Make way for the innovative LMS Princess Royal Class “Turbomotive”

The Hornby LMS Princess Royal Class "Turbomotive" is now in stock and this model is a beauty. If you want to find out more about this incredible model and the locomotive that inspired its build, read on!

The "Turbomotive": steam turbine innovation

The “Turbomotive” was an experimental steam locomotive built in 1935 by the London, Midland, and Scottish Railway (LMS) under the direction of Chief Mechanical Engineer William Stanier. Based on the successful Princess Royal Class design, the “Turbomotive” stood out for its use of a steam turbine instead of traditional reciprocating pistons.

This turbine arrangement allowed for smoother, quieter running, and fewer mechanical parts, which theoretically meant reduced maintenance and greater reliability at sustained high speeds. It was especially efficient on long-distance, high-speed runs where constant power was required.

However, the lack of a reliable reverse gear and reduced flexibility at lower speeds or when shunting limited its practical application. Despite promising performance, the complexities of turbine technology in rail use led to the project being discontinued. After World War II, in 1949, the “Turbomotive” was rebuilt as a conventional piston-driven locomotive, marking the end of Britain’s brief experiment with steam turbine propulsion in railways.

The perfect Princess Royal Class replica

Our model comes in LMS Lake livery representing its condition post 1936 modifications. These include intricate details such as a replacement 40 superheater boiler with regulator housed in a separate dome, a 4000-gallon standard pattern Stanier Tender with roller bearings, reverse turbine modifications added, separately fitted nameplate, number plate and company ownership plate.

Working headlamps are included with the option to fit standard lamp brackets and tender lamp operation is controlled by touch. Inside the model is a 21 pin DCC socket enabling you to upgrade to our HM7000 system, with an authentic sound-fitted option available to bring even more realism to your model.

This model railway locomotive also features a highly detailed cab and fully decorated backhead and instrument dials, a fully adjustable oil cooler radiator flap, opening cab roof vent and fully decorated bespoke cab crew. The model has a heavy die-cast body, chassis, pony truck and trailing truck and features sprung metal buffers.

We asked Hornby Development Manager Carl for his thoughts on the LMS "Turbomotive" model:

“With touch sensor controlled rear light and flickering firebox, this is a model full of innovation just like the real locomotive. The die-cast body and chassis give this model added weight allowing the maximum traction possible. The team and I are extremely proud of the finished model, everything from its running performance to its in-house developed HM7000 sound profile which really brings this model to life.”

This Hornby LMS Princess Royal Class "Turbomotive" model is a shining example of high detail and intricate engineering. A perfect addition to your locomotive collection.

Order yours here