ADVANCED ‘O’ GAUGE

Little Loco Company has promised that new North British Type 2 B-B, better known as Class 22, will be one of the most technically advanced ‘O’ gauge ready-to-run locomotives ever. LLC has worked with the Project Class 22 Society to ensure that the NBL design is perfectly captured. But it’s underneath where things get really interesting. The can motor drives a reduction gearbox and transfer box, which transfers power towards each bogie via Cardan shafts. There are transverse gearboxes on each axle linked by drive shafts, so the model works much like the real thing. LLC says that this enables “every pipe, bolt and spring” to be modelled on the bogies. The model will also come with a PLUX22 DCC socket, high-quality sound speaker and fitments for a smoke unit. Sound decoders and suitable smoke units are being developed. LLC has also said that the components on the ‘22’s’ electrical system will not be soldered, so if a part does fail it can be removed and replaced with ease. Five liveries with five different nose combinations are planned. Numbers have yet to be confirmed, but they will portray locomotives from D6306 onwards (pilot scheme ‘22s’ will come later). Prices have also to be confirmed, but are expected to start from around £500. LLC will donate a portion of the proceeds towards the Project Class 22 Society’s plan to build a full-size Class 22. For more details, see