Model railway manufacturer Dapol has announced the impending production of new OO Gauge 0-4-0 saddle tanks built by Hawthorn Leslie in Newcastle.

The new models are based on a large number of 0-4-0 saddle tanks built between 1899 and 1924 for industrial use, including in iron works, collieries and power stations. Many continued service until the early to mid-1970s, and over ten of these locomotives have been preserved.

The proposed models include versions in:

• Lined blue with an ICI roundel and named Taw.
• Green and lined black, and numbered FD & EC No 4.
• Lined green and named Invincible.
• Lined blue and numbered Port of London No 57.
• Lined dark blue and numbered NCB No 25.
• Maroon and lined straw, and named Fearless.

Prices of the models will be £145 for DCC Ready, £180 for DCC Fitted, and £280 for DCC Sound.

Artworks for the new models have been sent to Dapol’s partner factory, and decorated samples are expected within a few months. Models are expected to be available in shops by summer 2027.

In 1886, the shipbuilder A. Leslie and Company of Hebburn merged with locomotive builder R. and W. Hawthorn of St. Peter’s in Newcastle upon Tyne to form Hawthorn Leslie and Company. As well as manufacturing bespoke locomotives for main line railway companies, Hawthorn Leslie produced several standard designs, including the 0-4-0 saddle tanks depicted in the new models and fireless locomotives.

After building 2,783 locomotives, in 1937, Hawthorn Leslie amalgamated with Robert Stephenson of Darlington to form Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns Ltd. In 1943, the amalgamated company became a subsidiary of the Vulcan Foundry.

Other recent announcements of OO Gauge models from Dapol include Great Western Railway (GWR) Churchward toplight corridor coaches and Class 323 electric multiple units (EMUs).