This is a detailed scale model kit for adult collectors. Not for children under 14 years old.
This model kit is of a Hunslet Engine Company number 901 "Russell". This 2-6-2T locomotive was built in 1906 to 2' gauge, to work what became the Welsh Highland Railway. In 1924 the locomotive was heavily modified in order for it to be able to operate on the Ffestiniog Railway. Russell continued to operate on the Welsh Highland Railway up until its closure in 1937.
The locomotive was eventually sold to industry, working on the Fayles Tramway in Dorset until 1953. In 1954, Russell was purchased by the Birmingham Locomotive Trust for preservation, and at first put on display at Tywyn Wharf on the Talyllyn Railway. In 1965, it was donated to the Welsh HIghland Railway preservation group for restoration, first steaming again in 1987. Russell returned to steam after a major overhaul in 2015
This model represents the locomotive in as-built (c1906) condition, which is also how the locomotive was restored in its last overhaul.
This kit has been printed in new HD resin, which is darker in finish to the parts shown in the photographs.
This is an advance kit. The body is in a several pieces, with roof and cab interior to fit. There are also brass body panels to fit within recesses to the bodyshell, to help provide a metallic finish.
The Graham Farish 08 chassis requires significant modification to complete, in this case replacing the frames and all the motion and flycranks. There is also valve gear, with several delicate pivoting components to assemble.