Diesel Pioneers - the story of the GWR's Railcars

The GWR's groundbreaking railcars lead the way in the introduction of diesel passenger services to the UK. Learn more about the different types and the models they have inspired: bit.ly/3l28kh8

[@petersmith4455]

hi dave,great video, i worked at AEC ltd in southall from 1969 -1979 when we closed down, a geat company. stay safe

[@HattonsModelRailways]

Hi Peter, thanks for sharing your memories - the AEC machines of the 1970s must have seemed like a world apart from these railcars - Dave

[@johnjephcote7636]

Being a 'bus spotter in the mid Sixties and therefore an admirer of all AEC products, I often used to peek in the window of (I think) the paint shop and view the latest products. I remember, in particular, seeing a shiny new green Routemaster coach for Greenline services - RMC1.

[@roblloyd1879]

Used to travel the Wye Valley Line Chepstow to Brockweir halt in the mid fifties, sometimes a flying banana sometimes a 1400 with auto-coach. Often have a box van hooked on the back.

[@HattonsModelRailways]

Thanks for sharing your memories Rob - I'm a bit too young to have travelled on one in person but I've seen the preserved vehicles up close so I'm a real fan - Dave.

[@joginns778]

What would be nice if somene came up with the idea to do the two car version of the GWR flying banana rail car, im sure it would well,

[@sheridanpayne5347]

Thank you for your excellent broad sweep of the GWR railcar designs. The GWR were certainly the main pioneers of Diesel railcars in Britain, although the stunning 3-car articulated LMS diesel set of 1938 was very special, so under-rated, and way ahead of its time. Sadly, the Second World War stopped it in its tracks and was never used again. Surely that early DMU is also worthy of a model, in all the gauges! Apparently, Derby Works were influenced by both the GWR railcars and the LMS set.

[@richardswiderski4985]

Will have to get one.

[@HattonsModelRailways]

Cheers Richard, check out the link in the video description if you do feel like picking up a model.

[@Calvertfilm]

Is anyone going to do a new No4 as preserved at GWR Steam? Now that is one I would be after. I know they are all slightly different pretty much, so it is more effort than just a different number.

[@andyaccount]

Hi Dave, The GWR also had steam Railmotors, one of these is also at Didcot. I don't know if you meant this when you mentioned GWR as being one of the early pioneers.

[@HattonsModelRailways]

You're spot on Andrew, the GWR were one of the companies to experiment with Railmotors, with the example shown in the video being an LNER/Sentinel design - Dave

[@johnjephcote7636]

I remember seeing a white metal kit-built one in H G Cramer's shop in Watford in the very early 1960s (before their fire). I have no idea who made them and I am sure it was not K's. I am starting to scratch build my own bogies but bidding for Ebay bodies is pretty hopeless. I am now beginning to think of scratch building the body as well (a parcels van) in nickel silver using Russell's book and his 4mm diagrams.

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

I'd rather stick to my Tiny Troublemaking Ruston Shunters. You once tried to encourage me to pre-order a new Manor engine. It didn't work, but I've gone and pre-ordered the new Bachmann 00 gauge Thomas the Tank Engine Train Set from Chester Model Shop. This and all the new Thomas & Friends models will be available to buy from there this December. The perfect Christmas present for all you Thomas Fans out there.

[@jayejulia1677]

The original design came from Hardy Railmotors of Slough..

[@phil4607]

Dave useful videos but O Gauge seems to be left out of your videos

[@HattonsModelRailways]

Hi Phil, is there anything in particular you'd like to see? We make sure there's a good mix of videos and skills to cover all scales, with the forthcoming O gauge railcars covered in this video.

[@leeenfield3404]

Bus revenues with railway overheads.

[@grootsan]

Hi Dave, interesting video this one ! My Dutch H0 railcar (Artitec NL) from the fifties was equipped with an AEC engine and should sound quite similar to a GWR railcar. I used to travel to and from school in these railcars. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGnckIWqiK1qd80

[@michaelwhiles5282]

Must be a BIG railcar....

[@HattonsModelRailways]

Hi Michael, they're quite large compared to some of the smaller GWR steam locos they worked alongside, but still look great in a GWR rolling stock collection.