Ryedown Lane - Locomotives and stock, part 2

In a previous blog we looked at the original locomotives that operated on Ryedown Lane when first built. These still see regular use to this day but, like most modellers, I can't resist the urge to expand the fleet.

Two other locomotives built from white metal kits, that had seen operation on my previous layout, were also suitable candidates for use on a Colonel Stephens inspired light railway. I've long been fascinated by the early diesel locomotives constructed by Kerr Stuart & Co. As is well known the prototype had a short stint in use on both the Welsh Highland and the Ffestiniog in 1928/29 and is currently the subject of a volunteer led restoration on the modern F&WHR. My original model of this locomotive was built from the popular Meridian Models kit and mounted, as per the instructions, on a modified Minitrix chassis. It's a distinctive locomotive but the second hand chassis has never been a great runner, or at lest not until it has warmed up! In more recent times it's been joined by another example built from the etched kit made by A1 Models running on one of the ubiquitous Bachman Plymouth diesel switchers chassis, the so-called 'brick'.

The Kerr Stuart diesels. Earlier Meridian white metal on the left with the later A1 Models example in etched brass on the right.

Also built from a Meridian kit is this Protected Simplex. Numerous examples of the former War Department Light Railways petrol tractors saw service in a variety of locations in peacetime, including the Ffestiniog. My example was originally powered by an Arnold Koff chassis but in recent years this has been replaced by one of the inexpensive units made by Tomix of Japan.

                                                                'Tin Turtle' Protected Simplex.

There are a number of alternatives to the 'traditional' white metal kit for modellers working in 009 narrow gauge these days, including etched brass, resin and 3D printed materials. Examples of all of these now appear in the Wessex Light Railway's stud and we will share the story of some of these in future blogs. It's not the end of the white metal kit though and plenty remain on the market. The most recent locomotive of such origins is 'Alfred', another Kerr Stuart Skylark built from the excellent Chivers/Five 79 kit. This time the assembled body was fitted to one of the superb Minitrains chassis, in this case the outside frame 0-4-0. 'Alfred' has become another mainstay of operations on the layout.

                             Kerr Stuart Skylark 'Alfred' about to leave Ryedown Lane with a passenger train.