Bachmann Collectors’ Club members meet ‘Black Prince’

Members of The Bachmann Collectors' Club met up with 9F locomotive No. 92203 'Black Prince' at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway on Sunday 8th October. The visit coincided with the recent release of the limited edition model of 'Black Prince' OO gauge model for members of the Bachmann Collectors' Club.



'Black Prince' owner David Shepherd was on the footplate and during the day was presented with a model of 'Black Prince' in a presentation case and a boxed example containing certificate No. 1 of the 504 produced. Garry Owen, Chairman of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Plc also received a presentation model of 'Black Prince' on behalf of the railway for hosting the event.



During the ceremony Dennis Lovett, Public Relations Manager for Bachmann, handed over a cheque for £5040.00 to David Shepherd, Founder and President of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. This represented a £10 donation from each of the 504 models sold. Dennis was able to tell the large crowd on the platform at Toddington station that "all 504 limited edition 'Black Prince' model had been sold in four weeks, creating a new Collectors' Club record". The money raised will continue the work of the Foundation ensuring that endangered species are protected for future generations to enjoy.

'Black Prince' worked two additional trains to Cheltenham Racecourse at 1330 and 1530 much to the delight of Club members and railway visitors alike.

A display of new and forthcoming models from Bachmann took place on the platform at Toddington station which generated considerable interest. Bachmann staff were available to answer the many questions asked.

Dennis Lovett said "the launch of 'Black Prince' gave us the opportunity to support a very worthwhile charity that works with those who are protecting endangered animals across the world. David is very passionate about both wildlife and steam locomotives and it has been a pleasure to work with him on this project. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway welcomed us with open arms and provided excellent facilities for Bachmann Collectors' Club members to enjoy a great day out. It has also taken our products on to the platforms of one the nations leading heritage railways and generated considerable interest amongst visitors to the railway, who are not normally in contact what is happening in the world of model railways".