5″ GWR Railcar

This is a 5″ gauge GWR railcar – a rare prototype to be modelled – with all steel construction for the body and chassis.

The model is in working condition, running both forwards and backwards. Two Lucas 12V batteries are fitted giving power to 4x motors. There is an ancilliary 12V battery for the two-tone horn which could be modifiod to utilise a sound system with speaker. The motors drive to nylon gears on the back of the wheels – quite standard for 5” gauge battery locos and there are four motors which means all axles are driven.

The wiring is simple enough with a 4QD type contoller (Mk3 we beleive) with acompanying handset – we find the 4QD handsets (when wired in correctly) to be both reliable and safe as the throttle is sprung loaded. We cannot see a main fuse to protect the controller so we would recommended this change to the wiring loom. There is a Key switch located on rear buffer beam alongside the controller handset socket.

The model’s Detail is very nice around the bodywork with additional details on the bogie frames which add to the overall effect. Paint finish on the BR(W) Crimson livery is good with only a a few minor dints where the body lifts off around buffer beam. Numbers and PARCELS EXPRESS applied in gold and black vinyl are quite striking. Another thing to note is the  buffers are fitted directly to the body on this model to facilitite the lower cowling. Front screw coupling and painted lights to good effect. It only remains to say that if this was a 7 1/4″ model it would be added to the Little Western stable and not be listed for sale at all!