KR Models Leader-P.Crest-R

SR Bulleid Leader Class

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

Manufacturer description

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

• Plux 22 DCC socket with easy access
• Directional LED Lighting
• Heavy die-cast metal chassis with central motor and twin flywheels giving a powerful performance
• Etched grilles
• Cab lighting
• Flush glazing
• Available in OO Gauge.

Catalogue listing

Model details

KR Models SR Bulleid “The Leader” Prototype Grey (Early Crest) is a 0‑6‑6‑0 articulated steam locomotive model representing the British Railways early crest period. The model carries the manufacturer part number Leader‑P.Crest‑R and is supplied with a DCC 21 status socket, now upgraded to a Plux22 connector.

The prototype locomotive, designed by Oliver Bulleid, was an experimental steam engine intended to resemble a modern diesel, with only one example built out of a planned class of five. The model reproduces the original’s external features, including etched grilles, flush glazing and cab lighting.

Recent upgrades include a smaller Plux22 DCC socket positioned away from the motor to reduce heat exposure, and lighting that operates correctly on both DC and DCC without user configuration. All units now incorporate a DCC stay‑alive circuit on the board, helping to prevent interruptions when the locomotive passes over dirty track sections or point frogs, which is especially useful when factory‑fitted sound decoders are fitted.

Specifications comprise a heavy die‑cast metal chassis with a central motor and twin flywheels for strong performance, directional LED lighting, and availability in OO gauge. The model is supplied with a Plux22 DCC socket offering easy access, etched grilles and cab lighting, and is ready for immediate operation on DCC layouts.