OO9 Type 42 Wickham Inspection car - suitable for trimmed KATO 109 chassis - 009

This is a model of a Wickham Type 42 Inspection car to use on a shortened KATO 109 chassis. The chassis are easy to shorten, see the pics. Pop out the motor and then cut down the body to 42mm and refit the chassis. It then still clicks easily into place. The main body is then a drop fit onto the sub chassis to allow for painting prior to assembly. The kit is printed using high detail resin in the UK. 

The sale is for the body and the sub-chassis only, it is unpainted and without the Kato chassis which is shown for information purposes only.

The first picture is painted so you can see how good the finish is.

The kit may require some minor finishing if required before painting. Condition is New and is dispatched by Royal Mail. Our packaging is Eco friendly, the exterior packing is made in part from Recycled Materials and is fully recyclable, the interior packing materials are acid free and made from 99% recycled pulp fibres. 

FAQ – Product FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is included in this Wickham Type 42 Inspection Car kit?

The kit includes a high-detail resin Wickham Type 42 Inspection car body and a matching sub-chassis. Both are supplied unassembled (where applicable), unprimed and unpainted, with all printing supports removed. The KATO 109 chassis shown in some photos is not included and is for illustration only.

Which chassis is this kit designed to fit?

This model is designed specifically to fit a shortened KATO 109 chassis. The KATO chassis must be modified by the user as described in the product information (shortened to 42 mm). Once shortened, the chassis still clicks into place and the Wickham body becomes a drop-fit onto the sub-chassis.

Is the model supplied painted or ready-painted like the first picture?

No, the model is supplied unpainted. The first picture shows a painted example so you can see the level of detail and surface finish that can be achieved after priming and painting.

What material is the kit made from?

The body and sub-chassis are printed in high-detail resin in the UK. All parts are cleaned and cured by hand before dispatch, and supports are removed, though a little fine sanding may still be helpful before painting.

How is the kit packaged and shipped?

The kit is dispatched by Royal Mail. Packaging is eco-friendly: the outer packaging is made in part from recycled materials and is fully recyclable, while the inner packing materials are acid-free and made from approximately 99% recycled pulp fibres.

How delicate is the model and how should I handle it?

Resin parts can be quite delicate, especially finer details. Handle them gently, avoid dropping them, and support parts from underneath rather than by thin edges. We cannot be responsible for breakages after delivery, but if an item arrives damaged in the post, please provide clear photos and we will do our best to help put things right.

The KATO 109 chassis doesn’t seem to fit after shortening. What should I check?

First, confirm that you have shortened the chassis body to 42 mm as described. Make sure the motor has been removed before cutting, and that any cut edges are smooth and square. Check that no plastic burrs or resin remnants are obstructing the inside of the Wickham body or the sub-chassis. The chassis should click into place; if it is very tight, lightly dress any high spots rather than forcing it.

The body doesn’t drop neatly onto the sub-chassis. How can I fix this?

Inspect both the underside of the body and the top of the sub-chassis for tiny ridges, print nubs, or leftover support marks. A few gentle passes with fine wet-and-dry paper or a small file on the contact areas usually solves this. Test-fit frequently and remove only the minimum material needed so that the body remains snug but not forced.

There are faint lines or marks on the surface. Is this normal?

Fine layer lines or very light support marks can sometimes be visible on high-detail resin prints. We do our best to remove support marks, but a little extra finishing is normal. A quick pass with fine sanding sticks or wet-and-dry paper (used lightly) will usually make these disappear before priming.

A small detail arrived broken. What should I do?

If you believe the damage occurred in the post, please take clear photos of the damaged part and the packaging as soon as possible and contact us. We will review the images and see what we can do to help make things good. Breakages that occur after safe delivery are not covered, so handle and store your model carefully.

The resin feels slightly tacky or glossy. Is that a problem?

All parts are cleaned and cured by hand, so they should be fully cured on arrival. A glossy look is normal for cured resin. If you are unsure, you can gently wash the parts in mild soapy water, let them dry completely, and then prime. Do not expose the parts to excessive heat or prolonged intense sunlight during this process.

Do I need any special tools to assemble this kit?

No specialist tools are required beyond typical model railway and plastic kit tools. Commonly used items include:

• Fine hobby knife or sprue cutters (for any minor clean-up)
• Fine files or sanding sticks
• Plastic-compatible or CA (super) glue for assembly
• Primer and paints suitable for resin

How do I shorten the KATO 109 chassis to 42 mm?

The basic process is:

• Carefully pop out the motor and any removable components from the KATO 109 chassis.
• Measure and mark 42 mm on the chassis body.
• Cut the chassis body down to 42 mm using a fine razor saw or similar tool.
• Clean up the cut edges so the chassis can still click together cleanly.
• Refit the motor and components, then test-fit in the Wickham body and sub-chassis.

Always work slowly and double-check measurements before cutting.

Should I assemble the body and sub-chassis before painting?

The main body is designed as a drop-fit onto the sub-chassis specifically so you can paint them separately. Most modellers find it easiest to:

• Test-fit the parts first.
• Remove them and prime and paint the body and sub-chassis separately.
• Then assemble carefully once the paint is fully dry.

How should I prepare the resin parts before painting?

For best results:

• Gently wash the parts in lukewarm water with a little mild detergent.
• Rinse thoroughly and let them air dry completely.
• Lightly sand any visible support marks or imperfections with fine abrasive.
• Apply a suitable primer for resin before your colour coats.

What type of paints and primers work best on this kit?

Use a primer specifically suitable for plastics or resin; this helps paint adhesion and reveals any areas that need a final sand. After priming, most common model paints (such as acrylic or enamel ranges intended for miniatures or model railways) work well. Apply several light coats rather than one heavy coat to preserve the fine detail.

Any tips for achieving a smooth, realistic finish like the example photo?

To get the most from the high-detail resin:

• Spend a few minutes on careful surface prep and fine sanding where needed.
• Use a good-quality primer in thin coats to avoid obscuring detail.
• Build up colour in multiple light layers.
• Finish with subtle weathering if desired to bring out panel lines and details.

Taking your time with these stages will really show off how crisp the printed detail is.