Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs
Prototype Era
Era 4 (1948 to 1956) British Railways Early Crest
SR/BR Leader Class model, designed by Oliver Bulleid.
The Leader was a class of experimental 0-6-6-0 articulated steam locomotive, 5 were planned but only one was completed and was produced in The United Kingdom. It looked like a ‘new’ generation of diesel but was actually a steam-powered loco. The Leader project was part of Bulleid's desire to modernise the steam locomotive based on experience gained with the Southern Railway's fleet of electric stock.
Update
KR Models have upgraded the DCC socket, a new and smaller Plux22 socket has now replaced the 21pin version that was there. This allows better placement and in turn allows the socket to be sited away from the motor better so that it gets less heat in operation. The sound and fitted options are now therefore upgraded to ESU's Plux22 versions of their decoders.
The functionality of the lighting was addressed to ensure that it works perfectly on both DC and DCC. DCC users now have full control of all lighting and this will be set up to work out of the box with the factory fitted versions with no user input required
Stay Alive Now as Standard
The most exciting addition to the specification is that all models now come with a DCC stay-alive integrated into the circuit board. This will allow trouble-free running without problems caused by momentary loss of track power, for example when your model encounters point frogs or dirty spots. This is of particular benefit for those opting for factory-fitted sound as a momentary loss of power to a sound decoder can cause the sound to stop and either have to be manually restarted, or the locomotive to begin its start up procedure again.
Model Specification
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KR Models SR Bulleid “The Leader” BR Black (Early Crest) 0‑6‑6‑0 Articulated Steam Locomotive is a 00‑gauge model of the experimental Southern Railway/British Railways Leader class designed by Oliver Bulleid. The real locomotive was a single‑built, steam‑powered engine with an unconventional appearance that resembled a modern diesel, intended as part of Bulleid’s effort to modernise steam traction.
The model carries the manufacturer part number Leader‑Black‑R and is marked as representing the British Railways Early Crest period. It is supplied with a Plux 22 DCC socket, replacing the earlier 21‑pin version, which allows the socket to be positioned away from the motor for reduced heat exposure. The socket is compatible with ESU Plux 22 decoders, providing upgraded sound and lighting functions.
Lighting operates on both DC and DCC, with DCC users receiving full control of all LEDs straight from the factory fitting. The model also includes a DCC stay‑alive circuit on the board, helping to prevent interruptions caused by brief loss of track power, such as when crossing point frogs or dirty sections of track.
Construction features a heavy die‑cast metal chassis with a central motor and twin flywheels, etched grilles, cab lighting, flush glazing and directional LED lighting. The model is supplied ready for OO‑gauge operation.