We are pleased to announce the production of their next finescale, injection-moulded 0 gauge models. In the past, we have always worked on one model at a time, but due to similarities, we are taken this opportunity to advise on production of two!
Firstly, the 1361 Saddle Tank. They were designed by G.J.Churchward as an update of the Cornwall Mineral Railway’s 1874 0-6-0s. The 11 ft 0 in (3.35 m) wheelbase allowed them to negotiate 2 chains (132 ft; 40 m) radius curves, a requirement for work in docks and on lightly laid branch lines.
The five locomotives were built at Swindon in 1910 and were worked alongside the CMR locomotives. Mostly allocated in the West Country, isolated examples found their way to Swindon and even Swansea for a short time.
The 1361 model will be followed by the later 1366 Pannier tank, introduced in 1934. Effectively the same engine, but with Pannier tanks and a Collett style cab and bunker. With 5 of the 6 originally allocated to Swindon, they later became well known on the Weymouth Harbour Tramway, with 3 finally replacing the Beattie Well Tanks on the Wenford Bridge branch in Cornwall.
Minerva Model Railways gratefully acknowledge the help of the Great Western Society at Didcot for their help in providing information that has been invaluable in producing an accurate model of the 1361.
Minerva will produce three liveries of the 1361 initially, and an alternative chimney will be available as well.
Both models will be built to the same general specification as Minerva’s other locomotives, as below.
Technical Specification for the 1361
- An injection-moulded body
- Nearly 300 individual components
- Die cast metal chassis
- Fine scale wheels
- Six-wheel electrical pickup
- High-torque flywheel-equipped motor
- 40:1 precision gearbox for slow, smooth running
- Options include DC/DCC ready, DCC-fitted and DCC sound-fitted using the latest technology
- Detailed cab
- Sprung buffers and hook draw-gear with cosmetic screw couplings
- Etched number plates
- Finished in three liveries, plain green with Roundel, BR unlined black with early and late crests. If there is sufficient demand, a fourth livery, bearing G W R on the tank will also be offered
A bespoke DCC sound project will be available. Design work is almost complete and the 1361 is expected to be delivered at the start of 2027, with the 1366 later the same year. The retail prices for the 1361 only including UK VAT are expected to be:
DC – £325
DCC fitted – £375
DCC and sound fitted – £475
Prices for the 1366 will be confirmed at a later date.
Advance orders are now being taken, but Minerva does not take deposits, and payment is not taken until the models have been delivered, tested and are ready for dispatch. The models will only be available direct from Minerva Model Railways via mail and telephone order, the Minerva website and from the Minerva stand at selected model railway shows.
Further information is available from the Minerva Models website www.minervamodelrailways.co.uk.
You can also contact us via e-mail sales@minervamodelrailways.co.uk or telephone 02920 531246
Will the cab roof be removeable to make it easier to add crew?
Yes, as per the 56xx
I forgot to ask when ordering; but will the model include a choice of numberplates?
Yes, it is part of the specification
Hi Chris, I would very much be intrested in the 1366 pannier tank and look forward to seeing them.
My first 0 gauge loco was a heavy cast metal 1361, so will definitely want one, but would prefer the full “Great Western” livery.
Can you supply or direct us to an image of the 1361 with ‘Great Western’ in full on the tank? We can find G W R and the roundel, but not the complete lettering