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R3

RB002

RB004

Class 139 Parry People Mover

Class 140 Pacer Prototype

Class 141 Pacer

Class 142 Pacer

Class 143 Pacer

Class 144 Pacer

Class 150 Sprinter

Class 151 Met-Cam Prototype

Class 153 Single car

Class 154 Sprinter

Class 155 Super Sprinter

Class 156 Super Sprinter

Class 158 Express

Class 159 South Western Turbo

Class 165 Networker Turbo

Class 166 Networker Turbo

Class 168 Clubman

Class 170 Turbostar

Class 171 Turbostar

Class 172 Turbostar

Class 175 Coradia

Class 180 Adelante

Class 185 Desiro

As a development of the Railbus concept using Leyland National bus parts, the single Class 140 unit was built in 1980. Concern over the end loading crash worthiness led to different cabs being used and the unit was much heavier than previous prototypes. The Class 140 was the basis for the later Class 141 and Class 142 Pacer units. 140 001 still survives preserved at the Keith & Dufftown Railway.

MTK offered a white metal kit of this unit in the 1980's. MTK was acquired by No Nonsense Kits and subsequently Phoenix-Precision, who were still offering the kit until recently. My version came from Phoenix-Precision and is currently being built.

Class 140 parts for one car (other car identical)

Having received the kit, it brought back fond memories of constructing MTK kits in the 1980's! The castings a a little rough in places, but all the details are there. The driving cabs are actually quite good with the window rivet detail visible. It should make up into a reasonable model.

Various motorising options are available, all based on the Airfix/Dapol Park Royal railbus. These are Branchlines, M. G. Sharp and High Level Kits. Having had good results with High Level, I will opt for the High Level Kits option with the 36:1 gearing and he non-powered dummy for the trailing car.

Rough assembly of Body

Having assembled both car bodies, I am able to see what needs to be made good. As usual with MTK, or ex-MTK kits, a fair amount of fettling and filling are needed. I am also going to fit working head and tail lights to the model as it will be DCC fitted.

Further information was needed on light configuration and wheel diameter. Fortunately, Rod Furr and Michael Langford of the Keith & Dufftown Railway (thanks Rod and Michael), where the real 140 001 is undergoing restoration, came to my aid. The wheels are 2ft 9in diameter, so I will be using some Black Beetle 11mm wheels. The lights are, left to right, white marker, red tail light, white headlight, red tail light, white marker. Either left or right tail light can be on, but not both! I'll use some tower led's for this.

The High Level Motor Unit and Non-powered axle

Body mounted on working chassis