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About Engineering Miniatures
Fourdees Limited is pleased to unveil a new range of souvenir / collectable miniatures, produced exclusive for heritage railways and attractions - “Engineering Miniatures”
Over the past 18 months we have been working on the launch range of models, comprising two locomotives from each of the Talyllyn, Ffestiniog and Ravenglass & Eskdale railways.
These 3D printed miniatures are finished in an attractive silver livery that shows off the intricate detail incorporated in their design.
These 3D printed miniatures are finished in an attractive silver livery that shows off the intricate detail incorporated in their design.
Each model has been created through extensive research, with use of original manufacturer’s drawings and extensive photography of the prototypes.
Each railway will have models produced in our ‘standard’ scale of 1:87, so that collectors will be able to see true to scale comparisons of machines at different railways. In addition to this, further models are also available in larger or smaller scales, to either show off even greater detail, or to as to be more suited as a souvenir.
The launch models will only be available from our partner heritage railways. The first batches should be available in the coming months. Keep an eye on their online shops for more details.
The r.r.p. of this first batch of models is anticipated to be in the range of £15 - £60 depending on the size and complexity of the model.
The first models
Talyllyn Railway
No.1 Talyllyn
This model has been created using original drawings and extensive photography of the current locomotive. The Talyllyn Railway has also assisted with the final detailing and livery that will be carried by the locomotive when it re-enters service this year. The model includes full representation of all the motion, internal valve gear, cab controls, and prototypical scale track.
No. 2 Dolgoch
This model is based on the already popular Fourdees kit of the same, but has been enhanced to fit a true scale frame that no longer requires it to fit a commercial mechanism. Full lining and crests are also represented in relief detail.
Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
James Spooner
This model is arguably the most accurate scale model of a locomotive we have ever created, with CAD work based on the original engineering drawings used during construction. Full representation of cab controls, rods, lubrication and motion are present, with the loco in its ‘open top’ formation.
NGG16 No.143
This model is arguably the most intricate and complex model we have ever created. The CAD work used the original suite of drawings from Beyer Peacock, with excessive levels of detail incorporated into the design. Bar frames, equalised suspension, asymmetric flycranks, lubrication pipework, steam feeds, cab controls, manifold, lifting hooks, fire irons, are but a few of the many details included in the model. This is a beast!
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Northern Rock
This model has been created using a combination of original drawings, extensive photography and measurements of the prototype. This model has actually been designed twice - originally in winter 22/23 in order to present the idea to the railway, only to find that a significant overhaul had taken place on the real machine. This miniature is now true to Northern Rock’s current appearance, with relocated injectors, air compressor, air reservoirs, and realigned pipework.
River Esk
This model has also been created using a combination of original drawings, extensive photography and measurements of the prototype. This locomotive proved difficult to create, as the fire of 2012 resulted in significant alterations to the machine's previously historic appearance - in particular the boiler cladding. But this is now true to the present day River Esk, with relief representation of the lining and railway crests.