More GC 4 wheel coach kits?

Alphagraphix, who already produce kits for MS&LR 4 wheel thirds and firsts, are interested in the possibility of producing two further kits:
1. 4 wheel PBV.
2. 4 wheel composite, as per the example at Ingrow.
*However* they need six firm expressions of interest for each before proceeding.
If you are interested, please write to Alphgraphix, 23 Darris Road, Selly Park, Birmingham. B29 7QY. stating which kit (preferably both!) you would like. There has already been some firm expressions of interest, so it should not take that much of a shove. But please do not leave it to others, or the kits may not happen!

You can also contact Alphagraphix at  sirberkeley@outlook.com.

D&S Kits

I have recently received a price list for D&S 7mm kits.

Currently available GCR items:

DS68-7 15 ton Double Door Van.  £55   (This is diagram 15)

DS 69-7 15 ton Brake Van  £55  (Every GC layout needs one!)

DS 73-7  5 ton Milk and Fruit Van  £59-50

DS 75 Horse Box  (ex LDEC)  £59-50

DS 77-7 CCT 4 wheel,  £59-50


UK Postage £3-75 per kit.

Intriguingly, the following are listed as RTR only, but no price is given:

DS24-7 Third Class Coach (Code 5050)
DS26-7 Composite Coach (5139)
DS27-7 Brake Third Coach (5101)

Also available DS50CB1 10' 6" bogie, £25, plus postage as above.

Also:
DS801-7 Cowans Sheldon Crane (Mark 1) suitable for MS&LR
DS802-7 As above, but Mark 2 (GCR)

These are £195 each plus £6-50 P&P. For these cranes enquire before ordering as production is not constant.

D&S Models, 46, The Street, Wallington, Baldock, Herts. SG2 6SW


D&S also produce GE 4 wheel coaches. I hoped these might be the type supplied to the LDEC, but a check of the data confirms they are not.

The GE Lowmac Wagon (DS104-7) £37 plus P&P, is however, very similar to the ones supplied to the LDEC and can almost certainly be used in a GC context.

4 wheel coaches.

MS&LR 4 wheel coaches are now available from Alphagraphix, 23 Darris Road, Selly Park, Birmingham, B29 7QY.

The kits are third class and first class. Other types may become available later, so please support this venture to encourage this development.

Former GP Models kits

MBS have announced that they have taken over the former GP Models range. It is not yet clear whether all the models will be re-released, but it seems the Barnum coaches are high on the list of priorities. Given the dearth of available GC coach kits, this has to be good news.

4 wheel coaches

Alphagraphix of 23, Darris Road, Selly Park, Birmingham B29 7QY have introduced a brass kit for K&ESR coach no 11, which was an ex CLC 4 wheeler. This costs £60 plus £6 postage and has a compensated chassis. Cheques payable to BRUMTRAMS.

A nice photo of two similar coaches appears in Manchester Road and Rail by Edward Gray, p78. The coaches in question were used second-hand by Trafford Park Estates to partially replace gas trams. Yes folks, gas trams, and don't ask me how they connected them to the mains!

MS&LR variants have been requested in both first and third class formats. If you would like one (or, preferably, several) please contact Roger Crombleholme at the above address with a firm indication of how many you want. If too few people respond, this simply will not happen, so, if you're interested, please be prepared to say so. 

Exactly when these particular coaches were withdrawn is hard to say. I have found evidence that four wheelers were being used in full trains in the Manchester area (including first class) as late as 1909. Many will of course have survived much later in departmental use and almost certainly in 'Paddy Trains' for miners and other workmen.

Updates - important note

I have tried to update some of the outdated information relating to suppliers on this blog. However, I can only pass on what I glean from the model press and similar sources. Details such as addresses should always be carefully checked, especially if you are sending money.

There has been a great deal of change lately, and sadly most of it is in a negative direction as traders have retired/fallen ill or generally fallen by the wayside. Unfortunately this has not been matched by Dapol (or anyone else) bringing out RTR GCR items! This trend is likely to continue, so please support the remaining traders and buy what you can when you can.

If anyone has additional information, or wishes to correct errors or outdated data, please let me know. Similarly, if suppliers would like their products mentioned I am happy to oblige. I do not make any charge, as my objective is simply to help other modellers of the GC.

Finally, although I try to keep things factual and rarely offer criticism, I have quite likely made mistakes and do not accept responsibility for any difficulties or loss caused thereby. Or to put it another way please check for yourself that any product I mention is suitable for your needs, and is still available before dishing out any money.

Quainton Road Models

Quainton Road Models now has a website including details of the existing and proposed range and asking for suggestions.

Quainton Road Models

David Howes has informed me that the Quainton Road Models kit for the 6 wheel 3rd class coach (D.2B8) is now available. It costs £90 plus £4-50 p&p. You can also have a set of wheels for it for £16 plus £2-80 p&p.

Other goodies are in the pipeline.

Exciting News from Quainton Road Models

David Howes has informed me:

The kit for the MS&LR 6-wheel 29ft Passenger Brake Van D.1Y2 is now shipping at £85.
Next 6-wheeler will be the MS&LR 5-compartment 3rd at £90, with several more 6-wheelers coming over the summer.
Development work has started on a kit for the GCR 45ft Bogie Fish Van, based on a project in laser-cut MDF initiated by Steven Mills. Hopefully for August release.

My comments:
The six wheel coaches will be very useful to GC and LNER (C) modellers, and as for the bogie fish vans...I can only say that if the laser-cut bodies turn out half as good as the signal box from the same source they will be wonderful. Certainly preferable to soldering up multiple layers of etched brass, that's for sure. I can hardly wait. How lucky we are to have such an excellent throughput of GC kits coming along. May this state of affairs continue. To ensure it does, please support our friends in the trade with as much of your hard-earned as you can muster.

Quainton Road Models - coach kits

I see from the latest Gauge O Guild Gazette that the following kits are now available:

Diagram 49 Fish Van
Diagram 1Y2 29' PBV
Diagram 2B8 31' 5 compartment 3rd

All @ £90 + £3-75 p&p. Wheel pack £14 post free with kit.

Quainton Road Models are at Chyanbre, Hill Park Road, Polyphant, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 7PT.

Really folks, we are getting spoiled!!! All I want now are nice kits for the 6C, Staveley Basher and 12AM tank and I think my all-time wish list will be complete.

Quainton Road Models

David Howes tells me that the Quainton Road Models GC six-wheel fish van to diagram 49 is now in production, and the first batch is selling well.

Having moved during 2010, up to date contact details are:
Quainton Road Models
Chyanbre
Polyphant
Launceston
Cornwall
PL15 7PT
Quainton.Road.Models@mac.com

He is now working on on a MS&L 29ft six-wheel brake van - a new kit. Following that there will more six-wheelers - significantly enhanced and improved versions of the simpler etched sides/ends he marketed in the 1990s.

Suggestions for other kits are invited.

People modelling the GCR in 7mm are truly blessed to have so many kits available and/or promised. It is fast getting to the point where the only thing outstanding will be a cast figurine of Sir Sam Fay! And maybe even that will come.

Bill Bedford Kits

Bill Bedford has a new website.

The 7mm stuff is now slightly harder to find, but go into 'Products' and then 'Made to Order Lists'.

There are a wide range of items available but they cannot be accused of being cheap. It's good that they are to be had though, for all that.

GCR Coach Kit Suppliers

The weakest area so far - you may, if you are lucky find some second hand products from Quainton Road or Trevor Charlton.

Otherwise we have:

Bill Bedford - A large range, but see my comments re Bill's wagon kits. Not cheap, no instructions, and lots of castings to make/procure. (Check for availability as Bill has significantly changed his way of doing business.)

GP Models, 44 Wolsey Way, Lincoln, LN2 4QH. - Barnum Brake and Third. 6 wheelers on the way - which is great news. (Sadly no longer available. Owner retired.)

D&S Models, Dan Pinnock,46 The Street, Wallington, Baldock, Hertfordshire, SG7 6SW - some Robinson stock, but check for availability.

Worsley Works, 19 Douglas Road, Worsley, Manchester, M28 2SR. Etched brass Parker coaches, sides, ends and floors. "Scratch Aid" type kits but a very handsome start for a coach project.

(Edit) See also Quainton Road Models. 6 wheel coaches.