SR General Manager’s
Saloon for ‘OO’
Revolution Trains (RT) has unveiled plans for a ‘OO’ gauge ready-to-run model of the unique BR Southern Region General Manager’s Inspection Saloon.
The prototype was converted from a Southern Region Hastings Class 203 (6B) Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) buffet car in the late 1960s, numbered TDB975025, and was usually hauled/propelled by one of the Region’s Class 33 or 73 locomotives, although it was also compatible with much of the BR Southern Region Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) fleet too.
Whilst used primarily for meetings, inspections and line testing, the vehicle famously transported HRH Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales between London Waterloo and Romsey following the Royal Wedding in 1981, conveyed Pope John Paul II from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria on the first stage of his UK tour in 1982 and even formed the first train to enter the Channel Tunnel in 1992, albeit 150m or so. Now named Caroline, 975025 is currently in Network Rail ownership and will pass to the National Collection when no longer required.
RT’s highly detailed ‘OO’ gauge ready-to-run model will feature era-specific details where appropriate including SR 27-way jumper cables, third rail shoe gear, illuminated headcode boxes, solebar step lighting, interior seating and more. The impressive specification also includes a 21-pin Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder socket, NEM coupler sockets and directional lighting. Three variants are planned in BR blue and grey (1969-1984), Network SouthEast livery (1991-2003) and Network Rail SR mid green (2015-present day).
CAD work is now complete and pre-orders are currently being accepted at the ‘early-bird’ price of £135 each, rising to £149 shortly. Delivery is anticipated in early 2021. Incidentally, customers pre-ordering at the ‘early-bird’ price will also be entered into a prize draw to join the RT team for a special circular railtour travelling in the full-size vehicle.
Visit www.revolutiontrains.com for further details.
