Fowler Resilient 4wDM Diesel Loco 'Peldon' Light Green

Fowler Resilient 4wDM Diesel Loco 'Peldon' Light Green

Details:

The Fowler Resilient Class 4wDM ‘Peldon’ in Fowler Lined Green represents Works No. 21295 in its preserved condition and brings a distinctive historic industrial locomotive to the 009 model railway. Reproduced in 1:76 scale for 009 gauge, this highly detailed model features a museum-quality paint finish, diecast metal and plastic construction and a smooth, powerful mechanism. With its large open front windows, single rear cab opening and distinctive bonnet and roof-mounted cosmetic headlights, ‘Peldon’ captures the character of the preserved prototype.

The Fowler Resilient Class 4wDM ‘Peldon’ combines highly detailed scale modelling with practical features for the 009 modeller. The model features large open front windows, a large single rear cab opening, a bonnet-mounted cosmetic front headlight and roof-mounted cosmetic rear headlight, accurately reflecting the supplied preserved specification. A short Hook and Loop compatible coupling is factory-fitted, while the detail bag includes optional parts for full customisation, including full-length Hook and Loop couplings and a selection of cosmetic lamps. NEM coupler pockets provide additional flexibility, while the model is suitable for operation on first radius curves of 228mm or greater. The museum-quality paint finish, smooth, powerful mechanism complete this highly detailed representation of ‘Peldon’.

Features:

• Fowler Resilient Class 4wDM ‘Peldon’ in Fowler Lined Green
• Works No. 21295, represented as preserved
• 1:76 scale, 009 gauge model with diecast metal and plastic construction
• Air-braked with factory-fitted short Hook and Loop compatible coupling
• Additional Parts Bag Included

Measurements & Specs:

• Minimum radius: 228mm

Historical Background

John Fowler & Co. of Leeds is best known for its steam-powered traction engines and agricultural machinery, but the company also developed an important range of internal combustion railway locomotives. Fowler began experimenting with internal combustion technology as early as 1902, although its initial petrol-powered traction engines were not economically successful compared with steam. In 1914, the company fitted an internal combustion engine to its first railway locomotive, continuing its development of the technology before achieving greater success with diesel power during the 1930s.

Fowler had considerable experience producing narrow gauge steam locomotives for industrial applications, and its diesel designs followed a similar philosophy. Compact and versatile, they were well suited to industrial railways, quarries, construction projects and aggregate haulage. Among these designs was the 4-wheel-drive locomotive that became known as the Resilient Class.

In 1936, Fowler & Co. built four diesel locomotives for the Essex Water Authority to assist with construction of the Abberton Reservoir near Colchester. Following completion of the work, three were sold in 1939 to the Alpha Cement Company for use at its quarry at Cliffe, Kent. The locomotives were named Abberton, Layer and Peldon and continued working at the quarry until 1962. The works eventually closed in 1970, with much of the remaining rolling stock left abandoned at the site.

Layer and Peldon were subsequently rescued by the Brockham Museum Association. No. 21295 Peldon was transferred to Amberley Museum in 1982 and, following extensive restoration from a derelict condition, returned to service in 1987.

Resilient Class locomotives were also built for industrial railways overseas, with examples surviving into preservation in India and Australia.