Bachmann announce as part of its EFE Rail range, all-new OO scale models of the Newton Chambers Car Carriers.

Contributed by: Graham Muspratt

19 Jun 2023 00:00am

These double-deck bogie vehicles were built by Newton, Chambers & Co. in 1961 and were delivered to British Railways’ Eastern Region. A total of 14 vehicles were built to carry six cars each: two in a well between the bogies and four on the upper deck up.

Although usually employed on Anglo Scottish trains, these vehicles were built and registered to UIC standards allowing them to work on train ferry services to the continent. Built with through steam heat pipes and vacuum brakes, by the mid-1970s several had been fitted with through ETH and all had been so fitted by the early-1980s, when Mk3 Sleeping Coaches were introduced. Outshopped in BR Lined Maroon livery with ‘Eastern Region Car Transporter’ lettering, the introduction of ‘Motorail’ services in 1966 saw them repainted into BR’s corporate Blue & Grey scheme with ‘Motorail’ branding applied.

Originally coded TCV for ‘Two-Tier Motor Car Van’, under TOPS they later became NVV when fitted with vacuum brakes and NVX once dual-fitted with vacuum and air brakes. Withdrawals commenced during the 1980s and all had gone by the end of the decade.

The EFE Rail model captures the distinct character of these vehicles, with finely-moulded panel lines throughout the model and accurate end detailing. The bogies, with their unique 6ft 9in. wheelbase, are something to behold; capturing the relief of the axleboxes and spring leaf suspension, with full brake gear push/pull rods and safety loops fitted separately between the frames. Pinpoint metal wheels ensure smooth running whilst the tension lock coupling is mounted via NEM socket which is mounted on a close-coupling mechanism built into the vehicle’s floor. Two buffer beam arrangements are catered for in these initial releases, depicting the vehicles as built with vacuum brakes and through-piped for steam heating, or in later operation when dual braked and fitted for through-ETH.

Available as individual models, allowing authentic train formations to be created as desired, these EFE Rail models are now in production with delivery expected towards the end of 2023. Eight models are being produced, click below to pre-order:
E86003 Newton Chambers Car Carrier BR Maroon E96293E
E86004 Newton Chambers Car Carrier BR Maroon E96294E
E86005 Newton Chambers Car Carrier BR Maroon [W] E96296E
E86006 Newton Chambers Car Carrier BR Maroon [W] E96297E
E86007 Newton Chambers Car Carrier BR Blue & Grey E96291E
E86008 Newton Chambers Car Carrier BR Blue & Grey E96294E
E86009 Newton Chambers Car Carrier BR Blue & Grey [W] E96298E
E86010 Newton Chambers Car Carrier BR Blue & Grey [W] E96299E

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