Hornby Castle Class

Some feel that the 'Castle' Class locomotive was the ultimate in GWR locomotive development, rather than the Kings. It was a development of Churchward’s 'Star' Class of 1907. The 'Castles' were a post-Grouping design by Collett and were made over many years to produce one of the largest classes of locomotives on the GWR. The building programme did not finish until 1950 and so quite a lot of them went straight into BR livery.

One of the best remembered models of the 1950s was the Hornby Dublo 'Castle' Class and particularly the first one released - Bristol Castle. When looking for a main line GWR steam locomotive, Tri-ang Hornby chose the 'Hall' and it was not until Hornby Hobbies acquired the Airfix tooling in 1996 that a 'Castle' Class loco joined the modern Hornby range. At the time, the standard of the former Airfix model was considered acceptable, it was, after all, better than many of the models already in the Hornby catalogue and so was a welcomed addition. However, as the years have passed, Hornby have replaced many of their main line steam locomotives with super-detail models and were under pressure from the public to replace 'Castle'.

As one might expect, the new models are of a superb quality and leave no doubt that Hornby can deliver.

Three of the four versions have been seen. 5053 Earl Cairns (R2822) has been released in the Pete Waterman series with special box artwork. It has the early BR insignia and the locomotive is paired with the Hawksworth slab-sided tender. The real locomotive named Earl Cairns in August 1937 but was originally called Bishop's Castle which had been built in May 1936. It was withdrawn from service in July 1962.

Also in BR green with early decals 5068 Beverston Castle (R2849) but it has the step-sided Collett type tender. The actual locomotive with this name was built in June 1938 and had a double chimney fitted in March 1961. Eighteen months later the locomotive was withdrawn from service.