This page last updated August 5th 2008

London Chatham & Dover Railway / Selsey Tramway 4 wheel coach

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

Photo: S&T collection

This Steam And Things kit is for a 4-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 about 1921, and this is the main thrust of the kit. On "The Selsey" they were put to good use, but then eventually rotted away in a siding (along with a greater proportion of HMST stock) to be finally scrapped about 1935.
For LC&DR fans we have the following information: in that these coaches are of standard LC&DR design stock of the 1870s and 1880s. Before 1880 dimensions were usually 25ftx8ft6ins and after 1880 the size changed to 26ftx8ft. Initially when built the coaches were unbraked, with Westinghouse gear added in the 1890s. In LC&DR days oil lighting was standard. Vacuum brakes were fitted by the SE&CR and some vehicles were fitted with electric lighting. By 1910 - 1925 most vehicles had been withdrawn, with only a small number going through to SR days and renumbered. Some of these were modified for the Canterbury & Whistable line in 1921.
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.

On the Selsey There were 3 types and a total of 4:- 5 compartment 3rd (2 off) 25ftx8ft, 4 compartment 1st and a 2 compartment/ brake composite, 26ftx8ft. The latter was converted from a 4 compartment 1st, with the work being carried out either at the K&ESR or in Selsey.


Drawing: S&T Copyright - 4 compartment 1st


Drawing: S&T Copyright - 2 compartment / composite 3rd brake conversion


Drawing: S&T Copyright - 5 compartment 3rd

Both 7mm and 4mm can now be ordered,
Click to see photos of the test etches and test build of the 7mm scale model (at this stage the 4 compartment first) and a test etch of the 4mm 5 compartment 3rd.

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 HM&ST and WSR
  • 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 HM&ST and WSR
  • 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 £105.00; A$262.50
  • 4mm Scale £38.00; A$95.00
  • 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.