I have had this kit, part built, in the workshop since they were first introduced and long before I got the habit of photographing either the parts or the various stages of the build.  At the time I was still considering the 1930's as the period to model.  It is now a total anachronism since they were built at least ten years after my chosen period.

Nevertheless, they were very attractive coaches and, if I don't sell it, it will run occasionally just to see if anyone notices.

The kit comes in a massive box, far too big in my view to keep the finished model in and anyway, it deserves a proper wooden box.  The sides, ends, roof, corridor side, floor, seats and lavatory bowl and wash basin, (yes, it is fully kitted out) are made from resin.  There is then a wealth of detail in lost wax casting to cover just every variety possible.  The bogies are complex, of which more anon.  The instructions are comprehensive and there is a good deal of historical data added from John Lewis.  They lasted a long time and well into BR's time.

When first built, the early batches they were liveried in plain, lined, brown, so I chose that because it would probably be different from most that get built.

Painting needs to be done prior to most of the construction of the body which is then glued together.  Here is as far as I got before being sidetracked some years ago:

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Yes, you are right, the lining is a different shade on each side, something I have only just noticed.  Between us, Ian and I managed to ruin one side and got a replacement from Pete Waterman, which Ian then painted, it would have been better had he had the other side to refer to.  It is entirely possible that no-one would notice since, once built, one cannot see both sides at once, but I shall have it done again.

The roof is removable, being fixed with long screws.  The underframe is fitted with lots of castings and etched pieces unless building a later version with electric lighting, where the battery boxes are white metal.  All the parts fit properly and it all goes together very well.











The corridor connectors have fully working bellows made from rubber, operating scissors and extend out far enough to touch the connector on the next coach.


There are four compartments in the Brake 3rd.  I added the luggage racks from the CPL range and used CPL printed seat covers to match the period.     Back to Top

The bogies are complex piece of engineering designed to work "just like the real thing".  Here you can see it from the top, side and underneath.  Getting the axles boxes to slide freely so that the springs in the beams operate is not easy but, worth the effort I think.  There is as yet another bogie to complete so I will add more notes on this when I have completed that one.

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TO BE CONTINUED