It’s not often we commission exclusive models from other manufacturers – but we had a feeling Rapido’s OO Gauge USATC S160 was going to be special. So we threw our hat into the ring with a khaki or ‘drab’ version that’s available only at Clark Railworks. 

Of course, there’s nothing ‘drab’ about it. Rapido’s new beast has delivered on its promise to be a superb rendition of a fascinating prototype – and the perfect excuse to run a decidedly American-looking powerhouse on a UK layout. 

You may know that no. 2044 is something of a unicorn. Although many railwaymen recalled seeing it and four others painted into khaki while working for the War Department in Staffordshire during 1943/44, there are no official records (or colour photos) confirming this. But we think it looks too good to not be true, so it’s one conspiracy theory we’ll happily sign up to!

And if you’d like to pair up your new ‘Rattlesnake’* with a wartime contemporary of a more British aesthetic, remember our ‘Dubdees’ land in just a few months – and you can take your pick here.

*Cool nickname, right? It came from the way the S160’s rod bearings clanked and clattered as they went about their business.