Tag Archives: gate stock

Kernow Models, Model News

Kernow MRC Bulleid Diesels break cover along with Gate Stock livery samples & Bachmann Birdcage set livery sample and other SR model news [updated 31/03/17]

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At the BRM / Warners / MRC London Festival of Model Railways this weekend Kernow Model Rail Centre have on display for the first time a full livery samples of the Bulleid diesels 10201/2&3.  The post also provides very first images of the Bachmann ex SECR Birdcage sets crimson livery sample unveiled at the show for the very first time. I also provide an update on other Southern / Southern Region related RTR work in progress and model news. This follows the recent release of the excellent Hornby original Merchant Navy pacifics, in SR malachite, the BR livery version are due soon, as reviewed in my post here. We look forward to their H class 0-4-4T arriving later in the year as well as tooling is well advanced and livery artwork specifications completed.

Kernow Model Rail Centre – Bulled 1C0-C01 Diesels 10201/2 & 3

Although announced some time ago, the necessary research for the production of the CADS for these diesels with their complex multiple curved exterior shape has taken much longer than planned. During last year additional information came to light that has assisted greatly with development progress.

K2701 Bulleid diesel 10201 (incorrectly numbered 10203) in BR black livery with early emblem. Picture courtesy and copyright Kernow Model Rail Centre

I have fortunate to have been party to progress that has been made during the last few months; firstly, with various sets of CADs, initial Engineering Prototypes and now the livery sample versions on public display for the first time this weekend.
By way of a recap four versions are being produced:

K2704 Bulleid diesel 10203 livery sample in BR Green livery. Picture courtesy and copyright Kernow Model Rail Centre

K2701 Number 10201 in BR Black livery with early emblem.
K2701 Number 10202 in BR Black livery with early emblem.
K2703 Number 10203 in BR Black livery with early emblem.
K2704 Number 10203 in BR Green livery with late crest.

The purpose of the livery samples are of course to check the application and livery details, so being the first such samples there are a few known corrections to be made before these can go to production, such as confirming the colour shades, adding lining and changing to the correct late emblem and no interconnecting doors on the K2704 version. These models are fitted with now standard arrangement, for similar diesel and electric models of a centrally mounted motor driving each bogie via drive shafts and a gear tower.

[update 31/03/17] The  Kernow Model Rail Centre have further advised “The factory very kindly decorated this first sample from their own research, rather than supplying the model in unfinished grey. They also provided a sample of the version with a corridor connection that we were not intending to produce in the initial batch, having speculatively decided to tool this in case we wanted it! This again they supplied painted from their own research. Unfortunately the paint finish was incorrect and the running numbers applied were not correct for the tooling combination.”

Kernow Model Rail Centre – SR Gate Stock Pull Push sets and 4-TC Units

After what appears to have a bit of a long and frustrating wait, for potentially a number of reasons, the first livery samples of the Gate Stock Pull/Push sets have been finally received, via DJ Models, by the Kernow Model Rail Centre. Four livery versions are being produced, namely:

1st Livery Sample of K1001 in lined olive green. Picture courtesy and copyright kernow Model Rail Centre

K1001 Set 374 SR Lined Olive http://www.kernowmod…-Set-number-374
K1002 Set 373 SR Malachite http://www.kernowmod…-Set-number-373
K1003 Set 363 BR lined Crimson http://www.kernowmod…-Set-number-363
K1004 Set 373 BR Green (plated) http://www.kernowmod…-Set-number-373

1st Livery Sample of K1004 in BR green livery, and with plated panels. Picture courtesy and copyright kernow Model Rail Centre

There are a number of slight corrections already identified to be made, including the size and weight of the set numbers, running number and Southern sizes and positioning, the droplight colour on the olive green set and handrail colours etc.
Yes it is known that in the pictures left the bodies on these samples have been assembled on the chassis the wrong way around and swapped between driving and trailer cars, hence the steps not lining up with the gated entrances, and has since been corrected.

K1001 livery sample with Chassis assembled the correct way round!

The purpose of these samples is to confirm the liveries (and a small number of corrections made to the body tooling since the last Engineering Prototype) and no further tooling changes are proposed. It is good at last to see further progress made and hopefully once the livery amendments can be made production slots can be allocated.

Livery samples have also been received from Bachmann for the 4-TC units, also known as class 491 and later class 438, commissioned by The Kernow Model Rail Centre that were first announced in June last year.

36-640Z 4-TC in BR Blue Picture courtesy and copyright Kernow Model Rail Centre

Initially six liveries will be produced:

32-640Z Bachmann Class 491 4-TC Unit number 416 in BR Blue livery with small yellow warning panels and etched BR logos
32-641Z Bachmann Class 491 4-TC unit number 404 in BR Blue and Grey livery
32-642Z Bachmann Class 438 4-TC unit number 8022 in BR Blue and Grey livery with Network SouthEast branding
32-643Z Bachmann Class 438 4-TC unit number 8023 in Network SouthEast livery
32-644Z Bachmann Class 438 4-TC unit number 410 in BR Blue livery with half yellow ends Premier Charter with etched BR logos
32-646Z Bachmann Class 438 unit number 8007 in BR Research red and blue livery

Bachmann ex SECR Birdcage sets first look at livery sample and other Work in Progress

Bachmann in 00 gauge have a number of SR related developments as work in progress at the moment. The highlight at the show was the first appearance of the first livery sample pf the ex SECR Birdcage sets.

Bachmann ex SECR Bridcage set crimson livery sample

The ex SECR Birdcage coaching stock, are at livery sample stage. Three livery versions have been announced namely: SECR Dark Lake,
SR Olive Green and BR crimson.
Bachmann having now received and showing the BR crimson version so far, with the other slightly more complex liveries to follow soon. The expected delivery dates are currently September / October.

The Bachmann Birdcage set Composite coach livery sample

The ex LBSR H2 class 4-4-2, is awaiting livery samples and expected delivery dates are currently November / December
The Class 450 4 Car EMUs are at livery sample stage and expected delivery dates are currently August/September

The other Brake Third ex SECR Birdcage livery sample

No further news on the progress, other than being at the R&D stage, of the Class 414 2-HAP or Class 410 4-BEP EMUs, or the Ransoms and Rapier 45T steam cranes at the moment.

In N gauge the Graham Farish C Class 0-6-0 announced earlier this year is in the R& D stage along with the Class 319 EMU whilst the SECR Birdcage coaches are in the drawing office.

Dapol put N Gauge models in abeyance including Bulleid Light Pacifics

Dapol have have announced, that due to: “effects of the decision to leave the EU last June continue, particularly on the devaluation of Sterling and the increase in the general feeling of uncertainty as the actual leave date looms. These effects coupled with the continued inflationary pressures being experienced in China means that the decision to invest in projects and develop new lines is becoming increasingly difficult. Not only is the unit cost of models rising at an alarming rate but the cost of the tooling is also escalating.” They went on to say: “Unfortunately, some previously announced and mooted projects will have to be put on abeyance until the economic conditions become more favourable. This is particularly, but not exclusively the case in N gauge were the small size of the market, the relatively high cost of manufacture and natural cap on retail prices means that returns are least favourable. Projects such as the Class 50, Class 59, prototype HST, Battle of Britain and others are being delayed as result of this.”

The Dapol Maunsell 4 Compartment Brake Third in N Gauge Engineering Prototype

Dapol have confirmed that the N Gauge 4 compartment Brake Third and the Brake Composite are still to be released in the Summer and will not be impacted by the recent announcement.
I personally feel we might have to read between the lines a little on this, for example on what abeyance / delayed actually means…

The first test pieces for the Dapol ex LSWR B4 note the cab variations

[update 26/03/17] I can confirm that this not affect the  00 gauge ex LSWR B4, announced back in 2014, as this is in tooling and the had some of the first test pieces on display.

 

HW&DMRS, Kernow Models, Model News

The Kernow Model Rail Centre ex LSWR Gate stock 2nd Engineering Prototype pictures and video

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I am pleased to show on this post the progress made on the Kernow Model Rail Centre ex LSWR Gate Stock sets, with some pictures and video of the 2nd Engineering Prototypes (EPs). The purpose of such EPs are to check the toiling and the options within tooling to represent the variations being produced.

2nd EP of Kernow Model Rail Centre ex LSWR / SR / BR(s) Gate Stock K1002

Although some will feel that it has been a bit of a while since both the initial announcement back in 2011 (but please bear in mind the manufacturer has changed in that time and the resources available to Kernow Model Rail Centre for such commissions) and the tooling starting for the first Engineering Prototypes (EPs) at the end of 2014, I can assure you that work and modifications since the first EPs have been undergone in that time to try and ensure the greatest of accuracy within the production constraints and costs of producing such models.

A close up of the front of the 2nd EP K1002

With thanks to Kernow Model Rail Centre I have been able to have a look over the EP of their K1002 which will eventually be Set 373 in Southern unlined malachite green. There will also be three other variations of the 1914 Gate Stock namely: K1001 Set Number 374 in lined Southern Olive Green, K1003 Set 363 in BR lined crimson and finally K1004 in BR Green with tooling to reflect the additional steel plating fitted to this set for this period.

The Driving Brake Third of K1002 2nd EP

All are as per their condition post being modified by the Southern Railway around 1929/30 to their adopted air control (as opposed to mechanical via wires and pulleys) and the driving cab changed to the standard SR 4 window style.

The Trailer Third of K1002 2nd EP

Although it would be nice to have been able to produce a variant in original London South Western Railway (LSWR) condition the commercial consideration of possible sales verses the additional tooling costs precluded such an option (but I am sure some talented pre-grouping modellers might be able to do a conversion and I can provide details / reference information if required).

The video below taken on the Hinton Parva layout of the High Wycombe and District MRS and shows the set running pushed and pulled through a series of point work.

There are still a small number of known additions and slight corrections to be made to the tooling, but these models are really looking the part, all versions of the EPs are being checked over to pick up any other minor corrections needed and extensively test run. Once these tests have been completed and Kernow Model Rail Centre are happy with the running qualities we will move to decorated samples.
The livery artwork is being worked on at present and I have provided some advice to assist Kernow Model Rail Centre with this, they have already completed the box design.
An actual delivery date can not be given at this stage as this will only be known once livery samples have been approved and the model is actually in production.
All the 2nd EPs will be on display on the Kernow Model Rail Centre stand number A75 at the Warley  National Model Railway Exhibtion at the NEC this weekend. 
I will also be at the Warley Exhibtion all weekend as the ‘unhired’ help playing trains on the Hornby Magazine‘s latest layout Grosvenor Square (just turn a blind eye to the fact that it is a BR Western Region!) on stand A36 so please come and say hello.
Look out for a post show report of anything of a Southern / BR(s) interest that crops up.

General, Kernow Models, Model News

Kernow Model Centre exclusive models update

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The Kernow Model Centre have today made the following announcement about their exclusive models and commissions and I post it below in full.

In our determination to provide high-quality detailed models we are constantly reviewing progress of our projects. Sometimes this can reveal that changes need to be made, most of which are invisible to our customers.

After careful consideration we have decided to manage the production of our Adams O2 and LSWR Gate Stock OO Gauge models directly with the factory in China, this being the same factory that built our award-winning OO Gauge Beattie Well Tank. We have asked Dave Jones of DJModels to oversee these projects which will continue the close working relationship we have had since we started commissioning exclusive models.

Work on the OO Gauge Tiger Clay Wagons, Bulleid Diesel locos and D6xx Warships also continues as well as other yet-to-be announced projects, all of which will be produced under a new commercial agreement of which details will be given in due course.

All existing orders for these products will be held and there is no need for customers to contact us about this change unless they have changed their phone number, email address or house address and not previously advised us.

A consequence of this decision is that Dapol no longer feel able to progress the O Gauge Beattie Well Tank project and associated clay wagons. We had been working with Dapol to find alternative ways of producing this model, but the pre-orders have been disappointingly low with fewer than 200 orders placed. This is despite a huge discount being offered to encourage and reward customers who placed a pre-order and it being made clear that the pre-order could be cancelled at any time. While we may look at this again in the future for the time being we are going to concentrate on our core OO gauge market. We have already emailed and written to all customers who still held a pre-order for the O Gauge models with details of a special offer to reward their loyalty and patience.

Even after the above changes we had around £275k of special projects remaining with Dapol and it was our intention to continue with these, but Dapol have cancelled all of these with the exception of the OO Gauge models of D1003V Western Ruler and B850ZA and B850ZB Weathered Silver Bullets which are already in production. Our exclusive Class 73s, Bubble Cars, Turbots and Class 22s have all been cancelled and we are obviously very sorry and disappointed that Dapol have chosen to do this. This unexpected act means that we have had to remove these models from our website and have not yet had chance to contact everybody who placed pre-orders but will do so as soon as possible.

We thank all our customers for their patience and understanding for bearing with us and with our new agreement in place we expect rapid progress to be made on the Gate Stock and O2 models and look forward to sharing positive news about these very soon.

Regular updates are available by subscribing to our weekly email newsletter at http://www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com

I will not make any personal comment on the above other to state that I continue to assist Chris Terise at the Kernow Model Centre with respect to their Southern related models.

Kernow Models, Model News, Model Reviews

BR(s) Pull Push sets arrive from Hornby

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As first announced by Hornby in January this year the models of the BR conversions of Maunsell stock into Twenty Pull Push sets, that were converted by BR(SR) from late 1959 to mid 1960, have now started to hit the retailers.  The Hornby models correctly consisted of an 1935 built ex-Diagram 2403 Maunsell Brake Corridor Composite and a Diagram 2023 (ex 1930 built Diagram 2005) Maunsell Second Open (was designated a Third Open until 1956). Hornby have released  the sets both as a coach pack (R4534) as Set 610 and the train pack (R3087) as set 600 with M7 30029.

Building on the success of their excellent Maunsell coach range they have of course utilised a number of common components such as the underframes and bogies, complete with their standard close coupling cam arrangement and  NEM pockets etc. Both coach bodies are new toolings to take into account the driving brake and also the  Diagram 2023 Third / Open Second.

The models correctly recreate the modifications to the prototype; where the brake end was modified by inserting two windows to form a driving compartment,  the corridor connection removed and plated over (complete with rivet detail), and droplights replacing the familiar former guard’s lookout duckets. Similarly the outer end of the Second Open had its outer corridor connection removed and plated over  but the corridor connection between the two vehicles was retained.  Hornby’s attention to detail has included the up-rated EMU style buffer stocks fitted to the outer ends of both coaches along with fine rivet detail, the additional lamp irons, handrails, steps and whistle on the driving end. This attention to detail has also extended to the fact that the driving end bogie correctly has the guard irons represented, and also within the interior that features correctly coloured seating for both 1st. & 2nd. class along with brown partitions, all very nice touches!

Livery and printing matches the high standard of the existing Maunsell Stock range, and unlike on their recently released Van Bs have they managed to get the ‘Guard’ lettering on the doors the correct size. 30029 within the R3087 Train pack version has the shed plate 75F for Tonbridge Wells West, printed on the smokebox door, which is correct for both the 30029’s and Set 600’s allocation for the time period c1963.  They have however used the dog clamp fitted smokebox door arrangement on this M7, where in reality 30029 retained the centre dart method of keeping the door closed.

The Second / Third Open type is also due to be released as a Diagram 2005 loose coach in Olive Green as No. 1400 and BR(s) Green as s1314s but of course fitted with standard buffers and corridor connections at each end.

As these were only introduced by BR(s) from 1959 for those of us modelling earlier periods it should be remembered that   ex LSWR Gate Stock Pull Push units have been commissioned by Kernow Model Centre for release probably early 2013 and I know that the early stages of the CAD preparation is underway.

Note: ‘Pull Push’ rather than ‘Push Pull’ was the description usually coined by the Southern Railway / Southern Region within working notices etc for these type of workings.

General, Kernow Models, Model News

LSWR Gate Stock Pull Push sets announced by Kernow models

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I am happy to post with the permission of  Kernow Models the following announcement, from them:

We are pleased to announce that we have commissioned Dapol to produce the much-requested LSWR Push-Pull Gate Set in OO Gauge.  This will be produced from tools owned by Kernow Model Rail Centre and will be to the same high standard as the Beattie Well Tank and forthcoming Adams O2 Models.  We will be working closely with Graham Muspratt and Mike King to ensure the models are as accurate as possible.

Set 373, image courtesy of Colour Rail via Kernow Models

K1001 Set number 363 in SR Lined Maunsell Green livery

K1002 Set number 373 in SR unlined Malachite Green livery

K1003 Set number 374 in BR Crimson livery

K1004 Set number 373 in BR (SR) Green livery

Each twin pack will contain the Driving Brake Composite and Third coach and will be priced at £99.99 including postage to UK addresses.

Delivery is expected late 2012 to early 2013.

An O2 and Set 373, image courtesy of Colour Rail via Kernow Models


The sharp eyed amongst you will notice my name in the release as I have been assisting Kernow Models for a while now with their Southern Railway related commissions and have been researching and obtaining the relevant LSWR original drawings for this stock that was originally built in 1914 which have now been obtained and from which the CAD drawings for the model will be created.

I would encourage any pre-orders to be made via the website links rather than contact the shop direct at this moment in time.

Note: Post updated 29th Nov to reflect the correction to the K1001 set which will now be Set 363 to reflect the reforming of Set 372 to set 363 in 1933.