Class 313 3-Car EMU Complete Kit
Available Autumn / Winter 2010 (I hope)
Update 14/06/2010
Why has it all gone quiet...?
Sincere apologies to those of you awaiting the Class 313 kit.
Problems with keeping the clear resin stable for full-scale production have meant a full redesign of the bodyshells, which will be one picee mouldings but still featuring flush glazing and bodyside vinyls.
Most of the CAD work for the redesign is now complete and the first test casts should be on show soon.
All going well, this should be on display at the N Gauge show in September.
UPDATES TO FOLLOW - watch this space!
The OO Gauge version will not be going ahead but other 4mm prototypes could be considered.
Announcing our most advanced kit yet - the all new Electra Class 313 Electric Multiple Unit.
These versatile units were introduced in 1976 for the Great Northern Electrification from Kings Cross and Moorgate to Hertford, Welwyn Garden City and Letchworth.
The 313s were designed to run on former tube lines to Moorgate and were fitted with 750V DC third-rail pickup as well as a 25kv overhead pantograph. Their versatility soon led to them being deployed on other routes, such as Euston - Watford and the North London Line.
Today, the units are still going strong on the same routes working for Silverlink and First Capital Connect and can be seen in a variety of colourful schemes.
The kit will consist of one-piece resin bodies, pre-cut glazing strips, full bodyside / end decals, one piece floorpans with correct underframe and interior detail, close coupling, TPM bogies, Romford Wheels, Sommerfelt pantograph and motor chassis components.
313 Development Blog - November 23rd, 2008
The 313 is nearing complletion, requiring just some tweaks to the bodyshell to cure a slight discrepency in the ride-height between the motorised chassis and the driving trailers. The artwork for the bodyshells is complete and now being produced on self-adhesive vinyl, with (although I say it myself) stunning results.
DMS complete, with TPM bogies and "Great Northern" NSE Route Branding
Complete PTS bodyshell with pantograph and roof details "borrowed" from a Farish Class 90 bodyshell.
Previous Updates
I have now constructed bodies for both the driving car and centre car (PMS), featuring the pantograph well. To aid fitting of the pan and associated fittings, I have created a drilling template to show where everything goes.
For the roof fittings, I have taken these from an old Farish CLass 90, which has sufficient insulators and an accurate VCB unit. We shall try to re-produce something similar for the kit but, due to the small size, may have to recommend using the GF bits.
Visitors to Electra's stand at the N Gauge Show were treated to a preview of the Class 313, including the first run of N-Train's stunning RTR Chassis and some potential artwork for the box. Note the clear resin bodyshells and one-piece floorpans, which will also feature interior detail.
The 313 chassis has been specially painted Day-Glo orange for the occasion - production units will be black! The unit performed very well and only needs minor tweaks before going into production.
Due to my printer problems (See news pages) the finalised decals were not ready and I had to make do with self-adhesive stickies.
The final version will have white, pre-cut vinyls with waterslide colour layer.
Latest CAD image from Bob Davies showing the DMS. Note the internal rails and lugs for easy construction and the clear sides and end.
The really good news is that I should soon have a set of parts to enable me to produce the all-important bodyside decals. The artwork has been largely completed except for the final tweaks and scaling. Look out for pictures soon!
Class 313 first test shots!!
Bob has sent me some pictures of the first test shots for the 313, showing a centre vehicle (minus the pan well). Note the clear resin sides.
The other parts of the kit, such as underframe and PTS roof are rapidly taking shape and we hope to have a fully painted sample ready really soon.
Silverlink Metro Livery
A very cruel blow-up of original Network SouthEast Livery with "Great Northern" Route Branding. The 4mm version will have etched window frames on a resin or plastic bodyshell, wheras the N gauge version will have a one-piece side with full bodyside decals using these artworks.
Following the Christmas break, work has recommenced on getting the 313 design just right.
A first draft of the centre-car underframe can be seen here:
Further detail will be added to the underframe components, which are currently depicted to aid positioning. It is envisaged that the underframe will be a one-piece moulding with all components in place. The modular design being employed means that these components can be re-jigged where neccessary for other EMU types.
Bob Davis of N-Train is carrying out the 3D Design work for these units. Bob's work so far has been top-notch and the first bodyshells have really captured the look of these units.
I'd like to extend thanks to all those who have assisted with detail shots of the underframe, particularly Andy Hannah, Steven Northcott and everybody on RMWeb!
Planned Liveries
| BR Blue / Grey (Network SouthEast branding optional) |
| Network SouthEast (Early with light blue / BR Logo) |
| Network SouthEast (Revised post-1988) |
| Network SouthEast with WAGN Triangle Logo |
| Plain White Livery |
| Plain White Livery with WAGN Branding |
| Plain White Livery with FCC Branding |
| WAGN Purple with Grey Doors |
| WAGN Purple with Mauve Doors |
| WAGN Purple with FCC Branding |
| First Capital Connect "Neon" Livery |
| Silverlink Metro Green / Purple / Yellow |
No price has yet been set as yet but due to the complexity of the kit, we anticipate the asking price to be around £120-£140 including the RTR chassis. This may change due to the costs of the tooling and moulding.
The 313 will be followed by the later variants of this design - Class 314 (Strathclyde), 315 (Great Eastern), 507 and 508 (Merseytravel)