An eagerly-awaited 00 Gauge model of Western Class diesel-hydraulic No, D1000 Western Enterprise has been produced by model railway manufacturer Dapol Limited for STEAM Museum in Swindon.

A limited edition run of 500 models of Western Enterprise has been produced to celebrate a special piece of Swindon’s diesel-hydraulic railway history. Western Enterprise was built in 1961 at Swindon Works, and was the first of the Western class off the production line.

Various members of the class underwent many livery experiments and modifications. As new, Western Enterprise carried a striking Desert Sand Livery and the early British Railways’ Lion and Wheel crest. By 1962, a distinctive small yellow warning panel had been added to both ends to improve trackside safety. This is the livery variant depicted on the new model which are notable for its detail and accuracy.

The limited edition run of 500 models is specially packed in a prestigious presentation box that comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity and an exclusive ten-page souvenir booklet titled Diesel Decades. Three versions of the model have been produced, including DCC Ready, DCC Fitted, and DCC Sound Fitted. Prices are £109.95 for DCC ready versions, £229.95 with DCC fitted, and £349.95 fitted with DCC and sound.

STEAM museum has now received the first batch of models, and are expected to be very popular. They can be ordered from the STEAM Shop on 01793 466626 or online from STEAM’s website at www.steam-museum.org.uk

Hannah Thielen, Retail Officer at the STEAM Museum, said: “We’ve had a terrific amount of interest in the models already and there’s a chance that the 500 Limited Edition models will all be sold very quickly.

“The STEAM shop has already received 150 pre-orders for the model and enquiries are coming in from both the Museum’s online shop and from publicity in the railway enthusiast magazines. We showcased a sample model of Western Enterprise at the Swindon Railway Festival at STEAM last year and took some early orders right there at the show!

“Most buyers are model rail enthusiasts but some people simply want to buy a little piece of Swindon history.”
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Heritage, Art and Culture, said: “It’s great that we’re offering this part of Swindon’s history to collectors exclusively from STEAM and it’s brilliant to see there has already been such keen interest in the model.

“With such a limited availability, be sure to order yours as soon as possible to avoid missing out.”

Further information about STEAM Museum at Swindon is available online at www.steam-museum.org.uk