Rapido Trains UK has announced an all-new OO gauge model of the South Eastern Railway 'O' Class 0-6-0, covering the locomotive’s long working life across SER, SECR and Southern Railway ownership.

Nine liveried versions have been revealed in the initial range, representing the elegant Victorian goods locomotives in a variety of conditions from early SER green and lined black liveries through to Southern Railway black.

Originally introduced by James Stirling for the South Eastern Railway in 1878, the O Class was designed as a mixed-traffic 0-6-0 capable of handling both freight and passenger duties. A total of 122 examples were constructed between 1878 and 1899 by Sharp, Stewart & Co. and Ashford Works.

Wainwright green-liveried South Eastern & Chatham Railway 'O' Class No. 381 makes an appearance in the new range (825001 DCC ready and 825501 DCC sound-fitted). Explore the full range, here.

The class became a familiar sight across the South East of England, hauling goods trains, branch passenger services and wartime traffic. Although many were later rebuilt into the more powerful O1 Class under Harry Wainwright from 1904 onwards, the original O Class remained in service until final withdrawal by the Southern Railway in 1932.

Rapido’s new OO gauge models feature diecast metal and injection-moulded construction with a wealth of separately fitted details and tooling variations across the range. Differences include alternative tender fronts, toolbox styles and smooth or riveted smokeboxes depending on prototype and era.

A complete SECR period train is now possible pairing Rapido's newly-announced 'O' Class with matching new Open Cariage Truck, 'Evolution' Horsebox and 'Evolution' coaches. Now there's a pre-grouping formation we're eager to see! Get yours, here.

Specification highlights include a smooth-running mechanism with MoPower stay-alive capability, plunger and tender wheel pickups, sprung buffers, factory-fitted speakers, NEM 362 coupling pockets and a 21-pin DCC decoder socket. DCC sound-fitted versions also feature dynamic firebox flicker effects.

Rapido will also supply painted etched-style numberplates for SER and SECR versions, alongside optional detailing parts for further personalisation.

DCC ready versions are £178.46, with DCC sound-fitted models priced at £271.96.

The project is currently in tooling, with pre-orders now open at TMC.