Hornby A4s
There have been two further recent additions to the large number of models of the iconic LNER A4 Class produced by Hornby.
Their first Hornby A4 model was released in 1979 and remained in production until 1997. During this time 24 versions were produced. In 1998 a new, improved model arrived and between then and 2003, 15 versions were released. By 2004 a third newly tooled model was available and that is the highly detailed model in general use today. With this year's releases, the number of variations of this version will reach 26. In addition to the 65 referred to above there have been 5 live steam models and 5 more of a RailRoad budget version. That makes 75 different A4s by Hornby!
Sparrow Hawk (R2991XS) is fitted with a sound chip and has been produced in BR Express Blue livery with black and white lining and early decals on the tender. Sparrow Hawk left the works in December 1937 and, unlike many other members of the class, it hung onto its name until it was decommissioned in June 1963 and made its way to the breaker's yard.
The model of No.60011 Empire of India (R3008) is in Brunswick green with late
decals on its corridor tender. What particularly stand out are the blue nameplates.
To celebrate the coronation of George VI, in 1937 the LNER inaugurated 'The Coronation' service between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh Waverley and named the five A4 locomotives to pull the trains after the five dominions of the British Empire. Starting in 2009, Hornby launched the 'Commonwealth Collection' modelling all five locomotives. In 2009 we had Commonwealth of Australia and Dominion of New Zealand, followed in 2010 by Union of South Africa and Dominion of Canada. This year Empire of India completes the set.