UTA railcars 6 & 7

[colmflanagan]

It's been a while since I posted anything here, and this project began way back in 2020  when i got side etches for UTA railcars 6&7.

these two were the final UTA "experimental" diesel railcars, into service in 1951 and survived in operation until the mid sixties. They provided a kind of "test bed" for the dieselization of the Bangor line . 

In service they were very successful though looking at plans shows many seats crammed in!  They are converted (as most were) from exLMS coaches, and retained their panelling. 

I already have models of Nos1,4, and 5, MEds and MPDs so this set completes my stud of  UTA railcars.

Anyway, they use Allen Doherty etched sides based on Mainline/Dapol LMS coaches; I've modelled them in late condition with all the engines etc exposed.

Power is a Tenshodo "spud" bogie; not entirely successful, unfortunately - it just does not like some crossovers on my railway, and freezes occasionally. They are no longer made-I have a suspicion that somehow this one was left on a shelf,

or maybe even was a return, which I bought when everyone had forgotten it was faulty...!   But for now it stays. The roofs still need attached properly, but I haven't figured that out yet. I could glue them, but then could not access the motor bogie, as I think I will need to.

And yes, I know they are a bit "narrow" - the centre window is slightly wider than mine, but I used a modified BR railcar front end which looks better than anything I could do myself.

Anyway, nothings perfect. But at least I have made them, after some years delay..

 

Colm Flanagan

 

[popeye]

They look great and nice paint work. 

I got one of those motor bogies a few years ago, it was very poor.

I like the black beetle motors, much better.

[Patrick Davey]

Lovely Colm as always, great to see you posting.

[jhb171achill]

Absolutely top class work as always! More please!

[airfixfan]

Did an article last year on early UTA Railcars in Railway Bylines magazine

Edited July 27, 2022 by airfixfan

[Darius43]

Great work - looks fantastic.

Cheers

Darius

[Niles]

class job!

[Colin_McLeod]

Great modelling.  I recall seeing 6 and 7 at Dunmurry when Dad took us for a walk along the trackside path.