Merchant Navy breaks cover!

Arriving at Hornby HQ this week was the first sample of our highly anticipated, newly tooled OO Gauge rebuilt Merchant Navy Class model, so let’s take a look at this impressive Pacific in detail. Please note, this is a pre-production sample, and elements are still being worked on and refined.

Since announcing the model at the start of 2026, we’ve spent several months eagerly awaiting the tooling process to be completed at the factory. We’re delighted to have now received the first working sample and as you can see, it looks incredible.

The model features a fully operational headcode lighting system, which allows you to cycle through different lighting options on the front and back headlamps, ideal for recreating accurate Southern Region trains.

There will of course also be a version which comes fitted with DCC Sound and Steam Generation – utilising our exemplary HM7000 Sound Profile and latest smoke gen technology.

If you want to read more into the development and history of the Hornby Merchant Navy, you can read our announcement blog here 

That’s all for now, we hope you have enjoyed a first look at this delightful model and are excited for its release next year. Happy modelling!