28 November 2022
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Witnessed for the first time in engineering prototype form, here's what we think of this forthcoming new model.
KR Models displayed an early engineering prototype of its forthcoming OO gauge / 4mm:1ft scale model of 0-6-0WT Bellerophon at the Warley NEC show on November 26-27. KR Models says that the model remains on track for delivery with customers in Q3, 2023.
Models will be available DCC-ready at £133.33, or DCC-fitted at £158.33. Four liveries are to be made available – delivery black, early preservation light brown, NCB green and preservation brown.
Taking the sample away briefly for photography gave us closer access to examine the model and its construction, illustrated by the photographs below.
With its cast chassis, the locomotive despite its small size and open cab felt weighty in hand. The finesse of the wheels was particularly impressive to see in person.
With cast brass fittings – where relevant – either for engineering purposes, or for the more authentic colour it provides than a treated plastic, the chimney cap in particular should look good on the final models.
This sample has been handled quite a bit and evidence of this was witnessed around the model, from handrails that had detached, to the the boiler which was loose on the chassis. It's often the case with engineering prototype samples, so customers must bear in mind that this isn't representative of the final models, and further changes might be made to the tooling.
The Stephenson/Gooch valve gear is functional – evidenced by the brass pin in the above photograph. The cab being open-plan leaves no prisoners where detail is concerned, either. Controls looked refined, though a small screw beneath the firebox door was visible in this un-painted stage. When painted black – or given a black passivate – we expect it to be hardly noticeable, and even less so if a crew is fitted.
All told, this distinctively continental-looking prototype was looking in fine fettle at the show, and we look forward to comparing it to the more refined production-batch of models.
