Saint Class and more arrive in our 2025 range
Welcome to another edition of Engine Shed, the only ‘00’ gauge update from the Hornby development team, this month penned by Mike. I’m excited to bring you my first Engine Shed edition following our 2025 Range Launch.
Speaking of which, in this edition, we will be showing off some of the latest samples from the 2025 range including an engineering running sample of ‘Saint’, a Class 755 Pride Livery decoration sample and a closer look at our J13 and J52 models announced back in November.
Let’s start with our cover star!
Saint Class Announced
The Great Western Society purchased GWR ‘Hall’ Class No. 4942 Maindy Hall from Barry scrapyard in 1974 with the intention of rebuilding it as a ‘Saint’.
The ‘Hall’ was a direct development of the ‘Saint’, No. 2925 Saint Martin being used as its prototype in 1924 by Charles B. Collett, Churchward’s successor as Chief Mechanical Engineer at the GWR.
Of the first 19 locomotives, numbered 172-190, 12 were named after characters in the Walter Scott novels, with directors of the GWR using up the remaining names.
A second batch was named after historical, mythological or poetic ‘Ladies’. A third series of 20 were all named after ‘Saints’, with a final batch of 20 being named after famous ‘Courts’. Eventually, all 77 locomotives were grouped together and collectively referred to as ‘Saints’.
None of the original ‘Saint’ Class survived into preservation, the last being withdrawn in 1953, though an example has been recreated by back converting a ‘Hall’ class into No. 2999 ‘Lady of Legend’.
The Saint Class locomotives have been on our radar for some time and last year we were lucky enough to visit the Didcot Railways Centre. Whilst researching another project, it was mentioned that this locomotive was a highly requested model, so we decided to make the project into a reality.
Close up of the 'Lady of Legend’ locomotive nameplate and footplate at Didcot Railway
The Didcot Railway Centre were pivotal in our research, giving us access to the locomotive as well as their archive of factory works drawings and photos. A big help to our designers, it was wonderful to have that rich research to work from, which ultimately allowed us to add full and realistic detail into our model.
Although only announced in January, we are excited to already have an engineering sample of the 'Saint' Class model. I managed to get my hands on it to take a few snaps.
The team are now reviewing test shots and the first engineering sample. Test shots will be checked for moulding quality, dimensions and detail. We will then check the running sample for performance and life testing.
The model is packed full of features including changeable lamp codes, 5 pole motor, function activated flickering firebox, HM7000 ready, heavy diecast chassis and footplate, curved and straight footplate options, crew figures, Collet and Churchward tenders along with the bespoke ‘Lady of Legend’ tender.
We are very happy with the sample so far. The model runs superbly and looks accurate in every aspect. We will make a few minor tweaks, including improving the coal load. We are currently testing the DCC performance of the model on our test track.
Anyone who models GWR, or is interested in steam, should be interested in the model. The locomotive represents one of the most important steps in steam traction development.
‘FLIRT’ Development Update
'FLIRT' might be one of the most feature-packed, highly detailed models Hornby has ever produced, which is quite a statement! It has a full lighting package, is HM7000-ready and is powered by two five-pole motors.
We are currently at decoration sampling stage of the ‘FLIRT’ project and will be reviewing and commenting on the decoration samples. Once this is complete, we can begin to manufacture parts for our Greater Anglia, 755/4 'FLIRT' and 755/3 'FLIRT'.
This model is stunning and you can see incredible detail up close. It has already been turning heads at Hornby HQ when running.
We announced our Pride livery ‘Flirt’ in the 2025 range launch as we wanted a unique release on the second production run of this model and felt this was a great choice.
We are extremely pleased with the model and at this stage, our only comments are on decoration. We have asked for improvement with the Pride Livery transfer around the side windows which will be factored into future approval samples.
Class J13 & J52 Sample Showcase
This locomotive is a mainstay in Hornby’s range which was in desperate need of updating. That's why we are so excited to introduce these new models into the range.
It was a challenge to design this locomotive, as there were a lot of features to squeeze into a small model.
Despite its size, this is a heavy model. Predominately made of die-cast metal, it has a strong five-pole motor, function-activated firebox and is HM7000 ready with space for a power bank and changeable lamp codes.
We are happy to say decoration samples have now been approved and production has started. We are now waiting for final production samples to arrive for approval and final checks.
We couldn’t be happier with how these models are looking and can’t wait to get them into modellers' hands.
The Hornby 2025 Range is here!
Alongside these samples, we announced over 100 new models that have joined the range for 2025. From diesels and electrics to steam and everything in between.
It was a packed launch and there are too many models to detail in one blog post, so if you’d like to see the full range, you can watch our YouTube video of all the latest additions here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzPPxky-5OY&t=786s
You can also watch our Q&A with Martyn and Carl, answering all your questions about the 2025 range launch here:
Collector Club 2025
Although we know change isn’t always easy, we have been busy reviewing our Collector Club Membership, and after discussions with valued Club members and running industry insights, our Collector Club will be available for FREE in 2025, with a digital-only membership.
Exclusive members-only benefits:
- · Four digital versions of the Hornby Collector Club magazine with exclusive articles, features and interviews, instantly available for members no matter where you are in the world!
- · Full access to Club exclusive products.
- · Exclusive competitions and giveaways.
- · Annual entry to The WonderWorks, Margate, Kent.
- · 10% discount off purchases at The WonderWorks, Margate, Kent.
Paper copies of the magazine will no longer be available. Instead, we’ll notify you by email when the latest issue is available to view online. There will be the option to purchase a physical magazine if preferred - more details about this coming soon.
New members will no longer receive a Club lanyard and membership card, helping to reduce our environmental impact. However, there will be the option to purchase a 2025 collector club badge in the members’ area.
What do I need to do next?
If you are a 2024 Collector Club member with an active membership, you will have access to the full 2024 Club benefits for the duration of your annual membership, including quarterly printed magazines delivered to your door.
Not a member?
Head to our website and sign up to the new free Club to enjoy the digital benefits.
Upcoming Sound Profiles
Our sound profiles continue to grow, and we’re not losing steam in 2025. We are excited to add the following samples this year, giving you even more choice and realism on your layout:
- · SD055 Class 370: APT - Q1 2025
- · SD030 Class 755 FLIRT - Q1 2025
- · SD048 W1 (SS) - Q1 2025
- · SD055 Class 370 APT Q1 - 2025
- · SD014 Class 71 - Q2 2025
- · SD028 Class 87 - Q2 2025
- · SD012 Class 40 - Q3 2025
- · SD049 DP1 Deltic - Q3 2025
- · SD057 Class 37 - Q3 2025
- · SD060 Class 121 DMU - Q3 2025
- · SD062 B1 Class - Q3 2025
- · SD063 Class 153 DMU - Q3 2025
Hornby TT:120 Continues to Grow
Following our 00 Range Launch we were excited to announce exciting updates to the Hornby TT:120 range on 30th January, including terrific ‘Tractors’ and striking KFA wagons. You can see the full range here.
Come and See Us
We’ll be attending Model Rail Scotland in Glasgow this weekend and we’d love to see you there! Visitors can meet the team from tomorrow to see the latest models and hear the most up-to-date news on all things Hornby. Visit us at:
- Model Rail Scotland (Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow) on 21st, 22nd and 23rd February 2025.
For more information on these and future shows, check out our events page.
I hope you enjoyed reading my first blog and hearing about the latest selection of samples. If you have any questions or comments for the Hornby team, you can email marketing@hornby.com
Follow Hornby on Facebook, X, TikTok and Instagram to stay up to date on all the latest news and product updates. Subscribe to the Hornby YouTube channel for all the latest video content.
Thanks for reading and I’ll see you at the next stop!
Mike
