New Product Announcement: Newton Chambers Car Carriers revealed at DEMU Showcase

Following the launch of the all-new Bachmann Branchline Class 37 at last year’s DEMU Showcase – the event staged by Diesel Electric Modellers United (DEMU) which is a highlight of the exhibition calendar for many Diesel & Electric enthusiasts – we again chose DEMU Showcase for another product announcement.

Joining the EFE Rail range are eight all-new OO scale models of the Newton Chambers Car Carriers. These double-deck bogie vehicles were built by Newton, Chambers & Co. in 1961 and were delivered to British Railways’ Eastern Region. A total of 14 vehicles were built to carry six cars each: two in a well between the bogies and four on the upper deck up. Although usually employed on Anglo Scottish trains, these vehicles were built and registered to UIC standards allowing them to work on train ferry services to the continent.

Built with through steam heat pipes and vacuum brakes, by the mid-1970s several had been fitted with through ETH and all had been so fitted by the early-1980s, when Mk3 Sleeping Coaches were introduced. Outshopped in BR Lined Maroon livery with ‘Eastern Region Car Transporter’ lettering, the introduction of ‘Motorail’ services in 1966 saw them repainted into BR’s corporate Blue & Grey scheme with ‘Motorail’ branding applied. Originally coded TCV for ‘Two-Tier Motor Car Van’, under TOPS they later became NVV when fitted with vacuum brakes and NVX once dual-fitted with vacuum and air brakes. Withdrawals commenced during the 1980s and all had gone by the end of the decade.

The EFE Rail model captures the distinct character of these vehicles, with finely-moulded panel lines throughout the model and accurate end detailing. The bogies, with their unique 6ft 9in. wheelbase, are something to behold; capturing the relief of the axleboxes and spring leaf suspension, with full brake gear push/pull rods and safety loops fitted separately between the frames. Pinpoint metal wheels ensure smooth running whilst the tension lock coupling is mounted via NEM socket which is mounted on a close-coupling mechanism built into the vehicle’s floor. Two buffer beam arrangements are catered for in these initial releases, depicting the vehicles as built with vacuum brakes and through-piped for steam heating, or in later operation when dual braked and fitted for through-ETH.

Available as individual models, allowing authentic train formations to be created as desired, these EFE Rail models are now in production with delivery expected towards the end of 2023. Eight models are being produced and these can be ordered from Bachmann stockists now, with an RRP of £59.95 each.

These models are due to arrive at retailers towards the end of 2023, so head to the Bachmann Europe website where you can find the latest release information. Once you’ve selected your models, get in touch with your nearest retailer to pre-order yours!

Your nearest retailer can be found by using the Retailers page on our website, which can be accessed either from the menu at the top of the page or by clicking on the button below.