Rolling Stock
There are three sections to the baseboard section and, for ease of navigation, a link to each of the three pages is listed below:-
:: Rolling Stock
:: Building a TPM 4-CEP conversion
kit
:: Taylor Precision Models Commonwealth Bogies
The links are also listed in the appropriate section of this page so that you don't have to return to the top of the page to find them should you be following the ongoing process detailed below.
OK, I want to model a layout based in Kent. That puts limits on the type of rolling stock that will be seen on this layout. Seeing as the layout will also be based in the 1980's that means that only 3rd rail stock and diesel's will be seen on this layout.
A quick inventory of my current rolling stock shows I have:-
4 class 47's
3 class 8's
3 class 50's
2 class 73's
2 class 60's
1 class 56
1 class 43 HST
1 class 91
1 class 37 (but in EWS livery)
1 class 101 DMU
so not all of these can be used. The class 91 definitely can't be used, the class 101 shouldn't be as EMU's would have been seen in the area of Kent I want to model and I'd have a hard time justifying a class 43 - though I would like to as the prototype is a locomotive that the British railway industry can be truly proud of. The same would be the case for the class 50's as, even though they're a Southern Region loco, I believe their theatre of operation was limited mainly to the West Country. Certainly the only time I saw them was on the Waterloo-Exeter St David's route when I lived in Basingstoke. I can't use my 37 either as, even though it would have been used in Kent, EWS didn't come into being until well after the time in which my layout is based. I'll be keeping all my locos as I may well, at some stage in the future, do a layout that has no real theme either in terms of location or era thereby giving me an excuse to run whatever trains I like.
I will need to buy and, mostly, build and convert quite a few models just to be able to operate passenger services on my project. While I can buy class 73's as they are available from Dapol, to have the trains in the configuration that I want I would still need to convert some carriages to GLV's with driving cabs. The EMU situation is even worse. There is absolutely nothing available RTR for 3rd rail EMU's. That means conversions of Farish Mk I's or buying BHE kits when they become available again. Still, can't complain, I'm the one who set the theme for the project. I just have to accept the situation, make the best of the situation and just get on with it.
I am working on this situation, though. I've ordered a GLV kit from Worsley Works. It's the sides, ends, underframe detail and roof only and is in etched brass. I have got a possible source for a resin roof and buffers so that would only leave the bogies to sort out. It will be interesting to see how it turns out. If it's successful, I'll be buying a number of these kits as I need at least 6 GLV's for the layout.
I've also started adding to the carriages I have. I've managed to source, finally, some Mk 2 TSO's and 4 of them to boot. That means I have enough for a complete train now. Hooray! They're a bit damaged, though, but can be sorted out with some new transfers.
A Farish Mk 1 of the window insert variety with the inserts removed
I've also now managed to secure some more Farish Mk 1's of the window insert variety and currently have 12 of these. That means that I now have enough to begin work on converting some carriages to a 4-CEP. I'll be making an order today to Taylor Precision Models for a 4-CEP conversion kit, some 3rd rail pickups, some SR EMU headlights and some buffers. Once these arrive, I'll begin work on conversion. I still need the underframe detail, a motor and the bogie sideframes plus I am also thinking of painting the coach sides. Keep an eye on this page for updates.
The 4-CEP conversion kit has now arrived and I will record the building of it on the following page:-
:: Building a TPM 4-CEP conversion kit
and there is a page devoted to the assembly of the Commonwealth bogie kits needed for the completion of the 4-CEP:-
:: Taylor Precision Models Commonwealth Bogies
As with most aspects of this project, there is a forum devoted to this subject on the site's forum. I've added a link below should you be interested.
