The P2 Steam Locomotive Company (charitable status pending) is pleased to announce its association with and support from Hornby towards the building of No. 2007, Britain’s most powerful steam locomotive, thanks to the imminent release of an ‘00’ gauge model of the Gresley Class P2 Mikado 2-8-2.

Boys and girls, both young and old, will be familiar with Hornby, the world famous model train manufacturer. Following extensive research and collaboration with the P2SLC, Hornby has been able to recreate in ‘00’ gauge the unique design of the P2 to great effect. It’s sure to be in great demand when released during the first quarter of 2014.

The mission of the P2 Steam Locomotive Company (P2SLC) is to develop, build and operate an improved Gresley Class P2 Mikado steam locomotive for main line and preserved railway use. These 2-8-2 locomotives were the most powerful express passenger locomotives to operate in the UK, designed by Sir Nigel Gresley to haul 600 ton trains on the arduous Edinburgh to Aberdeen route. Sadly the design was never fully developed and they were rebuilt by his successor Edward Thompson into ungainly 4-6-2s in 1943/4. The P2SLC will build the 7th member of this class and demonstrate how the design can be fully realised through use of modern computer design and modelling techniques, enabling it to deliver its full potential hauling passenger trains at high speed across the national network.

Mark Allatt, Chairman, The P2 Steam Locomotive Company, commented, “Following the success of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust’s collaboration with Hornby regarding the model of Tornado, we are very pleased to continue this association with the P2 project. The early sample of the model is simply stunning; a true reflection of what the real thing will eventually look like and portrays the gracious art-deco design and immense size perfectly. So until the real thing is complete in 7-10 years time, this ‘00’ scale model will more than suffice for the time being meaning virtually everyone and anyone can have a P2 of their very own and, by doing so, help contribute financially towards the project!”

Simon Kohler, Hornby Marketing Manager added, “The P2 was a model that I had wanted to add to the Hornby range for some years and when I heard that our friends at The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust were contemplating building No. 2007 through The P2 Steam Locomotive Company it seemed logical to press ahead and make the model happen!”

The model of No. 2001 Cock O’The North will be in the stores during the first quarter of 2014 and will be available in the RailRoad range at RRP £82.99, with a more detailed model available in the main Hornby range at an RRP of £124.99. Models of other class members will follow in due course including No. 2007.

(Image courtesy of Mike Wild, Hornby Magazine)