
Bachmann press release:
"Visitors to the National Railway Museum (NRM) this festive season will be in with a chance of getting their hands on one of the first 500 working models of a historic locomotive owned by the museum the perfect modellers gift. Bachmann Europe Plc, who have been making model railways since 1952, have produced a 00 gauge model of the Deltic for the NRM and it is hoped the colourful locomotive will be the first of a series of limited edition models based on well-known engines from the national collection.
The 3,300hp diesel Prototype Deltic was built in 1955, and was affectionately known as the cats whiskers and the ice cream cart due to its characteristic cream stripes, French blue livery, and prominent central headlamp. It was the most powerful diesel locomotive in the world when it was built and its success rang the death knell for steam, which up until that time dominated Britains railways. Subsequent to the initial run English Electric supplied 22 production Deltic locomotives for the East Coast Main Line, heralding a new era for rail travel.
An ideal gift for model railway fans, the Special Limited Edition commemorative set is due to hit the shelves in December just in time for Christmas. However, rail enthusiasts who want to make doubly sure they are one of the proud owners of the exclusive first 500, or friends and family who want to ensure the perfect gift for their model-mad loved ones, will be able to reserve their special purchase in advance.
Graham Hubbard, Managing Director of Bachmann Europe Plc said: This project proved challenging. The works drawings no longer existed so we had to use laser scanning equipment for the first time. A special gantry also had to be erected at Shildon to enable the scanner, provided by a specialist contractor, to pass over the whole length of the locomotive but the results proved well worth it. Each sale will support the NRM in its vital work in preserving Britains railway heritage, and providing public access to the national collections.
Andrew Scott, Director of the NRM said: The prototype Deltic locomotive has always been a popular exhibit in our museums and through our joint project with Bachmann, we are now able to provide for the first time a top quality model of this unique and very striking locomotive. We are delighted with the end product and thank Bachmann Europe for bringing it to fruition. Were very much looking forward to seeing new limited edition models in the years to come.
Modellers who do not manage to get hold of this exclusive first edition model need not be too downhearted. Following the first 500 Special Limited Edition commemorative sets available from December 2007, there will be a further 2500 Limited Edition standard models following in January 2008.
BE 2007-53
25 October 2007
Link to larger version of the photo above.