vans.

The tooling suite for the models allows for bodies with either 8 1.2” or 6 1.2” end planking with and without the end vents on steel chassis, 8 open spoke or 10 closed spoke wheels, and single sided, Morton, freighter or lifting link brake styles. The specification of the model includes highly detailed body and chassis, prototypical brake gear and safety loops fitted, beam compensation, sprung buffers and a sprung coupling hook fitted with metal three link couplings.

The models have been produced and are currently being shipped, the initial price is £66.95 each, that is the special early-bird price and only applies payment is made in full at the time of ordering. For those not wishing to pay in full, it will not be possible to place an order until after the models have arrived. These subsequent orders will be at the prevailing price of £77.95 and not the early-bird offer price.

Initially six livery versions are available, with two running numbers per livery:

A great announcement for LSWR/SR/BR(s) 0 Gauge modellers and perhaps further versions and Diagrams will follow should these be a success.

 

Kernow Models, Model News

KMRC announce Exclusive 0 Gauge 1902 RCH seven plank open wagon in the livery of Guildford brick and tile manufacturer T.Mitchell

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The Kernow Model Rail Centre have announced an Exclusive 0 Gauge 1902 RCH seven plank open wagon in the livery of Guildford brick and tile manufacturer “T. Mitchell”.

The T.Mitchell RCH 7 Plank PO wagon. Picture courtesy and copywrite KMRC

Thomas Mitchell was originally the proprietor of a brick and gravel merchant, that by the early 1900s had become Thomas Mitchell and Sons, brick and tile manufacturers, with a large brick works at Guildford Park. By 1902 they had their own black with white lettered 10ton Private Owner wagon for the transportation of coal to the works.

The Kernow Model Rail Centre Exclusive highly detailed model in 0 Gauge is being produced for KMRC by Dapol Ltd.  The model is based on their RCH 1887 specification seven Plank open wagon and features a 9ft die-cast chassis with a compensation beam and fitted with open spoke wheels, the body is injection moulded with separately applied parts, sprung metal buffers and sprung coupling hooks with three link couplings.

The Exclusive model K7072 Dapol 7 Plank Open Wagon number 1902 – T Mitchell Brick and Tile Manufacturer Guildford, is priced at £56.95 and is available now online, click here to order, and from both Kernow Model Rail Centre branches.

General, Kernow Models, Model News, Model Reviews

Rapido Trains UK SECR 5 and 7 plank wagons in 00 arrive.

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Rapido Trains UK first announced these 00 gauge ready to run South Eastern and Chatham Railway (SECR) / Southern Railway wagons in May 2021 and they have now arrived at retailers.  These new models cover the Diagram 1355 seven-plank open and both the Diagram 1347 and Diagram 1349 five-plank opens built by the South Eastern & Chatham Railway on the same Maunsell/Lynes steel underframe.

Graham asked:  “should this review be written in the style of a Rapido marketing email,?” but Muz replied: “Right! Stop that! It’s silly.” (with apologies to Monty Python).

A group of D1355, D1347 and D1349 wagons from Rapido
A post 1936 livery D1355 7 plank wagon, one of the wonky self contained buffers can be seen.
A pre 1936 livery D1347 5 plank with tapered buffers
The 5 plank D1349 with self-contained buffers

I will let the photographs show  how good these wagons are and provide a welcome addition to any SECR / SR modellers fleet. I have only purchased some of the SR versions, but SECR grey and BR Grey and BR Departmental versions are also available (see the original announcement here for the full list).
Some people, without a full understanding of the manufacturing process and where production and overheads costs lie, might crawl away at the RRP of £32.95; and whilst there might still be other manufacturer’s wagons currently available at a cheaper prices the realistic market prices are certainly changing as all costs rise. The models can of course be purchased from retailers such as Kernow Model Rail Centre at a slight discounted price.

The 7 plank open, later SR Diagram 1355, were the SECR’s most numerous wagon with 2,121 wagons built between 1915 and 1927. The SR later fitted a sheet rail. British Railways had over 70 wagons still in service in the 1960s and the last withdrawals were not until the 1970s.

The 5 plank opens utilised the same steel chassis as the 7 plank wagons, 550 were built between 1920 and 1925 with standard buffers that became SR Diagram 1347. A further 150 were built 1921/2  with the self-contained buffer type, as on the 7 plank D1355 wagons, and became SR Diagram 1349. They were withdrawn in the early 1960s.

The well detailed underframe of these Rapido wagons

All three versions of the models, sharing the same underframe, have accurate body detail, including nicely planked insides and now becoming much more common on wagon releases good underframe detail that includes both etched and wire parts.  They also feature nice split spoked wheels on 26mm pin point axles that run in brass bearing cups, that along with a with a weight of 32/33g ensures very free running.

A 7 plank with the usual buffer incorrectly affixed

On my examples, as can be seen in the images,  a number of the self contained buffers were glued in at wonky angles, but being separately applied parts these can be carefully reaffixed.

An SR Brown comparison under the same lighting

The livery application is crisp and well printed. I know for a fact that Rapido have used the same paint colour reference for the SR brown as the Kernow Model Rail Centre used on their ex LSWR/SR D1541 Road Vans, although this appears to be a slightly lighter but still more than acceptable, interpretation of the colour possibly due to the more satin finish, (and even lighter with the lighting I have used in my studio), on these wagons.

The sheet rail parts for the D1355 7 plank wagon yet to be fitted (along with  another buffer to be reaffixed…)
Another group view of the D1355, D1347 and D1349 wagons

The tooling allows for both taped plain and the self-contained buffer types for the 5 plank wagons. To achieve the 7 plank versions fitted with the sheet rail, a pre shaped wire rail along with its moulded mounting brackets for each end of the wagon have been supplied as separate parts for the use to fit (glue) into position (instructions on fitting is included with each wagon).
The holes in the mounting brackets for the sheet rail will need to be opened out very slightly to ensure a good fit. The one slight downside is that the rail can only be positioned in the upright position, as it would be when a sheet was covering the wagon and not, without some modification, in the sideways stowed position when no sheet was fitted.

A comparison of the same brown… the 5 plank has been matt varnished

[Edit 20/05/22] To demonstrate the effect that the factory satin finsih has on the paint colour as mentioned above, the picture left shows a comparison with one of the Rapido wagons given a coat of Testors Dullcoat matt varnish and brings the colour much closer to the Kernow Model Rail Centre ex LSWR/SR D1541 Road Vans, and therefore looking much better.

The sensible choice of body and underframe combination by Rapido Trains UK provides SECR / SR modellers with three different wagon diagrams from one set of tooling and is an approach for choosing wagon types to produce that Rapido Trains UK are have also undertaken with their announcement in January of the ex SECR  Diagram 1426 covered van and the D1744 ballast wagon that also share a common underframe (hopefully with straight buffers…).