Hornby Railroad BR Early Duke of Gloucester 71000

New release - pre-orders invited - expected during 4th Quarter 2026.

Built as the replacement for ‘Princess Royal’ Class 4-6-2 46202 ‘Princess Anne’, which was destroyed in the Harrow and Wealdstone rail disaster of 1952, the Riddles-designed ‘Pacific’ was intended as the first of a new batch of modern locomotives that would serve BR for many years to come.

Completed at Crewe in 1954, plans to build more were turned down by the Railway Executive because the design was too expensive and complex. As a result, ‘Duke of Gloucester’ remained unique, with its three-cylinder configuration and Caprotti rotary cam-driven valve gear. It had an operational life of just eight years, being withdrawn in 1962. One of its cylinders was saved for display in the National Railway Museum, while the other was removed to balance the locomotive before going for scrap in South Wales.

It was, however, saved in 1974 and a restoration lasting 13 years ensued, including building new cylinders from scratch. When it returned to steam it became a regular on the main line and during 2025 returned from its latest overhaul, once again hauling steam specials to the delight of enthusiasts.

Bring the spirit of 'Duke of Gloucester' back to life with this OO gauge Class 09 RailRoad model locomotive.

The Hornby catalogue shows this model as 8 Pin DCC Socket, but their website shows 21 Pin Socket. Once the model arrives we will see what it really is and update accordingly!