Accurascale announce a new range of MR Mk2b coaches.

Contributed by: Graham Muspratt

26 Aug 2021 00:00am

Accurascale have announced the latest addition to their range of rolling stock, the Mk.2b series of coaches. The Mark 2b is one of several 'missing link' sub classes that has never been produced in high quality form in 4mm scale.



Built at Litchurch Lane, Derby, during 1969, 111 vehicles were built for British Rail to three designs; Tourist Second Open (TSO), Corridor First (FK) and Brake Corridor First (BFK). A further eight examples were constructed for Northern Ireland Railways for its new 'Enterprise' service between Belfast and Dublin, this landmark service featuring a range of bespoke vehicles that were quite unlike anything then in operation on BR.
The Mk.2b was the third iteration of the Swindon-designed 'integrally constructed' Mk.2 and it saw a number of design changes that resulted in a much more modern appearance over the earlier variants. While the underframe was basically unchanged, the body was lengthened by several inches to provide additional space for planned air-condition upgrades.The comprehensive range that makes up the first run of Accurascale Mk.2b coaches represents a significant investment in this vehicle family, long considered one of the 'missing links' of classic BR corporate era rolling stock. The lack of Mk.2b has long been a significant impediment to the accurate modelling of Western Region and London & South Western loco-passenger trains, with the 'Westerns' in their latter years and Class 50s being particularly synonymous with these coaches.

The Accurascale Mk.2b have been lovingly researched and designed based on surveys of numerous surviving vehicles around the UK along with works drawings and even a partial 3D scan to ensure that the characteristic tumblehome and shape of the ends is as accurate as possible. The survey extended to the interiors with particular attention being paid to the iconic winged headrests - each a separate part - that are such a feature of the first and second class seating throughout the early Mk.2s. A variety of running numbers in both BR blue/grey, Network Southeast and Provincial liveries will make up the first run.

Specification
Common Features:
Highly-detailed OO Gauge / 1:76.2 Scale Models on 16.5mm track
Extremely fine exterior rivet detail on roof and coach ends
Separately-applied etched metal and high-fidelity plastic parts, including handrails, brake/steam heat pipes, ETH cabling and sockets, footsteps, dummy drophead knuckle coupler, and roof vents
Prism Free Glazing
Pre-painted/printed Western Region destination boards and holders plus water filler covers provided for customer to install
Fully-detailed underframe with numerous separate parts, pipe runs and accurate differences between versions
The most accurate B4 and B5 bogies ever produced, with provision for re-gauging to EM or P4 (British 18.83mm) gauges
Blackened RP25.110 profile wheel-sets with 14.4mm back-to-back measurements, and 26mm over pinpoints
Different buffers for retracted and non-retracted positions
Accurate interiors with characteristic 'winged' headrests, separate metal interior handrails on the brake and corridor vehicles and fully-detailed guard's compartment
Full lighting package, including magnet 'wand' controlled interior lighting with 'Stay-Alive' capacitor in all coaches and directional lighting with DC or DCC control (Driving Trailer only)
Minimum Radius 438mm (2nd Radius Set-track)
Correct height NEM standard coupling sockets with mini tension lock couplers and kinematic close-coupling

To view the initial range and pre-order the Accurascale Mk2b coach range click here>>>

Delivery is slated for Q3/Q4 2022

Subject to alteration.

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