Time to build a railway...but where?

[Peter Butler]

Andrew, I haven't fitted the wheels yet as I intend to replace the Binnie ones with metal IP wheels of the same diameter. This will add some weight low down and I plan to put a little lead flashing between the frames too. Pictures to follow.

[Andrew]

I plan to put a little lead flashing between the frames too.

Yes I did that - having first discounted the option of adding weight by building a lead-lined coffin to go inside...

[Peter Butler]

I plan to put a little lead flashing between the frames too.

Yes I did that - having first discounted the option of adding weight by building a lead-lined coffin to go inside...

I should have thought of that one, and made the doors open too!

[Peter Butler]

The hearse is now complete but not had its ex-works picture taken yet. Meanwhile, just a comparison shot of seating from different suppliers.....

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The one on the left came with the incomplete IP kit and it took a while for me to work out what they were without instructions, simple slot-together sections.... Doh!!!!
The others are from various Lineside Hut kits and are much more detailed. I chose the middle ones for the IP coach kit, although I had to shorten them to fit, probably because of the extra thickness of the side-wall panelling.
No pictures of the interior yet, but this is the exterior before glazing....

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[Peter Butler]

The hearse is complete, as mentioned above, and sited on the railway for its photo session. I am pleased with it, particularly with the added detailing of corner strapping and bolt heads, thanks must go to Andrew for making me aware of those. The metal wheels have made it more stable on the track along with a strip of lead flashing between the frames, it now runs very smoothly....

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Somewhere in the early pages of this thread I probably mentioned my existing hearse, which I scratch-built about forty years ago. This one however was my impression of an upmarket Victorian style hearse, complete with vicar, mourning widow and daughter, also floral tributes on the roof.....

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[ge_rik]

I think your version has a lot more style, Peter. Let's just say the Ffestiniog van is somewhat utilitarian....

Rik

[Peter Butler]

Certainly the FR one is basic but shows dignity and respect. My version definitely shows a class divide and would be out of reach for the workforce of a quarrying community. Early railways were very much like that though, so I feel justified in having it on the line.

[ge_rik]

Were the brass finials supplied with the kit or did you make or adapt them?

Rik

[Peter Butler]

The brass finials were supplied with the FR kit and I quote from Andrew's own experience with his kit build ....

''- the turned brass "urns" for the corners of the roof are superb, my favourite part of the kit...''

The ones on my own Victorian style hearse are cast brass, which were made by a friend who was a jeweller in Birmingham.

[Andrew]

Both hearses look splendid Peter - I particularly like the steps enabling flowers to be added to the roof of the "posh" one.

In one of the darker recesses of my mind, my imagination is now conjuring up scenarios after which both hearses could be used in the same train, mostly involving tragic inspection visits to mines in which both owner and miners meet a sticky end... Ever the (garden) railwaymen, the next task my brain sets itself to is to consider the rest of the rake, with accommodation for upper and lower class mourners. I really need to get out more...

Cheers,

Andrew.

[Peter Butler]

Thanks Andrew, I had considered putting the 'posh' hearse in-train with the horsebox and carriage so that the cortege could continue to the cemetery after the rail journey. That could also include the smart bogie carriage with the clerestory roof for mourners. Quite how I could combine the two hearses in that train I'm not sure?

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When you do manage to get out more please let me know where to go so I can follow in your footsteps!

Edit... prototype for everything...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMWPkSqFDEA

[Old Man Aaron]

This may be slightly hyperbolic, but I'd expect the "better" class to vehemently insist on entirely separate trains, to keep the "peasants" in their place - the poorer train's coaching stock comprised mostly of slate trucks, perhaps with a single quarrymans coach scraped up for immediate family only..

Wonderful modelling in any case, Peter. How many wagons are on the books now?

[Peter Butler]

You're absolutely right Aaron, the two types would have a completely different purpose; the FR one to carry the unfortunate worker back to his nearest home station for the relatives to collect the corpse to rest at home or in the nearest chapel before the final cart journey to the cemetery. The 'posh' hearse to carry a deceased person of 'higher rank' from his, or her, country residence to their chosen final resting place, with the last part of the journey carrying relatives in the Brougham. The two would never have been allowed to share such a journey.
In the video link of the Necropolis Railway I attached there was mention of three classes of passengers sharing one train, but separated in different carriages by class.

[Peter Butler]

Peter. How many wagons are on the books now?

I don't keep a list and it would be interesting to do so. I will try to put something together in categories which describe their purpose.
Currently, three more carriages on the workbench, so updates could be frequent!

[Peter Butler]

Another bogie carriage has now been added to to the fleet. This is the cut-down version of the IP Talyllyn coach which I bought on ebay. As previously stated, it was incomplete and I failed to get the parts from Ivan, so I had to improvise.
As it was quite a long carriage, a section was removed from both ends and the end side panels re-attached at the door frame to hide the join. This has turned out very well and nothing can be seen. New side panel surrounds were laser cut for me and an inner liner was cut from card to form the window and door frames. It also holds the window glazing in position without showing the cut edges.....

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The seating has turned out well too I think.
Today it arrived on the railway prepared for a life of service, or perhaps just a rest, as everything has now been put away for the winter and services withdrawn until next year. It might get a run at a garden railway Christmas meet in a couple of weeks time, depending on the weather...

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[ge_rik]

Another beautiful model, Peter. Cleverly constructed from the sound of it.

Rik

[Peter Butler]

At the same time the previous carriage kit was purchased on ebay, I also received another incomplete kit, The Lineside Hut, Ffestiniog Railway carriage No. 20. New, this kit would cost £120. without bogies, wheels or white-metal accessories. It is also a huge item, measuring 620mm over buffers, far too long for my line, and I guess for the previous owner too, as it arrived with both side panels cut down. Fortunately both were included....

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I reattached the pieces and then cut the sides in half to make two equal length carriages. I still needed additional parts to complete the build and the wonderful people at Lineside Hut were more than helpful in supplying new balcony ends and some missing interior panelling. Side overlays were laser cut for me by a most generous friend so the construction commenced.
This is the way the first class interior will look with the side panels, padded seating and wall decoration...

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The third class compartments look like this....

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So far I have put the main structure together with interior dividers, masked and painted the sides and ends, also sprayed the overlays ready to attach after drying.....

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I have to finish the exterior with clear lacquer before fitting the interior panels, which secure the glazing, so that should be next on the list.

[ge_rik]

Corrr, that looks very smart already. Your output really is impressive, Peter. Not only in terms of quantity but also quality.

Rik

[Lonsdaler]

Well looking at your collection of hearse carriages, it appears that the true meaning of BURPS is 'Buried Under Real Pembrokeshire Soil' If the funeral trains become a regular thing, will you be able to count the deceased as passengers, or would they be freight?
The workmanship on these and your 'salvaged' purchases from Ebay is, as usual, superb. And the colour scheme reminds me of something, maybe from your childhood as much as mine?

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[Peter Butler]

Thanks Phil, yes, you are correct about the similarity of the livery. I hadn't thought about it myself but I remember from my youth travelling on those buses. I lived in the Black Country and there was a 'border' at West Bromwich where passengers from Brum making a through journey had to pay a second fair to complete the trip. Better than having to change I guess.