Ridings - the vehicles

The original idea was to scratchbuild a number of trolleybuses for Ridings and use a handful of diecasts representing the Yorkshire area to supplement them. I also built some kits from the Classic Bus Kits (ex MTS) range, as I could create a few Huddersfield vehicles, until recently a distinct gap in everyone's diecast ranges. It became apparent, however, that the objective was going to be difficult to achieve, as the scratchbuilding time was more than I could cope with, in addition to building the layout, and the steering mechanism was complex to engineer with the facilities I had. I eventually succumbed to building trolleybus kits and bus kits with Faller steering units incorporated. This was after I discovered that the Faller units followed my guide system perfectly. I soon built Faller chassis' into a Halifax single deck EFE diecast and a Classic Bus kit Huddersfield Daimler as shown below, followed by the Regent V.

After running the vehicles for a time, I fitted a potentiometer to them all, so that I could regulate the speed periodically, as they slow down as the batteries discharge. The pot enabled me to keep their speed similar, which is quite important when operating a few vehicles at an exhibition!

(>>) indicates a larger shot is available. Click on the arrows or the photo.

Three Classic Bus kits - Huddersfield AEC Regent V, Daimler CVG6 and Leyland PD3A.	The three diesels again with a scratchbuilt Huddersfield Trolleybus (second version).	Classic Bus kit of Huddersfield East Lancs Daimler with chassis and lower deck seating removed.
Faller chassis stripped down ready for modification and fitting. Also Halifax EFE with first chassis already fitted. (>>)	Chassis extended; new floor and side straps ready for gluing. The rear required a few mm extra and the wheels have been moved out.	Chassis completed and fitted inside Daimler. The chassis fits against stops inside the lower deck. New seating is still required.
The finished articles running on the layout. The Daimler still needs its wheels painting.	The Regent V takes a run out in the countryside after conversion.	All three converted vehicles. (>>)
Showing modification to the steering unit to avoid locking over on full lock. (>>)	General view with the MkII trolleybus.	Closer view of the scratchbuilt trolleybus. (>>)
A Land-Rover and a Bedford CA van have been added to the fleet, along with a number of the increasing range of 4mm scale road vehicles. As yet these are not motorised, being so small!	All three Huddersfield diesels now run under their own power. A Bradford PD3A kit is awaiting completion, and this too will be motorised.	Scratchbuilding a lot of trolleybuses would be a big effort, so a number of CMA resin Huddersfield trolleybus kits have been obtained. These aren't brilliant, but will be a good starting point for modifying. Here is one dry-fitted together.
This is the kit of parts. Obviously a motorised chassis will have to be built and the overhead collection equipment replaced.