The 'Caledonian Single' 4-2-2 model first appeared in the Tri-ang Railways catalogue in 1963 and, as it was a class of just one locomotive, it has not offered much scope for variations. This is the fourth version to have been produced and has the finest finish so far.
The 1963 model had a paler semi-matt blue finish with single white lining and a red-brown chassis. When it was re-released in 1971 the blue and brown colours had darkened slightly and the model now had a high gloss finish. The third version arrived in 1983 but the Caledonian Railway blue had been replaced by an LMS maroon and the tender carried the number '14010'. This was sold in a presentation box with a 'flap' lid extension carrying historical notes.
The latest version, released at the end of 2007, is in a larger version of this packaging as it also includes three Caledonian coaches. The latter are the original ones of 1963 but, like the loco, they have a much better finish. The coaches use the Mk1 coach parts with panelled sides fitted instead of the Mk1 sides. What is lacking is an interior unit which would really set off these coaches and Hornby might find a market for them with collectors of the earlier Tri-ang versions of these coaches. The brake coach is numbered '142' and the two composite coaches are '460' and '461'.
Model Railway Express
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