12A Models’ 4mm/OO BR(S) Schools Tender Snowplough kits are now available to purchase from their web shop. An incredibly interesting and unusual item, these look great on any Southern Region layout set in the early diesel/electric period right up to the late 80s, early 90s.
A short history of the prototype
At the end of steam in the early 1960s on the British Railways system, the 40 members of Maunsell’s “V” class or “Schools” class locomotives were found to be redundant. Class 201 diesel electric multiple units had taken over much of their work on the Hastings route and withdrawals were complete by 1962.
During 1964, eight tenders were selected to be converted at Eastleigh in to independent snowploughs. Initially numbered in the Departmental Series “DS” numbering scheme, all were later renumbered with the addition of an “A” prefix from 1973 under the TOPS system. At this time they were also classified wagon code ZZV. They normally worked in pairs; the bread at either end of a Class 33 sandwich. Withdrawal came in the early 1990s.
Number Allocation
DS70210 / ADS 70210 Ashford
DS70211 / ADS 70211 Ashford
DS70224 / ADS 70224 Eastleigh
DS70225 / ADS 70225 New Cross Gate
DS70226 / ADS 70226 Salisbury
DS70227 / ADS 70227 Salisbury
DS70228 / ADS 70228 Eastleigh
DS70229 / ADS 70229 New Cross Gate
The Model
Created from the ground up, this stunningly detailed kit is very easy to assemble with basic modelling skills and tools.
Unlike 12A’s other wagon kits, this DOES NOT come with wheels, but is compatible with a number of formats so the builder can choose. It can be built with 16mm spoked pinpoint wheels, 16mm plain axled spoked wheels, or 14mm spoked plain axled wheels. Parts are included for assembly with outside or inside frames and a shim is included if using 14mm wheels to bring the model up to the correct ride height.
The chassis frames are a single piece print, meaning you will not have to worry about building the chassis square and true; it already is!
Parts included in the kit:
- x6 Axleboxes/ Springs, Resin
- x1 Rear Step (L), Resin
- x1 Rear Step (R), Resin
- x1 Rear Deck, Resin
- x1 Hydraulic Ram Unit, Resin
- x1 Marker Light (L), Resin
- x1 Marker Light (R), Resin
- x3 Brake Assemblies, Resin
- x1 Snowplough Blade, Resin
- x2 Handrails, Resin
- x1 Tank Body, PLA
- x1 Tank Roof, PLA
- x1 Visor, PLA
- x1 Verandah, PLA
- x1 Chassis, PLA
- x1 Inside Chassis Frame, PLA
- x1 Inside Chassis Retainer, PLA
- x1 Inside Chassis Shim for 14mm wheelsets, PLA
- x1 Ramp, PLA
- x2 M2x6mm Self-Tapping Screws
- x6 Shouldered Brass Pinpoint Bearings, Brass
- x1 Brass/Nickel Silver Rod 0.3mm x 76mm
- Full instructions with illustrations
To complete, the modeller will require:
- Superglue
- Paint
- Transfers (please contact us for recommendations)
- Couplings (NEM or otherwise) – a single NEM pocket is included at the buffer end of the chassis.
- Basic tools – pliers, fine files, filler
As with 12A’s other kits, the design emphasis has been “uncompromised detail and incredibly easy construction”.
