97xx Pannier and requested plain black Manning Wardle

We are delighted to announce two new products: a kit to convert the well-established Minerva GWR 0-6-0 pannier tank

locomotive into the 97XX condensing version and limited edition of the Manning Wardle K Class

0-6-0 saddle-tank locomotive in plain black livery.

97XX Conversion Kit

The eleven members of 97XX sub–class of the numerous 57XX/8750 were built in 1933 for working

over the Metropolitan lines in London. They were fitted with condensing gear, short hybrid

pannier/side tanks, the 8750 style cab and a water feed pump on the right hand side of the

smokebox. A modified type of Automatic Train Control (ATC) shoe that could be lifted clear of the

centre conductor rail on London Transport tracks and trip-cock apparatus were fitted. They replaced

the 633 and Metro class tank locomotives. Later, when working over LT tracks ceased, the ATC and

trip-cocks were removed, but the redundant condensing gear was left in place. The last members of

the sub-class were withdrawn in 1964 and none have been preserved.

The kit is designed to convert the established Minerva RTR 8750 pannier tank locomotive. The kit is

made from a mix of resin, brass and whitemetal parts and also uses recycled fittings from the donor

8750 model. It will represent the members of the class that were not fitted with top-feed apparatus

and will not include the ATC and trip-cock that were removed after the end of working over the LT

lines. The photograph shows an early prototype of the kit. Price and release date are to follow.

Limited Edition Black Manning Wardle K class

In response to customer demand, Minerva is producing a strictly limited edition of the Manning Wardle K Class 0-6-0 saddle-tank locomotive

in plain black livery. It is expected to be available in November 2019 in DC, DCC-fitted and DCC Sound-fitted versions. Please contact us by

email, telephone or at shows to reserve one. Prices are anticipated to be unchanged despite the

recent falls in the value of sterling and are

DC – £255

DCC fitted – £310

DCC and sound fitted – £380