Oxford Diecast Shelvoke & Drewry Freightlifter British Railways (Western)

Oxford Diecast Shelvoke & Drewry Freightlifter British Railways (Western)

This highly detailed model is based on the heavy-duty forklift truck that Shelvoke & Drewry were asked to produce in 1952, especially for the London Brick Company. The design was intended as a UK alternative to the American Hyster forklift, subject to UK import restrictions. LBC went on to buy over 170 vehicles, some still in use 21 years later. Moreover, the Freightlifter proved equally in demand from other sources, notably all three Armed Forces and the railway companies.

The trucks could lift between 12,000 and 18,000 lbs with a lift height of up to 29 feet. Production models included the Model 82 with a 7 ft 10 in wheelbase, the Model 100 with an 8'4 inches wheelbase and a smaller Model 72 for indoor use. In 1962, the entire range was re-designed and re-named Defiant and production continued until 1974.

Our 1:76 scale replica features the vehicle British Railways (Western) used in the famous brown and cream colour scheme long associated with the GWR. The vehicle bodywork is printed with British Railways WR lettering in cream with the addition of the S & D freight lifter marque applied in red and white. Registered 729 AAR, the model features the optional Dualdrive cab component for this first release, which takes on the primary body colours. The mudguards, chassis, interior, spotlight, hydraulic cylinder gaiter, mast chains and cab window frames are all black.