The Power of the P2

The LNER P2 was a beast of a locomotive, the most powerful steam locomotive ever seen on British rails. Sir Nigel Gresley designed these locomotives with a main purpose in mind, to haul large passenger trains in excess of 600 tonnes between Edinburgh and Aberdeen, a train line noted for its difficulty and intensity. 6 of these locomotives were built, being numbered 2001 to 2006. The P2 locomotives were rather short-lived, being introduced in 1934 and modified numerous times with the introduction of standard Walschaerts valve gear and the addition of extra streamlining on the noses of the locomotives making them resemble the LNER A4s. After these modifications, the locomotives were entirely rebuilt as the controversial LNER A2 Class by Edward Thompson in 1943. There are two more examples under construction as of 2022, the most notable of these is number 2007 ‘Prince of Wales’. This locomotive is numbered sequentially as per the original 6 and will be named in honour of Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.

Below is an image of our latest incarnation of the legendary P2, please do bear in mind that this image is of an engineering sample, and as such not all the features of this model may be in place. This image is to give you an idea of the finished product, not an exact depiction.

New samples steam into Margate

The forthcoming Hornby ‘Prince of Wales’ model is not the first example of its class, with an example of ‘Cock O’ the North’ being introduced in 2014. Since then, it has become a mainstay of the RailRoad range and in 2021 it seemed high time to create an updated version of this class.

The forthcoming release will see not only a version of 2007 ‘Prince of Wales’ in both analogue and DCC sound and steam fitted but also an introduction of 2002 ‘Earl Marischal’ as a P2 after its release as an A2 in 2021. As per the build of 2007 by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, ‘Prince of Wales’ will visually resemble 2001 Cock O’ the North in as-built condition with Lenz Rotary Valve Gear and single smoke deflectors.

In the below image, you can see the start of the valve gear work, note the large protrusion on the front of the cylinder, which is a feature of Lenz Rotary Valve Gear and not seen on the cylinders of locomotives fitted with Walscherts Valve Gear. The Rotary cam that gives the valve gear its name is missing from this sample however, again, this is an early engineering sample.

This new model features a diecast running board and chassis, as well as the firebox flicker feature that we have started to incorporate on some of our other models. Also note the enhanced cab detail, handrails on the outside of the cab and diecast running board that extends forwards of the cab.

This Bear is not one you’ll want to miss

From the other end of the country to somewhere a bit closer to home for Hornby. The W4 Peckett was one of the smallest standard gauge locomotive designs. Around 140 of these small and dependable locomotives were built in total with the first one rolling off the production line in 1885, the latest arrival ‘Bear’ being outshopped in 1896 and the final example leaving the Peckett Works in 1906.

As an industrial locomotive, Pecketts could be found everywhere, from breweries in the Midlands to cargo yards in the North. Quite bizarrely, ‘Bear’ is now preserved at the Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway, notable for not being a standard gauge line, but one whose locomotives must adhere to a strict 2 foot 6 gauge. ‘Bear’, the oldest Peckett still in existence, has not been modified as some were, to run on the line’s narrow rails, the locomotive standing proudly awaiting cosmetic restoration at Kemsley Down in the shadow of the papermill that the line was built to serve some 150 years ago.

As was and is common for industrial locomotives, ‘Bear’ is not in an original or standard condition or livery. Due to the nature of their work, these locomotives could fail frequently and the operators of them could not wait for standardised parts from the Peckett company to be sent to them for repairs, assuming that such a part was available in the first place!

It was not uncommon to find a Peckett locomotive heavily modified from factory condition, although ‘Bear’ is relatively unscathed compared to some examples that worked in harsher environments such as smelting works, the main exception to this would be that ‘Bear’ has an open-backed cab, not common on Pecketts and a first for our range.

R3703 S&KLR, Peckett W4 Class (Open Back Cab), 0-4-0ST, 'Bear' - Era 7/8
 

The first Hornby W4 Peckett was introduced in 2016, and the model has earned itself an outstanding reputation. What the model lacked in size it more than made up for in terms of pulling power aided in no small part by its diecast body. ‘Bear’ itself was announced in 2020 and is available now.

There is more than one Peckett this month

But wait, ‘Bear’ is not the only Peckett that has arrived, allowing you to pick up a pair of Pecketts pending your particular perusal. ‘Daphne’ has also recently arrived in the warehouse, in its striking maroon livery. Based on the same tooling as ‘Bear’ with some minor modifications, these two small engines would make an ideal addendum to any modellers' collection.

This pair of Pecketts represents just a small part of the smorgasbord of roles that the Peckett would fulfil, with ‘Bear’ first being delivered to the James Dunlop and Co Ironworks in Clyde, and ‘Daphne’ being delivered to the Tytherington Stone Company’s Church Quarry before changing hands again to Pilkington Brother’s, a glass manufacturer in Lancashire.

R3702 PO, Tytherington Stone Co, Peckett W4 Class, 0-4-0ST, 'Daphne' - Era 2
 

Coming Soon

We have another packed out month ahead, full of new arrivals and here’s just a glimpse of some of those on their way to us.

The three new Mk1 Restaurant Buffets in various liveries are sure to be a standout feature on any layout.

Sticking with the rolling stock theme we have a variety of new Maunsell coaches heading towards the warehouse including A versions.
 

Welcome to wagon central! If you’re a hopper or ballast wagon fan, these are for you!
 

It doesn’t stop there! We also have two new RailRoad wagons heading our way, plus the Coca-Cola 0-4-0 engine.
 

Message from Montana

Time is ticking on by and issue 131 of the Collector Club Magazine is on the horizon! In this Spring issue, we take a trip along with the Mallaig extension with ‘K1’ No. 62005, there’s a special feature on the Sentinel and rebuilt W1 within the 'showcase specials', Phil Parker shares tips for layout planning, plus you'll have the chance to win this BR InterCity Class 43 HST Train Pack!

If you’re already a Club Member keep a lookout for your magazine delivery and if you’re not a Club Member, click here for more information or to sign up.

'Project Tilt'

If you’re looking for inspiration with an existing model railway layout or you’re about to start one then be sure to follow our new series over on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram where we will be following the development process of ‘Project Tilt’!

Michael has a four-year-old son who is a huge train fan and has been attending model railway exhibitions with his Dad from the age of 3.

They both spent some time last year visiting Pete Waterman’s ‘Making Tracks’ exhibition at Chester Cathedral, which provided them with oodles of inspiration and actually encouraged them to start ‘Project Tilt’.

Michael Gray had always wanted the APT from the young age of 6 but now the dream is a reality as he is the proud owner of the 14-Car formation and is in the process of creating the layout to go with it!

The developments of the layout are in full swing and Michael is aiming to complete it by July to coincide with his son’s birthday. With so much enthusiasm and commitment going into the project we just know it’s going to be amazing and we are so pleased to be following this special father and son journey.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to follow the process and be sure to share your layout journeys with us via marketing@hornby.com

British Railway Modelling Awards 2021

We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who voted for Hornby in the British Railway Modelling Awards which were announced at the London Festival of Railway Modelling earlier this month.

We were thrilled to find out about the awards that Hornby received including Gold for 00 Coaching Stock of 2021 for the SR Bogie Luggage Van.

Thank you again to all who voted!

Easter Activities

With the Easter holidays just around the corner, we have a whole host of fun activities to keep little ones busy and entertained. The Hornby Kids Zone is complete with colouring sheets, puzzles, marvellous mazes, dot-to-dots, spot the difference and lots more including Playtrains specific activities.

We will also be revealing an exciting kid's competition before Easter, so keep your eyes on our socials for all the details!

A Legend of the Rails!

We and many others had the pleasure of seeing the iconic Flying Scotsman travel through Kent earlier this month and some of the team captured these great shots! There was a strong buzz of excitement at Canterbury Station where the team were set up for the day and we’re now looking forward to the special upcoming centenary even more…

Have you seen Flying Scotsman on its travels recently? If so we’d be thrilled to see and share your images. Send them to us at marketing@hornby.com for the chance of them being featured on our socials.

And with that, we reach the end of the line for this edition of Engine Shed. If you would like us to cover a specific subject in a future Engine Shed blog, if you have any images of your P2s or Pecketts in action, or if have a suggestion of a particular model that you think we should produce please do let us know. We are always keen to receive any feedback.

Be sure to follow Hornby on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram to be kept up to date on all the latest news and product updates. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Hornby YouTube channel too!

Happy Modelling!

The Engine Shed Team

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