KR Models have revealed a decorated sample for their highly anticipated new model of the SR Bulleid 'Leader' steam locomotive in OO Gauge!
This exciting new tooling caters for this highly unusual design, which has long been wished for by modellers. 5 different variations are available to pre-order which cover Prototype Grey, BR black, BR green and BR blue colour schemes. All of these models are available either DCC Ready, DCC Fitted or DCC Sound Fitted.
KR have advised that the entire Leader production run has now been completed at their factory and is due to start shipping imminently. We currently expect these models to arrive during Winter 2024. We will keep you updated once we hear more from KR Models.
Pre-Order Now
Product Features
Highly detailed model with separately fitted parts including handrails, lamp irons, coal load, footsteps and more
Digital & Sound capability - Plux-22 decoder socket with easy access slot
Heavy diecast metal chassis
Powerful central motor with twin flywheels and all-wheel electrical pickups
Etched grilles
Working cab lighting and directional LED lights
Flush glazing
NEM tension lock couplings
Built in stay alive
Prototype Information
The Leader was a class of experimental 0-6-0+0-6-0 T articulated steam locomotive, produced in the United Kingdom to the design of the innovative engineer Oliver Bulleid. The Leader was an attempt to extend the life of steam traction by eliminating many of the operational drawbacks associated with existing steam locomotives.
Design work began in 1946 and development continued after the nationalisation of the railways in 1948, under the auspices of British Railways. The design incorporated many novel features, such as the use of thermic siphons, bogies and cabs at each end of the locomotive, resulting in its unique - for a steam locomotive - modern diesel-like appearance. Several of its innovations proved to be unsuccessful however, partly accounting for the project's cancellation in the early 1950s.
Five Leader locomotives were begun, although only one was completed. The operational locomotive was trialled on the former Southern Railway network around Brighton. Problems with the design, indifferent reports on performance and political pressure surrounding spiralling development costs, led to all locomotives of the class being scrapped by 1951.