Rapido Trains UK have announced plans for an all new range of OO9 Narrow Gauge models including the Kerr, Stuart & Co 'Sirdar' 0-4-0T locomotive and a range of 'General Purpose' wagons too!

To kick-start the new Rapido Narrow Lines range, Rapido have decided to enter the enthralling world of 009 modelling. You can be confident that they will deploy the same level of care and attention to detail that you have come to expect from their existing OO and N Gauge ranges.

The new range enhances the 009 Gauge hobby and ensures it integrates nicely with ready-to-run models that are already available. In order to make Rapido Narrow Lines both user-friendly and attractive to existing hobbyists, they have consulted key people within the movement, including members of the 009 Society, independent modellers and narrow gauge kit manufacturers.

Rapido's first 009 Gauge announcement introduces a brand-new locomotive that is heavily customisable and available in a variety of colours. This is complemented by a new wagon range featuring numerous interesting body styles. With models representing rolling stock that could be run on a myriad of narrow gauge railways, there is something in our new range for both new and experienced 009 modellers.

Rapido conceived Rapido Narrow Lines as an exciting new brand name to cover all global narrow gauges and model scales, so you never know what might get included in the Rapido Narrow Lines in the future.

Rapido will be producing highly detailed 009 Gauge models of both Diana and Leonora, and to go alongside these, the Kerr, Stuart & Co. Long-Tank Sirdar range also includes 6 additional colourful liveries. 

Throughout the range, there are standard, stove pipe and balloon stack chimneyed versions, as well as cabs with either doored or plain backsheets. In addition to this, some models are fitted with cane bins.

All versions are available in both DCC-Ready and DCC-Fitted, and feature 6 wiper pick-ups, and a small coreless motor with flywheel. So that customisation and servicing is uncomplicated, the loco's removable body is held in place with 4 easily-accessible screws; this also gives you access to the model’s 6-pin DCC socket.

Narrow gauge railways across the world utilised an enormous amount of similar yet subtly different wagons. As such, to kick-start Rapido Narrow Lines, Rapido have created a range of new 009 wagons, each inspired by a plethora of narrow gauge prototypes.

The range includes a vast array of wagon body styles to suit the needs of any 009 modeller. They understand that narrow gauge railways were used for so much more than just slate quarries and preserved lines of North Wales, so they have included as many wagon variants as possible to suit your modelling needs.

Sourcing parts to customise models can often be challenging, so Rapido have made it as simple as possible by including a polybag full to the brim with interesting and easy-to-fit parts. With a huge number of combinations, we are sure you will have great fun personalising your models.

These detailed parts include screw-in alternative chimneys, dumb buffers, vacuum brake gear, toolboxes, coal bunker covers and front steps.

This delightful little loco is well-known to many as Diana, the most famous locomotive of the class. Her restoration was completed in 2015, after which she travelled the UK, capturing the hearts and minds of enthusiasts across the country.

Built as a modified 0-4-0 Sirdar class by Kerr, Stuart and Co. in 1909 and to a gauge of 2’5½”, Works No.1158 had a rather difficult life. She featured 200-gallon tanks, more than twice the size of those usually fitted to standard Sirdar class locos.

She would remain at the Oakeley Quarry for a further 18 years, following which she changed hands several times. She continued to work in Wales up until 1950 when her boiler was declared unsafe. It wasn’t until 1963 that her long journey to eventual preservation would begin.

Passing from one well-meaning owner to another, there were several unsuccessful attempts to fully restore this sweet little loco. Thankfully, in 2014, Phil Mason purchased the weather-beaten remains of Diana and, using the Workshops at the Vale of Rheidol Railway , restored her to her former glory. Diana now resides at the  Amerton Railway in Staffordshire.