Model railway manufacturer Dapol has announced the production of OO Gauge models of Great Western Railway (GWR) 517 Class 0-4-2T tank engines.

The Class 517 was designed by George Armstrong for local passenger services, with 144 being built at Wolverhampton between 1868 and 1885. Most engines later had their wheelbases lengthened, and several were converted for auto train working. In 1924, Charles Collett fitted them with widened tanks and a new cab with an extended bunker, which made them look similar to the later 48xx (and 14xx) class.

The Dapol models will be versions with the later type, which has a modified chassis with a longer wheel base and with saddle tanks replaced by side tanks.

Versions with both open cab and closed cabs will be available, and proposed liveries include open cab models No. 202 in Great Western lined green with red frames, No. 539 in Great Western lined green with black frames, and No. 1158 in Great Western green. Closed cab versions include No. 523 in Great Western green and annotated GREAT WESTERN, and No. 524 in lined chocolate. There will also be No. 1159 with a Collett cab in Great Western green and annotated GREAT WESTERN.

Each model will have detailed cab interiors, with, on all closed cab versions. a removable cab roof held in place with magnets.

Recommended retail prices are £140 for DCC-ready versions, £175 with DCC fitted, and £250 with DCC sound.

Other new OO Gauge models recently announced by Dapol include Class 59 locomotives and JNA-Y bogie ballast wagons (also known as HAwks).