Lancaster-Heysham

LBSCR Crystal Palace

LBSCR Coulsdon

LBSCR South London

AM1

AM2/Class 302

AM3/Class 303

AM4/Class 304

AM5/Class 305

AM6/Class 306

AM7/Class 307

AM8/Class 308

AM9/Class 309

AM10/Class 310

AM11/Class 311

Class 312

Class 313

Class 314

Class 315

Class 317

Class 318

Class 319

Class 320

Class 321

Class 322

Class 323

Class 325

Class 331

Class 332

Class 333

Class 334 Juniper

Class 345 Aventra

Class 350 Desiro

Class 357 Electrostar

Class 360 Desiro

Class 365 Networker

Class 370 APT-P

Class 373 Eurostar

Class 374 Eurostar

Class 375 Electrostar

Class 377 Electrostar

Class 378 Capitalstar

Class 379 Electrostar

Class 380 Desiro

Class 381 Networker

Class 385

Class 387 Electrostar

Class 390 Pendolino

Class 395 Javelin

Class 397

Class 399 Citylink

Class 700 Desiro City

Class 707 Desiro City

Class 710 Aventra

Class 717 Desiro City

Class 720 Aventra

Class 800 Super Express

Class 801 Super Express

Class 802 Super Express

Class 309/AM9

The AM9/Class 309 EMU's were used on the GE main line between Liverpool Street and Clacton and Walton. Based on a BR Mk.I carriage, they featured end corridor connections and wrap round windows. I always thought they looked quite smart, especially in the original maroon livery. Built in three versions, there were two car units and two four car sets, one of which had a Buffet Car.

I came across an eBay listing for some cast resin cab ends, pantograph car roof well and underfloor equipment. So, I bought them and thought I'd have a go at a four car set. Worsley Works supply etched sides, so all that is really needed are some donor Mk.I's and a motor bogie.

Class 309 Cast Resin Cabs

There is a little more to it than that of course. The real AM9's had Commonwealth Bogies, which added to their particularly smooth ride at speed. Fortunately, Bachmann and Replica Railways supply them as spares, or I could use the Southern Pride or MJT parts.

Class 309 Etches (awaiting Griddle Car!)

The Griddle Car etches finally arrived after an 11 month delay and construction has commenced! I chose to use Southern Pride's roof Mk.I roof and corridor end mouldings. The picture below shows a rough assembly of those parts, etched sides and cab ends.

The chassis I chose to use were supplied by Replica Railways, which are very good value for money! In addition, Replica Railways Commonwealth bogie kits (a direct fit to the chassis), fitted with Hornby 14mm wheels. R8218 was used as these are metal wheels insulated on one side. This enables me to use DCC Concepts pick up springs on the axles to collect power for carriage lighting, headcodes, tail lights etc.

Replica Railways metal weights are fitted to the underframes. The underframes come complete with detail, but there are a few extras to add, this being an EMU. The trailer cars have air tanks for the brakes and the Motor Car has all the electrical control gear. The Motor Car also carries the pantograph, a Stone-Faiveley AMBR type, in a well above the brake end. The pantograph used is a Sommerfeldt 968 SNCF type pantograph. Although HO scale, it's the nearest I can get. This meant that part of the roof had to be cut away and the resin cast well inserted.

Brittania Pacific Models make a RTR model of this class in various liveries. Worsley Works supply etched brass sides.