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Modern Welsh Highland Kits


JUNE 2000
Modern Welsh Highland bogie third for 009 from Worsley Works

Worsley Works has recently added to its range of 'Scratch Aid' etched brass body kits for the new coaches built in 1998 by Winson Engineering for the revived Welsh Highland Railway. Both the third (illustrated) and the brake third are offered; the unique Pullman is planned.

As with previous offerings, the kits consist of sides, door sections, ends, and floor unit, with separate buffer beams and equipment boxes. To simplify production and keep the cost down, they do not include the interior or glazing, the wheels, the couplings, or the fixing nuts and bolts, and there are no 'solid' details as castings. The builder must also supply wire for handrails and door handles, though the fixing holes are present. It is envisaged that the roof will be formed from brass sheet (not supplied).

As before, the components have been very nicely etched - the panelling is well defined and the half-etched areas are very even, evidence of quality production techniques.

The sides, door sections, 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. If the door sections had been formed as part of the sides, to be folded to the appropriate shape, assembly would have been slightly easier. It is worth reinforcing the corners with a fillet of solder; though take care not to impede the fitting of the floor unit.

The step units are an ingenious design, the complex shape of the solebar recess folding up from one flat piece thanks to half-etched lines on either side.

The instructions are simple and straightforward, adequately covering the assembly of the components supplied. The kits presume the builder will have access to drawings and photos to complete the detailing as appropriate.

Very fine etchings are included representing the open bar frame bogies, complete with brake shoes. The builder must provide the wheels and bearings - Worsley offers suitable components as optional extras. The bogies come with mounting bolsters but may need packing for wheel clearance the correct ride height.

Worsley Works now has a rang of over 50 narrow gauge coach kits 4mm scale alone, plus other items in 3mm. 5.5mm, and 7mm scales, plus various related accessories. 50p (in stamps) plus an A5 stamped self-addressed envelope will bring you a copy of the latest list.

For 4mm scale narrow gauge

MANUFACTURED BY

Allen Doherty
19 Douglas Road,
Worsley
M28 2SR.