GWR Steam Railmotor – first samples revealed

Kernow Model Rail Centre has received first engineering prototypes of its eagerly-awaited GWR Steam Railmotor for OO gauge, which are being evaluated and tested. Livery artwork is underway concurrent with testing the EPs and Kernow MRC is hoping to see decorated samples by the autumn, ahead of production.

Graham Muspratt, Development Manager said, “It is great to receive the Engineering Prototypes for full checking and testing, although we are already aware of a few minor issues to amend. Initial tests show that they run very quietly and smoothly and the valve gear is a joy to watch in action. We thank the Great Western Society for all their continued support and valued input as the project progresses.”

The GWR Steam Railmotor models have electrical pickups on all wheels and working valve gear including the radius rod and piston valve stem. The motor is positioned vertically hidden inside the moulded boiler of the power bogie. Models have working directional oil lamps and interior lights. DCC ready with a 21-pin decoder socket and 28mm speaker preinstalled.

Tooling allows for both the Diagram ‘O’ type and the Diagram ‘R’ type Steam Railmotors to be produced in five versions, as listed below. The diagram 'O' type differs externally to the diagram ‘R’ with larger boiler room windows, double leaf passenger doors and ‘Fishbelly’ rather than ‘Equalising’ bogies. The following variants are being promised:

• (K2301) GWR Steam Railmotor Diagram ‘R’ number 93 in GWR lined crimson lake (as preserved) 
• (K2302) GWR Steam Railmotor Diagram ‘R’ number 97 in simplified GWR chocolate and cream (Late 1920s onwards)
• (K2303) GWR Steam Railmotor Diagram ‘O’ number 63 in GWR lined brown (1908 – 1912)
• (K2304) GWR Steam Railmotor Diagram ‘R’ number 85 in GWR lined crimson lake (1912 – 1922)
• (K2305) GWR Steam Railmotor Diagram ‘O’ number 61 in GWR fully lined chocolate and cream (1903 – 1908)

The preserved Railmotor No. 93 was laser scanned at the Didcot Railway Centre, and the detailed CADs produced using further reference to original GWR archive drawings and the kind assistance of Graham Drew, Great Western Society Railmotor Project Manager.

For further details on the project, availability and pricing, visit the Kernow Model Rail Centre website.