Newsdesk: Accurascale CAF Mk.5 stock news

Caledonian Sleeper stock reaches the livery stage, while the TPE Mk.5a coaches fall behind due to technical issues with printing.

“DECEPTIVELY complex livery” is how Accurascale describes the Caledonian Sleeper teal scheme applied to its brand-new CAF Mk.5 coach models. Whilst the base livery amounts to a single colour, the livery embellishments representing the stylised antlers of a red deer have complex cures; are applied over the windows and are complemented with an array of safety notices and other small livery details making the livery more complex than it appears.

The photographs offer a tantalising glimpse of the new models which are described as being on schedule, unlike the TransPennine Express Mk.5a models which have encountered some technical difficulties with application of the complex TPE livery.

The models are at the approval stage in preparation for production. As is usual with livery prototypes, there were some adjustments and minor corrections identified for the factory to apply, including tidying up of paint bleed and tightening up of some of the safety label printing.

Overall, the livery prototype coaches look very finely detailed and lack any light bleed from the factory installed internal lighting. The magnetic models of Dellner couplings will be a first for ready to run ‘OO' gauge models, which when combined with NEM coupling pockets and close coupling cams, will allow close coupling to the point that the gangways nearly touch.

More details can be found on the Accurascale website at www. accurascale.co.uk, including advance ordering of the new Mk.5 coach family which is offered in runner packs to allow authentic rakes to be collected.

Livery samples of the brand-new Caledonian Sleeper CAF Mk.5 stock have been revealed by Accurascale. The pictures show the remarkable level of detail applied to the models for the retail price.

Underframe detail is built up of numerous separate small sub-assemblies which are neatly detailed in their own right. Bogies are also noteworthy in their design with the axle fitted brake discs and open ended structure being modelled.

Cabin side of sleeping car No. 15210.

Close coupling with magnetic Dellner couplings fitted to close coupling cams. NEM coupling pockets will allow the coupling to be exchanged for different types to suit individual layout requirements.

Inner end with gangway, ETS details, magnetic Dellner and the NEM coupling pocket being visible in this view.