Footplate/Dapol O Gauge Hawthorn Leslie

About

Backstory Industrial locomotives have always been favourites with modellers, and few have more character than the Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0 Saddle Tank. Compact, rugged, and instantly recognisable, these hardworking little engines were once a common sight in collieries, docks, and factories across Britain. Now, thanks to an exclusive partnership between Footplate and Dapol, this classic industrial will be available in ready-to-run O Gauge for the first time. A Proven Formula The new model builds on the proven specification of Dapol’s O Gauge B4, with a heavy die-cast compensated chassis, sprung axle boxes, and a powerful 5-pole motor with flywheel. A finely detailed injection-moulded body captures the distinctive outline of the Hawthorn Leslie, with rivet detail, pipework, and handrails all neatly reproduced. Authentic Liveries A key highlight of this release is the wide range of authentic industrial liveries, carefully chosen to represent famous prototypes from across Britain: Turners Asbestos ‘Asbestos’ No.2780 British Celanese Limited ‘Henry’ No.2491 Isle of Wight Railway ‘Invincible’ No.3135 Port of London Authority No.56 NCB Netherton ‘Bedlington’ No.2779 Newport Power Station ‘Faraday’ No.3793 Plain Black (unlettered) Tyne Electric Supply Co No.13 Marston’s Brewery ‘Marston, Thompson & Evershed Ltd’ No.3 This variety ensures there’s something to appeal to both the serious historian and the modeller who simply wants a small, versatile shunter for their layout. A True Collaboration The Hawthorn Leslie project is the result of close collaboration between Footplate and Dapol, combining Footplate’s passion for industrial modelling with Dapol’s established expertise in O Gauge locomotive production. Exclusively Available The O Gauge Hawthorn Leslie will be available exclusively from Footplate and Dapol, with pre-orders now. Delivery is expected in late 2026.