The Little Loco Company launched its 'O' gauge Class 15 in January 2017 and now it is set for a new lease of life with EFE Rail. MIKE WILD gives this impressive model of the BTH Type 1 the once over.
It is a bold move to jump head-first into ready-to-run model production, but the Little Loco Company has done it with gusto and chosen a fantastic subject for its debut model – and in ‘O’ gauge too. However, the Little Loco Company has since ceased trading, but happily this attractive 'O' gauge model is now being revived in 2023 by EFE Rail.
Little Loco revealed its 7mm:1ft scale British Thompson Houston (BTH) Type 1 project in April 2016 (HM107) with the aim of delivering a high specification model in a short space of time. It took a little longer than anticipated, but that extra wait has definitely been worth it – not least for the increase in onboard technology that has been created for this model.
First though, a little history. The BTH Type 1 Bo-Bo diesels, later Class 15, were a pilot scheme design for a sub-1,000hp diesel locomotive. They were built between 1957 and 1961 and intended for trip freight, empty stock workings and other light duties. The fleet was withdrawn between 1968 and 1971 with all but one being scrapped. …
