Blog

  We are delighted to announce two new products: a kit to convert the well-established Minerva GWR 0-6-0 pannier tank  locomotive into the 97XX condensing version and limited edition of the Manning Wardle K Class  0-6-0 saddle-tank locomotive in plain black livery. 97XX Conversion Kit  The eleven members of 97XX sub-class of the numerous 57XX/8750 were built in 1933 for working  over the Metropolitan lines in London. They were fitted with condensing gear, short hybrid  pannier/side tanks, the 8750 style cab and a water feed pump on the right hand side of the  smokebox.  A modified  type of Automatic Train Control (ATC) shoe that could be lifted clear of the  centre conductor rail on London Transport tracks and trip-cock apparatus were fitted.  They replaced  the 633 and Metro class tank locomotives.  Later, when working over LT tracks ceased, the ATC and  trip-cocks were removed, but the redundant condensing gear was left in place. The last members of  the sub-class were withdrawn in 1964 and none have been preserved.   ​The kit is designed to convert the established Minerva RTR 8750 pannier tank locomotive. The kit is  made from a mix of resin, brass and whitemetal parts and also uses recycled fittings from the donor  8750 model. It will represent the members of the class that were not fitted with top-feed apparatus  and will not include the ATC and trip-cock that were removed after the end of working over the LT  lines. The photograph shows an early prototype of the kit. Price and release date are to follow.  Limited Edition Black Manning Wardle K  class In response to customer demand, Minerva is producing a strictly limited edition of the Manning Wardle K Class 0-6-0 saddle-tank locomotive... read more →

Minerva Model Railways will make some major announcements at Guildex Telford on 31st August/1st September 2019. Prototypes will be on display so come and see us on Stand 104 in the big hall. We will also have the full range of Minerva goodies to tempt you as well as our... read more →

For some reason, we have not reported the work that Chris K has done converting one of our RTR Victories to the form modified in Great Western days with new, riveted tanks. He used our conversion kit to add the tanks, new dome, safety valves and oil pipe cover, together... read more →

We are delighted to announce the production of a finescale, injection-moulded 0 gauge model of the British Railways (BR) Class 14 0-6-0 diesel hydraulic locomotive in 7mm scale (1:43.5, for 32mm standard gauge).  It is Minerva’s first venture into mainline diesel traction and delivery is expected by Spring 2020. The... read more →

Chris K has completed his first weathered Manning Wardle for a customer and we can post the photos now.    

After fitting the first production sound chips and speakers, we found that with extra work, we could fit a larger speaker than that originally intended. The difference is noticeable, so we have made the decision to upgrade all sound fitted models to the new speaker. It will take a couple... read more →

    We are pleased to  announce the production of a fine-scale RTR, injection-moulded 0 gauge model of the Great Western Railway (GWR) OPEN A wooden-bodied goods wagon in 7mm scale (1:43.5, for 32mm standard gauge). It follows Minerva’s successful GWR IRON MINK and Gunpowder vans. The Great Western Railway... read more →

Just to update everyone, the Mannings have arrived in the UK. However with the need to organise transport, it is impossible to get any here in time to prepare for the Kettering show this Saturday. We are therefore very disappointed to say that they will not be available for collection... read more →

The first batch of Minerva 0 Gauge RTR Manning Wardle locomotives is expected leave Hong Kong by air-freight on Saturday 23rd February 2019. We will post news about the progress of the shipping as it is received. The waiting is nearly over!!!!

Manning Wardle News We are advised that the delivery of the new, smaller motors being manufactured for our Manning Wardles has been delayed by two weeks.  They were due to our factory two days ago, but are not now expected until the 22nd January.  This has disrupted production in our... read more →