The new Hornby range is always an eagerly awaited announcement and this year has proved no different! Amongst all of the new items there is one that stands out above all others and that is the proposed launch of the truly awe inspiring Sir Nigel Gresley designed LNER Class P2.
When the LNER were looking for locomotives that could handle the heavy express passenger work over the unforgiving lines between Edinburgh and Aberdeen, Sir Nigel Gresley produced the 2-8-2 Mikado Class P2. There were six in the Class with the first of the six being named
Cock O’ the North, which was introduced to traffic in 1934.
Although
Cock O’ the North had a rather chequered operational life Hornby’s model will concentrate on the original build with the semi streamlined casing. This particular P2 is one model that although in much demand, was one that it was believed would never be made as a mass produced model.
“The P2 project was one that suited our new “Design Clever” approach. This technique allows us to create superb models cost effectively.”, said Simon Kohler, Marketing Manager, Hornby – Railways. “And of course when we heard that there may be a new P2 being built by the team who gave us
Tornado then the model seemed an obvious choice.”
The Hornby LNER Class P2,
Cock O’ the North model has been scheduled for release towards the end of 2013 and carries a recommended retail price of £122.99 with a Railroad range version appearing at £82.99.
No. 2001, Cock O' the North, seen after 1935 when the cab was modified - Hornby
In addition to this terrific news, Hornby are also releasing their incredibly popular model of Tornado in its current livery of BR express passenger blue, the model faithfully recreating a paint scheme which is attracting a lot of favourable comment wherever No. 60163 goes.
The model will be available as a special edition for £122.99 in the second quarter of 2013.
R3206 - Hornby's BR blue Tornado
All these models will be available from The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust's webstore.