Rapido Trains UK has moved into the narrow gauge market with a new 009 range, which it is calling Rapido Narrow Lines.

The first models in the new 009 scale range are Kerr, Stuart & Co. Sirdar Class 0-4-0 long tanks, including Diana and Leonora, in six eye-catching liveries and variants, and an all-purpose wagon range in a wide variety of narrow gauge designs based on real-world narrow gauge prototypes.

The new 009 gauge models have been designed with the same care and attention to detail as the existing OO and N Gauge ranges.

In producing the models, Rapido consulted with key people within the 009 movement, including members of the 009 Society, independent modellers, and narrow gauge kit manufacturers.

With a highly detailed die-cast metal and injection moulded plastic construction, the new locomotive models have many separately fitted details including standard, stove pipe and balloon stack chimneys, with cane bins on some versions.

Fitted with a six-pin decoder socket, they have an easily removable body and come with many extra parts for adapting the models to individual choices. NEM-compliant 009 ‘hook and loop’ couplings are fitted to both ends, and each model is available in both DCC-Ready and DCC-Fitted (non-sound) versions.

Diana is available in lined grey and Leonora in lined green liveries, and there are nondescript Sirdar versions in lined black, blue, burnt orange and maroon, plain green and plain yellow liveries.

Retail price is £139.95 for DCC ready and £179.95 with DCC fitted.

Alongside the new range of 009 scale locomotives is the 009 gauge all-purpose wagon range, including dropside open wagons, cylindrical tank wagons, gunpowder vans, covered vans, single-veranda brake vans, man-riders, livestock open wagons, peaked roof wagons, stake wagons, and even bomb carriers, all with NEM compliant 009 ‘hook and loop’ couplings on both ends.

The cylindrical tank wagons, gunpowder vans and peaked roof wagons are ideal for model railways based on oil refineries, dairies, gunpowder factories, distilleries, breweries, chemical production plants, or tin mines, whilst the stake wagons are suitable for transporting agricultural produce and timber. Many industries made use of manriders, making them suitable for light or tourist railways. The cost of the wagons varies from £25.95 to £29.95.

The new models follow the announcement last May of a fireless locomotive in OO scale, and in the autumn of a range of OO scale pre-grouping coaches and wagons