• 18 thou’ brass etch overlays and running gear
• Laser cut timber body and solebars
• 3D printed components
• Assembled sprung buffers
• Couplings/springs and links included
• Requires 3’1” split (Slaters 7120 or equiv.) or plain pattern (Slaters 7121 or equivalent)spoked wheels, paint and lettering to complete

Model Kit Description

The model will build a 7mm to the foot scale model of Cambrian Railways six and seven ton covered vans.

Summary History

A large number of these vans were built for and by the Cambrian Railways from around 1880 to 1910, and exhibited various small differences. The most striking was the braking, the vast majority being unfitted, but some were vacuum piped, and some were fitted with 3'7" Mansell wheels and fully vacuum braked for use on passenger trains (subject of another kit). Wheelbases varied from 9', through 9'41/2" to 9'6". The kit represents the first option, but the body length was identical in all cases. Some of the early vans were replaced by more modern construction after the turn of the 19th century, the new vans taking the numbers of those withdrawn. Sample numbers are 1,3,5,9,187,623,645,692,735,901,951,981,1064,1388-1395,1730-1744,18701883-1899,2470-2489. Note that numbering was not consecutive. At the grouping, some were withdrawn, but known GW numbers are 10066-100702, 100712-15, 100716, 7 and 100718. It is not known if all these numbers were carried.

The kits are based on drawings by M.E.M. Lloyd. I have little information regarding the seven ton version however suitable transfers are available for this from the source listed in the “Parts required to complete” section. The following table can be used as a guide but as with many things in this subject area, accuracy is not 100% guaranteed. Please get in touch if have any more information on the 7 ton vans.

Livery notes

Livery was standard Cambrian Railways mid grey, but the outside of the framing was painted black on the sides. I do not know if the end frames and wooden stanchions were also picked out in black. The vans were lettered CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS on the 2nd plank from the top, with the number (No. 951) on the second plank from the top of the doors. Works photographs indicate that the lettering was white shaded black, but I believe that in service, plain white lettering was used.

In GW days, repainted vans would have been in the standard grey all over, with 16" lettering The last vans were condemned in 1933, the last to go being No.1875

Useful References

Lewis, John; et al. (2009) [Slinn, 1978]. Great Western Way (2nd ed.). Butterley: Historical Model Railway

Christiansen, R. (1999) Cambrian Railways: Portrait of a Welsh railway network. Addlestone, England: Ian Allan Publishing.

Christiansen, R. and Miller, R. W. (1968) Cambrian Railways: 1889-1968 v. 2. Cincinnati, OH: David & Charles.

Green, C. (1977) Cambrian Railways album. Shepperton, England: Ian Allen.

Kidner, R. W. (1992) The Cambrian railways. 2nd ed. Catrine, Scotland: Oakwood Press.

Acknowledgments

Thanks go to:

Derek Mundy for his significant contribution to this kit concept and design.

Jakub Stachula (LCUT Creative) for production of the superb laser cut wood components.