NWNGR ‘Gladstone’ Carriage 8

This kit represents the North Wales Narrow Gauge Railway ‘Carriage 8’, which was constructed by the Metropolitan Carriage and Wagon Works in 1891. From its inception it was designated as a ‘Tourist Carriage’ with an eye to promoting the line to visitors. It featured open ends from which visitors could enjoy less restricted views of the scenery, whilst the central section was fully glazed and provided a place to retreat in inclement weather. Apart from a couple of livery changes and alterations to the roof vents it changes little through the transition to the WHR and to the end of the original operation. After the closure of the original WHR it found use as a garden shed, before eventually being fully restored for use by the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, where it can be seen today. I am very grateful to Steve Currinn and the various volunteers at Gelert’s Farm who facilitated my site visit to measure everything up.

The kit is designed with well proven hidden slot and tab construction techniques throughout for easy and accurate assembly and will be available in MDF or Plywood. It includes individually glazed panels with window beading in full relief as well as full interior and exterior panel detail. The very distinctive slatted seats in the open end-compartments are supplied as frets which can be applied in one piece to give the effect shown. The interior bench seat frames are supplied as standard but upholstery/seat covering is left to the end user. Prototypical profile bogies, complete with steel wheelsets and bronze bearings are also supplied as standard.

On 32mm gauge there is room for the bogies to rotate adequately to allow the carriage to negotiate a 2ft 6in radius although it does cut a significant chord in the process.

The kit includes, 3D printed representations of the Door Handles 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.

Whilst this kit is not supplied with couplings, it can be supplied with ends to suit either Accucraft Chopper couplings mounted from behind the drag-beam, or with a plain headstock to suit couplings of your choice. Please specify when ordering.

Decals are not supplied, but are available separately from Endon Valley Custom Decals

Specification

– 16mm Scale Laser Cut MDF or Plywood Kit

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

– Full interior panel detailing and seating framework supplied

– Individual glazing panels  and exterior window beading modelled in full relief

– 3D printed Door Handles, Door Lock Covers and Grab Rails

– Includes prototypical outline ‘Bogies’, complete with steel wheelsets in 32mm gauge as well as suitable bearings.

– Does not include couplings, vacuum pipes or lettering.

Availability

First batch expected early November, then at 28 days notice thereafter.

Dimensions

L: 420 mm (Over Headstock)

W: 88 mm (body) 109mm (Over footboards)

H: 133mm above railhead

Price: NWNGR ‘Gladstone’ ‘Carriage 8’ Kit

MDF: £135.00 + Postage

PLY: £145.00 + Postage

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