VIDEO: Rails of Sheffield talk about production of the Terriers and the SECR box van

One of the major innovations of 2019 in terms of bringing new materials and technologies to the model railway marketplace has been Rails of Sheffield’s project to test the market for lower-volume products produced using 3D print technology to a much higher standard than we have seen within the ‘cottage industry’ marketplace.

Utilising Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) printing the chosen subject, a South Eastern & Chatham Railway van, brings a quality which is indiscernible to a traditional injection-moulded product – in fact, superior in some details. Clever design has meant that the three main elements, roof, body, and chassis, can be printed as complete parts leading to easy and cost-effective assembly. The production, assembly, and decoration are all carried out in the UK and the techniques and process open up the market for more low-volume products for the future.

Although the first production run is sold out John Barber indicates that there’s likely to be another run soon. Rails of Sheffield’s Terrier project is very close to delivery now with production underway with the likelihood that the first products will be with Rails in time for the show at Warley later in November. The model promises to be the best rendition of a Terrier that the market has seen with pre-grouping liveries, in particular, being popular in the pre-orders already made by customers.

Andy York talks to John Barber and Brian Greenwood of Rails about the final stages of the products before they reach the market.