Rapido Trains UK has announced that they are adding an exciting new tooled body for their existing 009 Gauge 'Sirdar' Class range; the brand-new ‘What If’ Short-Tank Sirdar Class 0-4-0! What's more - we've got our own exclusive version available here at Rails!
Narrow gauge loco builders rarely had an off-the-shelf template; this was due to the varying needs and desires of the companies that placed the orders with them. So, there were many 'unique' locomotives with a general manufacturer design style. Taking inspiration from these, Rapido have developed their new highly detailed 009 Gauge models of Kerr, Stuart & Co. ‘What If’ Short-Tank Sirdar Class 0-4-0. This has design elements from several “real” locos, combining them into a prototypically literate model.
This newly tooled loco body fits over the existing Kerr Stuart 'Sirdar' chassis and features slightly longer tanks than the real Short-Tank Sirdar locos that were seen around the world. This is combined with a larger enclosed cab based on other Kerr, Stuart & Co. products. They will be finished in 6 striking liveries, many of which are familiar to narrow gauge enthusiasts, and ideal to run alongside your existing ready-to-run models.
Explore the MASSIVE Rapido Trains UK OO9 Narrow Gauge range using the button below - including other steam locomotives and a huge variety of rolling stock to pair with these as well!
EXCLUSIVE TO RAILS OF SHEFFIELD
To complement our existing range of exclusive WD livery 009 All- Purpose Wagons, an exclusive War Department Plain Green Livery, ‘What If’ Short-Tank Sirdar Class 0-4-0, will also be available to pre-order here at Rails of Sheffield.
You can pair these with our recently announced War Department wagon packs in OO9 Gauge too to recreate an accurate little narrow gauge military train!
General Release Range
Engineering Samples
Rapido Trains UK have also revealed engineering samples for their previously announced range of 'Long Tank' Sirdar locomotives as well as their massive range of wagons too! Check out the full selection of photographs below...
Product Features
Highly detailed model with separately fitted parts including handrails, whistle, lamp irons, valves and more
Digital capability - 6-pin decoder socket (Factory Fitted versions available too)
Polybag included filled to the brim with interesting and easy to fit parts including alternative chimneys, dumb buffers, vacuum brake gear, toolboxes, coal bunker covers, and front steps.
Suitable for operation on 1st radius curves (228mm or greater)
Museum quality paint finish
Smooth & powerful mechanism
NEM coupler pockets
Watch our Video Detailing Rapido's OTHER oo9 ITEMS
Prototype Information
Narrow gauge loco builders rarely had an off-the-shelf template; this was due to the varying needs and desires of the companies that placed the orders with them. There was stiff competition amongst the different loco builders, all of which were willing to create something unique for their customers and ship them worldwide. If you could give the customer what they wanted, your company would get the order!
Whilst locomotives may have been physically unique, each manufacturer had a design style, leading to a familiarity between different locos. Some builders even produced semi-standard designs, allowing different capacity tanks and styles of cabs to be interchanged with each other.
Kerr, Stuart and Co. were no different, and their Sirdar Class had several variations, including several cab styles and long and short tanks.