Flexikit - Third Generation .... have your say!

[John Candy]

The first generation Flexikit wagons were (with one exception....the rectangular oil/tar tank) open coal and general merchandise wagons on 16ft 6ins and 17ft 6ins underframes, being a mixture of RCH designs and LMS/LNER group standard wagons.

The second generation (samples of which will be on view at the AGM and available to order from Mike) consists of vans, initially mainly of GNR design but will eventually include a few LNER standard and GCR designs.

I am planning now for a third generation which will be a more "mixed bunch".
All the Flexikits are a "spin-off" of wagons which I wanted for my own collection but it seems sensible that the next batch should also be designs which other people actually want to add to their own collections.

Here is your chance to help me decide!

At the top of my list is the RCH cylindrical oil tank to drawings 74(1907) and 98(1911). Both are carried upon an 18ft timber underframe with the options of a cradle-mounted or saddle-mounted tank. Drawing 74 is a 12 ton wagon, while 98 is a 14 ton wagon with a larger diameter tank.

Next is the 9-plank coal/mineral, a 12ft wheelbase wagon with two drop doors each side.

A GWR type is next on my list, being the all-steel 20 ton coal wagon to diagram N24 (opening ends) and N27 (fixed ends).
There are several permutations which can be easily derived from this design, particularly as the 21ft underframe was common to several "N" diagrams.

There are many other wagons on my "wish list" but I have chosen these three as being of possible wide appeal to others.

Suggestions and comments welcome.

John.

[Traininvain]

Would welcome versions of the RCH cylindrical oil tank wagons with either cradle or saddle mounts. In fact put me down as a definite for 1 of each type please - and probably more depending on price.

Not interested in the others personally speaking.

Ian

[hornbeam]

Would you consider a later period wagon John? I'd like something like the BR grampus for example.

[John Candy]

Simon,

I usually only build models which I want for myself and, if Mike wants to use the moulds, I then give them to him.

A "Grampus" is beyond the era I currently model (the 1930's/40's) but the GWR P19 (as just one example) is a steel ballast wagon similar to the Grampus and lasted well into the BR era.

If there is a "demand" for this model (and by that I mean  a sales potential/advance orders for Mike of a dozen or more) then I would consider producing a Flexikit pattern.

On past experience, there is very little demand for the current Flexikits, which is surprising considering that they cost around 40% of other manufacturers' similar offerings.

John.

[hornbeam]

Hi John,

Thanks interesting to know. I'll send you a PM about it,

[MikeWilliams]

Main problem I see with a new kit from a completely different era is that absolutely everything needs to be new - buffers, axleboxes, maybe couplings ... with consequent extra time and cost.  The expected sales therefore have to be enough to justify that investment, whereas some kits can be introduced with little extra cost.

I have however wondered about a BR 16-ton mineral wagon, some of which used the standard RCH 1923 buffers.  Like the 1923 RCH designs, they SHOULD be popular with modellers, but folk need to be flexible and not say "I would have bought the riveted version" or "I want a 21 tonner" ....  this is not 7mm where you can get almost anything you want!  (for me that's part of the attraction to G3, but that's a different matter!)

Mike
 

[John Candy]

Mike,

The GWR P19 ballast wagon uses RCH 4-rib buffers, standard GW axleboxes and 3-link couplings, all of which are available.
It is 20ft over headstocks, with a 12ft wheelbase.
The only "awkward" bit is the "lifting link" brake gear, which would most probably need to be etched, along with the bump stop springs for the dropsides and suspended steps on the corners.

Interest so far intimated is for 6 to 8 units (subject to pricing).

John

BTW The 16T BR steel mineral is already available as a resin kit from GRS.
Alternative could be LMS D2109 with pressed steel pyramidal shaped end and drop doors (I adapted mine from one of the old-style plastic sheet GRS kits, by casting new resin end and side doors).

[hornbeam]

Like the look of that John!

As John says these are available from GRS I have a couple in the workshop waiting to be started. There not bad kits, apart from the buffers. I also believe they are now only making them available as a set of body castings and chassis, the boulder cutting the plastic themselves. However as I mentioned to you Mike I wish to make a rake of them and don't fancy building ten! However I would buy a rake of GWR ballast wagons instead.

[MikeWilliams]

"I would buy a rake of GWR ballast wagons instead"

Even though John says they only made one?

Mike

[John Candy]

Mike,

There were 100 wagons to dia. P19 (built 1941) and several similar "P" diagram  ballast wagons (with different brake details, etc.) built before and after P19..

My reference to "just one example" was intended to be a reference to P19 being just one example of the GWR ballast wagon genre.

Regards,
John.

[MikeWilliams]

Ah, as in just one diagram - sorry!

I guess after 1948 things were mixed up (maybe), but of all the wagon types, ballast wagons were not common user and only used on the owning companies, weren't they?  i.e. you've cut out 75% of the market before you start.

Mike

[John Candy]

Simon,

If you (or anyone else) want to build the GRS kits as the LMS D2109, I can let Mike have the moulds for the replacement parts.

The buffers and axleboxes/W-irons are RCH standard replacements for the parts in the GRS kit and there are a few mods. required, including  modification of the strengthening "turnover" along the top edge of the sides (there are no "cupboard doors" above the drop doors).

John.

[John Candy]

i.e. you've cut out 75% of the market before you start.

Yes, that is a good point but (if GRS are to be believed) the GWR is the largest "group" market.

The only alternative to satisfy all regions of BR is the "Mermaid" (a side tipping ballast wagon supplied to the GWR in the 1930's from Metro-Cammell) which was a design perpetuated by BR as a "standard".

That would be a challenge to cast in resin!!

John

[hornbeam]

Mike,

If you like the style of the article I put in the news letter on my LGB diesel conversion I'll be happy to review your mink when I build it and maybe send it off to Garden rail. I can't say when this will be as I never have enough time but  would think it will be about April when I start, in fact could be the perfect Easter project.

[MikeWilliams]

That's very kind Hornbeam, thank you.

Mike