Syphon G from Minerva Model Railways

We announce the production of a finescale, injection-moulded 0 gauge model of the Great Western Syphon G in 7mm scale (1:43.5, for 32mm standard gauge).  It is Minerva’s first venture into bogie rolling stock and tooling is already underway.

The base model will be to Dia. O33, built from 1930 onwards with a variety of brakes. The model is designed principally to those fitted with 9’ pressed steel bogies.

Some of these vehicles were converted to diagram O.59 and the only obvious difference from the Diagram O.33 was the installation of Shell Vents on the roof of the van. Provision for this has been Minerva’s model by including these vents for the modeller to add.

From 1951, British Railways build more Syphon Gs to the same design, but incorporating shutters on the sides. To Dia. O62, these optional shutters will also be included with each model.

The Syphons were used originally for the carriage of milk in churns, but as this traffic was transferred to specialist tankers or lost to road competition, they became general purpose vans, and could be seen on the front or backs of passenger trains throughout the UK. They were also used for Newspaper traffic, and as ‘Enparts’ vans, especially on the Western Region. In these roles they remained in service until the mid 1980s, and more than a few are preserved on various railways around the UK.

Technical Specification

• An injection-moulded body
• Over 100 individual components
• Fine scale wheels
• Optional roof ventilators to make Dia. O59 included
• Optional side shutters to make Dia. O62 included
• Sprung buffers and hook draw-gear with cosmetic screw couplings
• Up to four different liveries will be offered with appropriate lettering

Great Western Chocolate
British Railways Carmine
British Railways Maroon
British Rail Blue

Price of each model will be £175.00 plus Carriage £9.50

Advanced orders taken before the end of business on 30^th September 2021 will qualify for a discount of £15.  Minerva do not take deposits and payment is not taken until the models have been delivered and are ready for dispatch. The models will only be available direct from Minerva Model Railways via mail and telephone order, the Minerva website and from the Minerva stand at selected model railway shows.