This new model by the Little Loco Company is a superb locomotive for O gauge model railway operators. It is indeed a marvel for the price alone for such a first class model. The prototype, built by BTH and Paxman with mechanical parts by Clayton Equipment Co., and The Yorkshire Engine Company was a development of the former BR No. 10800 built by BTH and Paxman with mechanical parts by The North British Locomotive Company. These later locos were provided with the addition of deliberately incorporated design features in an attempt to produce attractive looking locomotives. These features include the footplate valance which is noticeably tapered towards the ends, the slightly tapering roof profiles at each end, the rounded corners to the bonnet and equipment cases behind the cab, the rectangular section handrails and the slim ventilation louvres at cantrail level. The duckegg blue front and rear panels to the cab also relieve the overall dark green livery.

10800 incorporated a train steam-heating boiler (with chimney) behind the cab and the electrical control gear in front of the cab, being provided with electrical train heating equipment. The Type 1’s control gear, on the other hand, was mounted behind the cab where it was separated from the diesel engine compartment and therefore kept in a cleaner environment. Little Loco Company BTH Type 1 viewed from the front

A useful and finely portrayed feature on the model is the provision of working marker lights and discs at each end; the discs being capable of being folded down in order to display the correct headlamp code for the train being hauled – or for a light engine. Under a very finely reproduced mesh, the non-working radiator fan can be seen from above. Inside the cab, faithfully reproduced, are the two diagonally mounted master controllers – one for each direction – as the locomotive was considered truly bi-directional. This necessitated the provision of diagonally opposite cab doors, also reproduced on the model. Great care should be taken not to bend the cab footsteps which are somewhat fragile.

The bogies are beautifully moulded and incorporate individually modelled brake rodding, sand pipes and air piping where appropriate. The piping and cabling detail on the buffer beams is exquisitely reproduced and painted, as are the couplings and buffers. My only comment would be that in my opinion, the buffer springs are too weak but if stronger springs of the right size can be sourced, it should not be too difficult to change them if desired.

Weighing in at 3lbs 2oz and driving on all wheels, this loco should haul prototypical trains with ease.

Although I had earlier experience of maintaining the real 10800 in service, this new loco design was the first I ever worked on for British Railways when assembling the control frames and later testing during the course of my Student Engineering Apprenticeship with BTH. Upon completion, being one of the earliest designs under the BR Modernisation Programme, D8200 was displayed for all to admire on the track leading from Rugby MPD to BTH’s main works entrance. Joe’s model of BTH/ Paxman/NBL 10800. Cab end view Joe’s model of BTH/ Paxman/NBL 10800.

The photos show the Little Loco BTH Type 1 from both ends before the transfers were applied and similar views my model of 10800 for comparison purposes.