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In the 1930s the Great Western Railway introduced a diesel-powered railcar design for suburban services; powered by a nine litre AEC engine it proved a successful replacement for steam locomotives on those duties, including the 14XX/Autocoach pairing.

The first series had distinctive, rather rounded lines leading to the nickname of "Flying Banana", but it was the second series which got the fabulous, Art Deco razor edge bodywork shown here - we think it looks wonderful, straight out of "Jeeves & Wooster"!

The carriage was originally designed to be warmed by waste heat from the engine - this provided unreliable, leading ultimately to the provision of a boiler on board, reverting to the old "tried and tested" steam heating.

Rarely modelled in 7 1/4 inch gauge, this example was scratch-built with the bodywork faithfully reproduced in steel - the builder has got the line and proportion just right, capturing the look and feel of the original.

The railcar was originally powered by four 250W motors - two per bogie - with toothed-belt drive to the wheelsets. At some time in the past one motor has failed open circuit which - wired in series with its partner - meant no drive to one bogie. At or around that time the toothed belt was removed, presumably to remove the drag of the inoperative motors.

It still runs well, with a lively turn of speed, however by replacing the dead motor it could be put back into full, two-powered bogie form.

Fitted with vacuum brakes, working lights and a two tone horn but without batteries - it was tested using a spare set we keep for the purpose.

Remarkably many of the railcars were still running up until the 1960s, when they were gradually phased out following the introduction of modern-era DMUs. Of the 38 examples built, three survive in preservation - one in running condition at Didcot Railway Centre, one in the National Railway Museum and the third undergoing long-term restoration at the Kent & East Sussex Railway.