Worsley Works ‘scratch aid’ kits for Southwold Railway six-wheel coaches 4mm

Worsley Works has recently released two new ‘scratch aid’ body kits for Southwold Railway coaches, in both original and rebuilt forms. Six of these long tramway-style vehicles on six wheel Cleminson underframes were supplied by the Bristol Wagon Works Co. for the opening of the line in 1879. Three were first/third composites, three were all thirds, but there was no difference in the window pattern as the seats were longitudinal.

Between 1919 and 1923, as they were in a poor state, five of the six were reconstructed, in the process enclosing the open end balconies. The end doors were relocated to the sides; the fact that there were only two doors per vehicle was not a problem, as the platforms were all on the same side, and the other side of the vestibule was thus closed.

All components have been very nicely etched, and fit together well, although there are few locating tabs for alignment and most parts must be butt jointed.

The panelling and window frames are neatly formed, and the balcony roof support brackets are very nice. The end doors are separate parts, and there are overlays for the coupler surrounds.

The half-etching makes some of the parts quite thin, requiring them to be handled with care.

The model is designed to have the roof attached to the body, and brackets are provided to fix inside the ends of the body to secure it to the frame.

The modeller must provide glazing, interior fittings, partitions, steps, couplings, fixing bolts, and running gear. Worsley is preparing the correct Cleminson underframe.

The original version comes with brake wheels; in fact these were mounted vertically inside the vestibules when enclosed.

Originally the brakes were operated by conventional horizontal handles. In either case, the brake mechanism was only at one end.

The irregular pattern of the toplights identifies the vehicle in original form as either No.1 or No.2 (the only coach not to be rebuilt); Nos.3 - 6 had the odd set toward the other end of the coach.

Unfortunately as etched the irregular toplights are one window too near to the centre of the vehicle.

The rain strips on the roof of the rebuilt version are also incorrect: the rebuilds had two different arrangements, but the model has been produced with one type each side.

It is assumed that the builder will understand the techniques required, and follow drawings and photographs to add appropriate details: this does not seem unreasonable for something sold as an aid to scratchbuilding rather than a complete kit

Note :- The remarks re the rainstrips on the roof of the test etch has been noted.

The rainstrips on the roofs of the production run of the rebuilt version of the coaches are correct for the two different styles used

More Images