The model railway rolling stock builder Dapol Ltd. has released the latest in its series of limited edition model wagons.
These are the result of a continuing the cooperation between the General Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society (GSNLRS), based at Blunsdon on the Swindon and Cricklade Railway, and the Medway Queen Preservation Society (MQPS) based at Gillingham pier.
General Steam Navigation is a Bulleid Merchant Navy class Pacific No. 3501. The Medway Queen is a paddle driven steamship and was one of the “little ships of Dunkirk”, making a record seven trips and rescuing 7,000 men in the evacuation of Dunkirk . It was also a GSN shipping company ship.
Dapol has previously released limited editions of model railway wagons to raise funds for both societies.
The latest models are based on Dapol's 00 gauge seven-plank open wagons with the lettering General Steam Navigation, Blunsdon & Gillingham Pier, which are the locations of the two societies, and the running number 22. The wagon design fits the MQPS theme of fictional wagons that might have been seen at Gillingham pier if there had been a rail connection, but at the same time is also very relevant to the GSNLRS. Over the years, the “wagon project“ has raised thousands of pounds towards the restoration costs of 35011 and Medway Queen.
The wagons are available in either black or green, both colours being carried by 35011 General Steam Navigation during her operational lifetime, and a load of coal is included as well.
The model railway wagons cost £12.90 each and are available from the General Steam Navigation website online store at https://www.35011gsn.co.uk/online-shop.html.
Dapol has previously released limited edition model railway wagons to benefit the societies, including an N Gauge gunpowder van and a Conflat wagon in SR livery. A small number of the previous limited edition N Gauge gunpowder vans in either red or blue are still available for £11.90 whilst stocks last.
Medway Queen arrived back at Gillingham on 7 January looking lovely after a repaint at Ramsgate.