Category Archives: Model Reviews

General, Model Reviews

Rapido Trains UK SR Diagram 1379/1400 8 plank open wagons arrive – a review

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The Rapido Trains UK ‘00’ gauge SR Diagram 1379/1400 8 plank open wagons announced in November 2022 have now arrived.

A D1379 9′ wheelbase with SR Freighter Brakes and disc wheels

There were ten standard open wagon designs produced for the SR under Maunsell, although these could actually be grouped into just three main types: an 8 plank open that came in eight versions, a 5 plank open and an 8 plank ferry train wagon.
The first and numerically the largest SR design is the Diagram 1379 eight  plank open on a standard 17’6″ RCH underframe with 9’0″ wheelbase with a total of 7,950 built. The first 3000 built from 1926 were fitted with Morton brakes  with the remainder with SR ‘Freighter Brakes. Production continued until 1933.
88 Diagram 1379 8 plank wagons were transferred to the Isle of Wight in 1948/9 receiving 278xx / 279xx numbers.

A D1400 10′ wheelbase with Freighter brakes and spoked wheels

In 1935 the wheel base of the standard 17’6″ underframe was increased to 10’0″ and from August 1936 an unfitted version (similar to the Diagram 1379) was introduced and given Diagram 1400.  Construction continued until November 1937 and conveniently 1,400 of this diagram were produced.

Rapido trains UK have incredibly produced 31 versions across the two Diagrams 1379 and 1400, as they have tooled Morton and SR ‘Freighter’ brakes and split spoke and disc wheels, RRP is £32.95 per wagon (although they can be purchased at a discounted price from retailers such as Kernow Model Rail Centre).

A D1379 9′ wheelbase with Morton Clutch brakes and spoked wheels

940001: D1379 Morton Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.29306, SR brown (pre-1936)
940002: D1379 Morton Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.30601, SR brown (pre-1936)
940003: D1379 Morton Brakes, Disc Wheels, No.31458, SR brown (pre-1936)
940004: D1379 Morton Brakes, Disc Wheels, No.31372, SR brown (pre-1936)
940005: D1379 Freighter Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.32565, SR brown (pre-1936)
940006: D1379 Freighter Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.33333, SR brown (pre-1936)

A side on view that shows the different wheelbases between D1379 and D1400

940007: D1379 Freighter Brakes, Disc Wheels, No.36485, SR brown (pre-1936)
940008: D1379 Freighter Brakes, Disc Wheels, No.36759, SR brown (pre-1936)
940009: D1379 Freighter Brakes, Disc Wheels, No.30004, SR brown (pre-1936) (As preserved on the Bluebell Railway)
940010: D1379 Morton Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.29898, SR brown (post-1936)

940011: D1379 Morton Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.29427, SR brown (post-1936)
940012: D1379 Morton Brakes, Disc Wheels, No.31364, SR brown (post-1936)
940013: D1379 Morton Brakes, Disc Wheels, No.31421, SR brown (post-1936)
940014: D1379 Freighter Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.33255, SR brown (post-1936)
940015: D1379 Freighter Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.33730, SR brown (post-1936)
940016: D1379 Freighter Brakes, Disc Wheels, No.36359, SR brown (post-1936)
940017: D1379 Freighter Brakes, Disc Wheels, No.36871, SR brown (post-1936)

The detailed underframes that is now the norm

940018: D1400 Freighter Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.10939, SR brown (post-1936)
940019: D1400 Freighter Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.11783, SR brown (post-1936)
940020: D1400 Freighter Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.27363, SR brown (post-1936)
940021: D1379 Morton Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.S30215, BR grey
940022: D1379 Morton Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.S27915, BR grey (Isle of Wight)
940023: D1379 Morton Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.S27930, BR grey (Isle of Wight)

A stacked view of the D1379 (top) and D1400 (bottom) clearly showing the different 9′ and 10′ wheelbases

940024: D1379 Morton Brakes, Disc Wheels, No.S31472, BR grey
940025: D1379 Freighter Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.S34301, BR grey
940026: D1379 Freighter Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.S36194, SR brown with BR lettering
940027: D1379 Freighter Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.S34745, BR grey
940028: D1400 Freighter Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.S10953, SR brown with BR lettering
940029: D1400 Freighter Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.S26782, BR grey
940030: D1400 Freighter Brakes, Disc Wheels, No.S11530, BR grey
940031: D1379 Morton Brakes, Split Spoke Wheels, No.DS719, Motive Power Department black

Look out for a future post where I will explain the different types of brakes used on Southern Wagons.

The effect after a coat of testors Dullcoat varnish

The livery application is crisp and well printed on all models, once again the finish is satin rather than matt, but they are being consistent as per their previous wagons, but it results in a lighter rendition of the SR brown. See my post on colour perception here. Therefore I have given all mine a coat of Testors Dullcoat matt varnish to give my preferred matt finish and also a darker rendition of the colours.

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.

 

Model Reviews

The SECR / SR D1 4-4-0 from Rails of Sheffield arrives – a review

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The Rails of Sheffield ex SECR / SR D1 Class locomotive, produced in partnership with Dapol that was announced, with initial decorated samples (with errors) on show, in February 2022, as a natural follow on from their D Class, has now arrived (DCC Sound fitted versions will take slightly longer to arrive), and it certainly is a nice model.

The Rails of Sheffield / Dapol D1 31487 in BR Sunshine lettered livery

After 1901 the D class locomotive further more powerful locomotives were investigated by the companies. After Richard Maunsell took over as CME from Harry Wainwright in 1913 he worked on a series of new locomotives which were intended for a long service life, this involved the conversion and upgrade of 11 E class locomotives, resulting in the E1 class. This proved very successful and led directly to the conversion of 21 D class into the D1 class in 1921 and 1927. Six of the final nine to be rebuilt in 1927 received new frames.
Though arguably, not as elegant as the D class equipped with a larger boiler, a belpaire firebox and longer travel cylinders the D1 was able to produce a considerable haulage and power increase over its predecessors.

D1 31487  LHS view.

Initially allocated to Ashford shed, this class was to be found all over the south-eastern division from London to the south.
In September 1941 1145, 1247, 1492/4 and 1739 were transferred to Nine Elms and could be seen on on the Basingstoke and Salisbury semi fasts as well as van trains to Eastleigh and Southampton.
All were withdrawn by November 1961, no preserved examples exist.

The model is available in six liveries, with detail variations as listed below:

  • SECR Maunsell D1 Class SECR Grey 4-4-0 Steam Locomotive No.735 (original D frames, side feed, Ramsbottom safety valves, original smokebox with snifting valves and manual lubricators).
  • SECR Maunsell D1 Class Southern SR Maunsell Green 4-4-0 Loco No.1749 (original D frames, plated dome, side feed, Ross pop safety valves, original smokebox with snifting valves).
  • SECR Maunsell D1 Class Southern SR Maunsell Green 4-4-0 Loco No.1741 (new frames, spuriously top feed dome and side feed,  Ramsbottom safety valves, original smokebox with snifting valves).
  • SECR Maunsell D1 Class BR Black (Early Crest) 4-4-0 Locomotive No.31741 (new frames, side feed, Ross pop safety valves, original smokebox without snifting valves).
  • SECR Maunsell D1 Class BR Black (Late Crest) 4-4-0 Locomotive No.31246 (original D frames, side feed, Ramsbottom safety valves, later smokebox without snifting valves).
  • SECR Maunsell D1 Class BR Black (Sunshine Lettering) 4-4-0 Loco No.31487 (original D frames, side feed, Ross pop safety valves, laster smokebox without snifting valves).
Excellent cab detail and also the Dapol ‘pinless’  loco to tender connection can be seen.

It features a five pole motor driving the front driving axle and a the now standard Dapol ‘pinless’ click to couple drawbar that also carries the electrical connections. Electrical pick up is on all tender wheels as well as the locomotive driving wheels. For those using DCC the model has Next-18 Decoder socket mounted on a pull out PCB behind the smokebox door (suposedly tooless but a supplied ‘tool’ is needed) with space for a 15mm x 11mm cube speaker, plus provision for customer to fit a larger bass speaker in tender. The loco also features the current gimmick of a firebox flicker (a fireman would never leave the firebox door open all the time…)

Lovely detail includes a representation of the motion between the frames.

The detail is excellent including a good representation of the inside valve gear between the frames, well modelled and decorated cab details even down to the padlocks on the tender tool lockers. Separately applied items include lamp irons, pipe work, handrails and factory fitted brake rodding on both loco and tender. The buffers are sprung. The slightly plasticly coal, is removable and the water tank and limited coal space on these engines is modelled underneath it. It has been noted however that the version of Loco No.1741 spuriously has been produced with top feed dome and side feed, not a combination that would have occured on the prototype.
[Edit: I have also now noticed that for some reason the smokebox door on the non BR versions spuriously have the cast BR shedcode plate, albeit with nothing printed, moulded on the door shat should not be there].

The removable coal load and the accessory bag items (still in bag) can be seen in this rear 3/4 view.

Supplied in the accessory bag are a cross member to be fitted to the bogie if no front coupling is required, front buffer beam steam heat pipework (identified incorrectly as vacuum pipes in the instructions) and guard irons that can be user fitted if the curves on your layout allow.  The instructions also refer to footplate doors being supplied, but these are not supplied on the D1 class (a cut and paste error from the D Class instructions I guess).

Being a 4-4-0 managing weight distribution and good traction is always an issue, the previous D class with a plastic boiler had traction tyres fitted to one wheelset and was supplied with a spare non tyre fitted wheelset. The D1 has neither traction tyres or optional wheelset, despite the diecast boiler, (the loco minus tender weighs in at 180g that is 25g heavier than the D Class model) on this model its traction is a still bit limited and wheel spins on starting with only three coaches.

The elevated view shows the looks of the D1 loco has been well captured.

The livery application is very well executed and I am pleased to say that having provided some assistance to my friends at Rails of Sheffield and Dapol, the colour, lining and lettering errors originally perpetuated from the D Class models have been correctly applied on the D1s.
The bright silver grey coupling rods and coupling hooks on the buffer beam will need toning down a bit.
Note: although unusual the short lived right / front facing lion within the late crest on the right hand side is actually correct for  31246!

Overall, albeit slightly light footed the Rails Of Sheffield  in partnership with Dapol Wainwright D1 Class 4-4-0 is a lovely model with some great detail and a welcome addition for pre-grouping / SR modellers alike.

General, Model Reviews

The Rapido Trains UK South Eastern & Chatham Railway Diagram 1558 six wheel brake vans arrive

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The all new RTR South Eastern & Chatham Railway Diagram 1558 six wheel brake vans announced  by Rapido trains UK  in April last year have now arrived.

The Rapido Trains UK SECR D1558, later post 1910 built brake van,

Forty 6 wheel 20t brake vans were built in 1898 by the South Eastern and Chatham Railway to Diagram 1558, were heavily influenced by Midland Railway practice, these had an open veranda platform (i.e. with no roof, sides or end rail) at one end and a closed one at the other. In 1910, 50 more were built with close verandas at each end, between 1914 and 1920 the original vans were modified with two closed verandas. These modified vans were identifiable as had double top rails at the end opposite to the rebuilt end to increase the height of the veranda.  All 90 vans entered Southern Railway stock and most passed into British Railways ownership. There were also variations in some of the framing, planking and handrails between the two build versions.

Another 3/4 view of the D1558 van

Rapido trains UK  have tooled two body types to cover both the dual veranda vans built new in 1910 as well as the single-ended vans re-built that year and have announced ten initial versions:

  • 931001: No. 2033, SECR grey with black underframe
  • 931002: No. 2036, SECR grey
  • 931003: No. 55382, SR brown with red ends (large lettering)
  • 931004: No. 55409, SR brown with red ends, 1910 batch (large lettering)
  • 931005: No. 55384, SR brown with red ends (small lettering)
  • 931006: No. 55366, SR brown with red ends(small lettering)
  • 931007: No. S55429, SR brown with red ends, 1910 batch (BR lettering)
  • 931008: No. S55434, BR grey, 1910 batch
  • 931009: No. S55371, BR grey
  • 931010: No. 80383, Engineer’s black, 1910 batch
A side on view of the D1558 brake van

The model contains a wealth of detail and many separately applied parts including, handrails, step boards and all lamp irons. Nicely moulded, non sprung buffers are fitted which is fine by me.
Due to the shape of the handrails and their prototypical fixing point positions, these have been finely and understandably moulded in plastic, so they will need to be handled with care. The upper step at each end just like the prototype is mounted on a single central bracket, on my example these steps are not quite horizontal.
Also included with the van is an etch of three of the document clips that were usually fitted to freight stock but not always in the same positions on the same type of van / wagon, so the purchaser can fit to the correct positions for the van modelled (some might have preffered the compromise of them being moulded or prefitted).
For those that want to remove the glued on roof, there is a also fully detailed and decorated interior.

The equsite underframe, note the use of the NEM 363 coupling mount

The underframe with its wealth of brake gear as we have come to expect from Rapido Trains UK is wonderfully reproduced. This detail does mean that there is not enough space for the usual NEM 362 coupling mount so the tension lock coupling fitted is an NEM 363 short style with the fishtail but no socket,  a sensible move.

The van weighs 36g which is a little (perhaps 10g or so) lighter than I would usually apply to my own models of this size, but with the brass axle bearings they are extremely, if not too, free running. Whilst I would always fit brass bearings to kit built models, I have rarely seen a need for them in most RTR wagons.

Crisp decoration, although too satin, and note the wonky foot step

The livery and lettering as we would expect is nice and crisply applied, although as I have discussed here, the use of a stain finish gives the SR brown a perceived lighter colour, so I will give mine a coat of matt varnish.

The RRP is £39.95 or discounted at official retailers such as Kernow Model Rail Centre here.

P.S. Before anyone asks about the already sold out Rails of Sheffield commissioned original pre 1910 single end van, the version that has “Goods Break” on the side, is the correct and prototypical spelling for the period of the modelled van!

General, Model Reviews, Rolling Stock, Techniques, Workbench, Workbench Witterings

Workbench Witterings #21 Individualising the EFE Rail ex LSWR Cross Country Sets

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My Set 253 following a few tweaks and awaiting some light weathering

The EFE Rail ex LSWR Cross Country Sets were announced last November and as is usually the case with the Bachmann quarterly announcements arrived within a matter of weeks. This is not a full a review of the models as that would be a bit disingenuous of me, having been involved in my day job at Kernow Model Rail Centre , with their development (and yes, I hold my hand up to not spotting a couple of the gremlins that crept in to a couple of the livery details).

This post is about a few quick tweaks / improvements that I have made to my own malachite green set 253 (yes, I purchased it myself). Whilst these models have not jumped on the feature creep trend of magnetic roofs (we are yet to see how practical these might be in practice with handling etc.) and over bright interior lighting, they have a good level of detail and separately applied parts inclduing grab handles, handrails, underframe details and roof vents to look the part.

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

The initial EFE Rail Releases, supplied in neat three coach book box sets are as follows:

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

So on the tweaks…

The very first thing I did was to blacken the faces of the wheelsets, I have simply and quickly used a black Sharpie permanent marker pen, this improves the look and is actually a darker finish to the eye than the brightly lit pictures show. (As an aside, a couple of Sharpie pens are always good to have in the modelling toolkit, especially when exhibiting, as they can be used to quickly touch up any chips or damage that might have occurred).

The Diagram 124 Brake Third

I have added, using HMRS Pressfix transfers, the missing class designation numbers to the brake thirds and for consistency also replaced and repositioned slightly higher those on the composite. The BR versions correctly only have ‘1’s on the first class compartments (and in the slightly lower position). To remove the factory applied class designations on the composite, I first soaked them in good quality enamel thinners and then using a cotton bud and some t-cut to gently rub them off.
For consistency, an element of individualism and personal preference, I like to brush paint all my carriage roofs with Humbrol enamel dark grey Number 33. I also took the opportunity to paint the side of the roof gutter at the same time, as these had been finished in the bodyside colour, that gives a bit of an optical illusion of the sides being too high.

Finally, a recap of the history of these sets, 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 Diagram 274 Composite

The set numbers were in the ranges 130-151, 253-263 and 311-314 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)
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 on the Bluebell Railway 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.

These make up useful pre-grouping type sets for the Western section Southern modeller and are still widely available at retailers such as Kernow Model Rail Centre.

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.

 

 

Model News, Model Reviews

Bachmann SECR/SR Diagram 1559 Dance Hall 25T Brake Vans arrive – a review

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Following it being revealed in the Bachmann Quarterly British Railway Announcements for Autumn 2022 last August  the newly tooled SECR/SR Maunsell/Lyons Diagram 1559 25 ton good brake have arrived with retailers.

The Bachmann Pre 1936 livery Diagram 1559 ‘Dance Hall’ Brake Van

These ‘modern’ 24ft long 16ft wheel base brake vans with their spacious guard’s accommodation were first introduced in 1918, and given the nickname ‘Dance Halls’ . Although the later SR standard brake vans had shorter bodies they used the same underframe design. A total of 60 of the vans were built between 1918 and 1927 with the first 20 being on 12″ channel underframes to Diagram 1559 and the following 40 on 15″ channel underframes to Diagram 1560.
The difference between the two diagrams can be easily spotted as the Diagram 1560 vans did not have the bottom 3″ plank across the sides. Ten of the vans were rebuilt in 1963 for departmental use, these had one balcony incorporated into the van section and end windows added becoming diagram 1571, some of these after being both vacuum and air piped lasted until the 1980s.
These vans were forerunners of the later SR built Diagram 1578/1579 ‘Pillbox’ vans that had shorter bodies on the same SECR design underframe.

The separately supplied longitudinal brake pull rod is seen in front of the Dance Hall

The four Bachmann models of the SECR Diagram 1559 brake vans being released are as follows:

  • 38-915 D1559 SECR Grey livery No. 11902 (also the number of the  preserved prototype at the Whitwell & Reepham Station in Norfolk)
  • 38-916 D1559 SR Pre-1936 Livery No.55462 (although many would have survived in this livery style well after 1936 and throughout the war)
  • 38-917 D1559 BR Grey livery No. S55457 as based at Hither Green
  • 38-918 D1559 BR Departmental Olive Green No. DS 55455 as based at Eastleigh Permanent Way Dept.

The model nicely and accurately captures the size and bulk of these brake vans. Non sprung (cue the usual nonsense cry, from some quarters, that for the price these should be sprung) self contained buffers are fitted, corner lamp irons (although the end lamp irons are moulded) and handrails are separately fitted items. Care should be taken when handling the models from the sides as the longitudinal rails are very fine and correctly fixed the body at the ends and middle four locations, so the longer prototypical centre section could be easily bent.

The Dance Hall chassis with the longitudinal pull rod fitted, that locates via pegs into holes at each end and also clips to the central; cross rod

The chassis includes brakes nicely inline with the wheels (but not easy to drop in alternative wheelsets for the slightly wider gauges without some slight surgery), and the brake pull rods, the main longitudinal pull rod is included for the user to fit that although simple to do so, although I am not sure of the reason for it why it wasn’t factory fitted.
It appears that only a single tooling exists for the main chassis part that also includes the W Irons and axleboxes, all version are therefore the same, fitted with the later BR style axleboxes but the difference between them and the original style fitted is very slight and possibly a reasonable compromise from normal viewing distances.
The SECR and SR version run on 10 spoke wheelsets whilst the BR versions are correctly with the later style disc wheels. The vans weigh a reasonable 45g and are free running.

The modelled interior, the two fixing chassis top body clips on this side of the chassis can be seen.

These models are also complete with interior detail such as stove, brake handwheel and desk visible through the end windows, The body can be easily prised and lifted off the chassis by releasing the four chassis to body clips at each corner of the main body section, as seen in the image left .

Decoration is neat and crisp as we would always expect form Bachmann, however the sole bars on the SECR and SR livery versions to be correct for the period should really be in body colour with only the iron work below the solebar in black, although as 38-915 is numbered 11902 which is the same as the preserved example, in preservation this currently has black painted solebars. The SR brown colour and finish is nicely rendered and consistent with their SR Pillbox brake vans

The neatly applied decoration including the printed working instruction boards.

The SR and BR Grey versions also have working instruction boards printed directly on the bodysides, in reality these were actual wooden boards affixed and therefore slightly proud of the sides, but again it is a reasonable compromise from normal viewing distances.

Overall these are excellent models, and were often requested, so will be a popular edition to most SECR ./ SR / BR(s) fleets, and I am sure other livery variations will follow in the future.

 

Model News, Model Reviews

Rapido Trains UK ex SECR / SR Diagram 1426 van and the Dia. 1744 ballast wagons arrive – a review

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The Rapido Trains UK ‘OO’ gauge South Eastern & Chatham Railway wagons, the Diagram 1426 van and the Dia. 1744 ballast wagon announced in January this year have now arrived. Both these wagons share the same  9ft 6in wheelbase with the five and seven plank open wagons that were released in April 2022.

The D1426 pre and post 1936 SR livery versions

The Diagram 1426 vans were introduced in 1918 and they lasted well into BR days, setting the standard for future Southern Railway vans.
These vans Rapido Trains UK feature: Two types of rain strip: curved and straight, separately-fitted end ventilators, split-spoked wheels running in metal bearings and highly detailed body, under frame and self contained buffers.

There are eleven Diagram 1426 covered vans available:

  • 927001: No. 15782, SECR grey (curved rain strip)
  • 927002: No. 16737, SECR grey (curved rain strip)
  • 927003: No. 45784, SR brown (Pre 1936) (curved rain strip)
  • 927004: No. 47162, SR brown (Pre 1936) (curved rain strip)
  • 927005: No. 45779, SR brown (Post 1936) (curved rain strip)
  • 927006: No. 47159, SR brown (Post 1936)
  • 927007: No. S45819, BR grey
  • 927008: No. S47144, BR grey (curved rain strip)
  • 927009: No. DS47182, Departmental black
  • 927010: No. DS776, Departmental brown
  • 927011: No. 15750, SECR grey (preserved)

The SECR used the same underframe for the two-plank ballast wagon. It introduced the first example in 1919 and 120 were built over the next four years. Incredibly, BR didn’t withdraw the last until 1971.
The Rapido Trains UK two plank ballast wagons feature: Two floor versions: curve-ended planks and straight-ended planks, split-spoked wheels running in metal bearings and highly detailed bodies,  underframes and self-contained buffers.

The D1744 SR Engineers Department red oxide liveries

There are also eleven Diagram 1744 two plank ballast wagons available:

  • 928001: No. 567, SECR grey (preserved) (curve-ended planks)
  • 928002: No. 11835, SECR grey (curve-ended planks)
  • 928003: No. 1789, SECR grey (curve-ended planks)
  • 928004: No. 62454, SR red oxide (Pre 1936)
  • 928005: No. 62398, SR red oxide (Pre 1936)
  • 928006: No. 62371, SR red oxide (Post 1936)
  • 928007: No. 62466, SR red oxide (Post 1936)
  • 928008: No. 62444, BR Departmental
  • 928009: No. DS62402, BR Departmental black
  • 928010: No. S62433, SR red oxide with BR(S) number
  • 928011: No. S62388, BR Departmental black

All versions of both models, share the same underframe although the Diagram 1744 two plank ballast wagon correctly has an extended brake lever. Both diagrams have accurate body detail, including nicely planked insides on the two plank ballast wagons. The roof of the vans is a good tight fitting separate part and allows for either the original curved or later straight rain strip option.

The common underframe of the D1426 and D744 wagons

As is now becoming much more common on such new wagon releases, the also 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 and a wire cross rod. They also feature nice 8 split spoked wheels on 26mm pin point axles that run in brass bearing cups (careful if removing wheels as the  bearings might drop out), that along with a with a reasonable weight of 38g for the van and 25g for the two plank, ensures very free running. Standard NEM 362 coupling pockets are included [Edit: to correct a previous statement].

The same wagons as above after a dusting with Testers Dullcoat

The livery application is crisp and well printed on all models, the factory satin finish as per their previous five and seven plank open wagons results in a lighter rendition of the colours especially the The SR brown. See my post on colour perception here. Therefore I will a give all mine, include the SR Red Oxide versions, a coat of Testors Dullcoat matt varnish to both give a preferred matt finish and also a darker rendition of the colours.

These excellent wagons are available from either Rapido Trains UK direct, although they have sold of some versions or in stock and discounted at official retailers such as Kernow Model Rail Centre here.

Model News, Model Reviews

Bachmann Bulleid coaches are arriving soon – a review

33 Comments

The long awaited all new tooled Bachmann Bulleid coaches announced in 2018 are now due to arrive soon (although the SR Malachite versions will be slightly delayed, see below) and SR and BR(s) modellers alike can be pleased to have a range of accurate and highly detailed to modern standards range of Bulleid coaches that can be utilised to create correct coaching sets.

The 34-725A Semi-Open Brake Third and 34-776 Composite

These 63’5” coaches were first introduced by the Southern railway in 1946 constructed as steel side panels on a wooden frame with a traditional canvas on wood roof, construction continued with detail variations until 1951. They marked the change from the previous versions of SR coaches in that they only had doors at the ends and in the middle rather than for each compartment, it also saw the introduction of the Diagram 2123 Semi Open Brake Third layout that comprised of a mix of compartments and an open saloon along with the guards and luggage areas. The later all thirds to Diagram 2017 were also built as open saloons.

The brake end of the Semi Open Brake Third

One noted omission from the Bachmann first releases is the Diagram 2406 Brake Composite that were used as loose vehicles, especially on the West of England route where they would be used as through coaches for the many South West of England branches to seas-side resorts, they differed from the Diagram 2405 Brake Composites being produced by Bachmann for the 2 coach ‘R’ sets in that the lavatory was more conveniently place for both classes of travellers in the middle of the coach.

The two different types of underframes correctly modelled

There were two distinct type of underframes due to the difference in vacuum brake equipment with some utilising a single central 30” Prestall vacuum cylinder and larger vacuum tanks, whilst other builds had a more standard arrangement with two 22” brake cylinders and simplified brake pull rods.
Their size and passenger layouts went on to become very similar to the standard, albeit with all steel construction for the later BR Mark 1 coaches.
Whilst most Bulleid coaches were withdrawn from BR(s) service in 1967/8, those that had been transferred to the Western were withdrawn in 1968 whilst some that were transferred to Scotland lasted until 1970.  A number have been preserved.

The other side of the Semi Open Brake third

These models feature near flush glazing, including the characteristic small lozenge shapes windows above the door droplights, exceptional detail and many individually applied parts such roof vents, end handrails / water tank filler pipes and tank vents along with steps and underframe equipment to allow the wide range of detail differences between coach types as outlined below.

The door handles and grab handles are moulded on the bodyside and neatly picked out in brass paint. Some may feel that the, round head screw details (not rivets) around the tops of the window frames might be a little too pronounced, however the models accurately capture the shape and profile of the prototypes.

The fine livery application can be seen here even down to the small seat numbers above the windows

The free running bogies are accurate renditions of the Southern Railway standard 8ft bogies and also include the Bachmann now standard electrical pick up arrangement for those wanting to fit interior lighting.  The underframes are well detailed, with truss rods, V hangers and brake types and brake pull rods and correct for each individual coach type.

The Bachmann extensive tooling suite allows for a multitude of correct variations to suit the not only the coaches as first introduced but modifications throughout their lifetime.

  • Window Ventilators: original 10 inch vents or later 15 inch vents (plus the corresponding toilet window ventilators – original horizontal-opening vents or later vertical-opening)
  • Bodysides: As built or with later reinforcing strips added
  • Braking System: Original single 30” Prestall vacuum cylinder or twin 22”cylinder system
  • Battery Boxes: Multiple positions and Bulleid or BR Mk1 type
  • Dynamo: Bulleid or BR Mk1 type
  • Footboards and bogie footsteps: Multiple lengths and positions
  • Guard’s Handrails: Two or One / Short or Long
  • Water tanks: Long and short and central tanks
  • The correct style of end handrails / water tank filler pipes as appropriate
The later built Composite with the deeper 15″ vents

The four body versions in this initial release include: Semi Open Brake Third (BTK) to Diagram 2123, Corridor Composite (CK) to Diagram 2318, Brake Composite (BCK) to Diagram 2405 and Corridor Third (TK) to Diagram 2019.

The Southern Railway and British Railways Southern Region operated and managed its coaches marshalled into defined and fixed sets usually brake coaches at each end and various combinations of middle coaches to create a range of set capacities for particular services, often with longer rakes being marshalled from multiple sets to provide operation al flexibility.

These initial releases allow a number of correct Southern set combinations and liveries to be created, although, upon review it was noticed that Bachmann have incorrectly numbered the two Diagram 2123 Semi Open Brake Thirds marked as set 790 as numbers 3993 and 3994 when they should be 4341 and 4342. Bachmann have confirmed to me that the running numbers will be corrected for these versions prior to their, now slightly delayed, release.

  • 3 coach ‘L’ set 790 (BTK-CK-BTK) from range 770-793 with 10″ window vents in Southern Malachite introduced 1946
  • 5 coach ‘H’ set (BTK-TK-CK-TK-BTK) 847 from range 830 -849 with 15″ window vents in  BR Crimson and Cream introduced in 1950. These sets often also ran as 3 coach ‘L’ sets (often a winter formation) minus the two TKs’
  • 2 coach ‘R’ set (BTK-BCK) 69 from range 63 – 75 with 10″ window vents in BR Green livery with side strengthening ribs
    The individual coach initial releases are as follows:
  • 34-725 Bulleid Semi-Open Brake Third Dia 2123 (10″ Vents) in Southern Railway Malachite Green No. 3993 (should be 4341)
  • 34-725A Bulleid Semi-Open Brake Third Dia 2123 (10″ Vents) in Southern Railway Malachite Green No. 3994 (should be 4342)
  • 34-750 Bulleid Corridor Composite Dia 2318 (10″ Vents) in Southern Railway Malachite Green No. 5771
    34-725/725A/750 will make set 790
  • 34-775 Bulleid Corridor Third Dia 2019 (10″ Vents) in Malachite Green but with BR “S” prefixes as delivered in late 1948, this coach is a ‘loose’ coach that would be added to strengthen sets. No. s1935
  • 34-726  Bulleid Semi-Open Brake Third Dia 2123 (10″ Vents) in BR (SR) Green No. S4377S
  • 34-800  Bulleid Brake Composite Dia 2405 (10″ Vents) in BR (SR) Green No.S6706S
    34-726/800 will make set 69
  • 34-727 Bulleid Semi-Open Brake Third Dia 2123 (15″ Vents) in BR Crimson & Cream No. S4005
  • 34-727A Bulleid Semi-Open Brake Third Dia 2123 (15″ Vents) in BR Crimson & Cream No. S4006
  • 34-751 Bulleid Corridor Composite Dia 2318 (15″ Vents) in BR Crimson & Cream No. S5865
  • 34-776 Bulleid Corridor Third Dia 2019 (15″ Vents) in BR Crimson & Cream No. S75
  • 34-776A Bulleid Corridor Third  Dia 2019 (15″ Vents) in BR Crimson & Cream No. S76
    34-727/727A/751/776/776A will make set 847
The insides are easily accessible via

Apart from the numbering mistake highlighted above, The fine livery application is very much as we would expect from Bachmann, even down to the small seat number lettering above the windows on the SR livery versions and the small restriction, Tare and dimension plates on the coach ends. The luggage compartment doors have the window protection bars in the inside of the glazing as is the handrail on the corridor side.

For those wishing to add passengers the bodies are held on to the chassis with four clips along each side enabling the body to be simply and carefully eased away.

The accessory pack included, with an instruction leaflet, with each coach includes, corridor connector end boards, cosmetic dropped buckeye coupling, steam heat and vacuum pipes (factory fitted to the brake end of the semi-Open Brake third review sample, along with a spare tension lock coupling), pipe coupling bars are also included.

Another view of the Semi Open Brake Third

Overall, despite the incorrect numbers that are being corrected, these are excellent models, and worth every penny in my opinion, and will be a very welcome addition to any Southern or BR(S) modeller’s fleet and we can look forward to other livery / set combinations being added to the range on due course.

This review also appears in the November 2022 Issue 185 of Hornby Magazine.

Model News, Model Reviews

The Graham Farish Class 319 EMU arrives – a review by NGaugeNews.com

2 Comments

Something for the slightly more modern Southern area modellers, in N Gauge, The Graham Farish Class 319 EMUs have arrived.

The NSW Class 319 Picture Courtesy and Copyright KMRC

The models were first announced back in 2016 the 25th anniversary of Network South East, and the following versions are available:

  • 372-875 No. 319004 in the colourful Network SouthEast (Revised) livery of red, white and blue as the units would have been when fresh into traffic, this model is fitted with a Sprung Stone Faiveley pantograph.
  • 372-876 The Thameslink franchise was operated by Thameslink (Govia) from 1997. The Class 319/1s built in 1990 were the only 319s to feature first class seating but this was quickly removed by Thameslink, following which the units were reclassified as Class 319/3s. No. 319382 depicts a typical Thameslink Class 319/3 in its bold blue and yellow livery and fitted with a Sprung Brecknell Willis pantograph.
  • 372-877 As new trains were acquired for Thameslink services, many 319s found work away from London including twenty 319/3s with Northern Rail. Following light refurbishment, the units were decorated in Northern Electrics livery as carried by No. 319362 which is fitted with a Sprung Brecknell Willis pantograph.
The DTSO with the missing 3rd rail shoe beam from the leading bogie. Picture Courtesy and Copyright KMRC

As I am not an N Gauge modeller and do not have one of the units review, my friend and excellent N Gauge modeller Tom Everitt, who also edits the highly recommended ngaugenews.com website has kindly allowed me to link here to his comprehensive review of the Graham Farish Class 319.

It is noted that the DTSO is missing the 3d rail shoe beams on the leading bogie and Bachmann Europe are correcting this error by making a replacement bogie available. They will announce more details on that shortly and the process for obtaining them, and should be commended for taking this action.