Ffestiniog Railway ‘Service Car – Carriage 124’

Carriage 124 was built between 2005 and 2007 on the chassis of former ‘Tin Car’ Carriage 121 and shares the external profile or the ‘Barn’ or ‘Centenary Stock’ series. It was the first dedicated ‘Service Car’ built by the FR, combining Guard’s Compartment, Toilet Compartment, Generator Compartment and Buffet Facilities.

This kit can be used to represent Carriage 124 throughout its career, with the only significant visible changes having been to the livery. The comparatively large windows which are a feature of the Barn Carriages mean that even at though many are only half depth, the interior of the Guard’s and Buffet areas are very much visible.

As such a full survey was made of these areas on the 1:1 scale vehicle with a view to incorporating as much detail in the kit as feasible, resulting in many separately fitted 3D printed components as well as copious laser cut profiles.

Starting on the rear bulkhead of the Guard’s Compartment where all the cabinetry is incorporated in full relief with suitable hinge and panel detail. You will also find representation of the Vacuum Brake Setter, Vacuum Gauge, Chalk Board, AED Machine (optional fit) and Fire Extinguisher. Moving forward past the doors, replete with droplight straps, on the left-hand side you will find the Guard’s Bench, whilst on the right-hand side you have the option of installing the three ‘tip-seats’ which were fitted at one time. Arriving at the first intermediate bulkhead you will again find all the multi-depth cabinetry modelled in full relief, with relevant hinge and panel detail and sporting full representation of the Handbrake, generator, water system and lighting controls as well as the wall mounted clipboards. Many of these components are very small and need to be individually applied but, I felt the result on the prototype was worth the time.

The side corridor is also fully panelled and includes the door to the toilet in full relief as well as the dividing door between the Guard’s Area and the Buffet, (The W/C and generator compartment interiors are not modelled, as they are not visible from the exterior).

Arriving in the Buffet Area you will immediately find the multiple bins required for general waste and recycling behind which are the tray-racks. Turning to your right reveals not one but two kitchen sinks complete with taps as well as the Towel and Soap dispensers and the dry wipe marker board. Looking down the main countertop reveals the two red ‘Hot Water Taps’ and the wall mounted cup holders, as well as the fact the counter narrows at its end nearest the door, to allow it open. Further inspection also confirms the presence of all the cabinetry with handle and hinge detail as appropriate. The only large items not supplied are the fridges and dishwashers which are not particularly visible from most exterior. Of course, you the customer are free to add all the other ancillary details you might expect to find in an FR Buffet Car.

Great attention was also paid to the exterior detail, including the different style of chassis frame and of course the fact that being an ex Tin-Car Chassis it is running on ’88 Pattern Bogies’ rather than the plate frame style found on the other Barns.

The kit includes the usual hidden slot and tab construction, for easy and accurate assembly. It is available in either MDF or Plywood which should be specified at time or Ordering. It should be noted that even our MDF kits include Plywood where a ‘wood-grain finish’ is required such as panelled interiors and wooden furniture as well as for the main section of the roof.

As per usual with Resurgam Rolling Stock individually glazed panels with droplight frames and or window beading are incorporated in full relief.

Another new feature for our range of ‘Barn’ carriages are 3D printed Electrical Connector Terminals and Vacuum Pipes as well as correct pattern 3D printed ‘Bogie Side’ overlays, for the bogie frames as well as the usual 3D printed door handles, grab-rails, SLR Models 3D Printed Door Buffers and turned steel wheels on shouldered axles running in bronze bearings.

In order to keep the beading as thin as possible, 0.6mm Polybak is used for this application as standard on this kit, whether supplied in MDF or Plywood.

As of April 2025 this kit is available for 32mm using the prototypical pattern ’88 Pattern’ bogies, or 45mm gauge using the newly updated ‘SARCAST Bogie’ with either allowing operation down to a 3ft radius, but cutting a substantial chord in the process. Insulated wheels are also available if required. Please specify when ordering.

For reference these vehicles are very similar in size to Lynton & Barnstaple Passenger Carriages; the outline profile of the 1:1 ‘Barns’ are of course based on these vehicles. So although comparatively large, similar sized vehicles have been a feature of 16mm scale modelling for many years.

The kit is available with either cut-outs to accept Accucraft Chopper Couplings, or plain headstocks to fit couplings of your choice. Please specify when ordering.

Couplings and decals are not supplied with the kit, but the correct decals for the respective liveries are available from Endon Valley Custom Decals.

Dimensions

Length Over Headstocks: 557mm

Roof Height: 135mm

Width Over Body: 97mm

Extreme Width: 108mm (Over Footboards)

Availability

At present it is planned the first kits will be available for dispatch in mid-march 2024, then at 28 days notice thereafter.

Prices

Ffestiniog Railway  Service Car – Carriage 124

Please specify at time of ordering

MDF: £180.00 each + Postage

Plywood: £220.00 each + Postage

If you would like to place an order, please see our ‘Ordering Page’