MINERVA MODEL RAILWAYS ANNOUNCES THE ITS FIRST READY-TO-RUN GOODS VAN – THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY IRON MINK VAN IN 7MM ‘O’ GAUGE (1:43.5) FOR 32MM STANDARD GAUGE
Penarth, United Kingdom, 2ND September 2017.
Minerva Model Railways, the independent company formed by Chris Basten and Chris Klein, announces the production of a fine-scale RTR, injection-moulded 0 gauge model of the Great Western Railway (GWR) Iron Mink steel-bodied goods van in 7mm scale (1:43.5, for 32mm standard gauge). It is Minerva’s first venture into rolling stock and closely follows the release of the GWR 8750 0-6-0 pannier tank locomotive.
The GWR was a pioneer in the introduction of iron chassis, and logically continued this development to include bodies from the late 19th century. This resulted in the famous Iron Mink, and over 25 years, some 20,000 or more entered service, lasting until the 1950s in revenue and the 1980s in departmental use. The design was so successful that it was copies by several other railways and private wagon builders. Further historical information can be obtained from ‘GWR Iron Minks’, published by the H.M.R.S.
The model features a plastic injection-moulded body and chassis, metal-tyred wheels on pin-point axles fitted in compensated axle-boxes, sprung buffers and hook draw-gear with three-link couplings. Three liveries are available: GWR with 25” lettering, GWR with 16” lettering and British Railways unfitted grey.
The retail price per wagon is £42.50 including UK VAT. A discount of £2.50 per van is available for orders of five or more models. Delivery of the production models is expected in November 2017.
The models will only be available direct from Minerva Models via mail and telephone order, the Minerva website and from the Minerva Models’ stand at selected model railway shows.
Further information is available from the Minerva Models website www.minervamodelrailways.co.uk and you can follow us on Facebook. You can also contact us via e-mail to sales@minervamodelrailways.co.uk or telephone 02920 531246.