BR(W) 1500 Class

In the late 1990's David Adams, a noted professional model engineer based in North Yorkshire was commissioned to build a pair of simple 0-6-0 Standard gauge tank engine models in 7 1/4”. The result was the development of the “Paddington” design, taking its name from that Great Western station in the capital where these engines would have worked. Their duties involved bringing in empty trains, often up to 16 coaches long, up from Old Oak Common carriages sidings and to and fro the station. Though borne of Swindon works under F J Hawksworth, the engines 1500-1509 were not built until after the nationalisation of the railways. Thus, these engines would always have been painted black and never green. This is a powerful model, having 2 ½ inch bore cylinders and a working pressure of 100psi in the boiler. With small wheels and a tight wheelbase this makes it a very powerful shunting model.