Rapido Trains UK is to release nine highly detailed variant models of the GWR 44XX 2-6-2T locomotive.

The models are currently in tooling and are due to be released in the final quarter of next year.

In 1903, GWR engineer George Jackson Churchward settled on the ‘Prairie’ or 2-6-2 wheel arrangement for a medium sized, main line tank engine, and then built a smaller version of the prototype for use on branch lines. Ten more followed in 1905/1906 and they eventually became the 44XX class.

The 44XX tank engines worked in many parts of the Great Western network, including around Birmingham and South Wales, but are best known for their work in Devon and Cornwall. They often worked alongside B-set coaches or light freight.

The Rapido models will include the 44XX’s many variants, from its first livery after it rolled out of Wolverhampton Works, up to its final British Railways guise before the last of the 44XXs was scrapped.

To represent 44XX’s subtle changes during its lifetime, the models include features such as early and late-era buffers, inside and outside steam pipe versions, parallel and tapered chimneys, and two different patterns for the rivets on the side tanks.

They also include the usual Rapido Trains features: a combination of die-cast metal and injection moulded plastic construction, firebox flicker, a Next18 decoder socket, NEM coupler pockets, sprung buffers, and a high-quality motor and mechanism.

They will be the first small prairie produced in Ready-to-run to have a straight footplate and separately fitted cab shutters.

The model will be available in these liveries:

• SKU 951001: No.4400 Great Western Green
• SKU 951002: No.4408 Great Western Green
• SKU 951003: No.4402 GWR Green with ‘Shirtbutton’ Roundel
• SKU 951004: No.4406 G W R Wartime Green
• SKU 951005: No.4404 British Railways (serif) Green
• SKU 951006: No.4404 British Railways (sans serif) Lined Black
• SKU 951007: No.4406 BR Early Crest Lined Black
• SKU 951008: No.4401 BR Early Crest Plain Black
• SKU 951501: No.4400 Great Western Green – DCC SOUND
• SKU 951502: No.4408 Great Western Green – DCC SOUND
• SKU 951503: No.4402 GWR Green with ‘Shirtbutton’ Roundel – DCC SOUND
• SKU 951504: No.4406 G W R Wartime Green – DCC SOUND
• SKU 951505: No.4404 British Railways (serif) Green – DCC SOUND
• SKU 951506: No.4404 British Railways (sans serif) Lined Black – DCC SOUND
• SKU 951507: No.4406 BR Early Crest Lined Black – DCC SOUND
• SKU 951508: No.4401 BR Early Crest Plain Black – DCC SOUND

The models’ recommended retail prices are £172.95 (DC/Silent) and £284.95 (DCC SOUND).

To find out more about these models, click here.