What's in the shops
SPONSORED BY
Graham Farish N gauge auto-trailer A new N gauge tooling of the popular Hawksworth auto-trailer is described by Nigel Burkin.
F
ollowing up on the recent release of Bachmann’s Hawksworth auto-trailer model come three different versions of a completely new N gauge tooling for the same type of auto-trailer, to be sold under the Graham Farish label. The BR unlined crimsonliveried model representing No. W237W (374-611) is featured in this edition of What’s in the Shops. Both the OO and N gauge models are lovely replicas of the 25 auto-trailers (also called autocoaches) that were constructed at Swindon in 1951 (Nos. 220-234) and 1954 (Nos. 235-245) by BR and not the GWR. As reported in the issue 3 review of the OO gauge model, the 1950s BR-built auto-trailers were required to replace life-expired vehicles still plying their trade over much of the former GWR system. When compared with GWRbuilt vehicles, the ‘modernised’ BR version of the Hawksworth trailer design retained the distinctive bow-ended shape of the vehicle ends but with smoother sides and changed
passenger saloon windows compared with earlier builds. Auto-trailers were used with locomotives specially adapted with the electrical connections, control rod and flexible couplings required to drive the locomotive from the cab of the auto-trailer when propelling. Auto-working was an efficient way of providing passenger workings over branch lines by avoiding the need to run a locomotive around its train at the terminus. Two or more autotrailers (of any GWR diagram) could be marshalled on either side of the locomotive to increase seating capacity. The trio of N gauge models are finished in different liveries compared with the recent OO gauge releases: The attractive but apparently erroneous (on the part of Swindon Works, not Graham Farish) BR carmine and cream livery applied to the 1951 batch of saloons is represented (374-610) together with lined BR maroon (374-611). The model described in this article carries the originally correct (as far as BR (WR) management was
A side view of No. W237W with the driving cab to the right of the picture.
12
|
May 2017
concerned) unlined crimson livery (374-612) associated with secondary passenger services. The GWR chocolate and cream scheme, as applied by heritage railways to some preserved saloons, is not represented this time round. Auto-fitted locomotives include the iconic ‘pannier tank’ locomotives of the 54xx and 64xx Class and to go with the trailers, Bachmann offers two suitable models of 64xx Class locomotives decorated in BR livery in its range including No. 6417 finished in BR black (371-986) and lined BR green as No. 6412 (371-987). Bodyshell In common with up-to-date toolings from Graham Farish, the new tooling for the autotrailer is particularly refined in appearance, faithfully capturing the character of bow-ended Hawksworth auto-trailers. Attention must be drawn to the fine roof detail; body side panelling; grab rails and cab front detail. Detailing of the nicely proportioned bodyshell
Model details:
Hawksworth (BR) 1951 and 1954 GWR auto-trailer coaches.
Manufacturer:
Bachmann Europe Plc under its Graham Farish label.
Scale:
2mm (1:148) scale, N gauge. Runs on 9mm gauge track.
Era:
1951 to early 1960s.
Web:
www.bachmann.co.uk
Suggested retail price: £34.95.
is enhanced with a separate warning bell fitted to the cab front and entrance door handrails made from wire. The body moulding is designed so the saloon windows appear to be fitted to thin steel sides as would be the case with the full-size saloons.