Oxford delivers a new Mk.3 generation
ONE of the most highly anticipated models of recent times, in the form of the first two examples of Oxford Rail’s new ‘OO’ gauge Mk.3a coach range, arrived in mid-January. Their appearance brings a further step up for the manufacturer in the world of D&E modelling, it having previously dabbled around the edges with the Warwells in their original form and the Carflats.
With the Mk.3a coaches though, Oxford is now tackling one of the most significant gaps in terms of ready-to-run D&E era stock and one that more demanding modellers have wanted to see closed for a very long time. While Mk.3 coaches have been available for many years from different manufacturers, it is only Jouef back in 1979/80 that has produced a true representation of the loco-hauled Mk.3a version, as best associated with West Coast Main Line services for three decades of hard service.
Surprisingly good for its time, the Jouef offering got the key features of the loco-hauled variant correct and it has often remained the model of choice in recent times for those looking to re-create West
