Ffestiniog Railway ‘Van 1’ a.k.a. Curly Roofed Van

Produced in collaboration with Will Curry, this laser cut kit represents FR ‘Van 1’. Often referred to colloquially as the ‘Curly Roof Van’, the current vehicle is a 2004 built replica of an 1873 built Brown & Marshall Bogie Van. The eponymous ‘Curly Roof’ profile is thought to have been provided to allow the guard to look down the length of the train, without having to exceed the very tight loading gauge. A total of three similar vehicles were originally provided, with the third arriving in 1876.

None of those three vehicles survive in this original condition, with Van 1 and Van 3 having been scrapped in 1921 and 1955 respectively. Van 2 does of course survive to this day, but having been heavily rebuilt with a more conventional outline, and the addition of two passenger compartments in 1920.

The kit is designed with our proven hidden slot and tab construction technique throughout for easy and accurate assembly.  For those potentially concerned about fitting the eponymous curly roof, the roof sheet is a hybrid design, featuring individual planks cut right through, but held together with small tabs to form a highly flexible fret, which can be easily applied and formed to shape. Lateral and longitudinal alignment is provided by a central row of slots, locating with tabs on the roof ribs and a substantial jig is also provided to hold this fret in position on the roof, whilst the glue cures. Once cured, the result is a strong, rigid structure over which you can apply a covering of your choice. Due to the wide range of preferences expressed on this matter, no final roof covering is supplied. However, the prototype shown here, is covered with 400 grit sandpaper which was subsequently painted and varnished.

The kit also includes individually glazed panels with droplight frames in full relief, as well as detailed representation of the sliding doors (fixed in the closed position. As the roof is not designed to be removable, nor the doors capable of opening the interior detail is restricted to the guard’s compartment which is fully panelled, and includes a representation of the handbrake.

As of April 2025 these kits are available for 32mm using the prototypical pattern bogies, or 45mm gauge using the ’45mm Gauge Optimised Bogies’, with either allowing operation down to a 2ft 6in radius, but cutting a substantial chord in the process. Insulated wheels are also available if required. Please specify when ordering.

The kit includes, 3D printed representations of the Guard’s Ducketts, Balcony Guard Rail, Door and Grab handles. As standard the kit also includes ‘SLR Models’ 3D printed ‘Door Lock Covers’, all of which are manufactured here in the UK. Despite their fine appearance these are surprisingly strong components, especially once mounted in position and will easily stand respectful handling.

Couplings, vacuum pipes and decals are not supplied.

However, the lettering and crests illustrated here, as well as other prototypically suitable decals are available separately from ‘Endon Valley Custom Transfers’.

Specification

– 16mm Scale Laser Cut Plywood Kit

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

– Interior panel detailing and seating framework for guard’s compartment

– Individual glazing panels, complete with droplights modelled in full relief.

– 3D printed Guard’s Ducketts, Balcony Guard Rail, Door Handles, Door Lock Covers and Grab Rails

– Includes prototypical outline ‘Bogies’, complete with steel wheelsets in 32mm gauge or ’45mm gauge optimised bogies’ for 45mm gauge

– Does not include couplings, vacuum pipes or lettering.

Dimensions

L: 330 mm (Over Headstock)

W: 90 mm (body) 108 (Over Ducketts)

H: 123mm above railhead

Price: ‘Ffestiniog Railway’ ‘Van 1’ a.k.a. Curly Roofed Van

PLY: £150.00 + Postage

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