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Gallery
of Guild Members Models. |
Many
Guild members make detailed scale models of a huge variety of
horse drawn vehicles, handcarts and wheelbarrows; and here on
this page are shown many of these models – just click on the members
name to see these. Every year there are many craft fairs, model
exhibitions, agricultural shows and county museums where members
display their models to the public and this is a grand opportunity
where members can get to meet each other, chat to the visitors
and have a memorable day out |
BIDDY
HEPPER |
| JOHN HUSBANDS | JOHN
HUNTBATCH |
CED
LEWIS |
| PETER SMITH | MICK DAVIS | ROGER
MORGAN |
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| John
Walford “Retired and living halfway between Birmingham and Stratford on Avon. Started modelling over 30 years ago and joined the Guild a few months after it formed as, "The Model Wheelwrights". I prefer to use Lime for all the wooden parts of my models, steel or brass wherever these were used in the original, and work from my own drawings. Most of my models have a military theme, if only to get away from the numbers of Tip carts, Monmouth wagons etc.” (John's models are all 1/12th scale) |
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| Apple
scratter A model of one of the many different types of scratter found around Hereford & Worcester. Used to break up apples before being put in a cider press. |
Spoke
machine c. 1901 Used in the part mechanisation of wheelmaking, it could form the tongues on spoke ends, drill the felloes to accept the tongues and mortice the hub, all with unskilled labour. |
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| Onager Roman siege engine. |
Petarara 15th.c. breech loading gun. |
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Swivel
galloper A very unlikely weapon from 16th.c. illustrations. |
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| Pevensey. |
Pevensey. Close-up details. |
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| Ten
barrel cannon Designed by Leonardo da Vinci. |
British
galloper |
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| Ribaudequin,
c. 1350 Multi barrel gun for defending bridges and gateways. |
Cannon
barrel sling carriage. Shown carrying a "Heavy" pattern cast iron 24 pounder c.1800. Used to transport newly cast guns between the foundry and the proving ground |
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| Dutch
military wagon c.1860. The front axle can move in 3 planes, allowing the wheels to stay in contact with uneven ground. |
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| Close-up of front axle (1) | Close-up of front axle (2) | ||
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| Brian
Simpson "I am retired and live near Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. I have always had an interest in heavy horses and farming; started HDV modelling 7 years ago after seeing the Guild stand at a show. Started with existing plans but now prefer to draw my own from measurements of an original vehicle. I don’t specialise in any type but look for subjects that are unusual and that no one has done before." (All Brian's Models are made in 1/8th scale) |
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| Bavarian
Waggon Rear View. |
Bavarian
Waggon Close-up view of front section, showing detail of metalwork. |
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Bavarian
Waggon Measurements and photographs were taken of the original when found outside a pub in Staffordshire in 2001. Plans were then produced, from which the model was made. The original vehicle no longer exists; it eventually rotted away and was scraped. |
Mark
II Horse Ambulance Both horses have been carved by Brian using American bass wood. The ambulance driver has been made using "Fimo" modiling clay.Brian has even researched the driver’s uniform and regimental insignia. When this model was displayed at the Midlands Model Engineering Exhibition on the 15th October 2005, it received a well deserved 1st Prize. |
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| Shepherds
Hut The original full-size vehicle can be seen at Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, Church Stretton, Shropshire. |
Shepherds
Hut Roof removed to show view inside. Note the bread, cheese and tea mug on the table. The slatted section under the sparse bed is where a sick or weak lamb would be kept. The shepherd would receive six pence for every lamb reared. |
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| Mobile
butcher’s shop This model was constructed from two old photos one dated 1923. There is a man standing in one of the shots and I used his height to scale the vehicle. I know from enquiries it was painted blue but the shade had to be a guess. |
Mobile
butcher’s shop The side windows slide apart to serve the customers and the butcher entered the well-bottomed shop via the back door. |
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| Mobile
butcher’s shop The meat and offal were made from Fimo clay and I used an excellent book on modelling miniature food by Angie Scarr. The butcher’s tools were modelled from actual examples of old butcher’s tools on the Internet. The set of scales was a guess as although they can be seen on one photo they are not clear enough to be precise. |
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| Grev
Lyons "Apart from the usual Airfix boats and planes kits, I suppose my real modelling started in my twenties when I built a model theatre with flys, ropes and wings etc. My next efforts began following a visit to the Malpas Yesteryear Rally in 1985. After looking around all the exhibits, I wandered into the “Model Tent” – and stood there, mouth open, in awe at what I saw. A very wide variety of all sorts of subjects and then I came to an exhibit of Horse Drawn Vehicles by an Albert Pickstock. We got chatting and in fact I became friends with the entire family over many years. I went back to the Model Tent the next day and kept asking loads of questions – I was hooked!" (All Grev's Models are made in 1/12th scale, unless otherwise stated) |
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| Open
Lot Caravan Sometimes called the Yorkshire Bow, the Open lot is a direct descendant of the four wheeled pot cart and is of simplified construction relative to the old types. It is built on an existing four wheeled tradesman’s cart, called a dray, trolley or lurry. The bow roof projects to form porches at the front and rear, but there is no footboard. From John Thompson plans. |
Courage
Show Dray For more than 50 years this ‘Courage’ dray with its superb Shires has been taking top prizes at shows throughout the country. It was built in the Old Kent Road and can now be seen at the Courage Shire Horse Centre near Maidenhead. From John Thompson plans. |
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| Hand
Cart This model was quite an achievement for me, as it was the first model which I measured and drew my own plans for. I was standing outside the goods shed (Exhibition Hall) at Blists Hill and started looking at the original which I’d seen many times before. I suddenly realised what a charming little cart this was; and was painted in the livery of the Grocer’s shop opposite. (Made in 1/8th scale.) |
Delivery
Van A light one horse van of the type used by Bakers, Butchers and grocers for town deliveries. These vans were usually turned out very smartly to maintain the reputation of their owners. From Barrie Voisey Plans. |
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| Monmouthshire
Wagon Built in a village wheelwright’s shop on the welsh border, this farm wagon preserves the traditional style to that region. The original can be seen at Gwent Rural life museum. From John Thompson Plans. |
Northumberland
Long Cart The north of England does not have the variety of farm wagons found in the south, but to compensate for this their carts are very large, well made and in this example, really elegant. An original of this cart is on display at The North of England Open Air Museum at Beamish in the Home Farm. Note the light open spindle sides and nicely curved rails. From John Thompson plans. |
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| Cornish
Haywain A light harvest cart of the type used in West Devon & Cornwall. The low railed sides are a distinctive feature and the large harvest frames are detachable. The light body is well suited to the sloping fields and narrow lanes. The small wheels keep the platform low for stability and easy loading. From John Thompson plans. |
Market
Float This smart outfit was used to take light produce to market, and would have been used as a light van or estate car is today. The presence or the rail indicates that the vehicle was expected to be driven rather than led like a farm cart. The extra check spring would provide for occasions when it might be piled up with sacks of potatoes etc. From John Thompson plans. |
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| Baker’s
Cart A stylish cart for a high class town tradesman. Although this is sign written as a Baker’s cart, the type was also used by butchers and indeed, in makers catalogues around the turn of the century, is more often described as such. The closed but ventilated body was a feature needed for the carriage of foodstuffs. From John Thompson plans. |
Ambulance
Wagon Mark VI (Circa 1903)
The wagon was constructed to carry 12 sitting patients or 6 sitting with two stretcher cases. There was room for 4 additional men on the box seat, one of whom would be the driver. A large water tank was carried in a box under the rear step/tailgate. Lockers were provided under the floor to contain medical supplies and dressings. There were also lockers provided under the driver’s seat. The cost when new was £180.10s. – Plans from unknown origin. |
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| Showman’s
Caravan The Burton or Showman’s wagon is built with straight sides but with wheels under the body, which projects over them, affording maximum floor space. The most ornate wagons had carved panels and elaborate carved oak plaques fixed to each panel. Some, like this model, were painted green so as to merge with the countryside when ”pulling up”. Though sometimes used by gypsies, this type of wagon was the one most favoured by travelling showmen; unlike the gypsies they kept to the high roads, did not need high wheels to cross fords and preferred the greater floor space. If bought just before World War 1, a good Burton would cost you £100 to £150 and by the 40’s, the same wagon could have fetched £200. from John Thompson plans. |
Showman’s
Caravan Roof of Showman's Caravan removed to show details of interior. |
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| Devon
Wagon A loose bodied cock-raved wagon of typical form. The wheels of many of these wagons seem small, making the cock-rave apparently unnecessary. They were omitted on many later wagons. The wide track, small wheels and low light build gave stability on hill terrain. This wagon was made in 1891 at Broadwood Kelly village in the carpenter’s shop of Earland & Son. The price paid was £9-10s, low even in those days. It was used up to 1945 when a tractor and trailer replaced it. The wagon was used for harvest, with ladders fitted, and also for hauling manure and lime from the railway station. From John Thompson plans |
“Brooke
Bond” Tea Wagon Vans of this type carried the bulk of city trade in late Victorian and Edwardian times. Photographs of London streets show that these vans with canvass tilts out-numbered all other style of vehicle. Many firms ran their own stables but the wear and tear of city work on both vehicles and horses favoured the larger operations of transport firms such as Lloyds, who operated vans on contract. Fleets of similar vehicles with interchangeable parts helped the contractor with his own wheelwrights shop to keep a high proportion of the vans on the road, while horses could work a shift system. From John Thompson plans. |
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Joe
Cartledge "Guild Member Joe, who lives in Derbyshire, has made about 40 models over quite a number of years and each one is unique, inasmuch as each has been discovered, researched and plans produced by Joe himself. Joe prefered timber is beech, which some years ago he rescued from a school who had decided to update to plastic moulded desks and consign the traditional beech ones to a bonfire! Joe could not stand by and see all this wonderful seasoned timber go up in flames and therefore managed to save a number of these to be put to good use. He is one of the original founder members of the Guild of Model Wheelwrights, and in October 2011, at the Guild's AGM, was awarded honorary membership in recognition of his long and excellent services to the Guild." (All Joe's Models are made in 1/8th scale) |
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| Mobile
Grape Press This vehicle would be used by local farmers in the Loire Valley area of France for crushing the grapes to produce wine for home consumption.To enable the person operating the press to walk all round the vehicle the shafts would be removed from the body. Model built using measurements taken from the actual vehicle which is in the agricultural museum at Montreuil Bellay in France. |
Italian
Water Cart This unusual vehicle with its catapult shaped chassis was used to move bulk amounts of fresh water for use on the farm. It would also carry the juice from the grape pressing at wine making time. Known to have been in use up to the end of the second war. Model built using measurements taken from the actual vehicle at a villa farm in Italy. |
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| American
Dumper Waggon – 1895 This is a model of a specialised horse drawn vehicle that was built by the Bain Company of Wisconsin America. Its purpose was to move bulk amounts of raw materials for the construction of roads and buildings. Extra horses could be hitched to the draught pole if needed. The floor section is hinged at the sides of the body so that the driver could open or close to allow the bulk material to be released while the vehicle was on the move or, dumped in a pile. It is fitted with a spring seat; and brakes are fitted to the rear wheels. |
Peak
District Hill Waggon – 1880 This type of farm vehicle was used in North West Derbyshire and the North East Cheshire areas. A simple type of waggon, built of soft wood, probably Scots, pine by the Rowbottom family in the village of Rainow, which lies in the foothills of the Pennines straddling the Cheshire boundary of the Peak District National Park.Built from plans produced by fellow Guild Member Ralph Beardow. |
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| Brush
Waggon It was at one time thought that the Brush Waggon was extinct, and then a full size one was discovered in a quiet English country lane completely overgrown by dense hedgerow. This vehicle was unique in many ways and unlike any other caravan type; the door is at the rear. It would have been used around 1888 for selling Brushes, brooms and Carpet Pieces etc. |
Brush
Waggon (side view) This full-on side view shows many of the various vendors’ goods; three legged and four legged stools, walking canes and washing 'dollies'. Hanging up on the side of the waggon are brushes, brooms and a wooden rake. All these good were of high quality and well made and would have been purchased by the affluent as well as the working-class people. |
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JOHN
ELWOOD "I live in Somerset. Spending 42 years in the Services I was unable to model but once retired, my life changed. Having limited storage space was restrictive. An "n" gauge model railway was appealing but impossible for lack of space, similarly model boats and it was on a visit to the Wood Festival at Westonbirt that I first came into contact with the Guild. Here was my answer: precision modeling at 1/12th scale meant four models to a Banana box! I was also introduced to an absorbing study of horse drawn transport. I specialise in carriages and commercial vehicles both of which reflect the social conditions of the time they were in use." (All John's Models are made in 1/12th scale, unless otherwise stated.) |
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| Stanhope
Wagonette This vehicle was used mainly by country houses as a general purpose utility vehicle driven by the coachman or a senior groom. It carried five passengers and the driver but was also used for the carriage of goods. The model is to plans by John Thompson. |
Bakers
Cart The baker’s van was a common sight on the streets of London from the mid-1800s to the first part of the 20th century. The baker made a daily round. In most instances the horse knew the round and would move from door to door automatically. The rear door of the cart could be lowered to reveal shelves on which varieties of bread, bread rolls and cakes were stored. |
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| Canterbury
Phaeton The Phaeton is a small four wheeled vehicle accommodating a driver and three passengers. The rearward passengers faced to the rear. The name derives from the fact that the vehicle was constructed in Canterbury, Kent. It was used by private families much as the car is today. The model is built to plans by John Thompson. |
The
West Country Haywain Unlike most haywains, this was a two-wheeled vehicle. Two wheels were essential because of the narrowness of the lanes in Devon and Cornwall and the constricted entrances to the fields. This wain was a “tip cart”, as shown in the photograph, which enabled the harvesters, when they returned to the haystsack area, to unload in the minimum time ( The model is 1/10th scale to the plans of John Thompson.) |
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| Brian
Young "Now retired and living in South Gloucestershire, I was eight years old when I began making models. After a technical education at Bath Tech. College, and an aircraft apprenticeship I progressed through model aircraft and boats until I made my first horsedrawn farm vehicle. I have enjoyed the challenge of making 1/12th scale horsedrawn vehicles and vintage farm machinery. I've also been known to make the odd wheelbarrow!" |
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| Ransoms
Threshing Machine A very elaborate and detailed model, photographed on the Guild display table at Shugborough estate in Staffordshire in the 1990s. |
WWI
Mobile Pigeon Loft. These vehicles were introduced in France and Flanders in the early stages of the First World War, remaining in use until the mid 1920s. |
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| Mellor's
Stripper c.1883 From the original at the Kapunda museum, South Australia. |
"McKay"
Sunshine Stripper/Harvester. The original can be seen at the Science Museum as Wroughton in Wiltshire. It took Brian approximately 1600 hours to complete. |
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| German
WWII Medical Waggon. |
A
varied assortment of model wheelbarrows. The birthplace of the wheelbarrow was in China, possibly as early as 100 B.C. |
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| Horse
Drawn Chaff Cutter. From the original at the Cotswold Countryside Collection, Northleach, Gloucestershire. |
Hornsby's
Hedge Cutter. |
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| Great
Western Railway Coach |
The
Garden Shed. |
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| Bell's Improved Reaping Machine c 1879 | Knife
Grinders Handcart. Built in Gouda around 1870 and used in The Hague after the last war. |
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| Mk.
2 Water Tank Cart. |
Horse
Drawn Potato Sprayer. |
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| Albion
Expanding Horse Hay Rake From the original at Boscobel House, Telford, Shropshire |
Cider
Mill and Press |
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| Ralph
Kitching. "I was born in Brixton, London and grew up there during the war. I started work in 1944 at University Motors, repairing Jeeps and army vehicles. At the end of the war it was suggested that there would be no future in the motor industry and to get out. The rest of my working life was spent in the gas industry, where the only experience I had of working with wood, was ripping up floorboards, then replacing them, hoping that the floor covering would hide the mess I had made! In 1989 I retired after 43 years, and realised I needed a hobby to keep himself occupied; otherwise all the future seemed to hold for me was wiping-up and decorating! A friend lent me a Hobbies catalogue, and after a lot of studying I decided to make an Oxford Waggon. I also wanted to meet other like-minded people and went to an exhibition of horse drawn vehicles advertised at Northleach. I was very impressed with the standard of work, and decided to join the Association as it then was. That was in 1992; and since then I have exhibited all over England and Wales with the Guild." (All Ralph's Models are made in 1/12th scale) |
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| Night
Soil Cart |
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| John
Husbands "I retired at Christmas 2006, and I live in Great Wyrley in the West Midlands. I was introduced to SMHDV quite by accident. In 1978 I was looking through a woodworking magazine in a doctor's surgery, and came across a small advertisement showing a fine line drawing of a Royal Mail Coach and the offer of an illustrated catalogue for 25p; it was John Thompson’s “The Model Wheelwrights” handbook. I sent for the handbook, and just could not resist ordering several plans straight away; I now have over 30 plans/drawings, a number of finished models, and others yet to be completed. Over the past years I have derived great pleasure in constructing these models and have developed a great friendship with other Guild Members when displaying our models." (All John's Models are made in 1/8th scale) |
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| East-Anglian
Waggon This massive and stately vehicle dates from 1850, when it was built at Maplestead in North Essex. The woods used for the model are lime, apple and spuce, and the plans used are John Thompson's. |
Hermaphrodite These unusual vehicles consisted of a two wheeled cart, with an extra pair of wheels and forecarriage which could be added to convert to a four wheeled vehicle at harvest time.The woods used for the model are lime, beech and ash, and the plans used are John Thompson's. |
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| Table
Top Wool Waggon To
see more about the history and build of this vehicle click on the
link below: |
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| The
above three models on display at Forge Mill, Redditch on the 14th
and 15th August 2010. Forge Mill is just one of the 20 or so venues where Guild Members display their models thoughout the UK each year. We all have a grand time talking and answering the many questions and intrests put to us by the many visitors. |
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| Alan
Johnson "I have been a Guild Member since 1990. Born in Yorkshire, having a father who was a keen amateur woodworker who died when I was three months old. Mum taught me the basics of fretwork from the age of three. I grew up making my own toys, and later making all manner of items for family, colleagues and friends. My repertoire has included Marquetry, Parquetry, Wood Turning, Musical boxes, Pewter embossing, Scale architectural work, and of course Scale Model Horse Drawn Vehicles. I am now retired and live in Truro in Cornwall" (All Alan's Models are made in 1/8th scale, unless otherwise stated) |
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| Sussex
Swing Plough An early 19th Century plough, with a wooden beam and iron mouldboard. Made from John Thompson's plans. The materials used are mahogany and steel. |
Courage
Brewer's Show Dray The actual full size vehicle can be seen at the Courage Shire Horse Centre at Maidenhead. As seen in the model, it can be fitted with shafts for a single horse, or a central pole for a pair. Made from John Thompson's plans. Materials used are mahogany and brass. |
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| Northhamptonshire
Water Cart Made from plans of David Wray's. The chassis is mahogany and steel. The barrel is made from oak, soaked in cold water before being bent round a former, and the steel 'blued' in a flame.Glue was not used anywhere on this model. |
Wiltshire
Dung Cart This model, made from John Thompson's plans, is constructed in beech and steel and painted using acrylics. The steel is flame 'blued'. |
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| Reading
Ledge Caravan This model is made from John Thompson's plans. A large variety of materials were used. |
Edwardian
Style Limousine From plans published in a 'Practical Woodworking' magazine. A variety of materials were used. Body panels created using layers of veneer glued together round soft-wood formers. |
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| Home
Workshop in 1/12th scale Tools copied from my own collection and from museum pictures. A variety of materials were used. |
Potting
Shed in 1/12th scale Tools copied from our own full sized ones. Printed items photographed and computer reduced. A variety of materials were used. |
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| Roger
Hardy "I live in Barton in the Beans, near Market Bosworth, and whilst I am a relatively new member I have been building model HDV’s for many years. I started in the John Thompson era and still have a lot of books and items which he supplied. Over the years I have made 23 models, most are distributed around the family but I have retained a few; then I lapsed into Model Boats; but recently saw the error of my ways and returned to model HDV’s. I am currently making a Whitechapel Cart and East-Anglian Waggon from J.T. plans. My preferred timber is lime." (All Roger's Models are made in 1/8th scale) |
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| Garden
Seat Omnibus The London street scene in Edwardian time was dominated by the horse-bus, with over 3000 on the road - nearly half being run by the London General Omnibus Company. |
Garden
Seat Omnibus A view to the rear of the vehicle showing the spiral steps and more of the period advertisments. |
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| Ledge
Caravan This must be one of the most elaborate and ornate of any horse drawn vehicle and requires many hundreds of hours of patient and detailed work by the model maker. The actual full-size vehicle can be seen at the Reading Borough Museum, where it had been completely restored. |
Ledge
Caravan A rear view showing the cratch and pan-box. |
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| Ledge
Caravan View to inside. |
Ledge
Caravan A close-up of the cratch and details of carving inserts and painting. |
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| Brougham | Brougham | ||
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| Early Iron Age Chariot | Market Float | ||
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| Hansom Cab | Hansom Cab - (Front view) | ||
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| Patrick
Hall "Although raised on a south Warwickshire farm, on leaving school I chose to work in the construction industry. There I trained as an architectural draughtsman/ building surveyor and subsequently became a designer of agricultural and industrial buildings. Upon retirement in 2002, I needed a handicraft that was relatively inexpensive, so I decided to attempt to make a model of a Cotswold boat wagon, built for my father in1930. Working from a photograph I created a set of working drawings and built a model, followed by other similar subjects, all to 1/8th scale. In October 2005 I met members exhibiting at Mary Arden’s House and realising that I had an awful lot to learn, decided to join the Guild. Since that time I have tried to achieve a better build standard, but I know there is plenty of room for improvement! At least I was working to a scale commonly used by Guild members." (All Patrick's Models are made in 1/8th scale) |
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| Cotswold
Bow Wagon Built for Lord Vestey, Stowell Park, c. 1925. My own measured drawings from the original, at the Heritage Centre, Northleach. (no longer open) |
Devon
Chest Wagon Built at Lifton near Launceston, 1894. My own plans based on a sketch in James Arnold's book ''Farm Wagons and Carts". |
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| Cotswold
Boat Wagon Built on the Badminton Estate, 1937, my own measured drawings from the original at Dyrham Park. (National Trust) |
Cotswold
Boat Wagon Built for A.J.Hall at Ilmington, Warwickshire, 1930. My own drawings, based on a photograph. |
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| Hermaphrodite,
or muffrey Built from plans by David Wray and supplied by the Guild Library. |
Bottle Jack - Cotswold Boat Wagon | ||
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| ANNE
MEANLEY Guild member Anne Meanley regularly brings along these delightful collection of models to a number of Guild venues, which were made by her late husband John who died in 2003, at the age of 84. John was born and raised in Darlaston, in the West Midlands, and as a youth was familiar with the street vendors and their hand carts who plied their various vegetable, fruit, flowers and fish carts in the area. He made his first model in the late 1970’s, and during the years, up until his untimely death, amassed a unique collection which attracts a lot of interest and admiration when put on display by his widow Anne. All the fruit, flowers, vegetables and bread etc, are made from Fimo® modelling clay, which can be baked hard in a domestic oven. (All John's Models are made in 1/8th scale, unless otherwise stated.) |
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| A
trio of various hand carts Railway porters luggage trolly, a three wheeled whicker bread cart, and a three wheeled hand-pushed milk cart with brass churn and milk tins. |
Fruit
and vegatable hand cart Under-cover can be seen bannas, tomatoes, lemmons oranges, apples and pears. In the foreground is leeks, rhubarbe sweetcorn, potatoes, beans and collieflower. |
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| Costermongers
Barrow Various Fruits and vegatables on display, whith scales and brass weights shown on the right. |
Fruit
and vegatable stall Fruit and veg seller with lady shoppers looking at goods. |
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| JOHN
CASTLE "I have been a Guild member since 1996, but my interest in model horse drawn vehicles was sparked way back in 1975, when on a visit to a model engineering exhibition in London, I met and purchased from John Thompson my first plan, it was for a 1/12th scale Welsh long cart, a model I still have. Shortly afterwards I enrolled with the Model Horse Drawn Vehicles Club, and soon after that I went along to a SMHDV show in Doncaster, where I met up with Guild members Joe Cartledge, Mick Davis and Mike Casboult. My main interest has always been farm carts and waggons. I have, from early on after my initial apprenticeship, made my models without the use of glue, preferring to resort to the original (miniaturised) joinery copying all the original fastenings. For wheels I stick to original timbers; Elm naves, Oak spokes and Ash felloes and the wheels are made exactly as the originals, no glue, dowelled joints between felloes and tyres made as a ring and heat shrunk in place. the penalty for this is that I need to fill the grain before painting which is a bit of a pain, as there is more sanding to do to ensure an acceptable finish, early models I made used lime for all other parts of the model as its lack of open grain is ideal for painting, and is very nice for carving the chamfers. My more recent models use Sycamore it is harder and is I feel a little more stable but still gives me a good paintable surface plus I am not too far away from a good source - Lincolnshire Crafts woods in Stamford." (All John's Models are made in 1/8th scale, unless otherwise stated.) |
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| Northumberland
Harvest Cart Built from plans by John Thompson. The full-size vehicle is on display at The North of England Open Air Museum, at Bemish. This is a realy elegant cart, with light open sides and nicely curved rails.Photo taken in May 2011 at Open Day, Tiddesley Wood Nature Reserve, Pershore, Worcestershire. |
Conestoga
Waggon A very impresive model to make, and an iconic vehicle, featured in many American Wild West movies. Made from John Thompson plans. Photo taken in July 2011 at The Heavy Horse Festival, Holbeache Farm, near Kidderminster. |
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| Improved
General Purpose cart By The Wey Iron Works Alton (Alfred Hetherington) Discovered on the Blackmore Estate of Lord Selborne, I was given permission to photograph and measure it in the very early 1990’s. My measurements and observations were converted into a 1/8th scale drawing, and in March of 2011 the first of two models was started. Both models have been constructed entirely as the original vehicle entirely without glue, and have a painted finish, including all lining out matching the original. I had always intended to present a model to the estate as a thank you. And having completed the first model, Ileene and I had a couple of days out in Hampshire to deliver it, Lord and Lady Selborne were delighted. The Original cart had been owned by Walter (Percy) Fosbury, but he seems to have acquired it second hand (The name board had been changed). It was built to a plan by the Wey Iron works, who had a comprehensive catalogue of horse drawn vehicles, they were a large concern based in Alton from 1865 until shortly after the Great war, the cart must have been built prior to the Great war, but is still in the shed I first saw it and is in sound condition. |
Somerset
Waggon The 'Cock-Raved' Somerset Waggon - spindle sides with strouters and elaborate chamfering. Longboarded, iron axles and hoop tyres. Model made from David Wray plans. Photo taken: March 2010 at Avoncroft Museum. |
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| British
Napoleonic spare wheel carriage. Based on scale measurements of original equipment, the model is of a limber, and a spare gun carriage which has been adapted to carry spare wheels and other parts. Each field brigade and horse troop in Wellington’s army was to include one spare gun carriage and limber. The model is built exactly to scale including unseen elaborate joinery, all the fastenings are carrying out the same function as the original parts, and no glue has been used in construction anywhere on the model. The wheels are properly wrighted and are coned. All of the strakes have been tailored to this coneing and are held in place by hand made nails; a Samson was used to pull the felloe joint together as in the originals. The model is constructed of sycamore throughout with oak spokes (for strength) all metal fittings are handmade as are most of the nuts and bolts, only a small number of very small square nuts and a few hexagonal nuts were purchased. The very small chain securing various pins and wedges was purchased; all other chain is handmade to scale dimensions. |
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| PETER
SMITH "I live in Buckinghamshire and started making model horse drawn vehicles in 1977 and worked my way through 16 of John Thompson's plans. I then got permission to take the measurements from the 1838 State Landau at Windsor Castle. When completed I took the model back to Windsor Castle and showed the staff. I was asked to show the model to The Crown Equerry who gave me permission to go to The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace to take measurements from the State Coaches. The Royal Collection is unique and the only collection of scratch-built scale models ever made of the State Coaches in The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. There are now 10 models in the Collection." (All Peters's Models are made in 1/8th scale) |
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| The
Irish State Coach Originally built by the Lord Mayor of Dublin (himself a coachbuilder) in 1851, it is armour plated with steel panels in the floor, roof and sides. The roof has intricate scroll work, recreated in lime wood for the model, whilst all the clothwork has been hand stitched. This model took 2 years to make - just painting the coats of arms and scroll work on the coach sides took 8 weeks. |
1902
State Landau This carriage was used to carry the bride and groom back to Buckingham Palace after the Royal wedding in April. This is a large carriage, 19’ 6” long and 9’ high with the hood up. All of these coaches have a body slung on straps from the undercarriage, so it tends to sway in all directions and the footman riding on the back (over the road springs) has a more comfortable ride than the passengers! do |
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| Queen
Alexandra State Coach This State Coach is the one used to carry the Imperial State Crown from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament for the State Opening. Originally this had a flat roof, but it was later rebuilt with a domed roof, arched windows, and bevelled glass for the glazing. |
The
Scottish State Coach The Scottish State Coach had begun life in 1830 as a Landau, but was altered from a town coach to one for the open road - the driving box being removed and the horses driven postillion style. The interior has a lining of coffee coloured silk - and the model accurately replicates this the opening doors and steps - even the miniature carriage lamps open. |
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| 1838
State Landau This carriage is still used regularly when foreign heads of state are visiting the UK. It is considered as a 'Town Coach', for short journeys, and as such the four horses are driven from the box seat at the front. The bodywork is built of a beech frame with thin birch panelling, whilst the wheels are constructed in the traditional way a wheelwright would do |
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| Mick
Davis Mick, who lives in Birmingham in the West Midlands, has been a member of the Guild since its formation in the mid 1990's. The traditional timbers of Oak, Ash and Elm are the timbers which Mick uses to build his models, and the plans are all from the David Wray Collection of Measured Drawings. (All Mick's Models are made in 1/8th scale) |
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| Kent
Dung Cart Typical Dung Cart Build, Iron Axles, Hoop Tyres.Built from plans by David Wray. |
Kent
Turn-Wrest
Plough A wheeled 'one way' plough. Built from plans by David Wray. |
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| Small
Sussex Timber Bob A small timber bob having arched axel. Straked wheels on wood axels. Shafts. Built from plans by David Wray. |
Sussex
Timber Carriage A Four wheeled timber carriage, iron axles and hoop tyres. Fitted with brakes.Built from plans by David Wray. |
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| Wiltshire
Waggon Panel sides, cross-boarded, full width iron axles and hoop tyres. Built from plans by David Wray. |
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| Jim
Allcock “I first started model making in the 80s when I joined the Birmingham Model Engineering Society and made a 0 – 6 – 0 Tank engine. I joined the Guild of Model Wheelwrights in 2001 as I found Engineering models take too long to make and are too heavy to handle when completed. Everyone at the Guild has been very welcoming and helpful, especially Joe Cartledge who kindly gave me wood to make my first model. I retired in2005. I work mainly in 1/8 scale and prefer to work with Beech for all the wooden parts. My interest is in the making of the models ( not the history) because I like to see how the old technology works and I enjoy the challenge of making things to an acceptable standard with limited equipment I don’t specialise in any type of model, just make whatever takes my eye.” (Jim's models are all 1/8th scale, unless otherwise stated) |
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| Bakers
Cart Carts of this style, with ventilated bodies, were used by bakers, butchers and fishmongers for their deliveries in prosperous districts. They were built and finished to nearly the same standards as private traps.Made from John Thompson plans. |
Herefordshire
Waggon undercarriage This is a new build, the rest of the waggon has yet to be made. The original is from the Kington, Leominster, Bromyard area, and is dated circa 1870. From plans by David Wray. |
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| Monmouthshire
Farm Waggon A very popular and intresting model with plenty of detail. From plans of John Thompsons. |
Ammunition
Waggon This is the additional ammunition waggon which would have followed up the rear of the field gun and limber shown in the picture below. (Made in 1/12th scale) |
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| British
Army 9lb. Field Gun and Limber This is the type of gun developed for Napoleon III, and subsequently used by the British and U.S. armies in the second half of the Nineteenth century.This was the last set of plans designed by Barrie Voisey, and is considered by many to be his best work. The set of plans include the field gun and limber and also the additional ammunition waggon which would have followed up the rear. (Made in 1/12th scale) |
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Frank
Rake Frank lives in Venice, Florida, USA; and on retirement, several years ago, he was looking for a challenging hobby to do during the long winter nights and came across John Thompson’s plans in the Hobby’s catalogue. He picked the hardest he could find – the Ledge Caravan! So far he has completed two very fine models - both in 1/8th scale. |
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| Ledge Caravan | Pot Waggon | ||
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| Brush Wagon | Brush Wagon (Interior view) | ||
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Brush
Waggon |
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Bob
Oliver "I was born and raised in Toronto, but moved to a rural property near the small town of Palmerston, Ontario, Canada about 37 years ago. I was looking for a hobby to fill the winter months and was invited by a couple of neighbours to join them making a model show wagon. I really enjoyed the challenge and have been at it ever since. I usually use hardwood, mostly oak." (All Bob's Models are made in 1/10th scale) |
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| Irish Jaunting Cart | |||
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Ron
Binns “I am 73yrs old; but young in my brain and heart. Retired Owner of Driver Haulage Company. Happened to meet a Model Maker 30yrs ago from whom I purchased a Model Ledge Wagon. I was very impressed as his hands were crippled up with arthritis. It gave me the bug. I will not allow any task to defeat me and the job has to be right. I entered five Models in the 51st Model engineering Exhibition held at Wembley was awarded Gold-Silver-Bronze and two Highly Recommended. I went through several years of poor health and being dosed up with pills, put me in a very depressed frame of mind and I lost my will, spirit and patience, so model making was off my menu. My heart has now been blessed with a second lease, I am off all medication, my spirit is blooming and my stride is in lift off mode. I am back in my little wooden hut in my garden. I find Trade Vehicles most interesting and challenging. At present I am working on "YOUNGS BREWERY".A lot of metal work. My preference wood is beach as it can be cut at any angle, springs I make from lawn mower recoil. A few of my secrets I won’t give away as I learnt the hard way. TRIAL and ERROR. May I wish all Guild Members Happy Days and not so lonely nights”. (All Ron's Models are made in 1/8th scale) |
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| Delivery
Van A light one horse van of the type used by bakers, butchers and grocers for town deliveries.These vans vans were usually turned out very smartly to maintain the reputation of their owners. |
Wheel
Details Ron has made a fine job of the sign writing and the neat 'lining out' on the shafts, and as shown here in this close-up; the extended "Y" shaped painted lines on each wheel spoke. |
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| Milk
Float This is from John Thompson's plans. The actual full-size vehicle can be seen in the National Dairy Museum at Wellington Country Park, near Reading. Ron has again made a most atractive jobl of the sign writing and 'lining out'. It is this attention to detail which would win a prize on the showbench at model exhibitions. |
Milk
Float (Rear
View) Note the polished brass fittings in this view. The brass milk churn and measuring can were made by Ron, as were the two lamps shown in the picture on the left. Note also the rubber tyre on the wheels. There is also a compartment where the butter is kept. |
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| The
Brewers Dray This is a Barrie Voisey Youngs Brewery. A real challenge to a serious Model Maker. But I have spiced it up with a two tone blue. Many many hours of fine line painting which gave my hand carpal tunnel. |
The
Brewers Dray This view to the rear shows the wooden bucket and the two feed bags for the horses. |
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| American
Curtain Rockaway This is from plans of John Thompson's. Gave me many a headache. Had my models displayed in a shed in my garden. Having inadequate ventilation the heat from the sun cracked the cellulose paint. In trying to strip off the paint with paint stripper and cellulose thinners it melted the joints and it fell to pieces. On rebuilding it came very close to having the hammer put through it and I would advise only the serious Model Maker to attempt this model. |
American
Curtain Rockaway This front view shows some interesting detail. Note the elliptical springs and the small "Fifth-Wheel". To the right, the open door shows the sash which was used to higher or lower the window frame into the lower half of the door. |
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| Carrier's
Van This is from plans of Barrie Voisey's. A two horse van once very popular for deliveries to shops.It has both front and rear doors. Firms such as Huntley & Palmer and Tate & Lyle had fleets of these vans. |
Carrier's
Van (Rear
View) This rear view shows the double doors. Note also the crank axle and well-bottom, giving consideranle room inside. |
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Landau This was made in comemeration to HRH The Queen Mother. 1900-2002 to a Royal Ascot setting. |
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Bill
Brooks "I am 66, my Wife’s name is Judy; we live in Mildura, in the north-west of Victoria, Australia. I am a retired public servant, after spending years in the prison service in Sydney we moved here 6 years ago. Mildura is as close to paradise as it gets, a popular tourist holiday town on the mighty Murray River in the middle of Australia’s fruit bowl, main industry, Stone fruits, Grapes & wines. This is my first totally scratch built model from Ivan Collins plans, and is 23 inches long. Built in the main from recycled material, the wood is Murray River red gum, salvaged from next doors firewood pile, and the brass was a dip rod from an old petrol tanker, that I got from the local scrap yard. The rope is made from lace cotton." (Bill's Model is made in 1/12th scale.) |
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| 1837
Napoleon Field Cannon & Limber Side view of model. The full size wheels were over the height of the shoulder of the troops travelling with it. |
1837
Napoleon Field Cannon & Limber Front view. The buckets are temporary and will be replaced at a later date. |
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| 1837
Napoleon Field Cannon & Limber View from top.. |
1837
Napoleon Field Cannon & Limber Close-up detail |
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