Model railway enthusiasts worldwide have been eagerly placing their orders for the highly anticipated limited edition run of 500 Western Enterprise locomotive models, created to commemorate a special part of Swindon’s diesel-hydraulic railway history.
Dubbed Western Enterprise D1000, the 00 Gauge model, designed for layout running or display, has been exclusively manufactured by model rail manufacturer Dapol Limited for Swindon Borough Council’s STEAM Museum.
Western Enterprise was the inaugural Western locomotive produced in 1961 at the renowned Swindon Railway Works. The class was subject to numerous livery experiments and modifications. The locomotive featured a distinctive cabside Lion and Wheel crest and, by 1962, sported a small yellow warning panel on its side, which enhanced trackside safety. The museum’s new limited-edition model faithfully replicates this design.
The limited edition run of 500 models comes in an exquisite presentation box, accompanied by a special 10-page souvenir guidebook titled ‘Diesel Decades’ and a certificate of authenticity. Three model options are available: DCC Ready, DCC Fitted, and DCC Sound Fitted, with prices starting at £109.95. The initial batch of models has just arrived at STEAM, and they are expected to be in high demand.
Hannah Thielen, Retail Officer at the STEAM Museum, expressed enthusiasm for the models, stating, “We have already received a tremendous amount of interest, and it is possible that all 500 Limited Edition models will be sold very quickly. The STEAM shop has already received 150 pre-orders, and we are receiving inquiries from both the museum’s online shop and railway enthusiast magazines.
“We showcased a sample model of Western Enterprise at the Swindon Railway Festival at STEAM last year and received early orders right on the spot! While most buyers are model rail enthusiasts, some individuals simply wish to own a small piece of Swindon’s history.”
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Heritage, Art, and Culture, expressed delight at offering this piece of Swindon’s history exclusively through STEAM, noting the significant interest already generated. She advised interested individuals to order promptly due to limited availability.
The exclusive Dapol model features the striking ex-Works Desert Sand Livery with the distinctive small yellow warning panel. The model locomotive boasts remarkable detail and accuracy.
Each model will be presented in a numbered certificate of authenticity, and prices are set at £109.95 for DCC Ready, £229.95 for DCC Fitted, and £349.95 for the DCC and Sound Fitted version.
To learn more or order one of the Limited Edition D1000 Western Enterprise models, please contact the STEAM Shop at 01793 466626 or visit STEAM’s Online Shop at www.steam-museum.org.uk.
