Modelling the GCR

[506butlerh]

Hello everyone, first post here!

I’ve always wanted to model the GCR, and I’ve decided to focus on around 1947 (immediately before nationalisation). I have a Bachmann B1 (1123) that I’m going to use, but I have no idea what coaches were in use at that time. Could anyone here please tell me the usual formation for express and stopping trains at that time?

I am also aware that a few GW locos ran cross country services at the time (via Culworth Junction), but I know very little about these trains, any information on these services would be much appreciated.

LONG LIVE THE GREAT CENTRAL!

[Atlantic 3279]

Welcome aboard. As well as the Gresley stock introduced on the "better" trains by then, there would still have been plenty of GCR matchboard stock (and earlier panelled bogie stock) in use. None of that available new RTR, but D&S did some matchboard kits in the long past, which you may still find built or un-built, on sale. Jidenco / Falcon Brass did kits for the Barnum coaches (not easy kits) which may be available again currently, although I forget the latest supplier. Some GCR panelled bogie stock kits were produced under the old Perseverence label. Recently, Alan Rose and Martin Kirkby have been producing 3D printed, fairly simple, kits for Barnums and a few matchboard corridor carriages.

[506butlerh]

3279 Thank you for your information, but I was more looking for the specific types of coaches that were in use (eg corridor, brake, first or third) and in what order they were positioned. I’m happy to use just Gresley stock that you can buy RTR but I would like to know what specific coaches I need to buy. Some model/catalogue numbers would be helpful.

[Atlantic 3279]

Not my sphere of knowledge, but others on here may be able to assist. Is any of it covered in the Banks & Carter book, or even on Steve Banks' website?

[Atlantic 3279]

If nobody steps forward with the desired info, then think about joining the Great Central Railway Society (a very good idea anyway) which will give you access to those parts of their documents archive that are on-line, plus the option to contact the archivist for advice in case the archive at Immingham contains the details that you want.

[Hucknall Central]

A good idea, I have been a member of the GCRS for a number of years, and the quarterly bulletin will certainly give you an idea of the workings and the railway atmosphere of the time. There is also a "modellers' corner" which advertises GC models from time to time.

[Woodcock29]

Fully agree I've been a member for over 30yrs I think.

Andrew

[506butlerh]

Thank you all for your replies. I’ll do a bit more research and see if I can learn a bit more.

[JASd17]

Robert Carroll has a carriage working book for the GC Section dated 6th October 1947, I think that is the nearest one can get.

It might take some interpreting because diagram numbers are not given.

John

[Atlantic 3279]

I had been slightly tempted to suggest that in view of their now-past "Leicester South" layout, one or more current or ex-members of Shipley Model Railway Club might well have the necessary information, but even if one of them has it, then the right contacts and the right sort of approach would probably be needed...