Kernow Model Rail Centre has announced its second exclusive TT:120 gauge seven plank open wagon, which will be in the livery of Helston Gas Company Number 30.

The model is of a wagon operated by the Helston Gas Company.

The company ran a fleet of just five wagons, but in order to give the appearance of running a much larger fleet, it numbered them 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50.

The Cornish town of Helston is thought to have been the first town in England to install the newly invented gas lighting of William Murdock of Redruth. Its Gas Company was formed in 1820.

Model railway manufacturer PECO Ltd is producing the new model exclusively for the Kernow Model Rail Centre (KMRC). Earlier this year, PECO acquired iconic Scottish model railway retailer Harburn Hobbies.

The model is in TT:120 gauge, and is based on their standard RCH1923 9ft wheel base seven plank open wagon.

Earlier this year, KMRC announced the production of the same model in the livery of Franks & co of Guildford.

The model will have fine plastic moulding with thinner wagon body walls, which will ensure its accuracy. Enthusiasts can also look forward to the model’s interior detail, the brake lever that is separately fitted, and brake shoes in line with the free-running metal-tyred spoked wheels.

The model will also have a standard (removable NEM355) TT:120 coupler fitted, which will make it compatible with other TT:120 rolling stock models.

The price of the model is £21.99. Model railway enthusiasts can buy the model now. They have the choice of buying it either online or from either of the Kernow Model Rail Centre’s branches – its base in Camborne, Cornwall, and its branch in Guildford, Surrey, which opened in May 2019.

“I am pleased that we can announce our second Exclusive TT:120 scale local private owner wagon, Helston Gas Company. This adds to the ever-growing range of TT:120 scale models on the market, and the Helston Gas Company was an obvious choice for us following the Exclusive version of this wagon that we have already produced in 00 gauge.”

Greg Edwards, Camborne Branch Manager, Kernow Model Railway Centre