FFESTINIOG ‘LADIES’ MAKE AN

It’s now 60 years since the Ffestiniog Railway purchased ‘Main Line’ Hunslets Linda and Blanche and, to mark the occasion, Bachmann Narrow Gauge announced the release of models in ‘OO9’ gauge.

MINERVA MOVES FOR ‘USA’

Built originally as 0‑4‑0STs for the Penrhyn Quarry Railway in 1893, Linda and Blanche continued to work until closure of the railway in 1962. Both were purchased the following year by the Ffestiniog Railway and were subsequently fitted with tenders to increase their range.

The new Bachmann models depict the ‘Ladies’ in their current condition, decorated in FR lined green livery and equipped with the leading pony axles, making them 2‑4‑0STTs.

In common with Bachmann’s previous ‘Main Line’ Hunslets, each model features a Next18 DCC decoder interface, along

In a joint project with Chrezo of Royan, France, Minerva Model Railways will soon be offering a ready‑to‑run ‘O’ gauge model of the S100/030TU/‘USA’ 0‑6‑0T.

Chrezo’s models will depict the locomotives in their original form, while Minerva’s versions feature the modified ex‑War Department 0‑6‑0Ts, as operated by the Southern Railway and BR.

An impressive level of detail is promised, along with a high‑quality drive unit, in line with Minerva’s previous ‘O’ gauge locomotive releases, with a choice of five livery options available, encompassing the SR and BR eras, along with preserved No. 72 in Keighley & Worth Valley Railway ochre.

Advance orders taken by December 31 will qualify for a £25 discount, with delivery due in 2024. ❯ PRICE: £390 (DCC-ready), £445 (DCC-fitted), £525 (DCC sound)

A: Minerva Model Railways

T: 02920 531246

W: www.minervamodel railways.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE GREEN ‘JONES GOODS’

The new Railway Icons brand, launched earlier this year by Rails of Sheffield and Locomotion Models, will soon boast an exclusive version of Rapido’s ‘OO’ Highland Railway 4‑6‑0.

The ‘Jones Goods’ will depict preserved No. 103 in HR Drummond Green, as it appeared between 1916‑23. Available in DCC‑ready and DCC sound‑fitted format, the models will be available in limited numbers, with preorders now being taken for a small deposit. ❯ PRICE: £219.95 (DCC-ready), £319.95 (DCC sound)

A: Rails of Sheffield

W: www.railsofsheffield.com with a pre‑fitted speaker and firebox lighting. Initially, the models will be available exclusively from the Ffestiniog’s gift shop, with sales helping to support the railway.

❯ PRICE: £229.95 (DCC-ready), £329.95 (DCC sound)

A: Ffestiniog Railway shop, Porthmadog

W: www.festrail.co.uk/shop

Arriving a few months late, but still within the 70th anniversary year of The Titfield Thunderbolt movie being released, is Rapido Trains’ ‘OO’ gauge train packs. Featuring a rendition of Thunderbolt (aka

Lion), plus a ‘Loriot Y’ wagon with a fully detailed ‘Dan’s house’ coach body and a GWR ‘Toad’ brake van.

The trains packs are available in standard and deluxe format, with the latter featuring a commemorative booklet containing behind the scenes info, along with details of how each model was developed. Deluxe versions also feature a DCC sound system which, along with realistic sounds, also provides audio clips from the movie.

A full review of the train pack will appear in the December issue of

Model Rail – on sale November 23. W: www.rapidotrains.co.uk