R30498 Hornby GWR Saint Class Hillingdon Court 2945

New release - pre-orders invited - expected during 3rd Quarter 2026. preauthkernow

Hornby say "We are delighted to present the next run of OO Gauge GWR Saint Class locomotives in this months range launch, with this particular example being No. 2945 ‘Hillingdon Court’ in Great Western lined green. Utilising the same highly acclaimed tooling used on the first run of Saints last year, this latest release takes the model one step further by the inclusion of a revised cab footplate for improved running, as well as being DCC ready via a 21-pin decoder socket, perfect for the HM7000 system.

Model Specification:
- High detail OO Gauge model based on extensive research and original works drawings
- Die-cast Chassis and Running Plate. Model Weight is 341 grams
- High detail cab and fully decorated backhead with decorated instrument dials
- Etched metal nameplates
- Powerful 5 Pole Skew wound motor
- Quick release locomotive to tender connector
- Pogo pin wheel pickup arrangement for easy pickup servicing
- Electrical pickups on main drive wheels and tender wheels
- Die-cast Piston Rods & valve gear
- Fully decorated crew figures
- Prototypical size metal handrails with brass stanchions
- Brass main drive bearings
- Sprung metal buffers
- Front and Rear NEM coupling pocket
- Separately fitted lamps. Lamp code can be changed
- Separately fitted simulated coal load
- Improved cab footplate design

Electronics:
- HM7000 21-Pin DCC decoder compatible
- HM7000 Power Bank compatible
- Illuminated flickering firebox

Tooling:
- Tall Chimney
- Safety valve with top feeds
- Later curved footplate
- Fluted piston rods
- Early boiler
- Churchward tender

Livery:
- GWR Lined Green
- Great Western tender lettering
- Accurate colours and fonts
- Era 3

History
Built at Swindon as one of 77 ‘2900’ Class 4-6-0s, No. 2945 belongs to the final group of 25 ‘Saints’ built between 1911 and 1913, known as the ‘Court’ series, named after famous mansion houses that were named as Courts. ‘Hillingdon Court’ was from the second batch of three lots, emerging from Swindon in June 1912. Its only physical alteration, other than routine boiler swaps and replacement parts, was the fitting of outside steam pipes in January 1938. It lasted in service for over 41 years, not withdrawn until June 1953 from its final shed under BR, Cardiff Canton.