RMweb Exclusive - DJModels Ltd Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST Review

A review of the eagerly anticipated RMweb Exclusive - Limited Edition DJModels Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST, in dazzling NCB Yellow Livery.
The Hunslet Austerity was a simplified version 50550 Class, designed for the War Department during World War 2, for use both on the Homefront and overseas. The first of the new Austerities entered service in 1943 and by 1947, a total of 379 had been built.
After the war, the War Department started selling off a number of Locomotives to new owners, including to the LNER, which later classified them as the J94 Class, as well as railways and private owners in the Nederland’s and France.
Construction of new Austerities also continued after the war, with orders for new locomotives being placed by the National Coal Board, as well as other private owners, and by 1964 at total of 485 locomotives being built. A number of these locomotives where still in action right through the 1970’s, with some even lasting into the early 80’s.
In total 70 member of the class have been preserved in various conditions.
Commissoned by RMweb this model depicts Hunslet Austerity, works number 3889, which was the penultimate standard gauge industrial steam locomotive produced by Hunslet for the UK Market in 1964.
Built for the National Coal Board, she saw service at Manvers Main Colliery in Rotherham, before moving to Cadley Hill Colliery in 1975, where she was noted to be one of the last working steam industrial locomotives in the UK, working right up until the early 1980’s.
Entering preservation in 1983, No.65 is currently awaiting overhaul at the Flour Mill Workshops in the Forest of Dean.
Limited to just 200 pieces, the model is priced at £99.95 and can be purchased through DJmodels Website.
DJModels and RMweb have done an stunning job in capturing the look of this interesting and rugged prototype, with the model features a wealth of detail including; sprung buffers, separately fitted smoke box dart, finely applied hand rails and pipework, extensively detailed cab interior, well applied Glazing, plus more.
Fitted with a powerful Coreless Motor with Flywheel, the Austerity runs slowly and smoothly straight from the box. Having no issue with point-work, even at a crawl. This model really is a must for any Industrial or for someone looking for a livery that’s just a bit different!
Hope you enjoy!