Gas Turbine in OO from Rails of Sheffield

Rails of Sheffield has announced it is to produce models of the ground-breaking gas turbine locomotive 18000, in an exclusive model commission from Heljan. 

In November 1949, Swiss companies Brown Boveri and SLM completed the construction of a groundbreaking gas turbine locomotive for British Railways Western Region. Rails of Sheffield is celebrating the 70th anniversary of that event with a new OO gauge model of 18000, due for release in late-2020.

Three variants are to be produced:

• BR Gloss Black with Silver Trim (1949-56 Condition)
• BR lined green with orange/black waistband lining (1956-57 condition) and early BR crest
• BR lined green with orange waistband lining (1957-60 condition) and late BR crest

Design work was completed over the summer and tooling is underway on this famous experimental machine. The model has been developed with the assistance of the National Railway Museum using original documentation from Brown Boveri and BR Western Region, including works drawings dating from the late-1940s. Differences between the locomotive ‘as built’ and as modified during
the 1950s have been incorporated into the tooling to facilitate accuracy for each livery and period. Roof, cab front and grille details will vary between the BR black and BR green versions.

Rails of Sheffield commented "The design and CAD work is complete and tooling is underway. First tooling samples are expected to be ready in early-2020, followed by decorated samples in mid-year and production towards the end of next year."

Pre-orders with a deposit are being taken via the website, for current pricing and availability, visit its wesbite www.railsofsheffield.com