R30474SS Hornby LNER Thompson Cl A2-3 Edward Thompson 500 - Stea

New release - pre-orders invited - expected during 1st Quarter 2027. preauthkernow

Hornby say "For the first time Hornby are offering an LNER Thompson A2/3 with the latest steam generator technology, as running number 500 ‘Edward Thompson’ in LNER lined apple green. This highly detailed model, adorned with numerous separately fitted parts, also comes sound fitted to offer the ultimate model for collectors of LNER locomotives."

Model Specification:
- High detail OO gauge model based on extensive research and original works drawings
- Die-cast chassis, pony truck and trailing truck
- Die-cast connecting rods and valve gear
- High detail cab and fully decorated backhead with decorated instrument dials
- Large number of separately fitted parts
- Separately fitted simulated coal load with fully detailed tender bunker
- Powerful 5 pole skew wound motor
- Electrical pickups on main drive wheels and tender wheels
- 8-way locomotive to tender drawbar, with integrated electrical connection for easy coupling and decoupling.
- Pogo pin wheel pickup arrangement for easy pickup servicing
- Brass main drive bearings
- Sprung metal buffers
- NEM coupling pocket
- Accessory bag
- Minimum 2nd Radius curves

Steam Generator:
- Pre-fitted Gen 2 steam generator system featuring an optical sensor for accurate chuff rate synchronised with the wheel speed. Steam output is created using piezo element technology. This is a cold water-based system (no heating element).
- Water reservoir large enough for 20 minutes of continuous steam running
- Adjustable steam output settings via the decoder

Electronics:
- Pre-fitted 21-Pin HM7000 decoder and speaker.
Compatible with NMRA DCC controllers and HM7000 system
-HM7000 Power Bank compatible

DCC Sound:
- Pre-installed LNER Thompson A2/3 sound profile for accurate locomotive sounds, synchronised with the chuff rate and steam effect.
- Tender speaker

Livery:
- LNER Apple Green
- Gold lettering with red shading
- Named ‘Edward Thompson’
- Accurate typefaces and colours
- Era 3

History
Edward Thompson succeeded Gresley as the LNER’s CME in 1941, but his plans for a new series of standard locomotives were frustrated by WWII. Instead, he tested some of his ideas by rebuilding Gresley’s ‘P2’ 2-8-2s as ‘Pacifics’, which became ‘A2/2s’. Eventually, he was authorised to build 30 new 4-6-2s in 1945. Only one, No. 500, was completed before Thompson retired in 1946 and was named in his honour. A further 14 ‘A2/3s’ were completed in 1947, but the rest were built to an improved design by his successor Arthur Peppercorn and became ‘A2s’. As BR No. 60500, the locomotive was retired in June 1963.