Kit Corner: Modelling HDL No. 1001

Plastic kits have unlocked many a unique layout project by providing the means to model unusual or minority items of rolling stock or, indeed, complete trains. The Hastings line narrow bodied Class 201, 202 and 203 DEMUs do not have standard Mk.1 features, therefore seem a less than attractive choice for an off-the-shelf model, making the kit by DC Kits the best route forward. In the first of a series of Kit Corner articles, we show how to build a model of heritage ‘Thumper’ No. 1001, owned and operated by Hastings Diesels Limited, starting with the long frame vehicles. The same techniques apply to modelling Hastings ‘Thumpers’ in BR days.

The project

THE STORY of heritage Hastings DEMU No. (20)1001 is a remarkable one, resulting in an interesting train to model with its mix of short-frame and long-frame vehicles alongside the two former EMU trailers.

It has wide appeal and could be introduced to a post-1996 layout in several formats: as a three-car set being moved between heritage railway sites with a locomotive or latterly as a substitution for Class 205s and 207s on the Marsh Link line, or as a four-, five- and subsequently six-car train with main line certification on a tour of some description. Modellers will have to decide on whether the pre- or post-CDL era is to be modelled and if additional trailers are added to the collection for interest. At the time of writing, HDL was undertaking various restorations including 6L DMBS No. S60119.

No. 1001 compliance with main line requirements made it attractive to train operating companies and for modellers to add to a layout, even if it is not based on the former Southern Region. No. 1001 was hired to Anglia for service between Norwich, Yarmouth and Lowestoft and Connex to cover the Hastings-Ashford Marsh Link line at various times between 2000 and 2004 as a three-, five- and even a six-car set on one occasion when there was little time to reform the train after a tour when called up for service. For those modellers with limited space, a four-car model could be built to replicate the DEMU Phoenix tour or hire-ins by a train operating company.