HAWTHORN LESLIE DESIGNED FOR 'OO'

Dapol has revealed its plans to introduce models of the Hawthorn Leslie and Company 0-4-0ST for OO gauge. With CAD design already at an advanced stage, 10 variants are anticipated to head into tooling, with delivery of models expected in Q3, 2023.

The manufacturer's model is based on the 0-40 saddle tanks built between 1899 and 1924. The locomotives were produced in large numbers and continued in a variety of industrial uses, from iron works to collieries and power stations until the early- to mid1970s. Over 10 locomotives have made it into various states of preservation.

DCC-ready models promise a finely-moulded body with separately-added details, a Next-18 DCC socket accessed via the lift-off die-cast saddle tanks, a die-cast compensated chassis and all-wheel pick-up. NEM pockets will feature as standard, with a powerful fivepole skew-wound motor, cast wheels with fine relief and appropriate colouring and an accessory bag with spares and optional details. DCC-fitted models are to be made available, and models are expected to be produced in the following guises:

• (4S-024-001) Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0 Green Lined Yellow Asbestos 4

• (4S-024-002) Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0 Black Lined Red Henry

• (4S-024-003) Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0 Maroon Lined Straw Invincible

• (4S-024-004) Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0 Blue Lined Yellow Port of London Authority 56

• (4S-024-005) Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0 Blue Lined Straw NCB

• (4S-024-006) Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0 Green Faraday

• (4S-024-007) Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0 Green Spider Black Park Colliery

• (4S-024-008) Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0 Yellow Chevrons

Newcastle Electric Supply 13

• (4S-024-009) Hawthorne Leslie 040 Lt Blue Wallaby Australian Iron & Steel Co

The Hawthorn Leslie and Company was formed by the merger of the shipbuilder A. Leslie and Company in Hebburn with the locomotive works of R. and W. Hawthorn at St. Peter’s in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1886. The company manufactured locomotives to order for main line companies and later had a number of standard designs including 0-4-0 saddle tanks and fireless locomotives.

In 1937, Robert Stephenson of Darlington amalgamated with the locomotive works at Forth Banks to form Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns Ltd. By this time, Hawthorn Leslie had built 2,783 locomotives. The newly-formed Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns became a subsidiary of the Vulcan Foundry in 1943 and Hawthorn’s 137-year connection with Forth Banks ended.

For current pricing of models, visit the Dapol website, or see your local stockist.