New Diesel Brake Tenders launch!

A new batch of three different ‘OO’ gauge Diesel Brake Tender models are now available from Key Publishing. Mike Wild introduces these new releases.

THE THIRD BATCH of Key Publishing’s popular ‘OO’ gauge Diesel Brake Tender ready-to-run models are now available with three new running numbers being applied to the Dapol produced model. The models are available to purchase exclusively through Key Publishing.

Diesel Brake Tenders were introduced in the early 1960s to increase the brake force available to unfitted goods trains hauled by new diesel locomotives. There were several versions of the Brake Tender with Key Publishing’s model representing the Diagram 1/555 vehicles built at York between 1962-1965 and fitted with Gresley bogies. In total 122 Diesel Brake Tenders were built, numbered B964000-B964121, with the last being withdrawn in the early 1980s. All were scrapped, but a replica has been built by the Railway Vehicle Preservations at the Great Central Railway.

A new batch of Hornby Magazine/Key Publishing Diesel Brake Tender models for 'OO' gauge is available now.
A new batch of Hornby Magazine/Key Publishing Diesel Brake Tender models for 'OO' gauge is available now. Mike Wild.

The new batch of ‘OO’ gauge Diesel Brake Tender models from Hornby Magazine and Key Publishing are ideal for pairing with classes 17, 24, 25, 37, 40 and 44 and they could be positioned in front or behind the locomotive when operating with unfitted coal trains.

The latest batch of Diesel Brake Tender models from Key Publishing include B964040E in original BR green.
The latest batch of Diesel Brake Tender models from Key Publishing include B964040E in original BR green. Mike Wild.
Turned metal wheels and NEM coupling pockets with small tension lock couplings are part of the specification for the 'OO' gauge brake tenders.
Turned metal wheels and NEM coupling pockets with small tension lock couplings are part of the specification for the 'OO' gauge brake tenders. Mike Wild.
Each of the new Diesel Brake Tender models has a unique running number.
Each of the new Diesel Brake Tender models has a unique running number. Mike Wild.

Identities chosen for the three models are B964040E in plain BR green with original bodyside markings (Cat No. HM-DBT-017), B964066E in BR green with small yellow warning panels and original bodyside markings (HM-DBT-018) and B963113 in BR green with small yellow warning panels, later bodyside markings and a weathered finish (HM-DBT-019).

B964066E has three spoke handbrake wheels. The lamps are removable from the lamp irons.
B964066E has three spoke handbrake wheels. The lamps are removable from the lamp irons. Mike Wild.
The new BR green with small yellow warning panels version models B964066E with early bodyside lettering - a combination not previously available on the model.
The new BR green with small yellow warning panels version models B964066E with early bodyside lettering - a combination not previously available on the model. Mike Wild.
B964066E was built at York in 1962.
B964066E was built at York in 1962. Mike Wild.

Product highlights include removable lamps at each end of the brake tender, NEM coupling pockets fitted with small tension lock couplings, turned metal wheels and two designs of handbrake wheel to match the real vehicle.

Pristine models are priced at £36.99 with the weathered edition priced at £38.99. Each version is limited to 500 pieces and all three are available to purchase now from the Key Publishing Shop or from the Hornby Magazine stand (stand A24) at the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition on November 26/27.

Purchase your Diesel Brake Tender model from the Key Publishing Shop.

The latest batch of brake tenders includes weathered BR green B964113 with small yellow warning panels.
The latest batch of brake tenders includes weathered BR green B964113 with small yellow warning panels. Mike Wild.
Optional dummy screwlink couplings are included in the box with each brake tender to fit in place of one of the small tension lock couplings.
Optional dummy screwlink couplings are included in the box with each brake tender to fit in place of one of the small tension lock couplings. Mike Wild.
The factory weathered version is new to the Diesel Brake Tender range.
The factory weathered version is new to the Diesel Brake Tender range. Mike Wild.

A new batch of Hornby Magazine/Key Publishing Diesel Brake Tender models for 'OO' gauge is available now.

Above: A new batch of Hornby Magazine/Key Publishing Diesel Brake Tender models for 'OO' gauge is available now. Mike Wild.