Ffestiniog Railway ‘Carriage 39’

Carriage 39 is a 1992 built replica of one the Ffestiniog Railways original Hudson open-sided ‘Toastrack’ carriages, of which 6 were purchase in 1923 and saw use on both the FR and WHR. The new replica was built by Winsons Engineering of Penrhyndeudraeth on the chassis of former FR Wagon 73. Originally painted red and cream, in 2003 it was repainted in the Col Stephens Green with red bulkheads and gained the wire mesh doors as an additional safety measure. It received a significant rebuild in 2021, with much of the woodwork and side panels replaced as well as alterations to the doors. Along with the other open carriages ‘37 and 38’, it is a popular choice for passengers in fine weather.

This latest 16mm scale kit has been produced in collaboration with William Curry and represents Carriage 39 in its 2003-2021 condition.  Available in MDF or Plywood, it features the usual hidden slot and tab construction techniques and includes full interior panel detail and lath bench seating. The distinctive round section, side and door guard rails are supplied in full relief as 3D printed components along with the door handles. Correct profile WDLR/Hudson profile bogies, complete with steel wheelsets and bronze bearings are also supplied as standard.

I should like to make it clear that whilst this kit is relatively straightforward to assemble, in order to maintain a reasonably scale appearance some parts will be particularly fragile before assembly, which will require patience. By its nature the body above the side panels is not as robust as most other solid sided vehicles. Care has been taken to reinforce this as far as practical and as such it is sturdy enough for normal manual handling. However, it will be more susceptible to damage from more significant impacts, if for instance it should be dropped, or something heavy should land on it.

Due to the restricted distance between the frames, these kits are only available for 32mm. However they will negotiate down to a 2ft 6in radius.

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 Bogie Headstocks: 310mm

Roof Height: 130mm

Width Over Body: 84mm

Extreme Width: 103mm (Over Footboard)

Availability

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

Prices

Ffestiniog Railway Carriage 39

MDF: £100.00 + Postage each

Plywood: £110.00 + Postage each

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