Model success for 'Dinmore Manor' locomotive

Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd and the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) have received significant financial boosts thanks to the generosity of British model railway manufacturer Dapol. The presentation, totalling £22,500, was made on January 19 at Toddington station by Joel Bright, managing director and Richard Webster, head of product development of Dapol Model Railway Company. The funds were made possible through its limited-edition models of locomotive 7820 Dinmore Manor for 'OO'.

The real locomotive is a popular member of the Cotswold railway’s steam locomotive fleet and the model has proved its popularity amongst railway modellers, too. Cheques for £12,500 for Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd and £10,000 for the GWSR, were presented respectively to Kenneth Sims, Chairman of Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd and to Richard Winstanley, Finance Director of GWSR Plc.

Dapol's model of 7820 Dinmore Manor for 'OO'.

Just 500 examples of the model have been produced by Dapol. The model options include a sound-chipped version which was recorded on the GWSR of the sounds made by the real locomotive. The model appears in British Railways lined black (the livery Dinmore Manor first carried when built at Swindon in 1950 and carries today). Other model options include DCC ready and DCC fitted (without sound).

Dinmore Manor arrived at the GWSR in 2014 and has been a popular and reliable member of the locomotive fleet, enjoyed by visitors to the railway and the volunteers who maintain and run it.

GWSR 7820 near Lavaton on the Gloucester Warwickshire Steam Railway on May 1, 2019. IAN CROWDER

Joel Bright, managing director of Dapol said: “Dapol has been proud to be involved with this exciting project and we have enjoyed working closely with the GWSR to produce this outstanding model. I hope that our donations will contribute to the success of both the locomotive group and the railway.

“The reputation of our company has certainly been enhanced by this project and I hope that we can co-operate in other projects in future.”

Kenneth Sims, in thanking Dapol for their generosity, added: “I’m thrilled that this co-operation has been a commercial success for Dapol and that so many people share our enthusiasm for Dinmore Manor by buying examples of this quite superbly detailed model.

“This generous contribution is likely to go towards completing the restoration of our other locomotive, heavy freight 2-8-0 No. 3850, work on which has been progressing well,” he added.

Richard Winstanley added: “I am thrilled to receive this wonderful contribution towards the continuing development of our railway. Dinmore Manor is a wonderful locomotive and I’m deeply grateful for the fruitful way that this imaginative relationship has benefited Dapol, Dinmore Manor and the GWSR.”

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