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” Prototype Grey (no crest) is a 0‑6‑6‑0 articulated steam locomotive model offered in OO gauge. The model is fitted with DCC and carries the manufacturer part number Leader‑P.G‑F. It represents the British Railways early‑crest period and is based on Oliver Bulleid’s experimental Leader class, of which only one prototype was built.
The locomotive features a heavy die‑cast metal chassis with a central motor and twin flywheels to provide strong performance. The detailing includes etched grilles, flush glazing, cab lighting and directional LED lighting that operates on both DC and DCC without user configuration.
KR Models have upgraded the DCC connection to a smaller Plux22 socket, replacing the earlier 21‑pin version. This change allows the socket to be positioned further from the motor, reducing heat exposure, and provides compatibility with ESU’s Plux22 decoders. All units now incorporate a DCC stay‑alive circuit on the board, helping to prevent interruptions when the locomotive passes over point frogs or dirty track sections.
The model is supplied with factory‑fitted sound and lighting options that function out of the box, and the lighting system is designed to work reliably on both DC and DCC power supplies.