FR ‘Bowsider’ ‘Carriage 18’

Produced in collaboration with Will Curry, this latest laser cut kit represents ‘Carriage 18’ in its current condition, with a single ‘First Class Compartment’, a ‘Second Class Compartment’ and four ‘third class’ seating compartments. Given the need to provide for the eponymous ‘bow-sides’, this kit will only be available in plywood. As per prototype, the floors are raised at both ends, in order to accommodate the bogies mounted below.

On 32mm gauge there is room for the bogies to rotate adequately to allow the carriage to negotiate a 2ft 6in radius curve (although the body cuts a substantial chord in the process).  As of April 2025, these kits are also available with a 45mm gauge ‘optimised bogie’ on which they will operate down to a minimum radius of 4ft. Insulated wheels are available upon request. Please specify at the time of ordering.

The kit also includes, 3D printed representations of the distinctive Balcony Rails, Door Handles, Grab handles and Lamp Vents. As standard the kit also includes ‘SLR Models’ 3D printed ‘Door Buffers’ and ‘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.

Other features of this kit are individually glazed panels with droplight frames / and or window beading in full relief. Interior panel detail is supplied in full, but the upholstery is left to the builder’s discretion; a suggested ‘fit-out’ is depicted in the accompanying photographs. Prototypical profile bogies, complete with steel wheelsets and bronze bearings are supplied as standard.

Whilst the kit is not supplied with couplings, a choice of headstocks are available to suit either ‘Accucraft Chopper Couplings’, affixed from behind the headstock (as depicted) or a plain headstock to accept plain buffer couplings.

The superb decals illustrated here, as well as other prototypically suitable decals are available from ‘Endon Valley Custom Decals’

Specification

– 16mm Scale Laser Cut, Plywood Kit

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

– Panelled interior detail

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

– 3D printed Door Handles, Door Stops, Door Lock Covers, Grab Rails, Balcony Rails and lamp vents

– Available with ‘open’ or ‘covered’ sole-bars; please specifiy when ordering

– Includes ‘FR style’ Plate Frame 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: 525mm (Over Headstock)

W: 95mm (body)

H: 125mm above railhead

Price:

PLY: £155.00 Plus Postage

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