Chassis
Fourdees Limited are excited to announce that we have partnered up with RAPIDO TRAINS UK to help bring a new 009 chassis to the UK market - a Kerr-Stuart Sirdar 0-4-0 mechanism with outside frames.
This DCC ready chassis is the perfect motive power for a small narrow-gauge model, without the need to purchase a full locomotive. The mechanism will be painted plain black throughout, with clean metal motion. Two choices of couplings will be included, a short 'stubby' coupling and full length 'hook and loop'. We expected them to be available to purchase late-2026, and will retail for £74.95.
Limited stock will be available to purchase ‘off the shelf’ upon release directly from Fourdees, but to ensure you do not miss out, we invite you to place a pre-order. For a £5 pre-order deposit per chassis, you can reserve your model at a 10% discount from the recommended retail price. Pre-orders can be placed on our website: www.fourdees.co.uk
To coincide with the announcement of this new chassis, we are pleased to unveil our initial range of 3D printed kits designed to fit straight to the mechanism without modification.
Given the unmistakable Kerr-Stuart origin of the chassis, we have created a suite of might-have-been designs from this Stoke-on-Trent based manufacturer, utilising the same frame and boiler as the Sirdar class. In addition to these, we have started to look at alternative manufacturers for inspiration for other models.
Prices are based on current costs, and will be confirmed closer to production.
986999 Kerr-Stuart Sirdar Chassis
- PRE-ORDER DEPOSIT*
Rapido Chassis + Fourdees Kit
- PRE-ORDER DEPOSIT*
*THE PURCHASES ON THIS PAGE ARE FOR A NON-REFUNDABLE PRE-ORDER DEPOSIT ONLY
For each purchase of a £5 pre-order deposit, you will reserve one Rapido Kerr-Stuart Sirdar Chassis with a 10% discount on the recommended retail price (presently £74.95). You can pre-order a kit with no additional deposit. Final kit prices will be confirmed when we start production.
The £5 deposit is non-refundable. In the unlikely event that we are unable to supply a chassis, we will transfer the deposit to a £5 voucher which can be used against any purchase from the Fourdees catalogue.
You consent for Fourdees Limited to contact you via email when the Rapido Chassis arrive in stock and are ready to purchase. To purchase the Rapido Chassis at the discount price, you must complete the purchase within two weeks of being invited to complete your order.
Pre-orders from outside the UK will be subject to additional shipping costs calculated upon the time of purchase. At present we are unable to ship kits to the EU or Northern Ireland.
FAQ
What is the Rapido Sirdar Chassis?
Rapido Trains UK have announced they are producing a Ready-to-Run model of the Kerr-Stuart Sirdar locomotive, ‘Diana’. The chassis is the one used to power this model. The chassis can be used as a base for an alternative bodyshell (for example, a Fourdees kit, or perhaps one of your own).
Is it DCC ready?
Yes, the chassis is DCC ready and will accept a 6-pin DCC chip.
How much is the chassis?
The current recommended retail price for the chassis is £74.95.
When will it be available?
The current expected delivery date is towards the end of 2026.
Why do I need to pre-order?
The Rapido production model does not run on having high numbers of stock. This ties up capital that could be used in designing and manufacturing more models. Pre-orders are required to ensure that production numbers are sufficient to satisfy demand.
When can I pre-order?
You can pre-order now. There will be a closing of the pre-order book later in the year, after which you will no longer be able to pre-order a chassis.
Can I purchase a chassis if I do not pre-order (or miss the deadline to pre-order)?
Yes, Fourdees Limited and Rapido Trains UK will have chassis available to order as stock items, but these will be in low quantities and are likely to sell out quickly. You will also pay the full recommended price for the chassis.
Why do you I need to pay £5 to pre-order?
Fourdees Limited’s main retail space is on eBay, which does not permit pre-orders. In addition, our own retail space does not warrant top-end card integration, so we cannot pre-charge a payment card (taking £0 deposit now, with the rest at a later date). By placing a £5 deposit via PayPal, you can provide your contact details on a secure platform, for us to contact you once your order is ready.
If I pre-order, how much will I pay for the chassis?
For each £5 pre-order, you will be entitled to purchase a chassis at 10% off the recommend price. Upon release, you will be invited to complete your order.
How much is postage within the UK?
Postage and packing within the UK will be charged at £5. For those who pre-order a single chassis, the pre-order deposit will effectively be advance purchase of shipping, so you only have the cost of the chassis to pay. For two or more chassis pre-orders, we shall also provide an additional discount for combined postage of the order.
Can you ship outside the UK?
Yes, the Sirdar chassis can be shipped worldwide. For stock items this will be charged at the current rate, typically £10 - £15. If you are placing a pre-order, we shall confirm the shipping charge to your country upon inviting you to complete your purchase (less your £5 pre-order).
Is the deposit refundable?
No, the £5 deposit is not refundable if you change your mind. In the unlikely even that we are not able to supply the Rapido chassis, we will transfer the £5 deposit to a Fourdees gift token which can be used against any item in the Fourdees catalogue.
I am a retailer - can we stock the chassis?
The economics of chassis production mean that it is not viable to offer them to retailers, and so these have been restricted to a single outlet outside of Rapido Trains UK.
Do I need to pre-order a kit as well as the chassis?
No, the chassis can be purchased on their own. Kit pre-orders are at no additional deposit, so that we can also produce sufficient quantities ready for the release of the chassis.
Can I change which kit I have pre-ordered?
Yes. We hope to unveil more kits before the chassis is released, beyond the ten already announced. If you would like to change the kit you would like on launch, contact us via email and we shall update your preference.
Why are so many of the kits of Kerr-Stuart designs?
The Sirdar Chassis is distinctively of Kerr-Stuart design, in having a single slide-bar and outside frames. For our first phase of kits, it was decided to show off a range of similar might-have-been models from this Stoke-on-Trent manufacturer.
Do any of the other Fourdees kits fit the chassis?
Not at present, but we will slowly work through our catalogue and update models where appropriate to fit this mechanism.