Dapol has updated its progress in producing OO gauge models of Great Western Railway (GWR) Churchward top-light corridor coaches.

In March this year, Dapol called for expressions of interest to gauge whether it would be worthwhile to produce the models. Since then, the initial results have been encouraging, and the company has started accepting pre-orders from its network of stockists.

As of 12th May, pre-order levels were at 31% of the sales volume needed for production to proceed, and those have now increased to 38%.

Dapol’s network of stockists has been advised that they can now place pre-orders, so that the project can develop through a collaborative approach. Such an approach has long been the basis of the industry’s strength by bringing together modeller demand and retailer support.

The company emphasises that expressions of interest are not to be considered as pre-orders, and will not automatically convert to a definite order. Anyone who has not already done so should register their interest by placing a pre-order with their preferred Dapol stockist so that the level of demand can be assessed as the project moves forward.

If the project moves forward, seven liveries are planned: six Great Western with the GWR coat of arms and one British Railways with the lion and wheel roundel. GWR versions include 1914 lined crimson, 1925 lined Chocolate & Cream, 1930 Chocolate and Cream twin cities, 1935 Chocolate & Cream roundel, 1940 all brown twin cities, and 1947 Chocolate & Cream Great Western. The British Railways version will be finished in Crimson & Cream. The projected price of the models will be £80.

As well as these GWR Churchward top-light corridor coaches, Dapol has released plans for N Gauge models of London Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS) Period III 57ft non-lavatory suburban coaches.