Description
This 1/19 scale model is based on one of the eight side tank locomotives supplied by Sharp Stewart of Manchester to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway for its opening in 1881. As soon as they were delivered it was realised that they weren’t powerful enough and the first of the famous “A class” locomotives were ordered. The side-tanks spent the next ten years pulling trains on the flat Siliguri to Sukna section of the line which had a weak river bridge. Once this bridge had been rebuilt the eight class one locos were sold to the North Western Railway in India where they ended their days at the Dandot Colliery in the Punjab.
Ready To Run
The model is entirely 3D printed (with the exception of the laser cut cab floor). Most parts are printed in resin with rivet detail included. The prototype had a spark arresting chimney but you may specify a “stove pipe” chimney if you don’t want that colonial look. The boiler top and side tank tops are a single piece that are bolted in place to allow easy access to the main battery and RC compartment. The smoke box door is also hinged for easy access to a charging socket. Cab rails are steel rods for strength.
This locomotive is also available in kit form here
The Prototype’s Livery
There are no colour photographs of the prototype of course. The two authorities on the DHR, have different views on the exact shade of green used by the DHR. One suggests “a shade of olive green” and the other “a shade similar to GNR locomotive green”. (The prototype model in these photos was painted with Railmatch’s Doncaster Green). I have subsequently used an A.I. photo processor on probably the best available photo of the class one and it has come up with the above photo. I doubt this is perfect (notice the brassy tinge to the steel coupling rods etc) but it certainly suggests a darker shade of green very close to the shade of green in Terry Martin’s “Halfway to Heaven” book. I am currently trying to find a model or auto paint to match this!
Price £470. Micron radio control in your choice of livery (Lipo battery and charger included). These are built to order, delivery is 4 to 8 weeks.
We hope to be able to offer an electronic steam sound card option soon
N.B This option incurs our “Bulky Postage” rate (see the delivery charges page)
