4mm kit for NER Autocar

Press release from the autocar trust:

Allen Doherty of Worsley Works, in co-operation with the NER 1903 Petrol Electric Autocar Trust, has produced a new ‘scratch-aid’ kit of the autocar for 4mm scale. This kit is for the later body type, after the NER enlarged the vestibule to form a luggage compartment and will be accurate for the period 1908 – 1931.

For those modellers unfamiliar with Allen’s work, his kits are similar in nature to those of Comet Models. They contain brass etch pieces (for the floor, sides, ends and clerestory section) but lack castings, glazing and wire, as well as the usual omissions of wheels, paint and transfers.

Two autocars were built at York Carriage Works in 1903 and both operated in Yorkshire and the Northeast. They were an early experiment in urban passenger transport and the first in the world to use petrol-electric technology as a means of propulsion. They suffered from technical problems and being pioneers in a world dominated by steam power but were popular with the travelling public. Withdrawn in 1931, the body of one was used as a holiday home at Kirkbymoorside. This was later acquired by the Trust and plans are being made to restore it to running condition.

Depending upon demand, it is possible that kits in other scales may follow. Medley Models (of Leeds) currently produce a 7mm kit of the autocar.

For further details, please visit Worsley Works web-site: www.worsleyworks.co.uk or the NER 1903 Autocar Trust’s: www.electricautocar.co.uk Kits can be ordered from Worsley Works, 19 Douglas Road, Worsley, M28 2SR. The price per kit is £30, cheques should be made payable to ‘A Doherty’.

Note: this kit is part of Allen’s range and not a limited edition or issued to raise funds for the Autocar Trust

 

Are there any photos of the etches? Can you tell us which items which require castings are not included?

Regards

 

See http://www.worsleyworks.co.uk/Image-Pages/Image_4mm_NER-Autocar.htm and http://www.electricautocar.co.uk/4mm_autocar_scale_model.html for photos

Im afraid model making is well outside my (very limited!) comfort zone. It is basically the body outline so will require a chassis and power unit, as well as windows and other fixtures and fittings. If you require more knowledgeable information please contact Simon Gott via the autocar website or above link who will be more than happy to assist you, and will probably suggest a chassis. He has also mentioned that if there is demand he has contacts who might be prepared to build a finished model (serious enquiries only please).

 

The body & roof are the most tricky parts of a model - etched brass is a fabulous material for producing them. Were I a NER 'afficionado', I'd be putting an order in asap . Most other necessary parts are, afaik, available from various suppliers. I look forward to seeing one of these units running in due course