DHR 2nd Generation, Mail / Guard’s Van

The second generation of DHR bogie passenger stock, began to develop in around 1915, and were intended as a more robust replacements for the earlier generation bogie carriages. The style was noted for its more ornate panelling, raised beading and louvered shutters on the windows and was in use to the early 1940s. Two of this particular type of Mail Van were built in 1919 and 1927, and numbered 110 and 112 respectively.

Available is MDF or Plywood, this 16mm scale, laser cut kit features proven, hidden slot and tab construction throughout as an aid to easy and accurate assembly. All of the doors (non-working), droplights, mesh windows, letterboxes and footboards are modelled in full relief. For those looking to recreate the distinctive two-tone livery, the alternate-coloured panels are supplied as cut-outs which can be painted separately prior to fitting, thus avoiding the requirement for any complicated masking.  The raised beading which surrounds these panels is also provided on separate frets to allow ease of painting prior to fitting. Whilst the interiors are comparatively spartan, basic furniture and internal panel detailing is incorporated.

Other incorporated details include the brake levers and brake lever guards, safety chains including Binnie Engineering nylon hooks, as well as wire and base fittings to make up the handrails. Not to mention the distinctive, semi-circular ‘Dumb Buffer’ couplings, which are integral to the construction of the kit.

Available for 32mm or 45mm gauge, the kit is supplied with steel wheelsets as standard, running in phosphor bronze bearings, mounted in prototypical arch-bar bogies. On test these vehicles have negotiated curves down to 2ft 6in radius on 32mm gauge without issue. For those operating on 45mm gauge, the underframe sides (non-structural) can be omitted to retain the necessary bogie-swing clearances for smaller radii.

These vehicles were often run with all of the doors open and shutters / droplights lowered for improved ventilation and lookout for the passengers. If you would like to model this vehicle in this condition, please get in touch and it can be discussed

These kits are of course a perfect accompaniment to your Green Liveried ‘Darjeeling, B, C and D’ class locomotives. However, these carriages being comparatively short, but not otherwise ungenerously proportioned, means they should fit right in on any garden line and look well in company with a wide variety of motive power.

At the time of writing, Endon Valley Custom Transfers are putting the finishing touches to the respective decal packs. Keep an eye on their Facebook page and website for full details.

Specifications

– 16mm Scale Laser Cut MDF or Plywood Kit

– Proven, hidden slot and tab construction to aid accurate assembly

– Interior panel detailing and seating framework supplied

– Individual glazing/ louvered shutter panels, complete with droplights and exterior window beading modelled in full relief

– Wire and base components supplied for handrails

– Includes prototypical outline ‘Bogies’, complete with steel wheelsets as well as suitable bearings.

– Includes DHR style ‘Dumb Buffer’ couplings as an integral part of the kit.

Dimensions

Length Over Headstocks: 388mm

Length Over Couplings: 420mm

Max Height: 135mm

Width Over Sides: 100mm

Extreme Width: 117mm

Availability

First batch expected for despatch mid-June 2023, then available at 28 days’ notice thereafter.

Prices (All Prices + P&P)

DHR 2nd Generation, 3rd Class, 5 Compartment Carriage

MDF: £130.00

Plywood: £140.00

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