A review the Ellis Clark Trains Type 27A Wickham Trolley and Trailer
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| Ellis Clark | Ellis Clark |
| Unit 13 Baildon Mills | 01756 701451 |
| Northgate | |
| Baildon | Email: ellis@ellisclarktrains.com |
| Shipley | Web: http://www.ellisclarktrains.co.uk |
| West Yorkshire | |
| BD17 6JX |
Reviewed sample: DC Trolley and Trailer (planked) £150 (£280 in DCC form)
Ellis Clark Trains have produced new 7mm scale models of the Wickham Type 27A Inspection Trolley and associated trailers. The model as supplied comes with a planked trailer and additional planked and flatbed trailers are available separately. The Type 27A was first introduced in 1949 on the BR Western Region and some were still working on British Railways up to the mid 1990s with a large number passing into preservation.
The model is produced in 11 different versions, three of which are limited editions, as either DC or DCC control. The model reviewed is the DC version and was provided by Ellis Clark Trains. I was also able to refer to the DCC-fitted model operation leaflet.
The model started as a personal project by the Ellis Clark Trains in–house designer, Nikki Wilks, which was then taken over and produced by the company. I understand that the development of this model has been somewhat challenging.
It would be fair to say that there is more space for motors and other electrical gear in the average N gauge loco than there is with the Wickham but somehow they have managed to hide the motor and circuit board, the latter being of special flexible design by Nikki, as well as a speaker, sound chip, and ‘stay-alive’ feature for the DCC versions. All this is achieved without compromising the appearance. Nikki has also worked out a set-up for radio control!
The models are supplied in the standard Ellis Clark Trains stout box with a thick foam lining. There is an add-on accessory pack and a very nicely designed maintenance and operations leaflet.
The models have die-cast chassis with plastic bodies. A coreless motor drives both axles and there is a slight degree of compensation in the axles. The distinctive pierced Wickham wheels are cast in alloy and machined. The headlights are soft white micro LEDs and change according to direction. Coupling is by a very neat bar link into what appear to be scale towing eyes. DCC-fitted versions have a Zimo sound chip with a Next 18 Interface. There are some 23 functions/sounds, including the usual vehicle sounds, as well as various voices and other sounds. The functions/sounds will operate on DC but the range is not as wide as with DCC.
The Trolley weighs 55g and the trailer 35g. The back-to- back dimensions for the Trolley wheels are 29.0/29.1mm, and 28.96/28.98 for the trailer. The Trolley wheelbase is 25.6mm. I have not been able to check any prototype dimensions, but comparison with photographs suggests that this is an accurate model that captures very well the essence of these intriguing little machines. I understand that the designers had full access to the Wickham archive.
The model runs very well straight out of the box but the weight, the small size wheels and short wheelbase mean that track and wheel cleaning will need to be carried out more often, although the DCC version with ‘stay-alive’ should offer improved pick-up.
A model such as this should have a crew and Ellis Clark Trains can supply a set of painted cast metal figures by Northumbrian Painting Services, which will provide useful additional weight. Modelu have also tweaked their figures produced around the Bachmann 4mm scale Wickham to suit the Ellis Clark Trains model.
In summary, Ellis Clark Trains has produced a little gem of a model. The range of Presflo wagons set a very high standard for ready to run models. The Wickham Trolley shows that these very high standards are being maintained.
