Diagram 17 van, Connoisseur kit.

Great Central Diagram 17 Covered Goods from the Connoisseur kit. This kit is etched brass and not that difficult to build - the worst part is probably filing two chunks out of the roof to accommodate the shape of the doors. The etchings and castings are very good indeed, and I find myself hoping that some day Jim at Connoisseur will decide that some of the castings (at least) would work very well with another GC kit. A diagram 7 open would be nice.

The models still needs a few touches, most notably weathering. Even in pre-grouping days, no one cleaned goods wagons - certainly not externally.

A recommended kit, suitable for GC, LNER or early BR periods. And indeed for the CLC, though I think the brakes might need some changes.

Quainton Road Models

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

Mousa Models

I notice from the Mousa Models site that several more GC wagon kits are now available from this source, including the six wheel brake van.

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.

GCR cattle wagon numberplates/owner plates

Those of you who have GC cattle wagons (or the kits to build them) may be interested to know that David Howes of Quainton Road Models is considering producing the necessary 'GCR' and number plates to finish them off.

However, this will only come to pass if there is sufficient interest in them. So, if you want them - and at least some of you must - please get in contact with him. Sooner rather than later. Today would be good. Because otherwise the only way to get them will be via private commission, which is likely to be a lot more trouble and expense.

Mousa Models GC diag 1, 2 plank wagon

I have been waiting a few weeks for this to arrive and at last it has. First impressions are that the etchings are lovely. The axleguards and buffer guides are moulded in some sort of transparent material, and would be an extremely useful asset if available separately. (Whether they are or not I can't say.) There are no instructions with the kit but there are some online, which is fair enough.

Looking forward to building this, it's just a matter of getting my RSU out and having a go. I can't think it is going to take too long to construct.

Bits to obtain - buffer heads with springs (Slaters); wheels, either Slaters, Haywood Railway or Gibson to choice.

Nice kit at a reasonable price.

HMRS Wagon Bodies

HMRS wagon bodies are now available for the Harrison and Camm 7 plank open to the 1887 RCH specification. As are builders plates for individual years.

Wagons of this type were used by many owners served by the Great Central, Sherwood (Mansfield) and Elsecar (Earl Fitzwilliam's Colliery) being but two of the more obvious. I have no doubt at at all that a little research through Mr.Turton's books or inspection of the MS&L/GC PO Registers at NRM York will reveal many more.

Suitable components to finish the wagons are available from: ABS, Ambis, Exactoscale, Hobby Holidays, Slater’s and other makers.  Depending on how fussy you are, these extras could well add up to more than the cost of the resin body. The Hobby Holidays detailing parts are particularly complete - and complex.