4-wheel coaches

[smyles]

I am currently building some etched brass 4-wheel coach bodies. To complete I will need compensated w-irons suitable for the 3ft 6in coach wheels. The Scalefour stores only seems to have wagon types. From where can I get compensated w-irons for coaches and cosmetic whitemetal coach springs and axleboxes?
Thanks,
Mike

[Andy W]

It depends which company's rails the 4 wheelers ran on. I've built a few Midland ones and have used Bill Bedford's sprung W irons available as a fret for 6 wheel coaches (from Eileen's or 51L/Wizard). I was a compensation man before - but no longer. The only problem I've found is that with very small vehicles there isn't enough room between the W irons and the buffer beams to allow the spring legs to fit.

For Midland coach springs I think Slaters still sell a sprue or MJT might do some other companies - http://www.dartcastings.co.uk/mjt.php

HTH

[allanferguson]

Try 5 & 9 Models
http://www.5and9models.co.uk/parts.html
or Caley Coaches
http://www.caleycoaches.co.uk/fitting.php
or Exclusively Brighton Models
http://www.mjwsjw.co.uk/page14.html
for W irons and other bits required, tho' I would go with the advice re Bill Bedford sprung units.

Regards

Allan F

[Russ Elliott]

W-irons can be used with either wagon 3' 1 1/2" wheels or 3' 7 1/2" wheels.

W-iron shapes varied widely. Bill B used to show outline shapes of his products on his website, but it seems Eileens Emporium assumes one knows what shape is being sought.

MJT outside units are sturdy (15 thou) and ok for coaches, if you're happy with the shape (they can be modified). The rocking unit will require 17mm clear to the floor underside with coach-size wheels. Bill's sprung units will require a lot less height clearance.

For the castings, you will need to decide what type of hanger you want, the length of the spring desired, and the type of axlebox. In addition to the suppliers already mentioned, MJT does 3'6" swing link and 4'6" J-hanger spring/axlebox castings. David Geen does 6' springs. It's possible that Blacksmith or Roxey Mouldings do spring castings.

[smyles]

Thanks for your advice. The carriages are GER 1870/80s stock built from Peter K body kits.
Mike