Blog

Shipping of the Minerva 0 gauge RTR GWR OPEN A 5-plank open wagon has started. Sadly, they will not arrive in time for Christmas and Chris B and Chris K apologise most profusely for the five-week delay. The model represents Diagram 11 with Dean-Churchward Mark 3 brake gear. It will... read more →

The Guildford 0 Gauge Group, which organises the Reading Trade Show, suggested that we extend the deadline for discounted orders for the Minerva RTR Class 14 Teddy Bear 0-6-0DH locomotive until the end of the show on Saturday 7th December. We are pleased to announce the deadline has been extended... read more →

Below are some photos of a Minerva Kerr Stuart VICTORY 0-6-0T that CK has recently weathered for a customer. The brief was to simulate the effect shown on the prototype photo of FRANCES. It was a something of a challenge, but he has captured the appearance of the real thing.... read more →

Just a quick update to say that the plain black Manning Wardles are on their way, and will definitely be with us next month. As mentioned before, these are a strictly limited run, and we have a large number of advance orders already.

  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 The last members of  the sub-class were withdrawn in 1964 and none have been preserved.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 →