31 October 2022
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Receiving the engineering prototype of its forthcoming four-coupled locomotive for OO gauge, the manufacturer is keen to share progress...
Dapol has received the first engineering prototype of its forthcoming Hawthorne Leslie 0-4-0ST for OO gauge/4mm:1ft scale. With the first 'shots' from its tooling under review by the manufacturer, we were granted early access to photographs of its new model and present these, below:
With a very short wheelbase, the 0-4-0 design should negotiate first radius curves with ease. We're particularly impressed by the finesse of brake gear, slidebars, cylinder drain cocks and safety valve.
Related: Read the specification of these models, here
The images offer a better view of the materials used on the models, with die-cast chassis and steps for strength and weight, supplemented by a turned brass chimney, wire handrails and injection-moulded parts. The die-cast boiler and water tank further adds much-needed weight to this model, where its open-backed cab makes concealing the solid cast weights of old much harder.
Cab backhead detail appears plentiful. Note the coupling fixed to the draw hook allowing simple conversion to more realistic types for more discerning modellers.
Dapol has commented on the first sample saying that, "delivery remains on track for Q3, 2023, though minor tooling changes to fine detail are required following feedback from an owner of a prototype. Decorated samples are awaited."
Model pre-orders are being taken via Dapol stockists, with nine variants being manufactured.
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