Brake Tenders 2022

A new batch of three different ‘OO’ gauge Diesel Brake Tender models are now available from Key Publishing. Mike Wild introduces these new releases.

The third batch of Key Publishing’s popular ‘OO’ gauge Diesel Brake Tender ready-to-run models are now available with three new running numbers being applied to the Dapol produced model. The models are available to purchase exclusively through Key Publishing.

Diesel Brake Tenders were introduced in the early 1960s to increase the brake force available to unfitted goods trains hauled by new diesel locomotives. There were several versions of the Brake Tender with Key Publishing’s model representing the Diagram 1/555 vehicles built at York between 1962-1965 and fitted with Gresley bogies. In total 122 Diesel Brake Tenders were built, numbered B964000-B964121, with the last being withdrawn in the early 1980s. All were scrapped, but a replica has been built by the Railway Vehicle Preservations at the Great Central Railway.

The new batch of Diesel Brake Tender models from Hornby Magazine and Key Publishing are ideal for pairing with classes 17, 24, 25, 37, 40 and 44 and they could be positioned in front or behind the locomotive when operating with unfitted coal trains.
Identities chosen for the three models are B964040E in plain BR green with original bodyside markings (Cat No. HM-DBT-017), B964066E in BR green with small yellow warning panels and original bodyside markings (HM-DBT-018) and B963113 in BR green with small yellow warning panels, later bodyside markings and a weathered finish (HM-DBT-019).

Product highlights include removable lamps at each end of the brake tender, NEM coupling pockets fitted with small tension lock couplings, turned metal wheels and two designs of handbrake wheel to match the real vehicle.