Description
This 7mm. scale model represents a London Brighton and South Coast Railway 3 Car Set from the Crystal Palace section of the LBSCR’s overhead electric system. This section was the second phase of the “elevated railway” project, so called because most of it ran on viaducts in the South London Area. The overhead system commenced running in 1909 but was discontinued in 1929 when the Southern Railway decided to standardise on the ex-LSWR 3 rail system. The Crystal Palace stock consisted of just two types of carriage, a DMBT (Driving Motor Brake Third) and a DTC (Driving Trailer Composite). Each carriage had a driver’s compartment allowing 2,3,5 etc.up to 9 car sets – 9 cars only used at peak running times. The DMBT cars had 70 third class seats whilst the DTC cars had 24 first class and 50 third class seats.
The set as built by Eddie Bye in the 1980’s comprises one DBMT and two DTCs. It has been extensively refurbished by Peter Callon for Terry Smith, is in good running order with power supplied by motor/gearbox fitted with flywheel mounted in one bogie in one DTC unit. “Kadee” couplings are fitted, the carriages have compartments with seating, and the set has electric lighting. The “Bow-Collector” is mechanised. Customised wooden storage/transport box.
