Kernow Model Rail Centre L&SWR Diagram 1541 'Road Van' Review

Introduced in 1884 by the former London and South Western Railway (L&SWR), the ‘Road Van’ (as it latterly became known) was of the single-veranda variety of brake van with a set of double doors to allow the loading of parcels and other such lightweight goods. Characterised by their timber body with external framework, almost five-hundred examples were constructed over two decades at Eastleigh Works.

Predominantly used on local goods trains, they were able to accommodate smaller consignments at platform level that could easily be stowed with the guard.

Classified as Diagram 1541 by the Southern Railway (SR) at the time of Grouping, the ‘Road Van’ could be seen throughout the network, including the Isle of Wight, with fourteen transferred from the mainland between 1925 and 1938.

Many examples lasted well into the 1960s – latterly plying their trade in Departmental use – with four surviving into preservation. Of note is S54663 which was withdrawn in 1961 and became the Bluebell Railway’s first item of rolling stock, arriving in May 1962.

Kernow Model Rail Centre (KMRC) first announced the ‘Road Van’ in September 2014 however delays by two previous suppliers (including the since dissolved DJModels) resulted in the decision to work directly with the factory of manufacture, resulting in an unavoidable delay accounting for the backlog of other projects.

Computer aided designs were formed from a laser scan of the preserved example at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway (56046) and were eventually approved for tooling in 2020 with the engineering prototype following in August the same year. After a small number of minor modifications, livery samples were released in January 2021.

With the involvement of Mr Graham Muspratt, following his appointment as KMRC Development Manager in October 2020, it is of no surprise that the ‘Road Van’ is one of the most faithfully produced models available in the ready-to-run market.

A total of ten examples ranging from the L&SWR, SR and British Railways (BR) have been produced with tooling allowing for mainland and Isle of Wight variations with plain or ribbed buffer shanks and inward-angled step-board brackets which were fitted to the majority of those transferred.

It has been noted in the wider modelling press that the key dimensions have been captured perfectly with planking widths correctly replicated (those on the veranda are slightly narrower when compared to the main body). The framing itself is distinct and fine throughout.

Detailing is similarly to a very high standard with separately applied lamp irons executed impeccably. The fitted handrails are fine and durable with special mention reserved for the veranda window bars positioned over flushed glazing.

The underframe is intricate and includes the brake actuating gear which is a welcome inclusion. In addition to the step boards mentioned above, it should be noted that toe guards are also detailed on each veranda end.

Decoration of SB003C is excellent – an evenly applied grey finish throughout with perfectly executed white handrails. Printing is crisp with legible (and accurate) cast solebar-mounted number plates – indeed the L&SWR and pre-1936 SR examples also carry company and Eastleigh Works lettering.

Decoration of the six L&SWR and SR examples appear similarly well finished with brown body sides and venetian red ends sharply separated. It should be noted that the shade of brown on these examples is entirely correct, especially when considering the poorly executed first release of Diagram 1543 by Hornby Hobbies in 2019 – undoubtedly a further benefit of Mr Muspratt’s input.

Turned metal eight-spoke wheels ensure a smooth and quiet running performance, as to be expected. Slim tension lock couplings in self-centring NEM pockets finish what is a fantastic model.

The following variants are currently available, priced at £34.99: -

- SB003A 10T Diagram 1541-‘Road Van’ (SR Brown) No 56046 (Isle of Wight)

*As preserved on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway

- SB003B 10T ‘Road Van’ (L&SWR Brown) No 10131 (Mainland)

- SB003C 10T Diagram 1541-‘Road Van’ (BR Grey/Outdoor Machinery Section) No DS 54538 (Mainland)

- SB003D 10T Diagram 1541-‘Road Van’ (BR Grey) No S56055 (Isle of Wight)

- SB003E 10T Diagram 1541-‘Road Van’ (BR Grey) No S56050 (Isle of Wight)

- SB003F 10T Diagram 1541-‘Road Van’ (BR Grey) No S54663 (Mainland)

- SB003G 10T Diagram 1541-‘Road Van’ (BR Brown) No S54466 (Mainland)

- SB003H 10T Diagram 1541-‘Road Van’ (SR Brown) No 54611 (Mainland)

- SB003J 10T Diagram 1541-‘Road Van’ (SR Brown) No 54551 (Mainland)

- SB003K 10T Diagram 1541-‘Road Van’ (SR Brown) No 56045 (Isle of Wight)

An important prototype for modellers of the southern region, KMRC should be commended for preserving with a project that has received criticism for delays and lack of updates. The finished model is a fantastic achievement and begs the question what project KMRC will next turn their attention to.

Rails of Sheffield/Dapol LB&SCR A1X Class 0-6-0T Review

Rails of Sheffield and the National Railway Museum (NRM) could hardly have expected such a challenging release when announcing Dapol had been commissioned to produce the 1:76 (OO) former London, Brighton & South Coast Railway (LB&SCR) A1/A1X Class in March 2018.

© Rails Holdings Ltd

Having already produced the ‘Terrier’ in 1:48 (O), Dapol had been hoping for swift progress however delays in production were compounded by a rival announcement from Hornby Hobbies as well as the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

Hornby Hobbies’ announcement was a continuation of their association with the ‘Terrier’ which began in 1996, obtaining tooling from Dapol first conceived in 1989. The initial release under their own brand came in 1998 with over twenty variations following. It eventually cascaded into their Railroad range due to the hybrid nature and dated appearance becoming increasingly apparent.

Plans for a retooled ‘Terrier’ were curtailed due to a subsequent change of management however the return of Mr Simon Kohler as Marketing & Development Director in 2017 meant these were swiftly resurrected and prioritised, buoyed by the Rails of Sheffield announcement. Intended for launch in 2020 (presumably to coincide with the company’s centenary), a surprise public announcement followed a year sooner with a total of six ‘Terriers’ available in the first half of 2019 - the period between announcement and delivery demonstrating how far advanced the project had progressed. The only locomotive to be manufactured by both Rails of Sheffield and Hornby Hobbies thus far has been A1X Class No 32655 (4S-010-005 and R3767 respectively).

Competition between Rails of Sheffield and Hornby Hobbies was theatrically heightened by a two-part BBC FOUR documentary, introduced and narrated by Mr James May, following a year inside the latter. James May's Big Trouble in Model Britain portrayed the ‘animosity’ between Mr John Barber, Managing Director Rails of Sheffield, and Mr Kohler with the infamous Battle of the Banners. What followed was arguably a tit-for-tat marketing approach from Rails of Sheffield branding the Hornby Hobbies offering “corned beef" compared to their own as “pedigree”.

A popular prototype amongst enthusiasts and modellers alike, the locomotive was first mused in 1870 with the LB&SCR struggling to manage with an increasing share of the London suburban traffic. Seventy-two different classes of locomotives designed by Mr John Chester Craven, Locomotive Superintendent of the LB&SCR, were in traffic at this time however Mr Craven refused to compromise on the issue of standardisation and resigned to be replaced by Mr William Stroudley. Much of the line south of London was of poor quality and subject to challenging gradients, which necessitated a locomotive with a lighter axle loading and shorter wheelbase than the existing fleet offered. Mr Stroudley’s answer was a light tank design and his first drawings were completed in June, although this proved to be too small for suburban use. Drawings dated May 1871 evolved the design, however it was not until the following November that a third set of drawings were approved, leading to an order for six A Class locomotives (later to become the A1 Class) with construction commencing at Brighton Works in March 1872.

The distinctive ‘barking’ exhaust note of the locomotive led to the class becoming known as ‘Terriers’ - they proved popular with the crews, being comfortable, easy to steam and mainly reliable, although the condensing pipes were later removed by Mr Stroudley’s successor, along with the steam brake. A further forty-four locomotives were built at Brighton Works and with exception of six all were operating in the London area.

A series of cylinder modifications took place between 1892 and 1900 and by this point the class had extended their working area out to Portsmouth. However, due to the need for more powerful locomotives across the network, the decision to reduce the class to fifteen was taken leading to withdrawals and numerous sales to other constituent railways. The introduction of motor-train services from 1905 arrested the decline of the class and the A1X reboilering from 1921 onwards gave the remaining ‘Terriers’ a new lease of life. Scattered throughout the south of England, the type continued in service until 1963, with ten locomotives being preserved post-withdrawal.

It is primarily due to their longevity that the ‘Terrier’ is a notoriously difficult prototype to produce for the ready-to-run market. Constituent railways introduced so many modifications that manufacturers will inevitably struggle to provide tooling for every eventuality, leading to significant compromises or a far greater RRP than deemed viable.

The Rails of Sheffield/NRM tooling allows for most variations to be produced including two cab/bunker types and two smokebox/boilers with wooden and metal brake rigging, as applicable.

Four variations of the ‘Terrier’ are initially available, with an RRP from £110.00: -

- 4S-010-001 (LB&SCR Improved Engine Green) A1 Class Boxhill*

- 4S-010-002 (K&ESR Blue) A1 Class Bodiam

- 4S-010-005 (BR Lined Black-Early) A1X Class No 32655

- 4S-010-006 (BR Lined Black-Late) A1X Class No 32661

- 4S-010-009 (LB&SCR Marsh Umber) A1 Class No 643

*Also produced for LOCOMOTION MODELS as part of the ‘The National Collection in Miniature’. A boiler band registration issue was identified on the production batch of this livery and rejected, requiring new bodies. The LOCOMOTION MODELS version is as preserved with a shorter toolbox and minor livery differences compared to 4S-010-001 which is as built with the longer toolbox.

© Rails Holdings Ltd

Six additional variants including those pertinent to the Isle of Wight were announced in July 2019 and will follow subsequently.

The chassis and running plate of my example (4S-010-005) are diecast, however the wheels have plastic centres, contrary to the initial announcement. The centre driving wheels are sprung to give compensation to an all-wheel electrical pick-up powered by a five-pole skew wound motor. A factory fitted 'sugar cube' speaker is fitted as standard as is a flickering firebox.

4S-010-005

© Rails Holdings Ltd

The body is moulded plastic with a separate cab/bunker to accommodate the differing styles. Regrettably, the top of the rear cab sheet forms part of the roof as opposed to having a roof enclose the cab/bunker structure, thus leaving a noticeable join across the entire width of the cab.

The biggest tooling compromise is unquestionably the coal rails which on the A1X should be flush with the cab/bunker. Instead they are inset, resulting in a prominent rim as highlighted above. The top lamp iron is also positioned incorrectly having been moulded to the bunker as opposed to the coal rails themselves. On both occasions, this tooling favours the A1. It is interesting to note that there is no moulded coal load.

The cab itself is somewhat basic, consisting of a simple black moulding with printed dials and unpainted pipework. Vacuum brake controls necessary for the A1X are not included. One positive of note are the spectacle windows which are individually glazed as opposed to have having a single piece running the length of the cab.

Elsewhere the boiler-mounted pipework, lubricator pots and Salter valves are finely detailed though noticeable traces of glue are evident on the body. The characteristic recessed tank tops appear correctly.

The locomotive itself is overall well-proportioned and captures the character of the locomotive well, though there are noticeable imperfections with the smokebox; significantly, the hinges are too wide apart, causing the smokebox number to sit fractionally higher than evident on the prototype. The shed code plate, printed directly on to the smokebox, should also sit lower. Elsewhere, the front lamp irons are attached to the tops of the buffer housings, in a curved part of the moulding, which appear a little harsh to the eye.

A further compromise is the inclusion of a generic air pipe on both the front and rear of the locomotive, as opposed to a vacuum pipe.

4S-010-005

© Rails Holdings Ltd

Livery application, on an even satin black finish, is crisp but unfortunately suffered from some abrasion on the smokebox number and lining during delivery.

Whilst comparison to the Hornby Hobbies iteration is entirely appropriate, it would be unfair to cast judgement without a direct assessment. Considering the short failings highlighted, it is questionable whether this really is the ‘pedigree’ option following a two year wait, however it is a welcome addition to the collection nonetheless.

Bachmann Europe LB&SCR H2 Class 4-4-2 Review

Although the final former London, Brighton and South Coast Railway (LB&SCR) H2 Class 4-4-2 was withdrawn too soon to save, it is hoped that a replica of No 32424 Beachy Head will enter service during 2021 on the Bluebell Railway. The project, announced in October 2000 by the Bluebell Railway Atlantic Group, has continued apace ever since and was supported by Bachmann Europe in June 2019 when a cheque was presented for £10,617.50 in recognition of the assistance provided during development of the Branchline model.

The model itself (with tooling for both the H1 and H2 Class) was announced in 2013 at the Bachmann Collectors Club Members Day, held at the Bluebell Railway, and despite criticism for the length of time taken from announcement to release (2018), it has since proved popular.

Mr Richard Proudman from Bachmann Europe presents the cheque to Bluebell Railway Atlantic Group Chairman, Mr Terry Cole (left) and Secretary, Mr David Jones (right)

© Bachmann Europe Plc

Introduced by LB&SCR’s locomotive superintendent Mr Douglas Earle Marsh, the H1 Class was of Great Northern Railway (GNR) design. Requiring a powerful express locomotive to cope with ever-growing traffic, Mr Marsh chose to use a proven design of which he was familiar, having initially been chief assistant to Mr Henry Alfred Ivatt at GNR’s Doncaster Works. There was a striking resemblance between locomotives with the LB&SCR making only minimal amendments to the cab, chimney and footplate undulations. Five unnamed locomotives were built between December 1905 and February 1906 with No 39 later christened La France in June 1913 which was used to haul a train carrying the then French President Mr Raymond Poincaré. La France was carried until January 2026 at which time she was renamed Hartland Point.

31-910

© Rails Holdings Ltd

Following initial success acting chief mechanical engineer, Mr Lawson Billington, introduced the superheated H2 Class between June 1911 and January 1912 (six in total). The two classes of locomotives were easily distinguishable with the earlier version having the footplate swept up over the cylinders, whereas the H2 Class remained level until just ahead of the firebox.

Having been the motive power of choice for Brighton express duties, the introduction of the ex-London and South Western Railway (LSWR) N15 Class in 1925 led to the allocation of secondary routes and boat train duties. Members of both classes were named after geographical features of the south coast at this time.

With cessation of cross-channel ferries due to the outbreak of World War II, several locomotives were placed in storage or assigned a wider variety of duties throughout the south of England. The first H1 Class withdrawal was No 2040 St Catherine's Point in January 1944 with the two final members following in July 1951 (No 32037 Selsey Bill and No 32038 Portland Bill).

Whilst the H2 Class continued to work boat trains in peacetime, withdrawals steadily progressed. No 32424 Beachy Head became the last surviving locomotive of the 4-4-2 wheel arrangement to operate a normal revenue-earning service in the United Kingdom; she performed her swansong on 13 April 1958 when working the outward Railway Correspondence and Travel Society (RCTS) ‘Sussex Coast Limited’ rail tour. Upon conclusion she moved to Brighton and then Eastleigh Works for the final time.

Three variations of the Atlantics were initially available, with an RRP ranging from £189.95 to £199.95: -

- 31-910 (LB&SCR Umber) H1 Class No 39 La France

- 31-920 (SR Olive Green) H2 Class No 2421 South Foreland

- 31-921 (BR Lined Black-Early) H2 Class No 32424 Beachy Head

On looks alone, No 32424 Beachy Head (31-921) is worth the wait – it resembles the prototype superbly when compared to contemporary pictures with differing front lamp positions and revised coal rail guards immediately noticeable when compared to earlier iterations.

31-921

© Rails Holdings Ltd

Moulded and separate fittings are well detailed throughout, specifically the open cab where subtle brass and copper paintwork is exquisite. The livery itself is to the high standard we come to expect with finely printed nameplates (though etched examples are also provided).

The accessory pack contains many standard extras such as screw link couplings, steam and vacuum pipes, etc as well as the option to have open or closed cab doors.

The die-cast metal running plate gives considerable weight and whilst the trailing truck frames are die-cast too, the fully flanged trailing axle mounted on a pivot offers plenty of movement. A three-pole motor is in the approximate area of the firebox, with a twenty-one pin DCC socket in the tender. Pick-ups are fitted to all driving wheels, as well front and rear wheels on the tender, which is connected by drawbar. Performance on a micro layout is near irrelevant, though significant haulage has been reported elsewhere.

Two years on from release, no further announcements have been forthcoming, though the livery variations available are tenfold. No matter, the Atlantics are another sublime addition, especially for the pre-Grouping modeller, and with No 32424 Beachy Head due to be introduced to the heritage scene next year interest will surely rejuvenate this fine model.