Worsley Works NG

 

 

Peco-UK Web Site
Worsley Works NG

October 1998

Campbeltown and Machrihanish Coach Etchings in 4mm Scale

With the assistance of noted Campbeltown Machrihanish historian and modeller Nigel Macmillan, and working from his amended copies of the builder's original drawings, Worsley Works have recently added the stylish CandM saloon coaches to their range of 'Scratch Aid' etched brass body kits. Three types are offered, enabling the modeller to represent all of the line's stock: third class saloons Nos.1 - 4 (illustrated), built by Pickering in 1906; third class saloon No.5, supplied the following year and identical save for the fact it was, for some unexplained reason, mirror image; and brake third No.6.

Etching is surely the best method of representing the ornate ironwork of the balcony ends, and once again Worsley have done this very well. It is not difficult to work out a sensible assembly sequence for the end platforms, buffer beam, steps, railings, and gates. We suggest drilling small holes in the coach ends before making up the body and locating the long tabs on the gate etchings in them. Modellers wishing to show these in the open position, as they were often left, should note that they were telescopic and not hinged.

The lower part of the sides has a gentle tumblehome which can be formed by rolling the side round a suitable bar, e.g. a broom handle (or part thereof).

At 43'6 these vehicles are quite long for narrow gauge, and an intermediate bulkhead in the body (as per the prototype) may prove beneficial for maintaining rigidity, though the floor unit does have longitudinal ribs which fold up to strengthen the shell.

The solebars are separate strips, tabbed so they locate accurately in the floor. When soldering them in place, it is best to start from the centre: if both ends are fixed first, the thin strip may distort with the heat and it will be impossible to keep it straight and align the middle.

As with previous offerings (fully reviewed in the November 1997 RM), the kits consist of sides, ends, and floor unit, with separate solebars and end beams, plus the balconies and steps. To simplify production and keep the cost down, they do not include the roof, inferior, or glazing, the wheels or any running gear, the couplings, or the fixing nuts and bolts, and there are no 'solid' details as castings. The roof may well present the greatest challenge with these coaches as it has domed ends which project beyond the body end and over the balcony.

The components have been very nicely etched - the panelling is well defined and the half-etched areas very even, evidence of quality production techniques. The design envisages the coach body as a box with the roof fixed and a detachable floor, and accordingly stretchers are included as mounts. The sides and ends are separate, with no form of location, but they can be accurately soldered together if care is taken, standing them on a true flat surface. It is worth reinforcing the corner with a fillet of solder, but not too much or it will be hard to fit glazing. The kits presume the builder will have drawings and photos to complete the detailing as appropriate.

Unusually, for these body kits, in this case matching bogies are also available. An etched sheet provides the framework and chassis cross members, with half-etched lines for the necessary folds There are also fold-up tabs on one bogie for compensation, if required. The pack includes dressmaking press studs as mounting pivots, a method which allows easy removal. Note that the frames were designed for Worsley Works' Tralee and Dingle coaches and some adaptation of the side outline may be desirable. Further, they require axles 18,3mm long, more suited to l2mm than 9mm gauge. Wheelsets are not supplied.

The side frames are white metal castings, of the correct pattern, neatly formed with little flash. They might be used without the etches if the builder is prepared to make a bolster and cross piece to suit other wheelsets.

For 4mm scale narrow gauge

MANUFACTURED BY

Allen Doherty
19, Douglas Road,
Worsley
M28 2SR.