Peco - NR-P411 - Wagon, Open, 7-Plank - Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds - 711

Road Name History: GKN Ltd is a British multinational automotive and aerospace components business headquartered in Redditch, England. It is a long-running business known for many decades as Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds. It can trace its origins back to 1759 and the birth of the Industrial Revolution.

Throughout the majority of the twentieth century, though steel production remained the core of GKN it branched into tooling and component manufacturing. It was deeply impacted by government policies during the latter half of the century, during which Britain's steel industry was subject to multiple nationalisation and privatisation efforts. During the 1980s, GKN Steel reduced its presence in the steel sector, selling off or shutting down its works.

GKN Steel renamed itself GKN during 1986 to indicate its shift away from steel production. Business activities were re-orientated around the aerospace, automotive and industrial services markets. In 1994, GKN purchased Westland Aircraft. The company later organised the latter's merger to form AgustaWestland and its sale to Italian defense firm Finmeccanica. During November 1995, Dana Corporation purchased GKN's axle group; the two firms continued to operate joint ventures in the field for many years.

During the early 2000s, it took over Tochigi Fuji Sangyo K.K, a Japanese manufacturer of differentials and driveline torque systems. During December 2011, GKN Aerospace Engineering services division was sold to product engineering firm Quest Global. In 2012, GKN acquired the Swedish aerospace engine specialist Volvo Aero. During 2018, Melrose Industries acquired GKN through a controversial £8.1 billion deal.From Wikipedia

Brand/Importer Information: Peco is a UK-based manufacturer of model railway accessories, especially trackwork, based at Pecorama, Beer in South Devon, England, UK. PECO business started trading in 1946 and is now in its second generation.

From quite early days PECO has concentrated its manufacturing skills in the direction of producing trackwork for the model railway enthusiast. Individual component parts was how it started but this developed into HO/OO ready made track with fibre sleepers. With plastics becoming more popular in the 1960s it was decided to introduce the famous Streamline range which over the years has become one of the world’s leading brands for not just HO/OO but all scales from Z to G. 2004 saw the introduction of yet another range with code 83 rail especially developed for the HO North American market.

Publishing is another aspect of the work undertaken at the headquarters of PECO. Railway Modeller, now in its 60th year continues to be Great Britain’s best loved model railway magazine with by far the largest readership.
www.pecopublications.co.uk

The headquarters or PECO, located in a most wonderful coastal part of Devon, has not unnaturally attracted visitors over the years and so it is that the site has become one of the country's most important tourist attractions. The Exhibition of model railways is there to inspire you and technical advice is on hand from one of our experts should it be needed.
This is not all, for PECO is set within beautiful gardens which are home of the famous 7.25in gauge passenger carrying Beer Heights Light Railway. Before you make your visit obtain a copy of our free leaflet or visit our website (www.pecorama.info) which explains in detail the facilities available as well as opening and closed times, ensuring that you will not be disappointed.