April 07, 2013

"A4 Conversion Parts, Production Batch planned for May 2013"


Some of this blog's regular readers will be aware that I've had a set of etches developed by PH Designs in order to model Gresley A4 Pacifics of the post war period, by removing the valances and adding etched detail to Hornby A4 Pacific models.

These etches are also suitable for modelling Sir Nigel Gresley or Bittern in their post preservation guises. I've had the costings back for the production etches, and the prices I am looking at are as follows.

The cost of a full conversion kit (including all of the etched components and the valance cutting tools) is likely to be around £27.

One kit will fully convert one model from an A4 with valances to one without, with lamp irons, lower firebox sides, reverser, access hatches, smokebox numberplate and cab window spectacles included.


The breakdown of the individual etch prices comes in at RRPs of £20 (cutting tools, lower firebox sides, AWS plate, lubricator arm), £5 (access hatches, lamp irons, smokebox numberplate, cab doors) and £2 (cab spectacle plates).

I intend to have the first production batch made in May 2013 or shortly afterwards.

Postage & Packaging will be separate, and I will investigate prices to set a standard cost for the full kit, and the individual etches accordingly.

Due to the higher cost of the largest etch to set up and produce, only a very limited number of full kits will be available straight away. They will be sold on a first come, first served basis. If demand for the full kits is higher than expected, I will look to increase the number in the first production batch.

If you email me on copleyhill@live.co.uk and let me know of your requirements, I will take orders on the full kits and individual items on a first come, first served basis. I will also create a waiting list for full kits and individual etches dependent on the demand. It may be possible to reduce the prices of the etches for the second batch if I can guarantee the batch will sell out.

Further details can be found on our products page here.

On a related note, I am looking at perhaps having etched some sundries for Gresley/Thompson/Peppercorn Pacifics, with washout plugs, mudhole doors, cabsides and bufferbeam overlays all being mooted at present. If there's anything in particular you think you'd like to see, let me know and I will investigate further.

Until next time.

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