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Hand-me-down coaches


Mikkel

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Supposed to be cleaning the basement today, but ended up sorting through a box full of half-forgotten rolling stock that I've picked up second-hand over the years. Obviously I had to give them a spin on the layout. (“Just to see if they’re still working, dear"). The above trio of Victorian coaches were originally scratchbuilt by Chris Edge. I couldn’t resist them when they were up for sale a few years back, even if they are a bit early for my 1900s timeframe. If I’m not mistaken, the models represent coaches introduced in 1854 (photos in Russell's GWR Coaches, page 11) although the underframe suggests that they are modelled in their later period. I’m not sure when they were actually withdrawn, so any info would be much appreciated...

 

 

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According to Russell, this First Class coach was originally built by Wrights for the Chester & Birkenhead Rwy, before being taken over by the GWR. The origins in stage coach design are very obvious, including luggage rack on the roof. For an artistic interpretation of what the compartments would have looked like inside, have a look at this painting. Victorian elegance in full flourish – but only for some!

 

 

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By contrast, the “Thirds” look cramped and boxy. Apparently, many of these were built for branchline service. The photo in Russell - on which I suspect this one is modelled - appears to show an example from the Culm Valley. Provision of Third class coaches became mandatory for the railways in the 1844 Railway Act. Incidentally, the Act is available for download here.

 

 

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Here’s another rather unusual rake of coaches! I bought them on ebay some years ago - there was no photo, just a brief description of a set of “kitbuilt GWR coaches” in etched brass. It turned out to be NER branchline stock from the 1880s, built from Connoisseur kits, but painted in GWR 1930s livery! Perhaps the previous owner used them as examples of GWR Workmen's coaches?

 

 

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My initial disappointment soon turned to interest, when I discovered that the NER sold many of these coaches off to light railways prior to WW1. I'm currently pondering whether to backdate them and employ them on "The bay" as absorbed coaching stock, acquired with the take-over of the Overbourne line - as per the Lambourn Valley Railway coaches.

 

 

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The NER introduced the coaches in the 1880s. This Brake Third was to Diagram X. I have always liked "Birdcage" look-outs, a pity the GWR didn't employ them!

 

 

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Just to round things off, this little loco was also out for a spin today. It is one of the Sharp, Stewart & Co. 2-4-0s, originally built for the Cambrian in 1866 but seen here in its Swindonized form. It's another ebay purchase and has been built (I believe) from the GEM / Mainly Trains kit. Not sure whether I'll ever get around to finishing it, as it is out of my period, but it trundles along nicely enough.

 

 

Edited by Mikkel

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  • RMweb Gold

Mikkel - As ever, an enjoyable post to read - looks like early 'spring cleaning' of the basement has proved to be of benefit :D - Pete

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  • RMweb Gold

Actually it's more like delayed spring cleaning, but I like the spin you put on it there, so we'll call it early :D.

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Hi Mikkel - that little loco is delightful. You should finish it - I'm sure it could make an occasional visit from Wales..and would not look out of place on Farthing.

 

Those Victorian coaches remind me of my old Stephenson Rocket train set!!

 

Sounds like your basement is something of an Aladdin's cave!

:lol:

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  • RMweb Gold

Hi Chris, yes I'm also constantly reminded of the Rocket train set. I never even owned it, but drooled over it in the catalogue as a boy.

As for the Sharpie 2-4-0, I had just decided earlier today to part with it, but now you're making it sound very tempting to keep it! :D I would have to remove the top feed though, for 1907, and maybe also change the bunker?

 

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Hi Mikkel,

You have some interesting models there.

 

As for the Cambrian 2-4-0T it looks to be a lovely little engine and if you ever fancied another micro. layout then how about the Tanet Branch as she would really be at home in such a location ?

I had one of the original GEM kits many years ago with a view to modelling Dinas Mawddwy as per the plan which appeared in the Railway Modeller a long time ago.

 

Geoff

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  • RMweb Gold
This is also not really my era, but if you have a look at some Cambrian pictures in my gallery, it might give you some inspiration to finish the loco.

 

http://www.rmweb.co....try-loco-works/

 

Maybe I should do a bit of spring cleaning in my shed!

 

Just been browsing your album Paul. Those are very interesting photos indeed - I was completely captivated. Many thanks for sharing!

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  • RMweb Gold
Hi Mikkel,

As for the Cambrian 2-4-0T it looks to be a lovely little engine and if you ever fancied another micro. layout then how about the Tanet Branch as she would really be at home in such a location ?

I had one of the original GEM kits many years ago with a view to modelling Dinas Mawddwy as per the plan which appeared in the Railway Modeller a long time ago.

 

Hi Geoff, the Tanet Branch was actually why I bought this loco secondhand originally, as I really fancied doing something based on that branch. I especially like the rather simple buildings/structures! It's still at the back of my mind, but as the Farthing layouts are supposed to be a series of several "minis" and all based on Wiltshire, it looks like i will be a while before I can "go Welsh" (especially at current modelling pace!).

 

Sounds like you didn't get to do the Dinas Mawddwy layout?

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Hi Geoff, the Tanet Branch was actually why I bought this loco secondhand originally, as I really fancied doing something based on that branch. I especially like the rather simple buildings/structures! It's still at the back of my mind, but as the Farthing layouts are supposed to be a series of several "minis" and all based on Wiltshire, it looks like i will be a while before I can "go Welsh" (especially at current modelling pace!).

 

Sounds like you didn't get to do the Dinas Mawddwy layout?

 

No Mikkel I got tempted to pastures new and built a small layout based on Fairford as a first venture into the world of EM :rolleyes:

 

Geoff

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Hi Mikkel.

 

Here's what the Gem Kit looks like when it is back dated and de-Swindonised by cutting off the bunker and cab, and replacing it with a scratch built cab.

It is destined for a vaguely dated pre-grouping layout not yet built.

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  • RMweb Gold

Fantastic, many thanks!

 

In case anyone else is interested, I found your entry here:

http://www.rmweb.co....__1#entry236417

 

It doesn't seem possible to upload photos directly to blog replies. I upload the photos somewhere else and then link to them, eg your photo in the thread can be linked to using the "insert image" icon:

 

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Mikkel, fascinating to catch up on the doings Farthing as ever.

I love that mid -Victorian thing. I have been toying with something similar myself...

 

 

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  • RMweb Gold

Hi Chris, yes the Victorian thing grows on you. For the Great Western though, there is that nagging feeling that it ought to be broad gauge!

 

Sadly I can't see the image you posted, clicking on it gives me an error message. I have feeling what it might be though - something with a reddish tinge? :D

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