Accucraft UK Ltd

Owing to public pressure (!) we have decided to offer Yeo, Exe and Taw as electric models as well as live steam.  The UK RRP will be £1550.00 but we will only proceed with the batch if there is sufficient demand – contact your local dealer to pre-order one of these locos for 2017!

Named after local rivers, three Manning Wardle 2-6-2 tank locomotives were supplied to the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway when it opened in 1897.  It was soon realised that the three locomotives could not handle all the line’s traffic and they were joined, in 1898, by Lyn, the Baldwin 2-4-2T.  During their careers the original locomotives received a number of modifications, including the removal of the motion covers in about 1903 and the cutting back of the cabs in 1913 because of poor visibility.  When the line was absorbed by the Southern Railway in 1923, a further example, Lew, was ordered from Manning Wardle.  Alas, with the closure of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway in 1935 all the older engines were scrapped, only Lew survived to be shipped abroad and never seen again.

The model is electrically powered, 0 – 24V DC. The engine is gauge adjustable for either 32mm (‘0’ gauge) or 45mm (‘1’ gauge) – all the parts for this are supplied with the model. This operation can be undertaken by the owner and only takes a few minutes. The loco is supplied with blanking plates for the cut-outs in the frames but these are really for display only, severely restricting the choice of track curvature if used in operation.  The electric version of the locomotive features full backhead detail in the cab. The model is built from stainless steel and brass, and with the correct maintenance, will give a lifetime of pleasure.

Specifications:

• Scale: 16mm to 1 foot (1:19)
• Length over couplings: 420mm
• Gauge: 32mm or 45mm
• Width: 110mm
• Min Radius: 1m (3′) – Gauge 0, 1.2m (4′) – Gauge 1
• Maximum height: 145mm
• Power: Electric 0-24V 

Versions available, subject to production batch:

E19-19Y No. 759 Yeo – Southern Green (illustrated)
E19-19E No. 760 Exe – Southern Green
E19-19T No. 761 Taw – Southern Green
E19-19B Unlettered, un-numbered – Plain Black

Yeo, Exe & Taw – new 1:19 scale locos for 2017

We are delighted to announce our 1:19 scale live steam model for 2017, the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway 2-6-2T engines Yeo, Exe and Taw.  Since our first production run of Lyn, the Baldwin 2-4-2T, and our subsequent release of Lew, the later 2-6-2T, we have frequently been asked to make the older Manning Wardle locos.  Given the success of Lew (the pundits said we could never make the complicated Joy valve gear work in this scale!) and the buoyant revival of the restored Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, we are pleased to satisfy that demand.

Named after local rivers, three Manning Wardle 2-6-2 tank locomotives were supplied to the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway when it opened in 1897.  By the standards of other domestic narrow gauge locomotives they presented a somewhat unusual profile having long, low tanks, cabs extended forwards, cowcatchers and motion covers over the slide bars; in fact they owed more to Colonial practice than any other influence and their design may have been influenced by those of E.R.Calthrop of the Barsi Light Railway.  Another unusual feature was the use of outside Joy valve gear, more usually found on inside cylindered engines.  It was soon realised that the three locomotives could not handle all the line’s traffic and they were joined, in 1898, by Lyn, the Baldwin 2-4-2T.

During their careers the original locomotives received a number of modifications, including the removal of the motion covers in about 1903 and the cutting back of the cabs in 1913 because of poor visibility (resulting from smoke and steam being trapped in front of the spectacle plate).  When the line was absorbed by the Southern Railway in 1923, a further example, Lew, was ordered from Manning Wardle, proving how suitable the design was for this attractive but challenging route.  Alas, with the closure of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway in 1935 all the older engines were scrapped, only Lew surviving to be shipped abroad and never seen again.  Following the success of the construction of the replica Lyd and the rapid progress of the replica Lyn, the restored Lynton & Barnstaple Railway is looking to recreate one of the original design – you can discover more about the Yeo project here.

The model is internally gas fired and is gauge adjustable for either 32mm (‘0’ gauge) or 45mm (‘1’ gauge) – all the parts for this are supplied with the model. This operation can be undertaken by the owner and only takes a few minutes. The loco is supplied with blanking plates for the cut-outs in the frames but these are really for display only, severely restricting the choice of track curvature if used in operation. The cab roof lifts up to give access to the gas, water and lubricator fillers. The boiler is fitted with a water gauge and the lubricator has an under floor drain. The model is fitted with slide valves, equipped with fully functioning Joy valve gear and is built from stainless steel, copper and brass.  With the correct maintenance, will give a lifetime of pleasure.  The UK RRP is £1850.00 and we aim to release the model in 2017.  Contact your local dealer to reserve one (or all three!) now.

Specifications:

• Scale: 16mm to 1 foot (1:19)
• Length over couplings: 420mm
• Gauge: 32mm or 45mm
• Width: 110mm
• Min Radius: 1m (3′) – Gauge 0, 1.2m (4′) – Gauge 1
• Maximum height: 145mm
• Boiler: Centre Flue
• Working Pressure: 60psi
• Reversing Gear: Working Joy valve gear, slide valves
• Fuel: Butane Gas
• Boiler Fittings: Safety valve, pressure gauge, water gauge.
• Cab Controls: Steam regulator, gas regulator, reverse lever, lubricator under floor drain valve.

Versions available, subject to production batch:

S19-19Y No. 759 Yeo – Southern Green (illustrated)
S19-19E No. 760 Exe – Southern Green
S19-19T No. 761 Taw – Southern Green
S19-19B Unlettered, un-numbered – Plain Black

This month we bring you news of new releases in a couple of scales, firstly our 1:20.3 scale Isle of Man loco for 2017, Mona, and an ‘E’ Van to accompany her as well as the new Accucraft (US) 1:13.7 (7/8ths” scale) Decauville.  We also have news of some bumper bargain bundles from Accucraft (US) and an update on the 1:32 scale Black 5.  We will be attending the National Garden Railway Show at Peterborough on 9th April and will have the engineering samples of both Mona and the Decauville on our stand (and, just possibly, a new 1:19 scale locomotive!).  Please note our reminder about UK warranty repairs, particularly the note about Accucraft locomotives purchased outside the UK.

1:20.3 Scale Isle of Man 2-4-0T No. 5, Mona

Since we are just about to deliver Mannin it would seem to be a good time to announce our Isle of Man loco for 2017.  We have chosen Mona for our ‘Connoisseur’ range, in particular because in the form modelled she can carry the lovely ‘Ailsa’ green livery remembered by many who visited the island in the 1960s – this is the first live steam IoM loco we have offered in this colour.

Mona arrived with No. 4 Loch in 1874 for the opening of the Port Erin line.  She has idiosyncrasies that distinguish her, such as a chimney numeral in a slightly different style to the other locomotives and the name written ‘MO NA’ with a gap to allow for the injector overflow pipe. The locomotive also carried ‘5’ numerals on the side tanks, though the one on the driver’s side was removed latterly. No. 5 was a regular on the Peel Line and remained in service right until the 1970 season when she refused to hold steam and was mothballed.  She was purchased from the nationalised railway in 1978 by the Isle of Man Railway Society but April 2012 saw her return to railway ownership.  The UK RRP is £1550.00 for the live steam model, £1325.00 for the electric version.  You can see full details on the website.

Versions available subject to production batch:

S20-9G – ISLE OF MAN 2-4-0T Mona No. 5, Ailsa Green, Live Steam
S20-9R – ISLE OF MAN 2-4-0T Mona No. 5, Indian Red, Live Steam
E20-9G – ISLE OF MAN 2-4-0T Mona No. 5, Ailsa Green, Electric
E20-9R – ISLE OF MAN 2-4-0T Mona No. 5, Indian Red, Electric

1:20.3 Scale Isle of Man ‘E’ Van

A perfect companion for Mona or our other Isle of Man four-wheel coaches. The ‘E’ vans were four-wheeled brake and luggage vans fitted with lookout duckets, but otherwise entirely sealed with only two drop-sash windows at the guard’s door. None of these vans survive today, and they were effectively made redundant when later passenger coaches had their own braking systems. The primary purpose of the ‘E’ van was to provide luggage accommodation and braking for the original ‘A’ – ‘D’ class most of which did not have their own brakes when supplied in 1873/4. One surviving member of the class sat at the end of the Port Erin arrival platform at Douglas for many years and retained its pre-war two-tone brown livery. The Manx Northern Railway owned a pair of similar vans for use with the ‘N’ class carriages, but these seem to have been replaced in the 1890s and then used for goods traffic until they were scrapped in the 1920.

The roof is removable if required for customers to install their own interior detail, for example, or lighting.  An additional set of 32mm wheels is also provided.  Although the models are 1:20.3 scale they look well with 1:19 scale equipment and are probably larger than the equivalent scale models of Talyllyn coaches! You find full details here. Due for release late 2016 or early 2017.

1:13.7 (7/8ths”) Scale Type1 Decauville 0-4-0T

By the late 1800s, France’s Decauville Manufacturing Company had established themselves as builders of reliable and simple to operate narrow gauge steam locomotives. Many of their designs were intended for use in agricultural, mining, and light industrial settings. One such loco was a Decauville Type 1, 3-ton 0-4-0T built in 1899, construction #302, for the Dombe Grande Sugar Estates in what was then the Portuguese territory of Angola. The loco was named Bathala. In 1930, after three decades of dependable operation, Bathala was placed in a museum on the company’s grounds. This act ultimately led to her survival from the civil war and turmoil which impacted that country decades later.

After being ‘found’ again in 2003, and after nearly two years of negotiations, the loco finally made its way to Johannesburg. In what is perhaps a world record for locomotive restoration, the work was completed in only four months! Bathala can now be found operating at the Sandstone Steam Railroad in Bloemfontain, South Africa.

Accucraft (US) is pleased to announce this locomotive in 7/8ths” (1:13.7) scale live steam. Three fully lined versions are offered, maroon, green, and black.  We expect this locomotive to be popular; please place your reservations early!  UK RRP £1475.00, delivery date TBA but likely to be 2017.  You can see full details and more images on the website.

Spring specials from Accucraft (US)

We are excited to announce some really great Spring Specials to kick-off another season of outdoor railroading fun! Look over the special offers listed below and place your orders as soon as possible. Quantities are limited to stock on hand. The offer lasts until 30^th April, 2016. 

AC77-217 or AC77-218 28-ton Shay, live steam loco + 3 AM2214-01 Logging Disconnects – £2195.00

AC77-045 or AC77-046 Plantation 0-4-2, live steam loco and choose either two AM32-110A Short Flat cars or two (2) AM20-110A Iron Mountain Coal Cars – £895.00

AC77-720, AC77-722 or AC77-724 Baldwin 4-4-0, or AC77-411, AC77-420, AC77-421, AC77-422, or AC77-423 Mogul 2-6-0, live steam loco live steam loco plus two AM2201-01 Data only Boxcars – £1995.00 to £2195.00

Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 “Big Boy”, live steam loco and twelve (12) 1937 40’ AAR Boxcars (limited to available stock on hand) – £8755.00

Southern Pacific M-6 class 2-6-0, electric loco and six (6) 1937 40’ AAR Boxcars (limited to available stock on hand) – £2425.00

Contact your local dealer for full details and to check stock levels.

1:32 Scale ‘Black 5’ 4-6-0 delivery date

We have had many enquiries about the due date for the Black 5.  Unfortunately we have had to put this back to the end of the year.  We have experienced great difficulty getting the engineering sample to maintain steam and despite changing the cylinders from piston valve to slide valve and trying assorted burners we couldn’t divine the problem.  Only once we had torn the model apart did we discover that, for some reason, the factory had fitted an under-size flue.  A new boiler is now being made with our usual diameter flue and once this has been tested we should be able to sign the design off.  We hope you will understand why we could not proceed with production (when we knew we had an issue with the locomotive) and thank you for your patience.

Warranty repairs

For all warranty repairs, please contact your RETAILER in the first instance. Your retailer will contact us and we will then arrange for the item to be collected by our couriers. Please do not contact any of our service agents direct on warranty matters as all have to be processed through our system before being actioned.

Warranty registration cards must be returned to us as soon as possible after purchase, including those for U.S., Schug or Argyle models.  Please note that we do not offer a warranty service for Accucraft models purchased outside the UK, only for those bought through our UK dealer network.  If, for any reason, you have a locomotive bought this way it would have to be returned to the original dealer for warranty repairs.

To make shipping easier in the event of your locomotive having to be sent for service, please retain ALL original packaging. We do not carry spare boxes in stock to return your model to you. If improperly packed to be sent to us, we cannot be responsible for any damage. We will consider the warranty of any loco returned to us without the original packaging invalid and will charge for any additional packaging required to ensure its safe return.  If the model is fitted with radio control it is essential that the transmitter is sent with the model.

This month we bring you news of a number of U.S. projects now coming to fruition.  Locomotives both great (the ‘Allegheny’) and smaller (the E-6) are sure to enhance 1:32 Scale railroads, whether multi-track or short line. We also have an update on some of the 1:32 rolling stock range.

C&O H-8 CLASS ‘ALLEGHENY’ 2-6-6-6

The Chesapeake & Ohio H-8 class 2-6-6-6 ‘Allegheny’ #1647 (late version) live steam is now available, electric versions of the ‘Allegheny’ are expected in June/July 2016. The debate as to which is the largest steam locomotive ever built goes on to this day. It has always been between Union Pacific’s Big Boy and the C&O Allegheny. How can a 4-8-8-4 weigh less than a 2-6-6-6? The answer may come from the fact that the Allegheny’s boiler is a bit larger than the Big Boy! The listed figure of weight on the Allegheny is 724,500 lbs however this figure goes as high as 778,000lbs on engines 1600-1609 for the 1941 Lima built locomotives. The general published weight on the Big Boy is 772,250 lbs. Since the Allegheny produced 7,498 horsepower compared to 6,900 for the Big Boy, the race for the biggest and most powerful starts to lean toward the Allegheny. However the jury is still out on this subject, and it’s safe to say that both machines were awesome, and represent the pinnacle of steam locomotive development in North America.

The live steam model is 1:32 scale, 45mm gauge and is butane-fired with four cylinders with slide valves, working Baker valve gear, double safety valves, an axle water pump, a hand operated water pump in the tender, water drain valve, water level glass, super-heater, pressure gauge, adjustable hydrostatic lubricator, and is R/C ready. The model is also available in electric form with 0~24 V DC, Pittman motors operating lights, working couplers, ball bearing tender wheels and much more – sound ready. Minimum radius 10′.

AL97-413 C&O H-8 class ‘Allegheny’ #1647, late version, live steam                 UK RRP £6850.00

AL98-411  C&O “Allegheny”, Early Version 1941, #1601, electric                  UK RRP £6375.00
AL98-413  C&O “Allegheny”, Late Version 1947, #1647, electric                   UK RRP £6375.00
AL98-415  Virginian Railway “Blue Ridge” #900, electric                                  UK RRP £6375.00

PENNSYLVANIA E-6 CLASS 4-4-2

Arrival of the Pennsylvania E-6 class 4-4-2 is expected July/August 2016. The E-6 class were the last 4-4-2 ‘Atlantic’ type locomotives built by the Pennsylvania Railroad. A total of 83 were constructed between 1910 and 1914. These modern design Atlantics featured a large and free-steaming boiler, outside Walschaerts valve gear, piston valves on the cylinders, and a cast steel KW pattern trailing truck designed by the PRR’s Chief Mechanical Engineer, William F, Keisel Jr. Although replaced by larger K-4 class Pacifics on most top-rated trains, the E-6s remained popular on lesser services, especially commuter operations around the New Jersey seashore routes. Nine were transferred to the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines; some were also leased to PRR subsidiary Long Island Rail Road. Below is an image of the engineering sample.

AL97-431         PRR E-6 class 4-4-2 #1974, Green (lined), alcohol fired     UK RRP £3190.00
AL97-432         PRR E-6 class 4-4-2 #460, Brunswick green, alcohol fired     UK RRP £3000.00
AL97-435         PRR E-6 class 4-4-2 #1974, Green (lined), butane fired     UK RRP £3190.00
AL97-436         PRR E-6 class 4-4-2 #460, Brunswick green, butane fired     UK RRP £3000.00

NEW!  ELECTRIC VERSION OF PRR E-6 ANNOUNCED!

AL98-431         PRR E-6 class 4-4-2 #1974, Green Lined, electric     UK RRP £2750.00
AL98-432         PRR E-6 class 4-4-2 #460, Brunswick green, electric     UK RRP £2750.00

C&O STEEL CUPOLA CABOOSE

1:32 scale, 45mm gauge steel cupola cabooses for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, due for delivery in May. These cabooses nicely complement the 1:32 scale C&O “Allegheny” (in both live steam OR electric). The cabooses will be of all brass construction and come factory painted and lettered to represent the late 1940s to mid-1950s era. Features will include:

• Brass and steel construction
• Metal wheels
• Detailed underbody detail and draft gear
• Four road numbers
• Working knuckle couplers

American Car & Foundry built 100 cabooses in C&O series 90200-90299 in 1949. Delivered in bright red, beginning in the late 1950s they were repainted into overall yellow with blue lettering. Our models will represent the as-delivered appearance. They will not feature an interior. The C&O caboose is limited to 100 units, 25 of each number.

AL93-055  Chesapeake & Ohio Steel Caboose, Red #90200     UK RRP £405.00
AL93-056  Chesapeake & Ohio Steel Caboose, Red #90212     UK RRP £405.00
AL93-057  Chesapeake & Ohio Steel Caboose, Red #90249     UK RRP £405.00
AL93-058  Chesapeake & Ohio Steel Caboose, Red #90277     UK RRP £405.00

STREAMLINE CARS AND CAR SETS – PRICE INCREASE!

With immediate effect the UK RRP of the six car sets has been increased to £1700.00 and individual cars to £300.00 each.  Currently 1:32 scale Canadian Pacific and Southern Pacific passenger cars are available and additional Streamline Passenger Cars in all road names will arrive between March and June 2016.

In our February website newsletter we bring you news of a lovely new offering from MBV Schug, a Saxon-Meyer!  We also have good news for narrow gauge modellers.

1:20.3 Scale Saxonian IV K 0-4-4-0T

As a result of rising traffic levels in the late nineteenth century, the 750mm (2’ 6”) gauge Royal Saxon State Railways found their existing fleet of locomotives were struggling to cope.  In 1892 the network took delivery of the first of 96 Gunther-Meyer 0-4-4-0T compounds, destined to be the largest single class of narrow gauge locomotive in Germany.  They were so successful that they became the sole motive power on some lines, ably handling freight as well as passenger trains.

At the end of WW1 two were left in Hungary and three were given up in war reparations to Poland.  In 1925 the remaining engines were absorbed into the Deutsche Reichsbahn-Gesellschaft and allocated numbers in the ‘99’ series.  By the end of WW2 57 were still working and 20 of these survived long enough to go through the ‘reko’ programme to be fitted with welded boilers and, in some cases, welded frames.  By 1973 the older, unrebuilt locos had been withdrawn (three being preserved) while the ‘reko’ engines soldiered on for the Deutsche Reichsbahn in East Germany.  Remarkably nearly a quarter of the class, 22 examples, have been preserved, a living testament to the sound design of the originals.

The 1:20.3 Saxon IV K has been made for MBV SCHUG.  The total batch is only 60 units, 20 pieces in Saxon State Railways’ green and 40 in Reichsbahn black. The model comes fitted with the 6-channel spectrum DXe radio control for regulator reverser. The system is programmable via Smartphone and Tablet app.  The UK RRP is £3695.00.

Specifications:

Scale / gauge: 1: 20.3 / 45 mm
Length: 454 mm
Width: 104.1 mm (edge of the roof)
Height: 156.1 mm (chimney)
Minimum radius: 124.3 cm (LGB R3)
Weight: 5.89 kg
Cylinder lubrication: displacement lubricator in the cab
Control: factory fitted 2.4 GHz sector Intrum DXe RC system and HITEC HS-85 MG servos fitted
Boiler: Centre Flue, butane fired
Working Pressure: 60psi
Reversing Gear: Slide valves, Walschaerts valve gear
Boiler Fittings: Safety valve, pressure gauge, water gauge.
Cab Controls: Steam regulator, gas regulator, reverse lever, lubricator in cab

Versions available:

AL87-014 G RC Saxon IV K – live steam with factory fitted radio control
AL87-014R-RC Reichsbahn IV K No. 99 589 – live steam with factory fitted radio control

1:19 Scale Lynton & Barnstaple bogie goods vehicles

The L&B bogie open and brake van will be in stock in February so please double check that you have these on back order with your dealer.  The last time we shipped them they were all gone in a month!

R19-9A L & B BOGIE BRAKE VAN #23 L & B GREY £85.00
R19-9B L & B BOGIE BRAKE VAN L & B GREY, DATA ONLY £85.00
R19-9C L & B BOGIE BRAKE VAN #23 SR BROWN
R19-12A L & B BOGIE GOODS WAGON SR BROWN – choice of # 28301, # 28302 £80.00
R19-12B L & B BOGIE GOODS WAGON L & B GREY, DATA ONLY £80.00
R19-12C L & B BOGIE GOODS WAGON L & B GREY – choice of # 12, #13 £80.00

1:19 Scale coach price reductions!

As of February 2016 we are reducing the UK RRP for our narrow gauge bogie coaches.  In future the Isle of Man ‘pairs’ coaches will carry a UK RRP of just £135.00 inc. VAT and our Lynton & Barnstaple coaches will retail at just £150.00 inc. VAT until the stock is exhausted.

Welcome to our first newsletter of 2016.  This month we bring you news of progress on a number of fronts including the 1:32 scale, Gauge 1 A1, the A4 and the awesome Norfolk & Western J-Class as well as coaching stock developments in the same scale.

1:32 Scale, Gauge 1 BR A1 4-6-2 Tornado

Owing to a number of cancelled orders, we have some residual stock of these outstanding models available in all liveries.  Quantities are limited so don’t miss out!

The model faithfully captures the elegance and power of the Peppercorn class A1 design and carries all the details unique to Tornado.   The model is gas-fired with slide valves and has all the features the Gauge 1 fraternity have come to expect from an Accucraft locomotive.  The cylinders are fitted with drain cocks. The chassis is constructed from stainless steel. The boiler is copper, the cab (with sliding windows) and tender are constructed from etched brass.  The UK RRP is £2895.00, with a percentage of the profit from sales of this superb model going to The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust to complete the financing of Tornado herself.

1:32 Scale, Gauge 1 LNER A4 4-6-2

We have now looked at both the engineering samples of this magnificent machine and are extremely pleased with the design.  The body is an excellent rendering of the very tricky A4 shape and we feel sure it will be a crowd pleaser. Supplied in either LNER Garter Blue with valences fitted or BR green without valences, the model will be offered without nameplates or numbers allowing them to be finished to the customer’s specification (a service we will be offering) – full details can be found on the website.  Due to demand we will also be offering a limited number in wartime (satin) black, no valences and ‘NE’ on the tender – part number S32-10G.  The UK RRP is £2995.00 and we will be closing the order book shortly – don’t miss out!

We promise to give LNER Pacifics a rest after we have delivered the A4s!

1:32 Scale, Gauge 1 Norfolk & Western J-Class 4-8-4

This outstanding model is now in production and should be available in the UK in April.  The Accucraft (US) 1:32 scale Norfolk & Western #611 is their 20th anniversary locomotive! For our US partner’s 20th anniversary, they worked with the N & W Historical Society and the Virginia Museum of Transportation’s ‘Fire Up 611’ project, to produce the most accurate model of N&W #611 to date! Each model of #611 will also include special items inside the box!  UK RRP £5630.00

1:32 Scale, Gauge 1 Mk1 Coaches

Encouraged by strong forward orders for the SK and BSK, we have decided to proceed with tooling an FK and an SO as soon as possible with a chance of delivering one or both of these with the next run.  In consequence we are opening the order book for the following items (UK RRP £250.00), please make a reservation with your local dealer:

R32-12A BR Mk1 SECOND OPEN (SO) – MAROON
R32-12B BR Mk1 SECOND OPEN (SO) – CARMINE & CREAM
R32-12C BR Mk1 SECOND OPEN (SO) – CHOCOLATE & CREAM
R32-12D BR Mk1 SECOND OPEN (SO) – GREEN
R32-13A BR Mk1 FIRST CORRIDOR (FK) – MAROON
R32-13B BR Mk1 FIRST CORRIDOR (FK) – CARMINE & CREAM
R32-13C BR Mk1 FIRST CORRIDOR (FK) – CHOCOLATE & CREAM
R32-13D BR Mk1 FIRST CORRIDOR (FK) – GREEN

Rushford Barn Models

Following our purchase of the Gauge 1 Model Company, Geoff Calver at Rushford Barn Models is making a big commitment to support modellers in 1:32 Scale in Suffolk.  An experienced Aster builder, Geoff likes to test run all his locomotives before selling them and would be happy to demonstrate models to prospective buyers.

Recent arrivals

Just before the holidays we took delivery of the following:

R19-1B L & B OPEN WAGON SR BROWN, #28308, 28309, 28310, 28311
R19-1C L & B OPEN WAGON SR BROWN, DATA ONLY
R19-1E L & B OPEN WAGON L&BR GREY, #10, 11, 17, 18
R19-1F L & B OPEN WAGON L&BR GREY, DATA ONLY
R19-2A L & B GOODS VAN SR BROWN, #47036, 47037, 47038, 47039
R19-2B L & B GOODS VAN SR BROWN, DATA ONLY
R19-2C L & B GOODS VAN L&BR GREY, #3, 4, 6, 7
R19-2D L & B GOODS VAN L&BR GREY, DATA ONLY
R19-10 ISLE of MAN 4 WHEEL COACH – 3rd – MAROON & CREAM
R19-11 ISLE of MAN 4 WHEEL COACH – 3rd/GUARDS – MAROON & CREAM
G202-02 Code 332 Brass Flex Track Euro Style Straight 6′ – 6pcs per box
G202-03 Code 332 Brass Flex Track Euro Style Straight 3′ – 12pcs per box
Z2 ROUND HEAD CHOPPER COUPLINGS

Despite our best intentions to keep these items in stock, the R19-11 IoM 3^rd/Guards has already sold out and stock of some of the other rolling stock is dwindling fast!  Please make sure you have ordered these items from your local dealer before they all sell out again!

Welcome to our December newsletter.  Let us start by wishing you a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. 2015 has been a challenging year for us and we have once again seen slippage in our production schedules for which we apologise.  However, our acquisition of the Gauge 1 Model Company range has opened up the Gauge 1 market even further and enabled us to offer a further batch of their superb Mk1 coaches.

G1MRCo LNER A4 4-6-2

We have now had a chance to check over the engineering sample of this magnificent machine and have not found it wanting! The body is an excellent rendering of the very tricky A4 shape and we feel sure it will be a crowd pleaser. Supplied in either LNER Garter Blue with valances fitted or BR green without valances, the model will be offered without nameplates or numbers allowing them to be finished to the customer’s specification (a service we will be offering) – full details can be found on this website. Due to demand we will also be offering a limited number in wartime (satin) black, no valances and ‘NE’ on the tender – part number S32-10G. The UK RRP is £2995.00 and we will be closing the order book shortly – don’t miss out!

Last call for Tornado

Due in shortly is our eagerly anticipated 1:32 scale model of Tornado. Produced as a fund-raiser for the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust we have just a handful left unreserved, available only in apple green and BR green (early emblem). UK RRP £2895.00, available direct from us, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust or our dealers.  Full details of the model can be found here.

Two new Accucraft dealers!

We are always pleased to welcome new retailers into the Accucraft family but it is not often that two come along at once!  Following our purchase of the Gauge 1 Model Co. range a number of dealers now find that our catalogue is a ‘glove fit’ with their existing business.  Consequently we are delighted to say that FineScaleBrass and MyLocoSound are now carrying the Accucraft range. John Riley of FineScaleBrass has long specialised in Gauge 1 locomotives and rolling stock and will be offering our models alongside his own range.  Chris Arundell at MyLocoSound is the UK agent for the Northern Fine Scale tenmille wagon range as well as offering a comprehensive assortment of electronic hardware for the larger scales (including lighting kits for our Mk1 coaches).

Last few Jedrigs

John Sutton tells us that he has a few Jedrigs still available for those looking for an ideal ‘starter’ loco.  A modified design of Edrig, and available in maroon or Brunswick green, Jedrig is a freelance side tank locomotive, the loco is internally gas fired with a centre flue boiler. The axles run in bronze bearings and the wheels are insulated, the motion is made from stainless steel. The boiler is fitted with a water level check valve and displacement lubricator. Jedrig is built from stainless steel and brass with the correct maintenance will give a lifetime of steaming pleasure.  The RRP is £625.00 – for more details visit the John Sutton Books website.

THE GAUGE 1 MODEL COMPANY – A STATEMENT

We are delighted to announce that Accucraft (UK) has acquired the intellectual property, designs and tooling of the Gauge 1 Model Co. range and will, in future, be responsible for the production of all their previously announced models.  In addition the company will be expanding the existing range of superb Gauge 1 rolling stock and adding to the fleet of outstanding locomotive designs.  Accucraft (UK) is keen to progress the delivery of the LNER A4s and will be contacting all those who have already made reservations for this with the Gauge 1 Model Co.

Trevor Taylor, speaking on behalf of the Gauge 1  Model Company, stated, “After 28 years in the model railway industry and having delivered close to 6000 units of Gauge 1 stock, my wife and I have decided to retire.  We both wish to thank all our Gauge 1 customers for their massive support, encouragement as well as their orders; our Mk1 coaches are a testament to their confidence as they can be seen running on nearly every track in the UK.”

Ian Pearse, responding for Accucraft (UK) Ltd. said, “We have enjoyed working in harmony with the Gauge 1 Model Company for some years now, each business complementing the other’s range and sharing the expertise and quality offered by the Accucraft factory.  When the opportunity to acquire the G1MRCo range arose we realised it would be a ‘glove fit’ for Accucraft and help us to expand our Gauge 1 range enormously.  We are grateful to Trevor for taking the plunge and enabling volume production of locomotives and rolling stock in Gauge 1 at affordable prices, a move that has encouraged countless new entrants into the scale.  Accucraft (UK) will continue its drive for ‘innovation and excellence’ in 1:32 scale and we look forward to making an ever-increasing range for years to come.

G1MRCo 1:32 SCALE LNER A4 4-6-2

Enormous efforts have gone into getting the complex shape of the streamlined casing correct and we feel that the end result is worthy of Sir Nigel Gresley’s approval!  The model is spirit fired with slip eccentric valve gear, working cylinder drain cocks, sprung buffers, tender hand pump, axle pump, lubricator, pressure gauge and water gauge.  The model is designed for a long life and built using copper, brass and stainless steel to ensure this.  Supplied in either LNER Garter Blue with valances fitted or BR green without valances, the models will be available without nameplates or numbers allowing them to be finished to the customer’s specification (a service we will be offering).  The UK RRP is £2995.00 but we will honour all existing orders at the original price.

October brings news of wagon releases!  A new variation on the ‘M’ wagon from Trackshack and some minor changes to the batch of RCH seven plank wagons due shortly.

Isle of Man ‘M’ wagon – Mona Chemical Company

Private owner wagons on the Isle of Man railways were a rarity, the majority of goods and freight being carried by the railway companies using their own standard wagons best suited to each consignment. But there were exceptions, one being the Mona Chemical Company in Peel which in the late 19th century was operated by Bruce, Davis & Co and produced asphalt and other tar products needing to be transported around the island.

Records indicate that in 1884, on the advice of the Manx Northern Railway, the Mona Chemical Company leased three wagons built by Ashbury Railway Carriage & Iron Works, similar in design to the ‘M’ wagons previously supplied to the Isle of Man Railway. The three new wagons were subsequently purchased by the IMR and became M.5 to M.7 in their goods stock.

Trackshack’s limited edition model (three different running numbers) depicts a private owner livery for the Peel-based chemical works.  These wagons are available now but only from Trackshack.

RCH seven plank wagons

Due shortly is the first delivery of our 1:32 scale seven plank wagon.  Contrary to our earlier predictions, the BR grey version will be come with this batch not the bauxite which will follow with the second tranche.  In addition the R32-1E, LNER version, will be delivered in NE grey (illustrated), not bauxite as originally offered.  Rumours that Trackshack has cleaned us out of bauxite paint are, however, untrue!

‘Open Box’ items for sale

We have the following ‘open box’ items available that turned up during our move earlier this year:

1 x AC78-531 Whitcomb 45 Ton Diesel, grey, unlettered – £750.00

1 x AL88-136 Rio Grande Southern C-19 2-8-0 # 41, Black, Electric +
1 x AM2201-20 Rio Grande Southern Box Car # 8510 for £2000.00

1 x S32-11 B4 power unit – £650

Just call our office with a card in your hand and we will send the item of your choice the next day.

September started extremely well for some of us, the Garden Railway Show at Llanfair was outstanding and we took the opportunity to unveil our 7/8ths” scale Bagnall saddle tank there.  This delightful little engine turned quite a number of heads, including some die-hard 16mm followers…..  We feature the locomotive in this newsletter as well as announcing the debut of Cliff Barker as an Accucraft dealer in Essex.

7/8ths” Scale Bagnall 0-4-0ST

Many of you will have seen the engineering sample of the 7/8ths Bagnall unveiled at the Llanfair Show last weekend and we think you will agree that it is an outstanding little (?) model. With the sample signed off we can place the order with the factory which means that this is the last call for this locomotive – make sure you have made a reservation!

Bagnall were renowned builders of industrial locomotives for both standard gauge and narrow gauge. They developed a huge range of designs and built numerous engines for the ‘big four’ and the MOD. The 7″ x 12″ saddle tank was a mid-range narrow gauge design that could be supplied in a number of different formats. Several examples of the type have been preserved, one of the most famous being the Rev. Teddy Boston’s ‘Pixie’ which ran round his railway in the garden of Cadeby rectory! The model is gas fired and fitted with a water gauge with blow-down valve, miniature pressure gauge and a water top up valve can also be fitted; constructed of stainless steel and etched brass, the loco has an enhanced level of detail made possible by this scale including a brake stand / gas control valve. It is not gauge-adjustable and is only available in 45mm gauge. UK RRP £1,100.00 – delivery will now be in the first quarter of 2016.  You can see the full specifications and images here.

Specifications:

Scale: 22.5mm to 1 foot (1:13.7)
Gauge: 45mm only
Length: 320mm (over buffers)
Width: 125mm
Height: 190mm
Boiler: Centre Flue
Working Pressure: 60psi
Weight: TBC
Minimum Radius: 760mm (2 feet 6 inches)
Reversing Gear: Slide valves, simplified Walschaerts, reverse by lever in the cab
Fuel: Butane Gas
Boiler Fittings: Safety valve, miniature pressure gauge, water gauge with blow-down valve, Goodall valve.
Cab Controls: Steam regulator, gas regulator, reverse lever, displacement lubricator with under-floor drain.

Colours available, subject to production batch:

S78-3B Bagnall 0-4-0ST in Black
S78-3BU Bagnall 0-4-0ST in Blue
S78-3G Bagnall 0-4-0ST in Light Green (illustrated)
S78-3R Bagnall 0-4-0ST in Red

Cliff Barker joins the Accucraft team

We are delighted to announce that Cliff Barker, renowned maker of superb Gauge 1 track and pointwork, has signed up as an Accucraft retailer.  For some years Cliff has built a reputation among the Gauge 1 fraternity for producing robust, detailed, finescale track for 1:32 modellers.  This neatly dovetails with our own expanding range of locomotives and rolling stock in this scale and we are sure that our customers in Essex will avail themselves of the services he offers.  You can see his range on his website.