Hornby: The Final Day Collection – LMS 4–6–0 ‘Seaforth Highlander’ Royal Scot Class

Minister of Transport, Eric Campbell Geddes’ Railways Act of 1921, enacted at the start of 1923, created the ‘Big Four’ regional rail companies of the Great Western Railway, the London Midland Scottish Railway, the London North Eastern Railway and the Southern Railway. Twenty five years later, on January 1, 1948, Clement Attlee's Transport Act of 1947 created British Railways, marking the end of what many regard as the golden age of the railways. With 2017 marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the ‘Big Four’, the ‘Final Day’ collection features a mainline locomotive from each of the regions, in its final regional livery.

In October 1926, faced with a stock book of outdated and unsuitable mainline locomotive traction, the London Midland Scottish Railway arranged for the loan of Great Western Castle class No.5000 Launceston Castle for trials and in December, suitably impressed, an order for fifty ‘improved’ 4–6–0 tender engines from North British was placed. Entry into service was expected by summer 1927 and on July 27, 1927 No.6100 was ready for inspection, Sir Henry suggesting that as the locomotive would be working the ‘Royal Scot’ train, it would be appropriate that No.6100 should bear the same name. Trials between Euston, Carlisle, Crewe and Glasgow commenced and by late November 1927, Fowler was moved to comment that he was “thoroughly satisfied with the results obtained”.

Specifics:

• Gauge: 00
• DCC Type: DCC Ready
• LE Size: 500
• Livery: GWR
• Class: Royal Scot
• Entered Service: 1927
• Wheel Configuration: 4–6–0
• Features: NEM Couplings

Hornby is a household name and is famous as the UK brand leader in the model railway hobby