A MINIATURE of a Felixstowe port locomotive has been made by the world's biggest toy model company - with the train named in honour of a famous soldier.

A MINIATURE of a Felixstowe port locomotive has been made by the world's biggest toy model company - with the train named in honour of a famous soldier.

The model - a limited edition of 504 - was made after a request from historian George Buckland, a member of the Landguard Fort Trust.

George was instrumental in having the full size engine, which works at the port, named after Captain Nathaniel Darell, the man who was in charge of the fort in 1667 and fought off an attacking Dutch force, the last time England was invaded.

After speaking to long-time friend Dennis Lovett at Bachmann models, the company agreed to produce a model of the Captain Nathaniel Darell, Class 08 locomotive 08484 owned by Traditional Traction Limited and leased to the port for its shunting duties.

The replica was made by Bachmann's parent company Kader Holdings at its factory in China and shipped across the world - including in a container through Felixstowe when it arrived in the UK.

Enthusiasts gathered at Landguard Fort to see the models and Mr Lovett presented special boxed ones to the Port of Felixstowe, fort trustees and to Mr Buckland, who worked for 36 years in the model railway trade.

“Bachmann had no hesitation when I suggested to them at the national model railway exhibition that they might make the model,” said Mr Buckland, of Hamilton Gardens, Felixstowe.

“I am thrilled with the model and it is superb in every detail.”

Mr Lovett said the remaining 500 models would be sold through the company's 8,000 members who take its model magazine.

“We will also be carrying articles about the history of the port and also about Landguard Fort which will help spread the word about Felixstowe,” he said.