Ffestiniog Railway ‘Carriage 100’ – Original Vehicle

This kit represents the original FR ‘Carriage 100’, which was a First-Class Observation Carriage and Guard’s Van built in 1964 and was a part of the ‘Centenary Stock’ or ‘Barn’ series of vehicles. It featured an ‘Observation End’ with 10 swivel seats arranged 5 to a side with very close clearances. The ‘Saloon Section’ sported 8 ‘Pullman Style’ Armchairs arranged in a 1+1 configuration with table, whilst the Guard’s / Luggage / Parcels, compartment which included a large sliding door in each side. It was in regular use on the FR until 2003 when it was transferred to the WHR side where it remained in passenger service until 2005. At this point it was cascaded to departmental use and renumbered 1000; it was eventually scrapped completely in 2010. The number 100 was reallocated to a new-build, FR First Class Observation Carriage in 2005-6, a kit for which is also now available.

This latest 16mm scale laser-cut kit represents the original ‘Carriage 100’ as it was during the early to mid-2000s. It has been produced utilising Resurgam Rolling Stock’s proven design and construction techniques, including 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.

Speaking of the roof, the instantly recognisable ‘domed end’ section on the Porthmadog End is supplied as a 3D printed piece, which includes a rebate on the ‘internal end’ which matches the profile of the roof ribs making it easier to locate and fit the remaining roof section leaving just a single seam line which can either be easily filled, or covered with lining tape (not supplied).

Another distinctive feature of these early ‘Barn’ observation carriages was the shell-style swivel seats, and these are represented by 3D printed items included as standard. In the saloon section, the frames for the Pullman Style armchairs are included in Plywood, but the upholstery is only shown for illustrative purpose and will be left to the purchaser. Full interior panel detail, including the runners for the interior sliding doors (non-working) is also present.

As per usual with Resurgam Rolling Stock individually glazed panels with droplight frames and or window beading are incorporated in full relief, including the distinctive louvred ventilators. These are made up of individual pieces of glazing material laid on laser cut profiles mounted in the window rebates. Whilst this is a time-consuming process, it is the most accurate and indeed straightforward method I have been able to devise to ensure a prototypical appearance.

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 ‘Saloon’ 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.

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

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.

Dimensions

Length Over Headstocks: 562mm

Roof Height: 135mm

Width Over Body: 97mm

Extreme Width: 108mm (Over Footboards)

Prices

Ffestiniog Railway Carriage 100 – Original vehicle

MDF: £230.00 each + Postage

Plywood: £250.00 each + Postage

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