'What if' Short Tank Sirdar
Fourdees Limited are excited to announce that we have partnered up with RAPIDO TRAINS UK to help bring an exclusive ready-to-run 009 model to the UK market - a Kerr-Stuart 'What if' Short-Tank Sirdar in works grey livery.
Kerr, Stuart & Co. manufactured many locomotives for both industrial and mainline uses. The 'Sirdar' was a standard design, signified by its 0-4-0 chassis and boiler/firebox dimensions. The 'What if' comes from there being no known prototype machine built to the design portrayed in the model, as its tanks are slightly taller and longer than similar known machines. However, it is a perfectly feasible machine that Kerr Stuart could have made at the request of a railway, such as the example below:

The Fourdees Ltd Exclusive model of the short-tank Sirdar includes am industrial half-cab that many of these machines received. Such locomotives were used in industrial settings throughout the UK, and overseas, with one example used to help construct the Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway in Staffordshire.
The Fourdees Ltd Exclusive model is presented in Kerr, Stuart & co. Works Grey livery. This is the livery applied by the manufacturer to all locomotives upon completion, and photographed for company records. It is similar in styling to that currently carried by Diana, but with further unique features such as grey frames.



*THE PURCHASES ON THIS PAGE ARE FOR A NON-REFUNDABLE PRE-ORDER DEPOSIT ONLY
For each purchase of a pre-order deposit, you will reserve one Rapido Kerr Stuart ‘What If’ Short Tank Sirdar - Works Grey with advertised discount on the recommended retail prices.
The deposit is non-refundable. In the unlikely event that we are unable to supply a model, we will transfer the deposit to a voucher of equivalent value which can be used against any purchase from the Fourdees catalogue.
You consent for Fourdees Limited to contact you via email when the Rapido models arrive in stock and are ready to purchase. To purchase the model at the discount price, you must complete the purchase within two weeks of being invited to complete your order.
Shipping costs will be calculated at the time of purchase. Pre-orders from outside the UK will be subject to additional shipping costs calculated upon the time of purchase. These models can be shipped worldwide.
FAQ
What is the Rapido Kerr Stuart ‘What If’ Short Tank Sirdar
Kerr, Stuart & Co. manufactured many locomotives for both industrial and mainline uses. The 'Sirdar' was a standard design, signified by its 0-4-0 chassis and boiler/firebox dimensions. The 'What if' comes from there being no known prototype machine built to the design portrayed in the model. Its tanks are slightly taller and longer than similar known machines. However, it is a perfectly feasible machine that Kerr Stuart could have made at the request of a railway.
What is exclusive about the Fourdees model?
The Fourdees Ltd Exclusive model of the short-tank Sirdar includes the industrail half-cab that many of these machines received. Such locomotives were used in industrial settings throughout the UK, and overseas, with one example used to help construct the Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway in Staffordshire.
The Fourdees Ltd Exclusive model is present in Kerr, Stuart & co. Works Grey livery. This is the livery applied by the manufacturer to all locomotives upon completion, and photographed for company records. It is similar in styling to that currently carried by Diana, but with further unique features such as grey frames.
Is it DCC ready?
Yes, the model is DCC ready and will accept a 6-pin DCC chip. The models are also available with a chip factory-fitted.
How much is the model?
The current recommended retail price for the models are £139.95 (non-DCC Fitted) and £179.95 (DCC Fitted).
When will it be available?
The current expected delivery date is towards the end of 2026.
Why do I need to pre-order?
The Rapido production model does not run on having high numbers of stock. This ties up capital that could be used in designing and manufacturing more models. Pre-orders are required to ensure that production numbers are sufficient to satisfy demand.
When can I pre-order?
You can pre-order now. There will be a closing of the pre-order book later in the year, after which you will no longer be able to pre-order a model.
Can I purchase a model if I do not pre-order (or miss the deadline to pre-order)?
Yes, Fourdees Limited will have some models available to order as stock items on delivery, but these will be in low quantities and are likely to sell out quickly. You will also pay the full recommended price for the model.
Why do you I need to pay £10 / £20 to pre-order?
Fourdees Limited’s main retail space is on eBay, which does not permit pre-orders. In addition, our own retail space does not warrant top-end card integration, so we cannot pre-charge a payment card (taking £0 deposit now, with the rest at a later date). By placing a small monetary deposit via PayPal, you can provide your contact details on a secure platform, for us to contact you once your order is ready.
If I pre-order, how much will I pay for the model?
Standard Model:
For each £10 pre-order, you will be entitled to purchase a chassis at £10 discount off the recommend price. Upon release, you will be invited to complete your order.
DCC Fitted:
For each £20 pre-order, you will be entitled to purchase a chassis at £20 discount off the recommend price. Upon release, you will be invited to complete your order.
How much is postage within the UK?
Postage and packing within the UK should be charged at £5 (subject to significant price rises by Royal Mail). Once the orders are ready to ship, we shall invite you to purchase the model at the discount price, with you desposit deducted, and postage added.
Can you ship outside the UK?
Yes, the Sirdar models can be shipped worldwide. For stock items this will be charged at the current rate, typically £10 - £15. If you are placing a pre-order, we shall confirm the shipping charge to your country upon inviting you to complete your purchase (less your pre-order deposit.
Is the deposit refundable?
No, the £10 / £20 deposit is not refundable if you change your mind. In the unlikely even that we are not able to supply the Rapido models, we will transfer the £10 / £20 deposit to a Fourdees gift token which can be used against any item in the Fourdees catalogue.