Live from 'Ally Pally' show: Autocoach promised for 'OO'

Model manufacturer, Dapol has announced a new RTR model for OO gauge at the London Festival of Railway Modelling, this weekend. 

Its new model is based on the six coaches numbered 36 to 41 constructed during 1907 under Lot 1126 to Diagram ‘N ’. All were built new as driving trailers and not later conversions from old steam rail motors.

Models are presently in tooling, with the manufacturer awaiting first shots. Models are expected in Q1, 2024, and are expected to carry an RRP of £80.00 DCC ready, £115.00 DCC fitted and £195.00 DCC sound-fitted.

The autocoaches were used on branch lines from Cornwall to Wales and retained their gas lighting until withdrawn, the first in 1956, the last in November 1957. Number 38 is preserved on the Telford Steam Railway.

The Dapol OO gauge autocoach is to feature:

• Finely moulded bogie frames with NEM profile wheels
• Detailed body with many separately added parts
• Sprung metal buffers
• Removable roof for easy insertion of crew and passengers
• A choice of liveries
• Working interior lights
• DCC and DCC sound-fitted option available

Seven liveries are proposed in this first batch of the models, carrying the following guises:

• (4P-004-001) Autocoach GWR 37 lined crimson lake
• (4P-004-002) Autocoach GWR 40 lined chocolate & cream
• (4P-004-003) Autocoach GWR twin cities crest 41 chocolate & cream
• (4P-004-004) Autocoach GWR shirt button 39 chocolate & cream
• (4P-004-005) Autocoach BR W37W carmine & cream
• (4P-004-006) Autocoach BR W36 crimson
• (4P-004-007) Autocoach BR W38 maroon

Dapol has shared the following CAD images of its newly-designed model with us...

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