Railway enthusiasts will have stars in their eyes after the STEAM Museum launched a third model of another famous Swindon locomotive.
 
The museum commissioned an exclusive run of miniature "Lode Star" engines, the legendary Swindon-built steam locomotive, by top model train makers Hornby following the runaway success of the two previous efforts.
 
Known in the railway world as GWR Star Class number 4003, the original "Lode Star" is currently pride of place on Steam's Station Platform for people to visit since returning to Swindon in 2010 on loan from the National Railway Museum in York.
 
The launch of 1,000 new 00 Gauge "Lode Star" models follows the production by Hornby of two other famous Swindon locos, the Castle Class and the Western Enterprise Diesel Hydraulic 1961, both the suggestions of museum guide Kevin Shurmer.
 
Ian Surtees, STEAM commercial manager, believes the new model will appeal to both model railway enthusiasts and collectors.
 
He said, "This new Hornby model is special as it is a finely detailed replica of GWR Star Class number 4003 "Lode Star. She is a stunning loco and we have produced the model to commemorate her Swindon connections. We have taken a lot of orders already, mainly from the rail enthusiast market, though we are expecting many Swindonians to be interested in buying one as a keepsake or as a valuable collectors' item. Kevin is mad on model railways and has worked here since the museum opened. He came to me and suggested bringing out our own exclusive models. We only wanted to do iconic Swindon locos. It's a big investment for Hornby but they have already been flying off the shelves, we commissioned 1,000 of the "Lode Star" and sold 250 already before the launch."
 
Each model will be supplied in a presentation box with a numbered certificate of authenticity and costs £144.95.
 
As well as taking a peek at the brand new Hornby model in the STEAM Shop, visitors can admire the real "Lode Star" when they visit STEAM, any day of the week, to see her gleaming paint work and fittings and even climb aboard.
 
Number 4003 "Lode Star" is the only remaining GWR 4000 Class loco, designed by George Jackson Church-Ward and built in 1907.
 
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