The Hunslet Engine Company of Hunslet, Leeds, built steam locomotives from 1864 to 1971. It is now part of the LH Group and is again involved in building new steam locos, including Hunslet saddle tank NG engines. Many NG Hunslets are preserved on narrow gauge railways around the UK, and overseas, and are popular subjects for model engineering projects.

This model by B Hatfield was built to Works’ drawings supplied by the Hunslet Archive Service and was one of the highlights of the 2016 Doncaster Exhibition. Although in 2.5” gauge it makes a large model as these Hunslet well tanks were originally built in 18” gauge. Early versions from the turn of the century were initially ordered by the John Knowles Co and formed the basis of the slightly larger later design, the Waril class which was oil-fired and designed for The War Department after WWI, at which time Hunslet was also busy building Jinties for the Midland. Twelve of these Warils were bought for use at the Royal Army Service Corps Deptford Special Reserve Depot on the south bank of the Thames.

After the war, John Knowles ordered another locomotive, a coal-fired version of the Waril class which they named Gwen in 1920 and became the main workhorse until 1958, with Jack as spare. Both locos have been restored, Gwen in the USA and Jack at Armley Mills Leeds Industrial Museum.