Rails of Sheffield

Bachmann 39-613 39-613 SE&CR 60ft Birdcage Composite Lavatory SR Malachite Green 5484

Highlights

  • both bodyside window configurations tooled for
  • flush-glazed
  • correct window corner radii
  • fully detailed interior with partitions
  • saloon tables
  • lavatories appropriate to prototype
  • fully decorated seating painted in accurate colours
  • exquisite underframe detailing
  • finely mounded brake details
  • 4 sets of very finely moulded queen post truss rodding and turnbuckles
  • Dynamos and battery boxes fitted to the SE&CR composite as prototype
  • Dynamos fitted to the SR / BR Composite and the Brake Third as per prototype
  • all new well detailed 8ft Heavy Fox coil spring bolster bogies
  • metal wheels sets and pin point axles running in metal bearings
  • Detachable couplings in NEM pockets
  • close coupling mechanism


Separately applied fittings include:

  • roof vents
  • vacuum pipes
  • handrails
  • grab handles
  • lamp irons and brake control apparatus (Brake coaches only)


History

Sixty-two 60ft three coach ‘birdcage’ sets were introduced by the South Eastern and Chatham Railway (SE&CR) between 1912 and 1915. The characteristic birdcage lookouts over each of the guards compartments give these sets their name and typify standard SE&CR non-corridor coaching stock. With their distinct character, being of pre-grouping origin, these sets were long lived and little modified during their lifetime, so have a wide applicability to modellers.

The sets comprised 2nd/ 3rd class composite Brake Lavatory (later declassified to Brake Lavatory Third), a 1st / 2nd (later declassified to 1st/ 3rd) Lavatory Composite and Brake Third. The Composites were built in batches with two distinct body side variations. The initial order had two wide windows on each side for the saloon, and the later examples had one wide and one narrow window for the saloon.

In operation for over 50 years, Rails of Sheffield has grown to become one of Europe's largest award winning model railway retailers and an industry leader. The business dispatches to customers worldwide via its immensely popular second hand eBay store.
Despite five decades of growth and its transformation into an award-winning national and international retailer, Rails has seen rapid expansion in recent years.

In 2022, to meet the increasing demand of the ever-growing model railway industry, Rails moved into larger warehouse and office spaces in Dronfield, Derbyshire.

Their partnership with the National Railway Museum, Railway Icons and various manufacturers continues to flourish, with multiple exclusive locomotives and rolling stock being designed and developed throughout the year.

Now, as we step into 2025, Rails remains the leading name in the model railway industry, with exciting plans for further expansion and continued dedication to serving model railway enthusiasts and hobbyists from South Yorkshire and beyond!
A BRIEF HISTORY RAILS ORIGINS 1970S - EARLY 1980S

Founded by Hedley Barber in December 1970, Rails' early trade was in buying and selling second-hand model railways, something that remains at the heart of the business to this very day.


Working from the back of Hedley's shop on Holmesdale Road, Dronfield on the southern outskirts of Sheffield, interest grew steadily throughout the decade and by the early-1980s, Rails was a fixture at toy fairs and swap meets such as the regular Buxton Pavilion Fair. Between then and 2000, the team regularly attended thousands of events across the UK - building a loyal customer base.

LAUNCHING THE STORE 1980S - EARLY 1990S

With a growing legion of regular customers building up, a 'proper' shop was required, and Rails moved to Chesterfield Road in Heeley Bottom, a few doors away from the current shop. From here, Rails also expanded its mail order operation and its advertisements became a familiar sight in publications..



In the early-1990s

Rails moved to another shop on Chesterfield Road and established the first part of its permanent base. In 1996, the neighbouring shop unit was acquired and a period of rapid expansion followed.



By the late-1990s

Rails then launched its first website and was pioneering online model railway retail for both new and second hand items. The late-1990s also saw the growth of the 'limited edition' business - with many exclusive liveries commissioned from major manufacturers.

Rapid Expansion - 2000s

The ability to promote and sell rare collectable model trains all over the world transform the second-hand business, a process accelerated with the advent of eBay in the early 2000s. Today Rails is the largest model railway eBay shop in the UK and one of the biggest in the world. To feed this expanding business, the Barber family scoured the country (and sometimes further afield) acquiring model railway collections.

As the business grew, so did the shop, purchased in the 2000s and then a series of nearby buildings and offices added to house the blossoming eBay business, storage, sorting and packing department offices were added.

A New Era - 2010s to 2020s

Sadly, Hedley Barber passed away on August 11th 2015, leaving his son John and grandsons Adam and Oliver and John's wife Tracy to manage the company he founded, with support of other family members and long serving staff. Remaining a family operated business, Rails continued to thrive in the late 2010s.

A major milestone was the opening of the impressive show room in 2018, which features beautiful displays of popular locomotives and rolling stock frames amongst real Sheffield steel, stone walling and natural material. This was the catalyst for the refurbishment of the entire 'front of house' shop now occupying five formerly separate units.

Rails also branched out into the new areas such as commissioning its own exclusive model product under the new 'Rails Limited' brand, bringing new model to the public such as the Stroudley 'Terrier' steam locomotive with Dapol and North Eastern Railway Electric Autocrat with Heljan.

In 2021, Rails opened it all new purpose-built warehouse and offices in Dronfield. The multi-million pound development enable Rails to move all warehousing and administration to this new site to streamline the business and continue to provide customers with the top-tier service they had become accustomed to.

In January 2024, Rails acquired Hatton's Model Railways following its unfortunate closure after many years. Committed to preserving the Hatton's legacy, Rails is integrating customers with the beloved Hatton's Directory & product database. Later in 2024, Rails launched the Vintage Toy Shop, showcasing a treasure trove of rare collectables in Sheffield.

Rails of Sheffield
Rails remains deeply connected to the South Yorkshire community it was established to serve.

...And if you've ever wondered about the origin of the Rails name, it's all down to Hedley's proper Yorkshire attitude to spending money. The original shop on Chesterfield Road had previously been 'The Sheffield Photographic Centre'; rather than buying a new sign, he simply recycled five of the red plastic letters from the old shop front and rearranged them into the name - 'RAILS'!
A True Home-grown Family Business
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED £4.00
Royal Mail aim to deliver within 2 days of dispatch including Saturdays.

*Please note this is not a guaranteed service and parcels may take longer to arrive. We aim to dispatch orders within 24 hours of payment being taken, however this is not a guarantee and in busy times this may take longer.


DHL SERVICE £4.95
Orders are processed and dispatched to DHL within one working day. Tracking information is provided once the parcel is handed over. Delivery times depend on DHL’s service in your region.

*Please note, orders must be placed by 2pm Monday to Friday and by 10am on Saturdays. There is no guarantee for same day dispatch.


INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
For international shipping, we use eBay's Global Shipping Programme Rails of Sheffield ship to the UK eBay Hub where it's then shipped to your country. You can view shipping charges for your country on individual listings by going into the Postage, Returns and Payments section of the listing.
A True Home-grown Family Business
Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery. Items must be returned in their original condition. The buyer is responsible for all return postage costs. A refund will be issued once the returned item has been received and inspected.

Please contact us via your eBay order if you aren't quite satisfied with your order. We will try and rectify any issues as quickly as possible.

Refer to eBays returns policy for more information.
Returns Policy
A True Home-grown Family Business
We aim to provide you with the very best service and great second hand model railway items. If you're happy with your order, please consider leaving a 5 star rating and positive feedback. This is always very much appreciated!

Not quite satisfied with your order? Please contact us via your eBay order or phone before leaving feedback and we will try and rectify any issues as quickly as possible.


Our eBay store is updated daily with a variety of different gauges and accessories so keep an eye out as you may just find what you're looking for!

A True Home-grown Family Business
Contact Us

The best way to contact us is through the eBay messaging system


Contact Us

A True Home-grown Family Business
Payment Methods

Payment methods accepted at checkout Paypal, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

WHY CHOOSE US
Huge Range Check out our massive range of collectable model trains and sets
UK's leading retailer For Model Railways, die cast and collectables
50+ years A true home-grown family business in operation for over 50 years
Award winning retailer Trusted seller with positive reviews
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