Great Western Overhead Line Electrification from N Brass Locos

N Brass Locos has introduced a new range of modular etched brass kits with sufficient components to enable the majority of types seen across the Western Region to be modelled. 

Portals are available in a variety of 'pitches' and spans, in a choice of 'hex' or 'ladder' beam construction styles. Cantilever supports, and register arms in extended or 'tucked under' formats are available, too, allowing modellers to select application-specific components to model a particular stretch of line.

Nick Tilston, proprietor of N Brass Locos has developed the range with a focus on detail, for which etched components are renowned. 

The new range from the manufacturer, with current pricing is as follows:

• Portal with ladder beam 6.8 pitch to span two tracks: £4.60. Pack contains Portal beam and a pair of portal legs
• Portal with ladder beam 6.8 pitch to span three tracks: £4.80. Pack contains Portal beam and a pair of portal legs
• Portal with ladder beam 6.8 pitch to span four tracks: £5.00. Pack contains Portal beam and a pair of portal legs
• Portal with 'hex' beam 3.4 pitch to span two tracks: £4.80. Pack contains Portal beam and a pair of portal legs
• Portal with 'hex' beam 4.8 pitch to span two tracks: £5.00. Pack contains Portal beam and a pair of portal legs
• Cantilever support with ladder beam 6.8 pitch to span two tracks: £5.00. Pack contains two supports
• Cantilever support with ladder beam 4.8 pitch to span one track: £5.00. Pack contains two supports
• Register arm extended: £4.40
• Register arm tucked under: £4.40

A cantilever support, 3.4 pitch hex beam to span two tracks, and 6.8 pitch ladder beam to span three tracks, assembled with a minimum of solder.

Beams and legs are cut from the fret with tin snips, and folded around a 3mm square brass bar former, also supplied by the manufacturer. We'd recommend soldering components together for strength, though some users might wish to use epoxy adhesives, applied neatly, instead.

IET overhead cables, now modellable in 2mm:1ft scale. GWR

When modelling overhead line electrification (OHLE) we'd recommend consulting photographs for accuracy and to better understand how components are used when passing under bridges, through tunnels, or spaces where full gantry width isn't available. 

For further details on this range, visit the N Brass Locos website.

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