LGST158. BR Riddles Unique Class 8 Pacific 4-6-2 & Tender No. 71000 'Duke of Gloucester'. In BR lined green with early crest and shedplate 5A Crewe North. This is a brass kitbuilt model built by Ken Mason and painted by Paul Rusted. Fitted with an ABC multi-stage gearbox coupled to a Canon motor, Slaters wheels, a little bit of compensation on the centre driving axle and the centre tender axle, and with excellent cab detail. The model is lightly used. The prototype was into service from Crewe Works to Crewe North shed (its only allocation) in May 1954, it was withdrawn in November 1962 and earmarked for preservation. It then spent the next 5 years mainly in different parts of Crewe Works (plus a brief sojourn at Stratford) before being de-listed as a preservation candidate thence going onto Crewe South shed from where it was despatched (thankfully) to Woodhams at Barry Docks in September 1967. Its subsequent rescue, preservation story and return to steam would fill a book. The ‘Duke’ is currently fully operational and active on main line services in 2026. RESERVED.
