Rapido Trains UK is raising money for the operation and maintenance of locomotive Peckett no.1631 ‘Marcia’ by selling model wagons.

Rapido bought the steam loco, which was built by Bristol-based manufacturer Peckett in 1923, earlier this month, following the death last year of its previous owner, Richard Beckett.

The locomotive is now set to return to the Kent and East Sussex Railway, and its owners plan to make it available for loan to other heritage railways.

Rapido is selling models of four wagons, which it has commissioned exclusively.

Each features the fictional liveries of some of the country’s well-known independent locomotive builders:

• Peckett & Sons
• The Hunslet Engine Company
• Manning Wardle & Co
• Andrew Barclay, Sons & Co Ltd.

The model wagons are on sale for thirty pounds each, including free UK postage. All the proceeds will go directly to the operation and maintenance of steam locomotive Marcia.

Purchasers can pre-order the wagons and expect to receive them around Christmas. They are only available to buy direct from the locomotive’s website.

Rapido has indicated that it may commission further models if these four prove popular.