This page last updated October 7th 2008

London Chatham & Dover Railway / Selsey Tramway 6 wheel coach

7mm (1:43.5) & 4mm (1:43.5) scale

Photo: Photomatic (Wholesale) Ltd.

This Steam And Things kit is for a 6-wheel coach that was originally built by the London Chatham and Dover Railway. The coaches went over to The (Hundred of Manhood and) Selsey Tramways (by that time The West Sussex Railway) about 1931/1932. This is the main thrust of our kit. On "The Selsey" they were the final "working" passenger stock that did not rot away in siding. They were used to the bitter end, being scrapped in 1935. There were two coaches, a 5-compartment and a 4 compartment / brake.

The coaches were run in the vendor's livery (the Southern Railway) complete with original running numbers. Only the word "SOUTHERN" was overpainted with "WEST SUSSEX".

For LC&DR fans we have the following information: in that these coaches are of standard LC&DR design stockto the "Old Standard" and built in the mid to late 1880s. The carriages were 30ftx8ft. Initially when built the coaches were fitted with Westinghouse gear and oil lit. Vacuum brakes and electric lighting were fitted by the SE&CR and some vehicles were fitted with electric lighting. By 1938 most,vehicles had been withdrawn, with a small number going to the Isle of Wight after 1923 (being rebuilt as 4 wheelers).

LC&DR fans should note that we have a series of drawings in our possession for a number of different coaches, and we would be happy to consider producing kits for these as well.

As stated above on "The Selsey" there were 2 types :- 5 compartment 3rd 30ftx8ft and a 4 compartment / brake composite, again 30ftx8ft. The side duckets on the latter were removed by the Southern Railway.


Drawing: S&T Copyright - 5 compartment 3rd


Drawing: S&T Copyright - 4 compartment 3rd / brake

Both 7mm and 4mm can now be "ordered", by placing firm expressions of interest
Click to see photos of the test etches

Provisional specifications:

7mm kit specification:

  • Etched brass in 0.3mm (12thou) and 0.5mm (20thou)
  • Castings supplied for buffers, door vents,oil lamps, torpedo vents, brake shoes
  • Castings for springs,axle box, W-iron assemblies correct design, 6 and 7 foot springs (3rd / 1st class!)
  • T-door and grab handles in brass
  • 3-link couplings (our own product) are also included, as is wire (3 sizes), nuts, bolts and screws
  • The option of using a rocking W-iron is also included, the rocking W-iron being a product of ours
  • Decals, of our own production, for the West Sussex Railway
  • Internal detailing - this is in the form of simple etches and includes seating
  • Comprehensive instructions with drawings and photographs of the prototype are included, including on CD

    • 4mm kit specification:
    The 4mm kit is designed and supplied to the same high standard: it is modified art-work reduction kit, due to the low market potential (therefore they may be a drop out of some very small items):

  • Etched brass in 0.3mm (12thou)
  • Castings supplied for buffers, W-iron springs (7 or 6ft), oil boxes, door vents and lamp tops
  • Buffers include turned steel heads
  • Modeller can use castings as is or modify to suit
  • Decals, of our own production, for the West Sussex Railway
  • Internal detailing - in the form of partitions
  • Other etched detailing parts such as 3-link couplings, brake shoes, end steps
  • W-irons fixed and / or rocking (compensated)
  • Comprehensive instructions with drawings and photographs of the prototype are included, including on CD

    • Kit prices as follows:

  • 7mm Scale £115.00; A$287.50
  • 4mm Scale £41.00; A$102.50
  • Prices include air mail; sea reduction available
  • Full terms and conditions click

    • LCDR modellers, please note:
    We will consider additional parts and transfers to make up models for the LCDR, at a nominal cost. LCDR modellers will need to advise what they require after inspection of a kit. Both 7mm and 4mm will be considered, and in both cases will depend upon guaranteed sales.