Minerva Model Railways has revealed that it is developing a ready-to-run ‘O’ gauge model of the GWR ‘56XX’ 0-6-2T.
The GWR ‘56XX’ 0-6-2T is to be produced for ‘O’ gauge as a finescale injection moulded ready-to-run model by Minerva Model Railways.
The ‘56XX’ 0-6-2Ts were introduced in 1924 as as replacement for the large number of pre-grouping designs absorbed by the Great Western Railway (GWR) in 1923. The Collet design extended to 200 locomotives, 150 built at Swindon Works and 50 by Armstrong Whitworth, to haul good trains.
Above: CAD drawing for Minerva Model Railways new ‘O’ gauge GWR 56XX 0-6-2T. Minerva Model Railways.
The locomotives were initially painted in Great Western green and later carried BR black, BR plain green and BR lined green. The last was withdrawn in 1965 with nine entering preservation.
Minerva’s new ready-to-run will be the first of the class to be produced for ‘O’ gauge and will cover four liveries initially as well as offering different safety valve covers and further optional parts.
The specification will include an injection moulded body, more than 250 individual components per locomotive, a die-cast metal chassis, fine scale wheels, six-wheel pick up, a high-torque flywheel equipped motor, 40:1 gearing for slow speed running, options for DCC ready, DCC fitted and DCC sound-fitted locomotives as well as a detailed cab and sprung buffers and couplings. A new sound profile is in development for the model.
Above: The GWR ‘56XX’ 0-6-2T is to be Minerva Model Railways next ‘O’ gauge locomotive. Minerva Model Railways.
Delivery for the ‘56XX’ is expected in 2024 with prices expected to start from £360 DCC ready and rising to £415 DCC fitted and £495 DCC sound-fitted.
Advanced orders are open now via Minerva Model Railways website.
