Mica B Decorated Samples

The Mica B

With all the focus having been on the Leader and the unforeseen delays, it’s easy to forget that we have been working on other models too. The Mica B was announced last year, and has flown under the radar since then as we focussed on keeping you updated on the Leader, 4DD and Big Bertha projects.

But that doesn’t mean nothing has happened. Far from it, we have tooled up this much requested van and the EPs have been evaluated by us before we signed off on it. Having now received the decorated samples, we thought it was time to share this with you as we are pleased with the results.

The model features many fine details including a fully modelled brake rigging with shoes that line up with the chemically blackened wheelsets. Tie bars are modelled between the W irons and J hangers are present that would hold and steady the brake rigging on the prototypes. We have also included brass bearing cups in the W irons which make for super smooth and reliable running and prevent the axle pinpoints from slowly reaming out the W irons in use. Other features include separately fitted metal handrails, roof hopper lids, vacuum standards and footsteps.

For those wanting to see more, a full review video has been produced by Jennifer E. Kirk Model Railways over on Youtube and can be watched at this link.

Prototype in profile

These ventilated vans were mainly used to transport chilled beef carcasses from ports such as Birkenhead to Smithfield and other markets. Featuring roof-filled hoppers for dry ice, they would keep the meat perfectly chilled and free of deterioration on the journey.

Our models faithfully replicate the originals, and
preserved examples can be seen still at the Severn Valley Railway and Didcot.

The following single vans available in this batch for £30 each:

• Van 1 105873 (preserved at Severn Valley Railway)
• Van 2 105852
• Van 3 105901
• Van 4 105860 (preserved at Didcot)
• Van 5 105923
• Van 6 105966

Value packs of three available for £75:

• Pack A 105873, 105852 & 105901
• Pack B 105860, 105923 & 105966

Order your Mica B models here

Leader News

It hasn’t escaped our notice that the Leader has been beset by delays. We really hoped it would be here some time ago, but so many unexpected delays that were completely out of our control piled up and have been as frustrating for us as they are for you. For this, we are truly sorry, and want you to know that we have worked as hard as we can to try and clear all the hurdles presented to us as fast as we could.

KR Models is a very small company, with one staff member in Canada, and two in the UK. That’s it. We work very hard but as anyone who has experienced getting goods designed in one country, manufactured in a second and predominantlysold in a third will know, it is no small task.

The Leader is now complete. We have been informed that the full production run is done and shipping from the factory in China. A container has been arranged and paperwork completed and we are expecting the confirmed arrival date to be announced very soon once it clears Chinese customs.

Then it will just be a wait for transit to the UK, clearing customs, and final transfer to our warehouse in the North West. Then orders will begin despatch. It’s not a fast process but this is our first FULL 20ft container. We will keep you informed as the shipment nears the UK. You will be getting an email with your tracking number once your order has left our warehouse.

Order Your Leader Model Today

Production Sample Images

We have partnered with the great Ken Patterson (What’s Neat This Week) to have some photos of one of our production models taken. We are really pleased with the results, and would like to thank Ken for his amazing work.

Ken’s photography has appeared in the catalogues of Walthers and Bachman USA amongst others as well as on the pages of Model Railroader magazine. Be sure to check out his regular show over on Youtube.

Important Shay update

During thorough testing of running EP samples, it has come to light that the material one of the drivetrain gears has been produced in is prone to cracking under fast changes in torque applied to it. In short, if a model were to be subjected to a rapid change from forwards to reverse under power, then there was a chance that the gear would break rendering the model inoperative.

Weighing this up, we have decided to have the component remanufactured and all models rectified with the new part. We felt that this was important to avoid risk of models failing in use. We apologise that this will lead to a delay, but hope that you are understanding that it is better that the models be perfect when they reach customers. The models had already gone part way through the assembly process, so this will significantly increase the time needed to rectify each model.

Due to the delay this incurs, they have lost their place in the production queue in favour of other models and we will be evaluating a new timeframe for delivery in the new year. We know this is not what you want to hear but we want the model to be perfect. We are as frustrated by this as you are.

Production Schedule Updates On Your Models