Ffestiniog Railway ‘Carriage 104’

Please Read Carefully

2 Versions Of This Kit Are Available

Version A (Illustrated). FR Carriage 104: 1985-2013 with Beclawat Windows and Droplights

Version B (Not Illustrated). FR Carriage 104: 2014 – 2024 Square Cornered Windows

This kit represents FR Carriage 104, which was the first ‘new-build’ vehicle in the ‘Barn’ or ‘Centenary Stock Series’ that were based on the outline profiles of the Lynton & Barnstaple Passenger Carriages. First built in 1964 when it carried the number 24, it was renumbered to 104 in 1967. It was rebuilt in 1985, with the addition of a side accessed, centrally located ‘First Class’ compartment, droplights and new larger ‘Beclawat Windows’ with rounder corners and rubber window seals. It operated in this condition until around 2014 when the ‘Beclawat’ Windows were replaced with slightly larger square cornered windows currently seen. The ‘First Class’ was downgraded in around 2017 by removal of the compartment door and class designation stickers and continued operation in this condition to 2024.

As stated above, this kit can be ordered to represent Carriage 104 in either its 1985-2013 or 2014-2024 conditions. The only difference is the windows, and as this requires little structural alteration only one engineering prototype, representing the earlier variant has been built. Please specify which version of the kit you require when ordering. The kit 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.

Full interior panel detail, including the runners for the first class sliding door (non working) is also present. The upholstery for the First Class Compartment is shown for illustrative purposes only and is not supplied. The correct, ‘box-construction’ style furniture is included in the third class areas, with MDF profiles representing the seat cushions.

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 ’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: 562mm

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 Carriage 104 – Version A or Version B

Please Specify when ordering

MDF: £170.00 each + Postage

Plywood: £210.00 each + Postage

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