Modelling the Railways of Cumbria
The aim of these pages is to bring together as much information as possible to assist the Railway Modeller produce models that are as accurate as possible, in their chosen scale, based on the Railways of Cumbria. The site will expand as and when information comes to hand and the volunteers involved have the time available to update it. If you need to find out about something that is not yet covered then please contact us and we will endeavour to point you in the right direction.
The site is split into sections but with the multitude of different companies that operated within the county there is bound to be some overlap. We hope to provide our own reviews of kits and models as well as individual's own models. If you find errors or omissions then please click here to e-mail.
Latest News - New Models? One of our members is using the latest technology to produce a Furness 2-2-2 locomotive in 4mm. Furness brass coach etches in a variety of scales. Join our modelling chat group to find out more about them.
C&M Models, Crosby St. Carlisle, will be producing a limited edition 4mm coal wagon for launch at Workington MRX on 20 & 21 November 2010. Threlkeld mines. In early 2011 he hopes to produce Carlisle Southend Co-operative.
Crafty Hobbies, Barrow-in-Furness, has a 2mm version of the TF Butler coal wagon on sale NOW as well as a 4mm model of Whitehaven Coal Company (sold out at Workington Model Railway Exhibition 20 & 21 Nov 2010).
Furness Railway Station Seat etches
Recently the Association produced brand new brass etches of the iconic Furness railway station seat which features the Red Squirrel. They are available in both 4 mm and 7 mm scales. Packs of two etches cost only £4 and £6 respectively. (Now available at C&M Models in Carlisle and Crafty Hobbies, Barrow in Furness). (10mm scale are now on order Nov 2010.) To order please send a cheque, payable to the Cumbrian Railways Association, for the correct amount, and include 50p to cover P&P to:
Mr. A. Atkinson, Furness House, 3A Haybridge Avenue, Hagley, Stourbridge. DY8 2XG.
Photograph of short reproduction seat with straight stretcher! For colour illustration only.
It is hoped to produce further items in the future. Suggestions are being accepted!
Furness Railway Coach etches from Worsley Works
Etches for a number of Furness Railway coaches were commissioned from Worsley Works. These two photographs show the end result of the early four wheelers, as built by Gordon Mellor in 'O' gauge. The vehicles were used eventually for workers trains.
Worsley Works will supply their etches in any scale and are a great help for those with the skill to 'have a go' at scratchbuilding.
Further examples of Gordon's work can be found at Worsley Works.
Modelling Email Group
In addition to the general crchat email group a separate one has been set up to cater specifically to the needs of the modeller. Click here to find out more. On the site you will find copies of our latest publication: Modelling Cumbrian Railways. This is an occassional publication containing a variety of articles including: - reviewing models, details of suitable kits and modifications, articles to assist the modeller, and a whole host of other bits as well.
When logging on for the first time please give as much information as possible about yourself and interests as it will help the moderator to approve you joining. On the site you can ask questions of fellow modellers or answer others queries. Additional information is also held within the file and photgraphic archives. There may or may not be overlap between both sites so it is adviseable to join both!
Click on the following to obtain information on the various subject headings:
Please be advised that where details of commercial suppliers are provided the Association does not endorse or guarantee the quality, standard or accuracy of any items. The information is provided merely as a service to members.
Decals & Transfers available
Kits & Accessories
Model Magazine Articles
Ready to Run - Private Owner Wagons
Links to sites specifically of interest to modellers, some showing layouts based on Cumbrian Prototypes:
Index for Model Rail Magazine.
Pochin/Shillcock Model Collection
Early in 2008 the Cumbrian Railways Association acquired an important collection of 4mm scale models of mainly Furness Railway prototypes. The nearly 200 items were created by Ross Pochin and Bill Shillcock of the Manchester Model Railway Society and selections will be displayed from time to time at CRA meetings and on the Association's stand at local model railway exhibitions and other events. Photographs of items in the collection may be seen by clicking here.
In order for Ross and Bill to construct these models they produced a set of drawings for them. A selection have been uploaded to the Resources & Services Drawings page
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