S&DR Smoking Carriage model
Stockton & Darlington Railway Smoking Carriage
S&DR Garter Crest Transfers close up

Stockton & Darlington Railway Smoking Carriage

We have developed this 1:43 scale O gauge multi-media kit because we wanted to create a detailed model of the Stockton & Darlington Railway Smoking Carriage.  The kit comprises precision laser cut quality plywood body and chassis complete with fold up etched brass sprung ‘W’ iron suspension.  Lost wax, white metal and 3D printed parts included adds beautifully accurate detail and extra weight to the carriage.  We designed the bodyside to be strong and detailed.  They comprise four layers of ply designed to accurately laminate together to create a rigid body. One layer allows cast acrylic coach glazing to slot inside – no super glue required! Similarly the roof uses flexible plywood layers to allow it to form a the correct profile in stable form.  The kit also includes correct pattern Kitson wheels, couplings, buffers, etc to create a beautifully accurate model that is fairly simple to assemble.

With the exception of woodstain and varnish everything is included to build the complete model.  We have worked hard for you and include a specially designed waterslide transfer sheet suitable for this carriage plus pre-1899 North Eastern Railway sans serif liveries.

See below for further details and prototype information.

Price range: 175,00 £ through 375,00 £

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
In 1871 the Stockton & Darlington Railway constructed two Smoking Carriages for use on the Stainmore line. They were constructed after the NER absorbed the S&D so carried the later style S&D / NER garter crest.  One was numbered 221; the other coach number is unknown but was probably 222. Both carriages had an attractive varnished teak livery with gold lining. Distinctive “SMOKING CARRIAGE” lettering and oil lamps are unique to these vehicles.

The S&D operated independently to the NER until the death of its Railway Superintendent Thomas Bouch in 1876.  After this date it was finally absorbed into the North Eastern Railway.  The carriages probably continued to run in teak livery until shopped and re-painted in NER crimson lake livery renumbered as 1660 and 1661.

Photographic evidence shows that the NER rebuilt at least one carriage into a six-wheeled vehicle.  The other was extended, mounted on bogies and had the original windows squared off removing the carriage’s distinctive S&D look. Interestingly it was used as an officer’s saloon and notably still survives today. You will probably recognise it as ‘The Old Gentleman’s Saloon’ from the Railway Children film.

We are pleased to offer a kit of these nice vehicles in their the original four-wheeled design. Other carriages are being introduced to allow us to recreate a complete rake.

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