Gopher Models is pleased to announce the release of NSWGR HUB passenger cars in N scale.
Please be sure to select the set number you wish from the list at the above before ordering.
NSWGR HUB Passenger Cars
The HUB cars came about with the extension of the contract for the N cars introduced in 1939 as non airconditioned passenger stock. In 1943 a variation of the contract was let for 4 sets of passenger cars to be airconditioned. The HUB sets comprised of 4 sets 116, 117, 118 and 119 with the first set entering service on the 30th April 1948. Each set comprised of 7 cars HFH, RFH, BH, BH, RBH, FH and PFH with car 1 HFH at the Sydney end. The toilet windows were always on the same side of the train except for the HFH. The sets were sometimes reduced in size to suit the required number of passengers booked with 5 and 6 car consists common particularly during winter. The HUBs were particularly associated with the Newcastle Express, but were Cessnock Express, regulars on the Central West Express 1958 onwards, Riverina Express on alternate days to the RUB set, the South Coast Daylight Express (till 1958) and the Southern Highlands Express. They were also frequently used on tour trains.
The Tuscan (Venetian Red) and Russet colour scheme was the first colour, with Indian Red following from the mid 50’s on. Some of the Tuscan and Russet would have lasted into the 60’s and would have only been changed to Indian Red when major overhaul took place.
From 1974 the HUB cars were no longer marshalled as sets. From that time on both Hub (H) and RUB (S) cars were operated together.
Many changes happened over the life of these cars, including code changes, power generators removed from the PFH and colours. Even windows changed late in their lives.
They were hauled by a variety of locomotives and any of the 38 class locos pulled them. Other locos (but not a definitive list) were the 35, 36, 40, 42, 43, 44, 422 etc. Even though the HUB set weighed 310 tons and the 38 class could easily haul that load from Sydney to Newcastle, there were occasions when loco balancing had to take place. One such occasion in 1968 on a Sunday morning 3828 and 3820 double headed the Newcastle Express between Gosford and Newcastle.
These HUB cars are available as a five-car set, with the option to purchase two additional individual cars to create a complete seven-car set.
Two colour schemes are available:
Indian Red
Tuscan and Russet
Each coach is priced at $100, with the five-car set available for $500. Two separate add-on cars, also priced at $100 each, are available to complete the seven-car set. Inside the 5 car set box are two additional spaces for these additional cars so you can keep your set together and safe.
Four distinct sets (116, 117, 118, and 119) are offered in each colour scheme. Each car within a set is individually numbered, ensuring correct configuration. Please be sure to select the set number you wish from the list at the top before ordering. Availability is limited, and once sold, these colour schemes will not be reproduced.
