Class 08 O Guinness Unicorn

This O gauge model is an exclusive, one-off edition consisting of only 300 models.

During the life of the class a number of 08’s were transferred into private ownership. With the kind permission of Diageo, we have chosen perhaps one of the more iconic and certainly one of the most recognisable, privately owned class 08’s; ‘Unicorn’ was operated by Guinness at their Park Royal site in London, UK. It was a frequent sight both within the brewery sidings and at Old Oak common.
Although now the brewery buildings are now gone, the rail sidings are still in use by LaFarge aggregates today.

Placed into service during December 1953 as 13074, allocated to Hull, shortly after in 1957 renumbered to D3074 and finally as 08060 withdrawn from Lincoln in 1984. After refurbishment in Swindon, Guinness purchased the pair in 1985 and renamed/re-livered as Unicorn and its twin ‘Lion’ (Ex. 08022) in overall black with white and red lining. Where they remained until 1998 and are now in preservation on the Chosley and Wallingford Railway.

Although in later years both acquired yellow ends we have chosen to reproduce the original all over black.

* Fine cast metal coupling hooks and chains
* Die-cast chassis with finely moulded body with many separate detail parts including etched grills
* Separately constructed front grill with individual louvres and interior cooler detailing
* ‘Posable’ cab doors
* Directional lighting and operating cab light
* DCC ready with 21 pin socket 
* Cast wheels with fine relief and appropriate colouring
* Heavyweight die cast chassis and all wheel pickup
* Semi-compensated chassis with sprung centre axle
* Turned and coloured brass sprung buffers
* Correct door type and wiper detail
* Extremely slow running with 5 pole skew wound motor and brass fly wheel
* Accessory bag with etched wipers