S scale coach kits

Update (1 Feb. 2021) :-   I have had three people commit to buying a number of the four wheeled coach kits now.   This is on the lower limit of viability, but enough to go ahead.   No interest has so far been expressed in the six wheeled coaches.   Looking at the possible sheet layout, I will be able to include ‘W’ irons (axleguards) for the four wheeled coaches meaning that only detail parts will need to be arranged by the builder, which should make it more attractive.   Below are the paragraphs of the original proposal adjusted for the change noted above, so you can see the details of what is being offered:

I have been asked to consider making some of my coach kits available in S scale (3/16″:ft. or 1:64).   The person who asked is interested in the four and six wheeled compartment stock   I have looked at the most economical ways to do this, and, recognising that most people in S scale seem to be happy to scratch-build more than in other scales, here are my thoughts.

Obviously the costs depend on the number of different sheets of etch which need to be provided – each one of these costs nearly £200 to originate.   The facts that areas increase at a faster rate than linear scale factors; thicker material costs more; and larger kits just don’t fit so neatly on the fixed sheet size also have an effect.   I have found a way to provide what might be required on one, or two sheets of etch.  These kits would be etched in 0.015″ (0.375mm) brass.

It seems sensible to omit the roofs (easy to do in plastic especially if I provide a printable paper template for the lamp and ventilator holes and rain strips, and arguably more appropriate comparing with prototype appearance).   If I provided sides and ends plus their details (drop-lights, ventilators, footsteps) and the solebar overlays with the ‘W’ irons, footstep supports and footsteps (much easier to build coaches where these are provided) I could do it as follows:

Four wheeled coaches:

One sheet, containing a D501 Brake Third, a D101 First and three D401 Thirds.   I would make these available for £58 per coach, or £260 for the whole sheet of five coach kits.   (+p/p)   In order to go ahead with the four wheeled coaches I would need firm commitment for 15 coach kits with a £50 deposit per order.

Six wheeled coaches:

One sheet comprising a D514 Brake Third, a D219 Luggage Composite and two D404 Thirds.  ‘W’ irons (axleguards) will be included.   I would make these available for £68 per coach, or £260 for the whole sheet of four kits.   (+p/p)   In order to go ahead with the six wheeled coaches I would need firm commitment for 12 coach kits with a £50 deposit per order.

If you would like to register a commitment, please send me an email.   I will not be taking money until I have the required numbers.   I will not be proceeding until I have the right numbers.   By the way, messages limited to:   ‘I would definitely want at least (insert number) of these if you make them.’   will not sway my decision, I am afraid.   I have had promises like that before!