Midsummer Models: new steam engine model

The third 1/24 scale steam engine will be available from Midsummer Models from June.

This will be Burrell Scenic Showmans Engine ‘Earl Beatty’. The pre-production model is shown here, along with the already-available Burrell Showmans ‘White Rose of York’. The new model is being produced from all-new tooling, as the ‘Scenic’ is both longer and lower with many significantly different details., like the longer boiler, smaller wheels for better hill-climbing, different dynamo and lifting gear at the rear.

Like the first two 1/24 scale engines from Midsummer, the finish and detailing are second to none and worthy of close attention. The model is available direct from Midsummer Models (see the advertisement in this issue or visit the website www.midsummermodels.co.uk) at £214.99 plus £15.00 postage, while an oak plinth and display case are also available for £35.

Burrell Scenic Showmans No 3896 ‘Earl Beatty’ was delivered new to West Country showmen Anderton & Rowland on 13 May 1921. She travelled direct from the works to collect the firms new Scenic Railway from Orton & Spooner. The engine attended the Scenic Railway along with twin engine No 3912 ‘Dragon’ and another Burrell No 3443 ‘Lord Nelson’ until 1936, when the ride was broken up. Earl Beattie later entered preservation, passing to Jack Wharton and subsquently from his son to the current owners, the Coles family, who completed restoration of the engine. (Information taken from Burrell Showmans Road Locomotives by Michael Lane).

The next model from Midsummer will be Burrell Road Locomotive ‘The President’, available in August, in response to many requests, at a likely price of £175. This also features mainly new tooling, as seen on the first shot shown here.