GWR 5101/61XX 'Large Prairie' breaks cover

Sonic Models, working with Rails of Sheffield, has shared artwork for a new 2mm:1ft scale/N gauge locomotive – the GWR 5101/61XX 2-6-2 'Large Prairie' tank locomotive. These models are being manufactured in China by Sonic Models and Rails of Sheffield have been appointed exclusive retailers.

The first engineering protoype has been reviewed by Sonic Models and decorated samples versions are expected Summer 2022., with models expected to be delivered late-2022/early-2023.

The Sonic model is to be offered in both Great Western and British Railways liveries and all feature a similar drive to Sonic’s popular GWR 56XX and forthcoming Class J50 as well as a detailed cab backhead and six-pin DCC socket arranged to conceal a 90° decoder in normal use.

The 5101 Class named 'Large Prairie's' were used on Great Western suburban and local passenger services. The Class was an updated version, by Collett, of Churchward's 1903 3100/5100 Class. When updated the original 40 locomotives of the 3100 Class were renumbered 5100 and 5111 to 5149 in 1927. The first batches of 5101s filled in the numbers 5101 to 5110 and extended the class from 5150 to 5189.

The full specification is to include:

• 51XX/61XX detailed prototype body
• Livery options for GWR and BR designs
• Die-cast chassis block
• Coreless 12V motor
• Six-pin DCC socket for 90° RA decoders
• Phosphor Bronze driving wheel bearings
• All-wheel pick-up
• See-through spoked wheels
• Finescale coupling and connecting rods
• NEM-mounted N gauge couplings
• Buffer beam detailing parts

Sam Leung, Director of Sonic Models said, “Feedback and customer requests highlighted demand for a new GWR Large Prairie 51XX/61XX. I am therefore pleased to announce that Sonic Models are releasing a model of this popular locomotive, which is the third design to join our planned range of N Gauge models.”

Colin Allbright, Consultant Design Engineer added, “It has been a pleasure to research and help develop this model, a prototype I have known since my earliest years and a model that I know many have asked for over the last decade.”

Oliver Davies, of Rails of Sheffield, said, “We are once again thrilled to be Sonic’s exclusive retailer for this project and look forward to seeing decorated samples soon. It’s great to see another RTR model being produced for the N gauge modeller!”

Models are to retail at £129.95 and can can be pre-ordered now exclusively from Rails of Sheffield, with a £30.00 deposit.