I was pleasantly surprised when Dapol re-introduced the Lionheart GWR Pannier tank locos. But I found very few dealers were offering them for sale, probably due to the cost and limited production. This is why I went to Dapol's website.

I am very pleased to have purchased one.

These models are rather different to the usual Dapol produced Pannier tanks. For a start, with the cast metal body they are much heavier and the chassis has a compensating beam arrangement. The belt driven gearbox is an unusual feature and clearly used to good advantage.
After running in as per the instructions, the model is a superb runner and especially at slow speeds in both directions. It is very powerful and there is very little motor or transmission noise. I am impressed!

My only concern is that the gearbox is apparently sealed and the somewhat limited instructions also state it doesn't need any lubrication. Hopefully a very good quality grease is used on assembly and it won't dry out if the model is not used for a while or stored in the box on it's side for long periods. When out of use it may be important to store the model in a cool place and upright in the box so the grease stays on the gears.

I say this because for many years previously I used to model O scale D&RGW narrow gauge. My locos were expensive imports, heavy, all-metal and fully sprung. They also used a flexible drive and a very similar gearbox unit which was full of grease when new. In time the grease dried out or leaked out of the drive shaft bearings under regular use. But the gearboxes could be removed, disassembled and re-lubricated with quality white grease. Failure to service and re-lubricate the gearbox after long term storage or extended periods of use resulted in excessive wear and a noisy transmission, then eventually an unusable model since no spares could be had.
Can the gearbox on this new model actually be re-lubricated? If not then please make spare gearboxes available!
Apart from the above I would recommend this rather excellent model loco.

Thank you Dapol, Tim Goodman.

Hello
Further to my previous review, I have now received the model and it was worth the wait!
Beautiful model, great finish and detailing
Just one observation; the number is on the smoke box door rather than on the buffer beam as per usual GWR practice. What was the reference for this? I know some engines were carrying GWr on the flanks long past nationalization
Just curious, doesn't reflect on my satisfaction with the model overall
Steve

Hello
I'm kind of annoyed to receive this review request already, because I haven't yet received the model!
Not for the first time, items sent to France by Royal Mail take forever.
It was stuck in French customs for several days, even though I paid the import fees immediately I received the notification
Yet I order stuff from Rails of Sheffield and Olivia's trains fairly often, and the orders arrive in 2-3 days. (DHL I think)
I'd rather pay a bit more for fast, stress-free shipping
As for the model, I have no idea as I haven't seen it yet...
Steve

Wonderful models. I have several of these representing different periods including the ficticious GN&SRly. They all run extremely well. Have also sound fitted most of them and the process is easy.
Thank you Dapol