The models

No. 93 was laser-scanned at Didcot to ensure an accurate rendition of the body shapes and details. The model will have working directional oil lamps and working interior lighting, and will be DCC-ready with a Plux-22 decoder socket. Five versions will be released with projected prices of £189.99 at release.

The latest update on the model project, issued on March 29, is that work has been continuing on fully testing the first engineering prototypes (Eps) and perfecting the complex livery artwork, which has now been completed and approved.

Externally, this includes all the intricate panel lining, motifs, supporting logos, solebar lettering and power bogie numberplates where appropriate, and relevant to each livery, and internally the seat colours will be relevant to those used depending on the time period.

The drivers’ controls and boiler will be featured in each cab, with the copper/ lagged pipework and pressure gauge faithfully coloured or printed. The artwork will also include additional destination boards, with each specific version based approximately on the vehicles’ livery period allocations.

The models have been researched to the tiniest detail, from the vertical boiler at the back of the front driving compartment to the cylinders and connecting rod assemblies on the power bogie. The bodywork from the frame upward also looks strikingly true to life, and will look better still when the recently approved complex livery and lining are applied.

At the unpainted engineering prototype stage, the Kernow Rail Centre’s OO-scale model of one of the GWR steam railmotors is already a strikingly accurate representation of the real-life GWR steam railmotor No. 93.