About P.D.F. Models

P.D.F. Models makes 16mm scale kits of narrow gauge locomotives, rolling stock and road vehicles, for 32mm and 45mm gauge garden railways. Every kit is designed in our own workshop, and most parts are printed and cut there too.

 

Where it started

Peter Farley started P.D.F. Models in 2018. He was well known in the 16mm community and designed most of the kits we still make today. The Dawn was the last locomotive he finished, and KS4415 was part way to market.

 

Who we are now

I'm Stan, and I took over P.D.F. Models on 17 June 2024. I've been interested in manufacturing and model trains since I was young. I've done machining work for many scales of trains and traction engines, and I've spent a lot of time in the bigger gauges, 7¼ inch and 10¼ inch. I'm carrying on Peter's range and bringing kits back into stock, and in time we'll be designing new ones too.

 

How the kits are made

– Designed in CAD, with most kits available for 32mm or 45mm gauge

– 3D printed in PETG for bodies, boilers and chassis parts, with fine detail printed in resin

– Frames and cab parts laser cut from acrylic in the workshop, with laser cut metal frames on some kits

– Steel cranks CNC machined, with Binnie wheels on many kits

– Each kit is picked, checked and packed by hand

Before a new kit is released, we finish a complete CAD model, then make one of each version. Each one gets a long test run, from running empty to hauling heavy loads, on both wide and tight curves.

 

Building your kit

Our kits range from very easy ones, which are just a case of glueing together and painting, to more advanced kits where the motion work needs quartering and setting up to run in sync. Step-by-step guides are on our Building Instructions page and our blog, and George Williamson has filmed himself building and painting several of our kits. His videos are on YouTube.

 

Part-exchanges

We take part-exchanges on 16mm kits and locos from any maker, built or unbuilt. Get in touch with what you have.

 

Get in touch

Email info@pdf-models.co.uk or use our Contact page. P.D.F. Models Ltd is registered in England and Wales, company number 16477575.