27 March 2023
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With the production batch of these models complete and en-route to customers, Andy York takes a first look.
Aside from some rather large bogie open wagons, most bricks had been carried on the network in open wagons with straw to protect the loads. Seeking to improve on this, British Railways introduced ‘Palbrick’ wagons in 1957/8 tailored to the post-war palletisation of such loads.
KR Models first UK wagon portrays the 16T load Palbrick B wagon. With its 10ft wheelbase chassis measuring out with a length 17ft 6in across the headstocks, the wagons could be found across the network often in short cuts within mixed freights and full trains from brickworks to yards.
What we like
The wagons feel quite substantial at 39g thanks to die-cast chassis elements.
The underside is detailed with good representation of the vacuum cylinder and brake linkages, with the brake hangers aligning well for OO gauge wheelsets.
In later life many of the Palbricks saw the removal of the bodysides and floor for carrying steel coils, and as translator wagons including freightliner flats in yards. KR Models is also producing this open style of wagon which will be of interest to those with steel trains.
The wagons are good value for money at £60 for a set of three.
What we noticed
The solid end of the wagon features plank lines to the outside, but not to the inside.
On receipt, each of the wagons had at least one of the triangular end reinforcements loose in the box. These were easily re-inserted but there was no evidence of adhesive used in assembly.
Two of the jack screws and handles were missing from the end of one wagon – more care in assembly would be beneficial.
The bodysides are quite fine – maybe too fine as there is some bowing evident on the sides and solid end of each of the wagons provided for review.
The printing of solebar detail and the numbering on the end panel is tidy, but is missing on one side of one of the review wagons
Most of the issues noted are easily rectified with patience, paint and weathering treatments, aside from the bowing of the sides and end – how much this bothers the buyer is down to individual preference.
Enjoyed this review? Read more of our thoughts on the latest products here.
