SAR NG-C ‘Gondola’ Wagon

Note: This kit was partially upgraded in April 2024 and Again in 2025, to include the 2025 SARCAST bogies, 3D printed brake handwheels, ‘solid’ vacuum pipes and Vacuum Reservoir and Brake Cylinder now included as standard. However, those parts have not yet been fitted to the engineering prototype shown here. The photographs on this page showing these components are for reference only. Once the parts have been fitted the page will be updated.  For customers with the original version of the kit some of these upgrade parts are available to order; please see the bottom of the page.

The NG C-class ‘Gondola’ wagons first appeared from 1976, specifically intended for the limestone traffic between Loerie and Chelsea on the Avontuur Branch. At Chelsea there was a connection to the 12-mile-long private system belonging to the Eastern Province Cement Co, which later became Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC). The new ‘Gondolas’ weighed about half a ton less than the ‘DZs’ they replaced, but were still able to carry the same load.

All of this work was carried out as a joint modernisation initiative between SAR and PPC, which also included the introduction of the ‘Class 91’ diesel, upgrading of the private system, and the installation of a rotary tippler at the New Brighton Cement Plant. These wagons were soon being used in trains of up to 30 wagons (873 Tons), and hauled by triple headed ‘Class 91s’.

The wagons have undergone various detail changes over the years, including different arrangements of the vacuum pipes and have carried a number of different liveries.

Whilst these wagons worked exclusively with the ‘Class 91’, usually in large block trains; shorter single headed trains would also be quite prototypical.

These trials originally included a ‘V-16 Brake’, but this requirement was dropped to allow for the 30th loaded wagon. These ‘NG-C’ vehicles would also suit anyone looking for something a little more modern.

The kit is supplied as standard with solid headstocks to accommodate the usual 16mm centre buffer coupling or Accucraft Chopper. However, if anyone wishes to fit more prototypical ‘Knuckle Couplings’, please get in touch with your required dimensions, and I will make appropriate modifications.

Specification

– 16mm Scale Laser Cut Kit available in MDF or Plywood

– Proven, hidden slot and tabs construction for easy and accurate assembly

– Dummy Brake Detail, now including 3D printed vacuum cylinder and reservoir and ‘solid’ vacuum pipes as standard

– Copper wire is supplied to make the handrails and handles

– Now Includes 2025 updated ‘SARCAST Bogies’, complete with steel wheelsets in either 32 or 45mm

-Now includes 3D printed handbrake wheels

– Does not include couplings or lettering

Dimensions:

Length: 401mm (Over Headstock)

Height: 90mm

Width: 94mm

Markings

Most of the vehicles represented in the range were built in significant quantities. As such no lettering or numbering is provided as it would be impractical to include so many numbering options. However, ‘Endon Valley Decals’ produce appropriate decals and these can be customised to suit your requirements.

*I am not responsible for the content of 3rd Party Websites.

Price:

Multi-purchase prices are available for this kit and are detailed below.

MDF:

1-2:  £85.00 each Plus P&P

3-5:  £80.00 each Plus P&P

6+:    £70.00 each Plus P&P

Plywood

1-2:  £90.00 each Plus P&P

3-5:  £85.00 each Plus P&P

6+:    £80.00 each Plus P&P

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

Detail Upgrade Kit for the original NG-C Gondola Wagon Kit

The following kit of parts is available to order on our usual 28-day lead time and can be easily fitted to the original kit to bring it nearer to the appearance of the updated kit.

-2025 updated SARCAST Bogie Frames (Pair) in Plywood or MDF as well as 8 off 2mm Journal Bearings. Wheels are not supplied; it is envisaged you would use with wheelsets originally supplied.

-3D printed handbrake wheels (pair)

-3D printed ‘solid’ vacuum pipes (pair)

Price:

MDF £35.00 each Plus P&P

Plywood: £40.00 each Plus P&P