Park Royal Railbus
By B.Peacock
The Park Royal Railbus was introduced in 1958, and was intended as a replacement for steam traction on branch line passenger services. All five had been withdrawn ten years later by February 1968, while steam ran on BR until August.
This model (Daisy) was the first attempt at passenger carriage bodywork and involves windows, doors and other details not previously constructed.
These photographs show the chassis construction from initial sketches to completion.
By B.Peacock
The Park Royal Railbus was introduced in 1958, and was intended as a replacement for steam traction on branch line passenger services. All five had been withdrawn ten years later by February 1968, while steam ran on BR until August.
This model (Daisy) was the first attempt at passenger carriage bodywork and involves windows, doors and other details not previously constructed.
These photographs show the chassis construction from initial sketches to completion.
The chassis was displayed on the York SME stand at the Doncaster ME in May 2016.
The total workshop sessions were 89, which equates to approx 250 hours.
The following photographs show the body construction from initial sketches to completion..
The total workshop sessions were 89, which equates to approx 250 hours.
The following photographs show the body construction from initial sketches to completion..
The body was the result of 17 workshop sessions which equates to approx 60 hours.
The Railbus as shown below ran at the EWR Standard Gauge Weekend in July 2016. The chassis was 100% complete, and the body was in works primer without windows or detailing. This was the first time the wheels had touched steel rails and she ran for over 35Km on test.
The Railbus as shown below ran at the EWR Standard Gauge Weekend in July 2016. The chassis was 100% complete, and the body was in works primer without windows or detailing. This was the first time the wheels had touched steel rails and she ran for over 35Km on test.
On returning home, the body was separated from the chassis to have the details added, and to be finish painted in BR Green.
These pictures show various details being made and affixed to the underfloor - Smiths heater and fuel tank, fire extinguisher reservoir, air horns, buffers and drawhooks. Most of these features are invisible once the Railbus is the correct way up!
These pictures show various details being made and affixed to the underfloor - Smiths heater and fuel tank, fire extinguisher reservoir, air horns, buffers and drawhooks. Most of these features are invisible once the Railbus is the correct way up!
Daisy ran at the York SME track on 21st August 2016. This was after 116 workshop sessions, and exactly seven months after the start of construction.
The body is now permanently mounted on the chassis. Remaining detailing work includes handrails, lights, destination boxes, route indicators, and the windows (Arrgh windows!!!).
To finish, a last topcoat of green followed by the waist and cant level yellow stripes.
And then, the Cat's Whiskers.
To finish, a last topcoat of green followed by the waist and cant level yellow stripes.
And then, the Cat's Whiskers.