Steve Johnson Modelmaker
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BR Locomotives
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Class 309/AM9 The AM9/Class 309 EMU's were used on the GE main line between Liverpool Street and Clacton and Walton. Based on a BR Mk.I carriage, they featured end corridor connections and wrap round windows. I always thought they looked quite smart, especially in the original maroon livery. Built in three versions, there were two car units and two four car sets, one of which had a Buffet Car. I came across an eBay listing for some cast resin cab ends, pantograph car roof well and underfloor equipment. So, I bought them and thought I'd have a go at a four car set. Worsley Works supply etched sides, so all that is really needed are some donor Mk.I's and a motor bogie.
Class 309 Cast Resin Cabs There is a little more to it than that of course. The real AM9's had Commonwealth Bogies, which added to their particularly smooth ride at speed. Fortunately, Bachmann and Replica Railways supply them as spares, or I could use the Southern Pride or MJT parts.
Class 309 Etches (awaiting Griddle Car!) The Griddle Car etches finally arrived after an 11 month delay and construction has commenced! I chose to use Southern Pride's roof Mk.I roof and corridor end mouldings. The picture below shows a rough assembly of those parts, etched sides and cab ends.
The chassis I chose to use were supplied by Replica Railways, which are very good value for money! In addition, Replica Railways Commonwealth bogie kits (a direct fit to the chassis), fitted with Hornby 14mm wheels. R8218 was used as these are metal wheels insulated on one side. This enables me to use DCC Concepts pick up springs on the axles to collect power for carriage lighting, headcodes, tail lights etc. Replica Railways metal weights are fitted to the underframes. The underframes come complete with detail, but there are a few extras to add, this being an EMU. The trailer cars have air tanks for the brakes and the Motor Car has all the electrical control gear. The Motor Car also carries the pantograph, a Stone-Faiveley AMBR type, in a well above the brake end. The pantograph used is a Sommerfeldt 968 SNCF type pantograph. Although HO scale, it's the nearest I can get. This meant that part of the roof had to be cut away and the resin cast well inserted. Brittania Pacific Models make a RTR model of this class in various liveries. Worsley Works supply etched brass sides. |