Hornby R30017 OO Gauge Ruston & Hornsby 88DS 0-4-0 D2959 BR Green

Ruston & Hornsby Ltd, of Lincoln, was formed as the result of the merger between Ruston, Proctor & Co. Ltd and Richard Hornsby & Sons Ltd on September 11, 1918 and their first narrow gauge diesel locomotive left the works on September 1, 1931.In the summer of 1932, production was moved to the larger Boultham Works, where the firm were eventually to become Britain's largest builder of diesel locomotives, with over 6,500 being built by the time production ceased in 1969. Almost as soon as the firm's 44/48HP 0-4-0 locomotives were making an appearance, an upgraded, more powerful 0-4-0 was on the drawing board. Although many of the features of the 44/48HP were retained for the new 80/88HP, such as the chain drive and running gear, a new type of transmission was fitted, along with Westinghouse airbrakes. The new power unit, Ruston's own 4VPB, delivered 80BHP at 1000rpm and was later supplanted by Ruston's improved 4VPH that delivered 88BHP, but it required compressed air to be injected into the cylinders to be able to start.

While running, an air reservoir was kept charged via the braking system, but after standing idle for a period the reservoir depleted and a secondary source was required to recharge the reservoir. This was achieved by fitting a small, secondary 1A½HP 'donkey' engine, giving rise to a distinctive raised cover on the right hand side of the engine compartment that differed in size and placement depending on the make of engine used. Two basic weight options were offered for the 80/88HP, of 17 tons and 20 tons, the difference being achieved by attaching weights to the outside frames, as well as to the front and rear buffer beams.

In 1941, Ruston's locomotive classifications were changed, with the 80/88HP becoming 88DS (with the narrow gauge versions being assigned the DSM and DSN suffix, and the broader gauges assigned DSW). Outward appearance changes to the 'standard' locomotives were mainly confined to the cab area, with examples from mid-1947 replacing the open cab with a fully enclosed cab that featured several ad-hoc styles of front window. The final 88DS, 518494, left Boultham Works on 29 November 1967, bringing to an end a production run of 271 locomotives.

D2959 was built in 1955 to the works number 382824 and was used by the steel manufacturing company, F.H. Lloyd & Co, in Birmingham. The locomotive was purchased from the company in 1981. Telford Steam Railway acquired the 88DS for preservation and painted it in a fictitious BR Green livery with early crests and wasp stripes. It was subsequently renumbered as D2959. The locomotive was repainted into a blue lined yellow livery as VL6 and was named 'Hector'. Still based at Telford Steam Railway and with a new private owner, VL6 is used for works trains and hauling brake van rides with passengers at special events.

Our model replicates the fictional BR Green livery with an early crest that was applied to the locomotive. This 88DS is DCC Ready with a 6-pin socket and contains a 3-pole motor. A notable feature for an 88DS is the attached horn on the cab.