An initial batch of twenty locomotives were designed by William Adams for the London & South Western Railway and constructed at Nine Elms between 1891 and 1893. These small but powerful engines were intended for shunting in restricted sidings with tight curves and were deployed in such locations as Southampton Docks, the Hamworthy freight branch and Poole Quay. Drummond added five similar locos to the class in 1905 although assorted rebuilds saw a great many variations in cab design and boiler fittings. Because of their work in the docks, twelve acquired names from locations along the French channel coast. After a long career with the L&SWR, Southern Railway and BR, some were sold into industrial use and two have been preserved, Normandy on the Bluebell Railway and Granville at Bressingham.
The photo is of the first engineering sample of the model, further work will be done on the body design before it goes into production.
The sample loco was extremely well received at the International Steam Up at Diamondhead, Mississippi, in January 2012, running faultlessly for lap after lap while hauling a heavy load of six bogie coaches.
Intended as an 'entry level' loco in Gauge 1, the model is gas-fired and has all the features you would expect from an Accucraft locomotive. The chassis is constructed from stainless steel. Boiler and cab are constructed from etched brass. Like other fine scale models from Accucraft, it will provide many years of enjoyment.
Specifications:
•Scale: 10mm to 1 foot (1:32)
•Gauge: 45mm
•Min Radius: 0.6M (24 ins)
•Length: TBA
•Width: TBA
•Height: TBA
•Weight: TBA
•Boiler: Centre Flue
•Working Pressure: 60psi
•Reversing Gear: Piston type, reverse by lever in the cab
•Fuel: Butane Gas
•Valve Gear: Simulated Stephenson’s link
•Boiler Fittings: Safety valve, pressure gauge, water level check valve.
•Cab Controls: Steam regulator, gas regulator, reverser, lubricator drain valve,water level check valve.
Versions available subject to production batch:
S32-8 – BR (Ex L&SWR) B4 0-4-0T No. 30089 in BR black, early emblem
S32-9 – BR (Ex L&SWR) B4 0-4-0T No. 30089 in BR black, late crest
S32-10 – BR (Ex L&SWR) B4 0-4-0T in black, unlettered
S32-11 – B4 0-4-0 Power Unit