HST prototype heralds new range

The new Railway Icons brand is to release models of the prototype High Speed power car, 41001 (later 43001), part of the National Collection. Models are being produced exclusively for Railway Icons by Bachmann Europe Plc. The single power car is available for pre-order from either Locomotion Models or Rails of Sheffield, and can be reserved either with a £30 deposit payment or the full £199.99 balance payment.

The prototype High Speed Diesel Train (HSDT), British Rail Class 252, was devised by staff at the Railway Technical Centre in Derby. The prototype power cars were built at British Rail Engineering Limited at Crewe Works in 1972 with the Mk. 3 coaches constructed at BREL Derby Litchurch Lane. After extensive trials on the Western Region, the production versions of the trains consisting of 197 power cars (with redesigned cab fronts), entered service in 1977.

The partnership commented: "Locomotion Models and Rails of Sheffield have previously worked together to introduce some exciting models to the National Collection in Miniature, including some of our most popular releases: Hardwicke, D Class, Terrier and most recently the NER ES1.

"We are thrilled to be continuing this collaboration going forwards. Traditionally, Locomotion Models has produced models in the condition in which they are preserved in the National Collection, while Rails of Sheffield produced alternative but authentic versions as they appeared in traffic prior to preservation.

"The new Railway Icons brand allows us to produce models both within and outside of the National Collection that we are confident will be of interest to both modellers and collectors. Railway Icons will work with existing manufacturers with whom we have already developed excellent relationships with over the years, and we already have several new projects in various stages of development, details of which will be released in due course.

"This new endeavour is in no way the end of the existing National Collection in Miniature range, so you can expect to see both ranges developed alongside one another moving forwards. Models produced as part of the Railway Icons range will be available from retail shops at the National Railway Museum in York, Locomotion at Shildon, and from Rails of Sheffield, as well as being available for purchase online or by telephone. These will also be available for purchase from Locomotion Models’ trade stand at their various appearances at railway exhibitions throughout the year.

Adam Davies, Director of Rails of Sheffield said: “we have worked closely with the National Railway Museum to produce a number of iconic models over the past few years and with that relationship has developed to the point where we can expand the appeal further. It means both parties can now diversify outside the items within the National Collection and bring to market iconic models of other items.”

Tom Mackie, Group Retail Operations Manager of the Science Museum Group said “without our relationship with Rails of Sheffield we would have struggled to maintain the momentum of producing models of items in the National Collection. We are delighted that the partnership has now moved forward with the launch of Railway Icons and it will enable us to bring other items to market working alongside our manufacturing partners.”

Tom Mackie, Group Retail Operations Manager from the Science Museum Group said: “there has been much demand for a model of this power car. It had a period on loan to a heritage railway where it operated alongside HST production vehicles and a production power car. It has been at Locomotion, Shildon, since 2019. The power car also operated at the 150th Anniversary celebrations which took place at Shildon in 1975, so in effect it has finally come home!”.

Adam Davies, Director of Rails of Sheffield said “The power car of the prototype HSDT has been in our plans for several years. We were working on this with Bachmann before COVID halted the process. We are delighted to get to the EP stage and to share it with the modelling world.”

David Haarhaus, Managing Director of Bachmann Europe said: “The Bachmann Branchline model of ‘Deltic’ (DP1) was the first all-new model to be commissioned by Locomotion Models, kick starting their National Collection in Miniature range. The success of DP1, which was not only named Model of the Year by our consumers but also awarded Model of the Decade, has led to an incredible range of models portraying the national collection and it brings me great pride that Bachmann has been a part of this from the start.

"Since DP1, Bachmann has regularly been the manufacturer trusted to deliver these prestigious projects, which are not only enjoyed by our consumers but also benefit the museum – a precious asset to the nation and one that is at the heart of our industry. This model is only the second diesel locomotive to be commissioned in this way by Locomotion Models and I am delighted that Locomotion Models, and their partners Rails of Sheffield, have once again entrusted Bachmann as their manufacturer of choice for a OO scale model of this iconic prototype."