Two new books recently published and provided to me by my friends at Strathwood Publishing are Southern Lament – Bulleid’s Light Pacifics and Southern Electrics Scrapbook Volume II. These wide landscape format books contain 208 and 176 pages respectively often with multiple black and white photographs per page along with well researched and informative captions.
The first book, Southern Lament – Bulleid’s Light Pacifics features each of the 110 Bulleid Light Pacifics in turn covering them in both original and where relevant rebuilt form. The photographs are from a number of sources such as: Colour Rail,Rail photoprints and the Transport Treasury so will not be new to many of us, there are also a number of photographs from other sources such as Strathwood‘s own library, that are not so familiar and many that I have not seen before. They are all nicely reproduced and at a good size afforded by the wide landscape format.
By covering each locomotive in turn and including images from different periods of their working life it provides a great reference for railway historians and modellers alike.
It was good to see the number of detail variations and differences in liveries included and well highlighted within the captions. The differences in liveries and lettering styles around the time of nationalisation is a particular interest of mine and gives further food for thought for some future models. I particularly liked the image of 34036 having been renumbered but still in malachite but with a large early British Railways emblem on the tender one of only four to have that particular combination. I certainly recommend this book to any Bulleid enthusiast.
The second book Southern Electrics Scrapbook Volume II is another new selection of excellent photographs to compliment all of the previous volumes detailing the Southern Region’s fleet of EMUs, Different chapters cover topics such as: Blue is the colour, Kent Coast electrics inside and out, Snow worries, Passing the box, Everyday service, Towards push & pull on the Bournemouth line, and Specials.
As with the Southern Lament book some of the photographs being from sources such as: Colour Rail, Brian Stephenson and Anistr.com might be familiar to some however a large number are from other collections and were certainly new to me.
All the photographs include informative and detailed captions from David Brown the renowned author on all matters Southern Electric.
Obviously the majority of the photographs cover the variety of Electric Multiple units ranging from the: 1940 Waterloo and City stock, early variety of 4-Subs, 2-Nols, 2-Hals , 2-Bils, 4-Cors, 6-Pan, 6-Pul and Brighton Belles through to the BR built MK1 based units. The book doesn’t forget the locomotive scene either with classes 71, 73 and, of particular interest to me at the moment, the Bulleid Raworth booster electric locomotives.
Not all the images actually include an EMU or locomotive but include the infrastructure of the time and along with many of the photographs allowing the eye to be drawn away from the main subject the combination of details and entire scenes within the photographs will assist modellers of the period and give or take a few years as well.
Both these Strathwood Publishing books are well worth a read regardless of your particular direct interest as they include a variety of information and inspiration across a wide range of areas.
The BRC&W Type 3 diesels, known as the ‘Cromptons’ and under TOPS coding the Class 33s are very much synonymous with the Southern Region, it is however often forgotten that the BR Derby built, Type 2 diesels, known as ‘Baby Sulzers’ and under TOPS coding the Class 24s played an early role in the initial modernisation plans for the Region. This post looks at the brand new model of the Class 24 from new manufacture ‘Sutton’s Locomotive Works (SLW).
To cover for a delay in delivery of the Type 3s from Smethwick Works, a batch of the Class 24s were drafted in from the London Midland Region. In the spring of 1959 a number of these ‘pilot scheme’ 1,160hp locos arrived on the South Eastern Division, numbers D5000-D5014, & D5016-8, and were to provide a useful resource until 1962. Their provision solved a number of issues (although they did create others!) including motive power desperately needed prior to the completion of the Kent Coast electrification scheme and the ability to provide steam heat capability in the winter. The new SR Class 33s were, in this respect, ahead of their time in that electric train heat supply was provided but compatible coaching stock was somewhat lagging behind. Working freight, parcels and passenger services, the Type 2s helped out across much of the Southern network, and were not just restricted to the South East Section, as some may think.
The all new Class 24 in the guise of D5000 in the condition that it worked on the Southern Region. Picture courtesy and copyright P Sutton.
The all new model from SLW, a new manufacturer that announced its new product late last year, to the surprise of some, when production stock was available for immediate sale rather than the usual format of announcing plans ahead of not only production but often any design and development working having started.
What is notable is that this model has been designed from the outset around a finescale ethos and to appeal to those with a liking for DCC sound. The models, reflecting their level of detail, cost £160 for the Standard locomotive (12V DC analogue) and £260 for the Sound-equipped (DCC) version (which will operate on DC but with limited functionality; engine sounds and some lights only).
The high specification model includes: a Die-cast metal chassis for superior adhesive weight, Smooth-running five-pole 12V DC ‘Black Cat’ motor, Machined metal gearboxes with brass axle bearings, Softly-sprung ‘Oleo’ pattern buffers with metal heads, Independent directional front marker and rear tail lights and Cab interior and engine compartment illumination. Over 350 parts are used in each model and many of the finer components, like headcode discs and larger grilles, are reproduced using etch metal parts. The tooling incorporates / allows for a significant amount of loco specific detailing,
It is the first Ready-To Run loco to made available factory-fitted with 00, EM or P4 wheels (extra £20 for wheels sets other than 00). Further images can be found on the SLW website here and the comprehensive instruction manual can be downloaded here.
Of the initial two releases, first built D5000 is certainly one of interest to Southern Region modellers of the period, having been transferred (on loan) to Hither Green in January 1959 and was to become a regular sight on SR metals over the next three years. It was unique in being the sole example to carry the plain green livery with thin eggshell blue waist band. It was even overhauled at Eastleigh Works during 1961 and worked the Southampton Boat Train on release.
Although D5000 has been produced in model form before, by Bachmann, this brand new model appears to exhibit a greater fidelity and by all accounts has none of the suspect roof curvature or tooling compromises that featured on the old Modelzone commission. The SLW model has the original exhaust and water/fuel tank format whilst also exhibiting the additional high level bodyside grille and split radiator grille that was a spotting feature of many of the pilot scheme build of 20 locomotives (excluding D5009-D5012). Photo-etched works plates and the extra cab front SR headcode brackets are available free, on request at the time of purchasing.
I have been in communication with Philip Sutton the man behind SLW and he advises me that D5000 (SLW catalogue number 2401 and which is still available at time of writing) has been extremely popular with Southern Region modellers and there have been numerous requests for further models to suit the period. Principally, this has translated into a requirement for more pilot scheme locos that saw use on the Southern Region in the standard BR green livery. It is also currently available in BR blue livery with full yellow ends, white trim and silver buffers, later exhaust arrangement, exposed solebars and plated over front doors as number 24081, (SLW catalogue number 2402).
SLW confirm that tooling is such that it can produce the ‘Athermos’ axle boxes. Picture courtesy and copyright P Sutton.
Ten of the initial batch of 20 locomotives D5010 to D5019 and therefore nine of those those that worked on the Southern Region, were fitted with the distinctive larger but experimental ‘Athermos’ axle boxes, rather than the SKF roller type that became the standard. Philip further advises that, as can be seen in the picture left, the tooling is designed that it can produce this style of axle boxes and as such this is likely to become an available version the future. It goes without saying that good sales of D5000 will provide the impetus needed for more models that would be suitable for operation in a Southern Region setting.
Often Warley is a good place to show off the latest products under development and their status with either Engineering Prototype (EP) samples or livery sample models.
Bachmann / Farish
The first EP of the Farish 3rd Series Merchant Navy (picture courtesy of A York)
Bachmann had nothing new from a Southern perspective in 4mm scale but Graham Farish in N Gauge had the first Engineering Prototype of the 3rd Series Merchant Navy in original air smoothed form. They are initially releasing 3 livery of variants of the this 3rd series original style Merchant Navy with 6000 gallon tender, this is the first EP available and has not previously been seen.
Also in the Bachmann / Farish display cabinets were liveried samples of the N Gauge Bulleid Coaches in BR(s) Green and very nice they looked too.
Hornby
Hornby did not have anything new on display for us Southern fans, although their LNER P2 (which Bulleid did have an input with) looks a stunning model! The will be making their announcement for the 2014 range on December 16th at 10am and I will post then to advise of any Southern content…
Dapol
The first off EP of the 0 gauge 25t ‘Pill Box’ brake van (even planked right hand ducket version) was on show along with the first EPs for the Maunsell Coaches and Van C in N gauge, all announced back in July 2012 . I have been asked by Dapol to review and offer advice on their Southern models under development so watch this space for further updates.
Heljan
The week before the show Heljan announced a couple of new items including a Metropolitan Bo-Bo electric locomotive, familiar to many as Sarah Siddons, this does has a slight relevance to this blog as it has run on Southern metals for a couple of railtours, once to Portsmouth and once to the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway in Kent ( I was on both tours) along with plans to announce a further new item at the show itself. This further item is a retooled Class 33/0 locomotive and they had EP’s on the stand. The announcement of this model in their own range follows a legal issue with Rail Express magazine that had originally commissioned it via Heljan.
RT Models
Robert had on his RT Models stand brand new white metal castings for SR Style stepped locomotive buffers. Those on the market currently are a slight compromise as they are generally sold as being LNER/SR stepped buffers, so Robert has produced a very fine casting totally accurate for the Southern version and very fine it is indeed.
Model Rail Magazine
And finally; no this is not another plug for the December issue that features Fisherton Sarum but they have advise that they are in discussion with both Bachmann and Heljan regarding some further model livery commissions in the form of a Bachmann Desiro unit as 450 class in South West Trains Livery and also an exclusive livery version of the new tooled Heljan Class 33/0 model, further details will I am sure be announced in due course.
Dapol have today made their long awaited announcement of their 2012/13 range. Included within their new catalogue are a number of Southern Related items in predominantly N gauge but also a few items in 00 and 0 gauges and I am pleased to be able to detail the Southern Railway / Region related items below.
N Gauge Items
Following from previous announcements last October regarding the planned release of Bulleid Rebuilt Merchant Navy and Light Pacifics (see end of post), Southern Railway / Region modellers continue to be well catered for with a further number of new locomotives:
‘Schools’ V class 4-4-0′
Currently in the final cad/cam stage, this model features everything you would expect from a Dapol steam locomotive, including ‘super creep’ motor, DCC ready, traction tyres and a wealth of detail.
The initial releases planned (in both DCC read and DDC fitted options) are:
30926 ‘REPTON’ BR LINED GREEN LATE TENDER LOGO
905 ‘TONBRIDGE’ MALACHITE LINED GREEN ‘SOUTHERN’
30921 ‘SHREWSBURY’ BR LINED BLACK SMALL EARLY LOGO
929 ‘MALVERN’ MALACHITE GREEN
Class 33/0 and 33/1
Building on the sucess of their class 26 and 27 it was logical that the Southern Region’s Class 33 would follow.
The Initial release will be the class 33/1 ‘bagpipe’ loco with the class 33/0 following on a month after, during the 2012/2013 catalogue life span, although they are both in the tool room currently.
Class 33/0
Featuring Dapol’s established award winning heavy split frame tungsten chassis and super creep motor it will also feature a lit headcode panel in the direction of travel.
The initial releases planned (in both DCC read and DDC fitted options) are:
Class 33/1, will be the first released to be followed by the 33/0
33/0 33030 BR BLUE
33/0 D6571 BR GREEN NO YELLOW WARNING PANEL
33/0 33046 ‘MERLIN’ ENGINEERS GREY/YELLOW ‘DUTCH’
33/0 D6597 BR GREEN SMALL YELLOW WARNING PANEL
33/1 33102 BR BLUE
33/1 33103 ENGINEERS GREY/YELLOW ‘DUTCH’
Class 50
The Class 50 often seen on the Southern Region west of England line is also released in a number of versions although the early versions would not have been seen on SR lines in that condition.
D406 BR BLUE (UNREFURBISHED)
50043 BR BLUE (UNREFURBISHED)
50040 BR LARGE LOGO BLUE ‘LEVIATHAN’
50037 ORIGINAL NSE ‘ILLUSTRIOUS’
Other new locomotives include a range of GWR Pannier Tanks, the Class 22 and the General Motors Class 59.
Rolling Stock
A range of Maunsell coaches are confirmed, these had already been hinted at on Dapol’s own Facebook page some time ago. These will be ready for the fitting of the Dapol lighting bar and also their working gangway connectors.
Maunsell 6 Compartment Brake 3rd
They do not appear to have formally listed what is being released but from the images files it looks like the following:
– Six Compartment Brake 3rd,
– Corridor Composite,
– Corridor All first,
– Corridor Compartment 3rd (to be confirmed)
Maunsell Composite
As this appears to be very similar to Hornby’s original releases ( I will not speculate on why) lets hope that they allow for the fact that the SR used set formations and release enough Brake 3rds to allow correct formations to be made.
A CCT utility van (Van U as per SR designation) is also announced, to be released in SR green, BR Maroon (sic, perhaps this should be crimson?), BR Blue and BR Engineers red.
The SR Van B, not listed as a release but included in the CAD drawings.
However within the CAD images supplied is also an image of a Van C (BY in BR parlance) as well but this has not been listed as a separate to be release item. I will endeavour to seek clarification on this in due course and post accordingly on here.
00 Gauge Items
First laser scan of Class 73
Development still continues on previously announced 00 items such as the Class 73 as announced here and class 22 headcode disc version. They have also announced a GWR streamlined railcars which I am sure will popular of modellers of that other railway!
Signals – 2mm, 4mm and now 7mm
Further to the recent introduction of working GWR and LMS style semaphore signals in 2mm and 4mm scales the range will be expanded to include Southern Rail Post built (Ladder types as described by Dapol) and Lattice type along with bracket options. These will also be released in due in 7mm scale as well.
0 Gauge
Dapol announced at Warley last year their entry into the 7mm market with a number of private owner wagons and the Class 08 shunter. Thus year will see two Southern related items added to range:
‘Terrier’ A1x class 0-6-0′
Featuring full cab detail, their OO motor connected to a flywheel with DCC compatibility, darkened profile wheels (to Gauge 0 Guild standards) and a heavy chassis. Like many new models this will be the result of laser scanning one of the numerous examples preserved.
The initial releases planned are:
32640 BR Black (Early Crest)
32646 BR Black (Late Crest)
W8 Southern Green ‘Freshwater’
55 Stroudley Green ‘Stepney’
‘Pill Box’ Southern Brake Van
Dapol have tooled this model to include left or right duckets, and correctly depicted brake gear, handles and chassis plates etc. It is also fitted with a working tail lamp! SR BRAKE VAN ‘pillbox’ DS56400 Olive Green
SR BRAKE VAN 55965 ‘SR’ Brown / Vermillion red
SR BRAKE VAN DS55148 Engineers red
SR BRAKE VAN DS55597 dark grey with yellow warning panels.
Edit 21/07/12: Following communication with Dapol they have confirmed that the brake van SR livery would be brown not grey as originally stated within their press release and also that they plan a number of variants including left and right duckets, 2 or 3 end windows, working tail lamp (where possible), air tanks where needed, axle box raised lettering etc.
A further announced 7mm release is that of an LMS pattern 6 Wheel milk tank
Previously announced Items
I also have CAD images of the previously announced Bulleid original and rebuilt Light Pacifics that I will post later in the week.
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The model railway world and mainly Southern Railway meanderings of Graham 'Muz' Muspratt
