Accucraft UK Ltd
Following a lengthy gestation period, ‘Peveril’ is on the way, an electric ‘Caledonia’ is racking up the miles in Northumberland, more W.D. Baldwins are in production and we have news of the lovely Southern Pacific 4-6-0 that Accucraft (US) has recently released.
‘PEVERIL’ – LIVE STEAM AND ELECTRIC
Following fine tuning of the pre-production sample we are pleased to say that we have given the go-ahead for a run of both live steam and electric versions of this attractive Isle of Man 2-4-0T. This batch is being produced in Indian red only and should be available at your local retailer in February or March at an RRP of £1175.00 for the live steam loco and £895.00 for the electric version. Reserve yours now to avoid missing out. You can see the full specification here.
The Isle of Man Railway favoured locos built by Beyer Peacock with a 2-4-0 wheel arrangement. No 6, ‘Peveril’ was built in 1874 and carried the standard Beyer Peacock characteristics – the outside framed bogie, the lack of a bunker behind the cab and the angled cylinders. Like most of them, ‘Peveril’ has its number in brass numerals on the chimney. She was withdrawn from service in 1960 and was stored for several years together with No. 5 “Mona” in Douglas carriage shed. She was cosmetically restored by members of the Isle Of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association in 1994 and is now resident in the railway museum at Port Erin carrying the Indian red livery of the post-war years.
‘CALEDONIA’ AT BARTER BOOKS, ALNWICK
This may be one of the most unusual railways running Accucraft locomotives and rolling stock! Established by Mary and Stuart Manley, Barter Books in Alnwick is one of the most eclectic second-hand book shops in the UK. The business is housed in Alnwick’s beautiful railway station designed by William Bell in 1887. At 32,000 sq. ft, the building is one of remarkable size and grandeur for a small market town. This is because, as seat of the Dukes of Northumberland, an imposing railway station was deemed necessary in the 19th century to impress visiting royalty. The branchline, itself, however, was closed in 1968 with the notorious Beeching cuts.
The shop has many features, open fires in the winter, coffee and cookies, a mini-cybercafé (well, two computers!), generous seating, a children’s room with enough toys to allow parents and grandparents to browse elsewhere in peace, a whole huge room lined with glass cases containing many of the more interesting antiquarian books. In addition to all this,there is a G scale model railway acting as a link between the book columns of the central room, round which now trundles an Accucraft ‘Caledonia’ and Isle of Man coaches!
‘Caledonia’ and Accucraft coaches crosses a bridge in front of a mural of famous writers
David Champion, who works at Barter Books, said, “Could this be Britain’s hardest working G scale railway? There are 3 circuits which operate 10 hours a day contionuously in Summer, and 8 hours a day continuously in winter – and the only day they get off is Christmas Day! Rails have to be changed every 18 months when the head of the rail gets worn off due to the constant traffic. ‘Caledonia’ and her train are on the main circuit and travel 9 actual miles per day, (approx.200 scale miles), and she has already clocked up well over 300 actual miles without a hitch, indeed she has settled into her new task running increasingly sweetly.” David, founder of the A1 Steam Trust, is the happy owner of several Accucraft live steamers including his favourite, the 3 -cylinder Shay, which run on his private 175 yard long woodland railway in Northumberland.
Why not drop in to Barter Books? Have a browse and watch the trains go by….
W.D. BALDWINS – AN UPDATE
In view of healthy demand for these popular locomotives we are bringing production of the next batch forward and anticipate getting them to our dealers by March. Quite a number of this batch has been pre-ordered and there may not be much free stock when the consignment arrives. We have held the RRP at £1295.00 – book yours now! More details of the model can be found here. Remember that these engines are not gauge-adjustable and need to be ordered according to your line’s requirements. Watch out for the review in “Garden Rail”!
The ever popular W.D. Baldwin will be available again in early 2012
SOUTHERN PACIFIC 4-6-0 #8 & #9
While on the subject of Balwin 4-6-0’s, here’s another! These attractive little 3′ gauge ten-wheelers were built by Baldwin in 1907 for the Nevada, California and Oregon Railroad and acquired by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1929. The SP rebuilt them for oil-firing and used them in its 3′ gauge network on short lines such as the Owens Valley line and two have been preserved. Accucraft (US) made a limited production run of the SP 4-6-0 in 1:20.3 scale and 45mm gauge in live steam. The chassis is constructed from brass and stainless steel. All valve gear, drive rods, and wheels are machined from stainless steel. Like other fine products from Accucraft, these models will be meticulously hand-crafted. Full details of the model can be seen here. The live steam version is available for a very reasonable RRP of £2660.00 but the batch is nearly sold out – make your reservation today! The model is also available in electric power form at an RRP of £2375.00.
