Mosskito Kerr Stuart 6w Diesel (4415): Unveiling the Powerhouse of Efficiency and Performance
Discover the classic Mosskito Kerr Stuart 6w Diesel (4415). This narrow gauge locomotive kit combines vintage charm with impressive features.
Published on Sep 10, 2023.
Scale: 1:76 | Gauge: 9mm | 009
Originally developed by Meridian Models this is a white metal kit of the Kerr Stuart 6w Diesel (4415) in 009. The kit is now produced by Mosskito Models. This kit is very easy to build with only a little cleaning up to do and is a great model to for beginners.
Prototype
The locomotive modelled is a very early prototype diesel built by Kerr STuart More information about the prototype can be found on the KS4415 restoration blog.
The locomotive was built in 1928 and tested on the Welsh Highland Railway , and in 1929 transferred to the Ffestiniog Railway. The locomotive was returned to Kerr Stuart in late 1929. It then went on to a road construction site in Lancashire, then regauged to 3ft and sent to the Castlederg & Victoria Bridge Tramway in Co.Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Later 4415 was regauged back to 2ft and sent to a Mauritanian Sugar Plantation. The locomotive was returned to the UK in 1970 with the help of Members of The Greenwich and District Narrow Gauge Society and is now being restored by the Kerr Stuart 4415 Locomotive Group at the Festiniog Railway.
The 009 white metal kit
The kit is a white metal kit and is very easy to build. The kit is a little short on detail but this is to be expected from a white metal kit. The model is heavy due to the white metal which gives it good traction. There are parts in the kit to build different variations of the locomotive during its working life from the original to the changes made when running in the hot climate in Mauritius.
Chassis
The kit requires a Minitrix 0-6-0 chassis to be used as a donor. The chassis wheelbase isn't perfect but a good enough representation. The motor juts out into the cab so painting it black and the addition of crew both help hide this.
Mosskito Kerr Stuart 6w Diesel (4415): Unveiling the Powerhouse of Efficiency and Performance review conclusion
Good unusual prototype that is an easy whitemetal kit for beginners.
Rating: 3 out of 5
What is good
- Easy to build
- Variations available
- Unusual early diesel
- White metal kit so heavy
Could be improved
- White metal kit so detail not as crisp as could be
- Requires donor Minitrix chassis