John Duffy
Western Thunderer
Bit of a news item from me -
As many of you will know I have been producing small numbers of wagons for my own needs using laser cut ply. Whilst these have been successful, they do still require quite considerable modelling time to complete. Not that, in itself that is a bad thing, it is just a factor when you have many different modelling projects on the go. I am now working in collaboration with a friend of very many years, Paul Lancaster, to develop these more efficiently using the latest 3D printing technologies.
Because of how these have been developed and how they are made, it makes sense to offer them to other modellers. We have taken the decision to offer a range of Scottish Private Trader wagons for sale. The initial range is suitable for the needs of those modelling Scottish pre-grouping railways and in some cases these vehicles lasted through into grouping and beyond. Both 7mm and 4mm are catered for and it is hoped that the range will develop into a reasonably comprehensive selection.
The private trader (owner) fleet was massive. For example, by around 1910 there was one trader wagon registered with the Caledonian Railway for every one company vehicle, yet these types have been basically overlooked. This range hopes to fill that gap.
We have two initial wagons, with a third following very shortly. This third kit is taking a little more planning as we are hoping to offer both the Scottish version (cupboard doors) as well as the general build drop door version. This later version will be suitable to many pre-group modellers, including those modelling English prototypes.
The first images shows what will be provided in our 7mm kits;
(These show early test prints, the production prints will be in all grey)
Which should build very easily and quickly into this;
These images are of test prints that have subsequently been revised.
The range launches with two vehicles, this being the RY Pickering 15' 6 Plank, fixed end wagon (shown above) and the 16' 5 Plank end door wagon. These will be followed with further variations of the private trader theme, hopefully taking account of many of the subtle variations that existed. Given the wider variation of body styles amongst the smaller 4 plank wagons, these are currently at the early drawing stage and will follow at a later date.
A complementary range of 4mm body/solebars/headstock only models will also be available. Because of the variations in 4mm modelling we felt it best to leave the choice of underworks to the modeller and as the various fittings and compensation bits are available, mostly through Wizard Models, the body only options seems like the best approach. The 7mm kits can be easily adapted to accept S7 springing units as our axleguards, axleboxes and springs are all separate prints.
To give an idea of what we are doing our website is now up and running and we are offering effectively a "Soft Launch" through the line societies, chat groups and forum etc. You are very welcome to visit www.scottishwagonworks.com and I would encourage anyone to sign up (it helps us test the system and gives early access to products and well as some special offers).
I am very happy to answer any questions either here or through the contact options on the website.
Kind regards
John
As many of you will know I have been producing small numbers of wagons for my own needs using laser cut ply. Whilst these have been successful, they do still require quite considerable modelling time to complete. Not that, in itself that is a bad thing, it is just a factor when you have many different modelling projects on the go. I am now working in collaboration with a friend of very many years, Paul Lancaster, to develop these more efficiently using the latest 3D printing technologies.
Because of how these have been developed and how they are made, it makes sense to offer them to other modellers. We have taken the decision to offer a range of Scottish Private Trader wagons for sale. The initial range is suitable for the needs of those modelling Scottish pre-grouping railways and in some cases these vehicles lasted through into grouping and beyond. Both 7mm and 4mm are catered for and it is hoped that the range will develop into a reasonably comprehensive selection.
The private trader (owner) fleet was massive. For example, by around 1910 there was one trader wagon registered with the Caledonian Railway for every one company vehicle, yet these types have been basically overlooked. This range hopes to fill that gap.
We have two initial wagons, with a third following very shortly. This third kit is taking a little more planning as we are hoping to offer both the Scottish version (cupboard doors) as well as the general build drop door version. This later version will be suitable to many pre-group modellers, including those modelling English prototypes.
The first images shows what will be provided in our 7mm kits;
(These show early test prints, the production prints will be in all grey)
Which should build very easily and quickly into this;
These images are of test prints that have subsequently been revised.
- Internal ironwork around the doors in now included
- The brake lever is revised to have the characteristic dog-leg around the axlebox
- Brake fittings have been adjusted for fit
- Builders plates and registration plates are now provided as separate prints
The range launches with two vehicles, this being the RY Pickering 15' 6 Plank, fixed end wagon (shown above) and the 16' 5 Plank end door wagon. These will be followed with further variations of the private trader theme, hopefully taking account of many of the subtle variations that existed. Given the wider variation of body styles amongst the smaller 4 plank wagons, these are currently at the early drawing stage and will follow at a later date.
A complementary range of 4mm body/solebars/headstock only models will also be available. Because of the variations in 4mm modelling we felt it best to leave the choice of underworks to the modeller and as the various fittings and compensation bits are available, mostly through Wizard Models, the body only options seems like the best approach. The 7mm kits can be easily adapted to accept S7 springing units as our axleguards, axleboxes and springs are all separate prints.
To give an idea of what we are doing our website is now up and running and we are offering effectively a "Soft Launch" through the line societies, chat groups and forum etc. You are very welcome to visit www.scottishwagonworks.com and I would encourage anyone to sign up (it helps us test the system and gives early access to products and well as some special offers).
I am very happy to answer any questions either here or through the contact options on the website.
Kind regards
John
I dunno - anyone would think I was still on the Flying Squad!! 
...which is well over 10 years ago now.
