Fancy something a little different for your model railway? From groundbreaking prototypes to weird and wonderful experimental designs, we've brought together a fantastic selection of some of the most unusual locomotives ever to grace Britain's railways!

Whether they were ahead of their time, one-off engineering marvels  or simply ideas that never quite caught on, these fascinating machines offer a brilliant way to add something truly unique to your layout or collection. Better still, we've got a great range of models available from stock, including several Rails of Sheffield Exclusives, with some at incredibly low bargain prices!

Why not give one of railway history's more unusual creations a home on your layout?

Hornby's incredible newly tooled all-diecast model of the original 'Deltic' demonstrator locomotive produced by Dick, Kerr & Co Works in 1955, presented here in its current preservation condition at Locomotion, Shildon. NOW AVAILABLE AT 28% OFF RRP!

Recreate a unique era of railway history with this experimental gas turbine prototype built for the BR (but ordered by the GWR in 1940s). '18100' spent much of its life working express passenger services before being rebuilt as a test bed for Britain's first 25kV AC overhead electric locomotives. Available only here at Rails, these models are now available at UP TO 44% OFF RRP while stocks last

This utterly unique multiple unit was powered by lead-acid batteries and originally pressed into service on the Deeside Railway in Scotland, as an early experiment of sustainable battery powered traction. Later in its life it was transferred into departmental use and became 'Test Unit Gemini' at the Railway Technical Centre in Derby. It can still be seen to this day, now back home at the preserved Royal Deeside Railway. Available only at Rails at 21% OFF RRP!

Perhaps one of the most-beloved experiments in living memory is the British Rail Class 89 - No.89001 'Avocet' often referred to as 'The Badger'! Designed by Brush as a replacement for HSTs on the East Coast Mainline, BR changed their plans before it was even completed - building the Class 90s and 91s instead. Even still, 89001 soldiered on in service until 2001 and recently made a triumphant return to the mainline with Locomotive Services Limited! Our EXCLUSIVE Accurascale model is available now.

In 1948 BR asked O.V.S Bulleid to come up with a solution to help reduce overcrowding on suburban routes to and from London. In 1949 2 Double Deck units rolled off the production line, numbered 4001/4002 these were an experiment that lasted 22 years and finished on 1st October 1971. We have a limited range of KR Models EMUs currently available in BR green, BR blue and 'what if?' Network SouthEast colour schemes, available at UP TO 52% OFF RRP!

The Turbomotive was an experimental steam locomotive built in 1935 by the London, Midland, and Scottish Railway (LMS) under the direction of Chief Mechanical Engineer William Stanier. Based on the successful Princess Royal Class design, the Turbomotive stood out for its use of a steam turbine instead of traditional reciprocating pistons. Now available at Rails at UP TO 42% OFF RRP!

The Bachmann Branchline Class 41 Diesel Locomotive depicts No. 41001, one of just two Prototype HSDT Power Cars which made up the Prototype High Speed Diesel Train (HSDT) and a locomotive that now forms part of the National Collection. Selected as the flagship model for their new ‘Railway Icons’ range, this museum-standard model has been commissioned by Locomotion Models, the official model shop of the National Railway Museum, and Rails of Sheffield. LIMITED STOCK REMAINING!

37903 was one of six 'Class 37/9' locos fitted with alternative engines as prototypes for an intended, but never built "Class 38" diesel loco. 37903 featured a Mirlees Blackstone MB275T engine and was pressed into service at Cardiff Canton. Limited stocks remaining at Rails including both DCC Ready and DCC Sound Fitted versions.

The beloved but ill-fated Class 370 can feature on your layout courtesy of Hornby with this standout EMU model introduced just a few years ago. The APT-P was the "production" version of the APT project which went through various guises before it reached the Class 370. We have limited stock of this 5-car train pack available as well as a myriad of 2-car add on packs available at UP TO 75% OFF RRP!

For something truly different, why not look to Rapido's APT-E unit, available in one of two 'what if?' BR blue/grey or Intercity colour schemes showcasing what this Gas Turbine oddity would have looked like had it continued in service with British Rail. Limited Stock remaining!

While not so much a prototype per se, this was the first mainline diesel built in the UK and was experimental in many ways - undergoing much testing and paving the way for many other diesel loco designs which we know and love today! This LMS black and chrome edition is EXCLUSIVE TO RAILS and available now in DCC Ready and DCC Sound Fitted forms!

The one-off "Hush Hush" locomotive was an experimental top-secret project constructed by Sir Nigel Gresley - featuring a highly unusual high pressure boiler. We currently have two models available showcasing the locomotive after it was rebuilt with a traditional boiler and streamlined body - more akin to a Class A4! Available at UP TO 35% OFF while stocks last.

You never quite know what you'll come across in our preowned department, with new listings added every week! We often receive other experimental and unusual locomotives into stock so it's worth checking back daily to see what we have.