Development is at an advanced stage for the forthcoming OO9 ready-to-run models of the Ffestiniog Railway s Small England 0-4-0T+Ts plans for which were first announced in the Railway Modeller September 2018 issue. The project which is a collaborative venture between Peco and the noted Japanese model railway manufacture Kato has bore fruit with the reveal of the first undecorated engineering samples images of which have been reproduced here.

Comprising a cast metal chassis and plastic injection molded components the DCC ready model is set to feature a flywheel-equipped coreless motor in the locomotive driving the rear coupled axle with electrical pick-up from all wheels (including the tender). The model has been designed for use around curves no less than 217mm radius with Peco OO9 couplings fitted at standard.

Two versions will be available initially: ref:51-201-A Princess and ref:51-201-B Prince both presented in maroon livery. Further liveries and versions are planned for future release. Details including price information are still to be confirmed.

Peco will be handling UK and European sales through its trade network Kato for the rest of the world with production due to start early in 2022.

For more images see the October 2021 issue of the Railway Modeller on sale 9th September.