We announce the Manning Wardle K class 0-6-0 Saddle Tank locomotive in 7mm Scale (1:43.5) for 32mm Standard Gauge

Minerva Model Railways, the independent company formed by Chris Basten and Chris Klein,  announces the production of a finescale, injection-moulded 0 gauge model of the Manning Wardle K Class 0-6-0 saddle-tank locomotive in 7mm scale (1:43.5, for 32mm standard gauge).  It is the ideal locomotive for industrial and light railways as well as some mainline settings.It is the ideal locomotive for industrial and light railways as well as some mainline settings and follows Minerva’s highly acclaimed Great Western Railway 57XX/8750 0-6-0 pannier tank locomotives.

The first of Manning Wardle’s Class K was built in 1864 at the company’s factory in Leeds. Many of these locomotives were built specifically for civil engineering contractors, including those engaged in building railways.  Subsequently, many of these engines found their way onto industrial and light railways with a few ending up in mainline company ownership, including the Great Central Railway and Great Western Railway. There were many variations to these locomotives including different cab, buffers, brakes, sandboxes etc.  The engines were long-lived and at least two are preserved.

The Manning Wardle will be built to the same general specification as the Minerva GWR 57XX/8750 0-6-0PT, Kerr Stuart Victory 0-6-0T and Peckett 0-4-0ST locomotives.  It is believed to be the smallest mass-produced, injected moulded 0 Gauge model steam locomotive ever produced. The small size of the model has presented several engineering challenges and will feature a new smaller motor. The illustration is an early CAD drawing with much more detail still to be added.

Technical Specification

• An injection-moulded body
• Over 200 individual components
• Die cast metal chassis
• Fine scale wheels
• Six-wheel electrical pickup
• High-torque flywheel-equipped motor, driving the rear axle
• 40:1 precision gearbox for slow, smooth running
• Options include DC/DCC ready, DCC-fitted and DCC sound fitted
• Cab detail
• Sprung buffers
• Hook draw-gear with three-link couplings
• Choice of three liveries: lined dark crimson, lined dark blue and lined black.

A bespoke DCC sound project is being developed.  Design work is almost complete and the Manning Wardle is expected to be available in time for Christmas 2018.

The retail prices including UK VAT are expected to be:

DC – £255

DCC fitted – £310

DCC and sound fitted – £380

Advanced orders will be taken until the end of business on 30^th September 2018 and will qualify for a discount of £25.  The models will only be available direct from Minerva Models via mail and telephone order, the Minerva website and from the Minerva stand at selected model railway shows.

Further information is available from the Minerva Models website www.minervamodelrailways.co.uk. You can also contact us via e-mail sales@minervamodelrailways.co.uk or telephone 02920 531246/07775 782086.