The origin of
this large Gauge 2 coach is unknown although it appears very
similar to one described for 2 1/2" Gauge by Henry Greenly
in the April, 1919 edition of M, R & L. At this time he
had split with Bassett Lowke and was working with WH Jubb,
who was supplying parts to coach constructors based on
Greenly's 'Rebated Panel' system. The April article was to
be followed with a part 2 describing the running gear, but
since this was the last edition of M,R & L to be
published I don't know if that second article that ever
appeared.
It's not clear (yet) if this magnificent model is built using Greenly's patented 'Rebated Panel' system because it's so finely made that the construction is not visible. What is clear is that the coach is oversize for Gauge 2, just like the 'Toplight' coaches, and that the height of the side panels matches the Gauge 3 drawing provided by Greenly. It runs on superb cast frame 6 wheel bogies with working leaf springs. At some point someone has crudely drilled oil holes in the axlebox covers, so it's clear that this model has been used in anger!
This is Greenly's 1919 drawing, which shows a similar, but not the same, coach.
The roof is interesting because it is metal, and might be a casting, with the interior ceiling mouldings cast in! The coach has a detailed interior, but the furniture is undersize and might be made from Doll's House fittings.
Whatever it's history, this coach is a wonderful example of the very best work being done in the 'Golden Age'. The owner must have had substantial resources, because the length of the 3 link chain couplings restrains the coach to a far wider radius of curve that the 10' on my layout!
It remains to be seen what work should be carried out on this model. The windows are made of cellulose film stock and are not only distorted but opaque. Replacing these will allow the interior to be seen clearly.
Here it is with 'Abergavenny' on 20th November 2021, the occasion of what must be it's first trip along Gauge 2 rails in living memory. Needless to say, it rides beautifully!
In gauge 2, everything is a first. Here's the first Gauge 2 Pullman train this century!
It's not clear (yet) if this magnificent model is built using Greenly's patented 'Rebated Panel' system because it's so finely made that the construction is not visible. What is clear is that the coach is oversize for Gauge 2, just like the 'Toplight' coaches, and that the height of the side panels matches the Gauge 3 drawing provided by Greenly. It runs on superb cast frame 6 wheel bogies with working leaf springs. At some point someone has crudely drilled oil holes in the axlebox covers, so it's clear that this model has been used in anger!
This is Greenly's 1919 drawing, which shows a similar, but not the same, coach.
The roof is interesting because it is metal, and might be a casting, with the interior ceiling mouldings cast in! The coach has a detailed interior, but the furniture is undersize and might be made from Doll's House fittings.
Whatever it's history, this coach is a wonderful example of the very best work being done in the 'Golden Age'. The owner must have had substantial resources, because the length of the 3 link chain couplings restrains the coach to a far wider radius of curve that the 10' on my layout!
It remains to be seen what work should be carried out on this model. The windows are made of cellulose film stock and are not only distorted but opaque. Replacing these will allow the interior to be seen clearly.
Here it is with 'Abergavenny' on 20th November 2021, the occasion of what must be it's first trip along Gauge 2 rails in living memory. Needless to say, it rides beautifully!
In gauge 2, everything is a first. Here's the first Gauge 2 Pullman train this century!