Oxford Rail 'Stobart' Mk.3 - they're here!

Arriving with model shops over the next few weeks are models of Oxford Rail's Mk. 3a coaches in Stobart Rail's blue, with white doors and large lettering and arrows. We'll be reviewing the models in the July issue of BRM, on-sale June 20, but in the meantime, here's a brief first look...

The Stobart Mk. 3s commenced service in this livery in 2008 as part of the Stobart Pullman, though their ownership remained under Direct Rail Services, with motive power being provided by Class 47s from the same company. Class 47/8 locomotives 47802/832, Class 47/7s 47709/712 and 47501 have been photographed hauling the train. 

The Stobart Pullman comprised primarily rail tour charter trains, on circular dining trips and the regular scenic railtour routes, and also trips to specific attractions, and to specific cultural and sporting events, such as Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot, and the 2008 Open Golf tournament. The Pullman was also used for private hire and corporate transport. The Pullman was operated as a fully first-class silver service dining train, with catering provided by Premier Train Catering. Typical train formations used on the charters are: DRS Class 47, DRS Mk. 3 FO (x2), DRS Mk. 1 buffet, DRS Mk. 3 FO (x3), DRS Mk. 1 buffet, DRS Mk. 3 FO, DRS Mk. 3 FO, DRS Mk. 2 brake, DRS Class 47.

DRS 47712 approaches Offord D'Arcy, to the south of Huntingdon, on a Stobart Pullman London King's Cross to Harrogate. Note the two Mk.1 coaches amongst the rake of Mk.3s. Ian Leech

Stobart Rail's Pullman coach emblem which is applied four times down the side of each coach and harks back to the glory days of British Pullman travel.

Oxford Rail's model has been available in BR Blue/Grey and Intercity Executive liveries, though announced in January 2017 were Stobart Rail and ScotRail liveries. Paint finish on this Stobart-liveried example is superb, with sharp accurate lines between the colours. Notoriously difficult to achieve, the orange cantrail stripe sits on the satin black of the roof very well with a good depth. Direct Rail Services emblems with 'DRS Compasses' are well-observed, yellow steps underneath the doors are eye-catching, but equally satisfying to see. These are eye-catching coaches, and the livery is almost as loud as some of the exhibition trains which under British Rail. Between every other window, at passenger eye level sits the Stobart Pullman emblem. This is captured on the model using many colours, with the Pullman lettering picked out in gold. I feel the orange door lights appear a little flat on the model, though these clear orange lenses are notoriously difficult to capture effectively.

 

 

Beneath the body, disc brakes are very realistic, with the right metallic sheen and detail, whilst access panels are lettered from A to J around the underframe.

Coach ends are well-captured too, with airbrake pipes supplied to fit into holes. Don't miss the full review in next month's issue of the magazine.