The current Aster model for the UK enthusiast
Bulleid Light Pacific in original ‘Air Smoothed’ condition.

Here are photos of the first production samples!

Take this link to the specifications page
Attention - Leaking fuel tanks

A few instances of leaking fuel tanks have been reported with the Aster 'West Country' & 'Battle of Britain' class models. The problem has been caused by splits in the breather pipe within the fuel tank. Tanks have been found to be quite sound at first but the problem develops over time. The cause for this unusual effect has not been discovered but several theories have been put forward. To get this into perspective, fewer than 2% of models and kits sold in the UK have been reported with this defect to date. Aster in Japan are aware of the problem and have taken up the matter with their sub-contractor.
Customer's attention is drawn to the notes in the Operating Instructions which accompany each model. This clearly advises that you check underneath the loco and tender for fuel leaks after turning on the fuel and before lighting the wicks. This is a good habit to get into and applies to all models fired by alcohol.
Should you discover that your Aster 'West Country' & 'Battle of Britain' fuel tank leaks then the tank will be replaced without charge. This offer applies to all models supplied by Aster Hobbies (UK) LLP and their accredited UK dealers. Overseas customers will need to check their local situation.
For those who have not been affected then the following offer is made. If you return your fuel tank to Aster Hobbies (UK) LLP, the breather pipe will be removed and replaced with a new pipe of slightly larger bore and giving a slightly lower sump levels which may also be operationally beneficial. The tank will be tested and returned to you. Please enclose your return address! This offer applies to customers who purchased from Aster Hobbies (UK) LLP or an accredited UK dealer. Outside the UK then please contact your Distributor / Dealer.
Aster Hobbies (UK) LLP
PO Box 61. Abbots Langley WD5 0ZJ
Tel 01923 269662
www.asterhobbies.co.uk
Drawings © Richard Green
Bulleid Light Pacific in original ‘Air Smoothed’ condition.

In many ways this is an obvious choice for Aster. It is 30 years since Aster's first Gauge One live steam model, the ubiquitous SR Schools class - 901 Winchester. The only other Southern Railway locomotive produced by Aster Hobby Co Inc was the King Arthur class 'Sir Balin', which was really a stretched 'Schools'. So as we are at the 30th anniversary of Asters' entry into the live steam market, a Southern Railway locomotive seems entirely reasonable.
Anyone living in the south of England in the last 20 years of mainline steam will remember these locomotives with much affection. Put simply they were everywhere! A total of 110 were built in two classes - West Country and Battle of Britain. There was no difference between the 2 classes, they were identical, well at their inception they were.

The new Aster model is available now in two liveries. Firstly in Malachite Green, as 21C166 Spitfire with high sided tender. Secondly in BR livery as 34051 Winston Churchill with cut down tender as preserved at the NRM York.

The wedge shaped cab is featured in both versions, as is a 3-cylinder layout and a boiler with all the usual fittings. A multiple blast pipe arrangement is fitted - a first for a commercial model in Gauge One.

In the UK, kits allow for alternative names and numbers, so builders will be able to choose their favourite from either the West Country or Battle of Britain classes. Kits have proven to be straight forward to build with no particular concerns noted. Help and advice is always available if needed.

Track performance has been nothing short of sensational! The loco is powerful but quite controlled and unlike its full-size brother, no prone to slipping!

A 4-page descriptive leaflet and the Aster catalogue pages are available on request to enquiries@asterhobbies.co.uk

Models and kits can be viewed by prior arrangement.

John Fuller "gathers some vital statistics"
On the left are the special nameplates applied annually for the celebrations of OVS Bulleid's birthday. Above Blackmoor Vale enters Horstead Keynes with a the Golden Arrow Pullman Special.
The Arrow headboard detail.

The headboard, roundel and the two drawings are courtesy and copyright of Richard Green, whose work can be seen at

www.locos-in-profile.co.uk
The Southern roundel is cast in bronze. Originally Bulleid designed it without the date segment but this made it look like an inverted horse shoe which was considered by some to be unlucky, so it was soon changed.
Blackmore Vale running round at Kingscote adorned with the full Golden Arrow decoration.
A tranquil scene at Sheffield Park. Two Bulleid's meet in October 2005 for the giants weekend, Canadian Pacific is prepared alongside Blackmore Vale.

Photo Peter Trinder
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