PECO GR-401A

Based on official L&B drawings Peco’s first model faithfully represents the 1st/3rd Composite Coach of this popular line in North Devon. The first version released is in the green livery of the Southern Railway, representing coach no. 6364, and although at first glance appears to be quite plain, closer inspection will reveal a wealth of subtle detail in the painting and printing. Other key features to take note of include:

• Highly detailed mouldings

•Interior detail and a removable roof for the easy fitting of passengers.

• Same couplings as the wagons; compatible with most other makes and clip fitted in bogie-mounted NEM pockets.

• Spare couplings available ref GR-102.

• Minimum recommended radius is 9 inches (Setrack 1st radius)

The Lynton and Barnstaple railway originally had 16 passenger carriages built in 1897 by the Bristol Wagon and Carriage Works Co. and added a 17th themselves in 1911. They were all substantially built, sharing a similar outward appearance and many common parts. Passenger comfort was high up on their specification. The original L&BR coach livery was terracotta with salmon upper panels. A few years later this was replaced by Indian red and white. Upon the Southern Railway’s takeover of the line in 1923 all coaches were renumbered into the SR scheme and received a coat of Maunsell olive green, which they retained until the closure of the L&B in 1935. Most were scrapped, but two survived intact; one is at the NRM in as-withdrawn condition, and the other is in daily service on the Ffestiniog Railway. The reformed Lynton and Barnstaple railway have recreated a further two (so far) using many original parts. Numbers 5 and 6 (or SR 6364 and 6365 respectively) are the basis of our first release. These were the only pure composite coaches on the line, catering for both Third and First class passengers.