Accucraft April News

Gauge 1 RCH Seven Plank Wagons in 1:32 scale

Ever since we announced that we intended to make a range of Gauge 1 locomotives we have frequently been asked about rolling stock to go with them. We are pleased to say that we have approved production (for delivery this summer) of the archetypal Railway Clearing House seven plank wagon. Based on the 1923 RCH design, our wagon represents a type that was built by the tens of thousands, many of them for private owners.

The Railway Clearing House, originally set up by the railway companies to handle charges for vehicles used on another company’s line, introduced standard minimum specifications for private owner wagons. The RCH 12 ton design was the most numerous design of coal wagon built in the UK after 1923. A rugged and simple design employing standard RCH fittings throughout and originally they had to be built with seven side planks. Various configurations of side doors, end door and bottom doors were permitted, but the weight of the unladen wagon was not to be above 7 tons 5 cwt. Oil lubrication and brakes on both sides were mandatory. The main line railway companies adopted RCH fittings for many of their own designs, and the LMS and LNER adopted the RCH 1923 mineral wagon as their standard.

Initially we will be offering the wagon in the liveries of the ‘Big Four’ and in BR grey and Bauxite and will be encouraging our dealers to commission private owners in liveries pertinent to their location or personal whim! We are bringing these wagons to the market with a UK RRP of £70.00 each.  The model has a moulded plastic body with cast metal running gear, sprung buffers and sprung coupling hook.  You can see full details of the wagon and choices of livery here.

‘Ragleths’ now in stock for the Spring

We have just received a batch of ‘Ragleths’.  These models feature the revised side tank shape which allows more room for fitting radio control.  Available in four colours – contact your local retailer now!

National Garden Railway Show – Peterborough 11th April 2015

As ever, we will be supporting the 16mm Show at the Peterborough Arena, bringing a full stand to showcase many of the new models due this year.  We will be bringing at least one brand new production sample that has not yet had a public debut.  Drop by and say hello.

The Accucraft stand at last year’s National Garden Railway Show

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